I looked at the photo again to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. When I zoomed in, it really was me. It was taken from a distance, and I was holding my camera and laughing.

I tried to recall where exactly this was given the outfit I’m wearing, and when I saw the familiar bridge, that’s when it all came to me.

“Hi Avery-one? It’s me Avery…Ugh. Seriously? Avery-one? Too cringe”, I laughed at myself.

Let me try that again. “Hi everyone, it’s me Avery, and welcome to Taiwan!” Gosh, did I just sound like a tourism ambassadress?

I ran my hand through my hair. I still can’t get it right, feels like something’s lacking. “Hi everyone! It’s me Avery and welcome to another episode of Avery Day here in Taiwan!”

Okay. I think that was better. Whatever. I’ve only started vlogging and I’m still not used to talking in front of the camera, I even tend to look at the screen and not at the lens.

“Right now, I’m here at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, which is quite far from where we’re staying, so don’t tell my mom”, I said as I put my index finger on top of my lips.

“And since this is the first time that I’ll be touring alone, I’m so excited!”, I squealed. “Just wish I don’t get lost or something, because it means I’ll be lost Avery-day.”

Can’t help but tap my forehead lightly. I’m so corny at making puns. I hope no one heard me though.

I slowly took videos of the place. I can’t help but feel so happy with all of these—being in a foreign country, taking in the sea breeze and the sights. I can’t ask for more.

It seems as though everything’s falling into place.

After years of struggling, my mom—who raised me alone—made it possible for our furniture business, The Nest, to grow. What was once a small furniture shop in Hatteras, slowly became known in different parts of the country. And now, someone from the international market noticed it, that’s why we’re here. My mom’s in a business meeting somewhere in Xinyi District, talking about the possibility of exporting our products.

And me? Well, I haven’t proven anything yet, I’m just trying to start vlogging. I’m also happy that we get to travel out of the country now, but I’m bored as hell staying at the hotel. I told my mom I’ll just go around the area to see the sights, but when I picked up this pamphlet at the hotel, my plans changed.

As I stepped foot on the Lover’s Bridge, I can’t help but shiver as the cold wind blew. I should’ve paid more attention to what I was wearing—an off-shoulder cropped top and high-waist shorts? Bad choice.

I tried to shake the feeling off, I’m already walking here alone among the dozens of couples, I don’t wanna look pitiful as well feeling cold.

“So this bridge is called the Lover’s Bridge since it was opened on a Valentine’s Day. And true to its name, it really has a romantic vibe”, I paused. “More so when it’s night time, it will be such a perfect location. One you’ll see from scenes on romantic movies.”

“But guys, take it from me. You shouldn’t be going to this place when you’re not with someone. It looks sad. You’ll look sad”, I said while shivering.

As I was trying to check the video I took, I noticed something from my peripheral vision—a scarf was being handed to me.

I turned around and shook my head. “Sorry, I won’t buy it.”

The guy wearing a black hoodie just looked at me as if I said something offensive. “I’m not selling it. I’m giving that to you.”

I know it’s a bit rude, but I looked at him from head to foot. He looks like he’s around my age and he’s actually cute, better than the guys I see around Hatteras.

“Oh, okay”, I just accepted it, thankful I got something to shield me from this cold. “Salamat. I mean, thank you”, or maybe he’s a local, “or xie xie?”

“You’re Filipino?”, he asked, seemingly delighted.

I just nodded.

“You too?”

He too, nodded in response.

I can’t help but laugh at the coincidence. “Oh, thank you then.”

“It’s nothing. I just noticed you being cold…and what you’re wearing.” He pointed at my clothes. “Had this extra scarf on my bag. My friend left it there.”

“I know. Doesn’t suit the weather here, right?”

He just nodded while laughing a bit.

“I just didn’t expect it to be this cold here. I’ll just buy some clothes in the night market. Everything I brought is pretty much like this”, pointing at my clothes.

He just smiled at me.

“Won’t you leave yet? Where are your parents?”, I asked.

“Somewhere”, he looked away. “They’re busy. I just escaped. My dad wanted me to come with him on a business meeting, but I wasn’t interested”, he shrugged.

“Me too! Not that my mom wanted me in her business meeting”, I chuckled. “But yeah, she’s in a meeting too.”

Seeing all the couples around us, and knowing that I’m in a foreign place, I can’t help but think of a strange idea. “Mind pretending that we’re a couple? Just until the end of this bridge.”

“What for?”

“Well, it’s for my vlog, I guess. I don’t know, just want the experience. To get the full experience of being in a Lover’s Bridge?”, I asked. “Oh, wait. You probably have a girlfriend. Sorry.”

“Nah, I don’t have one.” As if simmering down to the idea, he slowly nodded. “Sure.”

Despite seeing a bit of hesitation in his eyes, he slowly tried to reach for my hand and clasped it with his. I swear I almost jumped when I felt some tingling sensations in my hand—uncertain whether it was from the cold or from his touch.

We slowly walked hand in hand, and despite the noise, all I can hear was the sound of my heartbeat. Everything just seemed perfect—just as this pretend romantic moment was being sealed with a sunset in our view.

Once we reached the end of the bridge, we just looked at each other’s eyes. Then immediately let go of our hands and laughed.

“Well, that was weird”, I said in between laughs.

“Nah, it was cool. I didn’t think I’d find a girlfriend when I escaped from my parents. I should do this more often.”

“Crazy”, I can’t help but smile. “But seriously, thanks. For being up for this type of thing.”

“It’s nothing. At least we both get to have our unique, fun experience on this trip”, he paused. “I’m curious though. Why did you go this far?”

“I don’t know. I guess I just wanted to avoid the super crowded tourist spots. And it looked like a relaxing place based on the photo”, I smiled. “Anyway, I think it’s time for me to go”, I pointed at the sky. “It’s already getting dark. My mom might start looking for me. Told her I won’t go far.”

As I was walking away, I took my phone from my pocket to check the time and look at the directions going back, but it wasn’t opening. Eff-

With my hands on my face, I took a deep breath.

“Is there something wrong?”

I scratched my head, “Uh, well, my battery’s dead, and…I don’t know how to get back.”

“Where are you staying?”, he asked.

“Somewhere around Xinyi. Wait”, I reached for the pamphlet inside my bag. “This is the hotel.”

He checked for the directions on his phone. “That’s just across our hotel. I can take you there.”

With that, I heaved a huge sigh of relief. I can’t thank the heavens enough for sending him my way.

“So…that’s it. That’s where we’re staying.” I pointed at the hotel across the street.

He just nodded.

“Thank you by the way”, I smiled. “Forgot to ask though, but what’s your name?”

It’s funny. We were on the road for around two hours and talked about a lot of things, but I didn’t even get his name.

“It’s Ethan Ja-”

“Avery!”, my mom shouted from across the road.

“Oh, guess that’s my cue. Bye, Ethan!”, I said as I hurriedly crossed the street.

“Avery Jacqueline! Where have you been? You weren’t even answering my calls. I almost went to the police station!”

“Just there, ma. My battery died.”

“And where'd you get that scarf?”

“Just got it somewhere. I was feeling cold”, I lied.

Oh my. It was Ethan! The guy I met in Taiwan was Ethan. I can’t believe it.

With my fingers fidgeting, I immediately tried to open YouTube on his phone. I wanted to see what the guy in the video looked like. As I was scrolling through my video uploads, I can’t help but notice that he has watched every video I posted…including that one from 4 years ago.

I clicked on the video and tried to look for the part where I was in the Lover’s Bridge, and my eyes widened, because there he was. Albeit slightly thinner than how he looks like right now, it was really him.

I then noticed that he already liked the video and he also left a comment under it.

ejazz199x just keep vlogging! ☺️

So all this time, he knew me.

I put the phone down and just slumped at my seat. I never knew things would be this complicated. At the back of my mind, I always wished I’d meet that guy again, and I did. I thought I would be so happy when that happens, but right now, I’m not. I’m so confused.

After our class, I immediately texted Kel. I asked if I can get my phone.

Where are you?

Cafeteria

I hurriedly left. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to my classmates and pretty much ran all the way to the cafeteria. Ethan and Kel immediately caught my eye.

I felt a bit self conscious when I noticed that there were a lot of people around, I kinda regret going alone now, but I’ll try to make this quick.

I just smiled at Kel and put the phone down, not even bothering to look at Ethan. Then I opened my palm, trying to ask for my phone back.

“Should I leave?”, Kel asked.

I just shook my head. I noticed that Ethan was just staring at me, not saying a word.

“Can I have my phone back?”, I asked.

I tried to meet his gaze. My palms are sweating and I’m starting to feel uncomfortable standing here and having all these people look at me. He just stared at me.

I just let out a huge sigh of relief when I saw him getting my phone out of his pocket. Then he handed it to me.

I didn’t mind dropping any pleasantries. I guess I was just so bothered that I immediately left.

This day has been so much for me.

Usually, at this time, I’m already working on my vlog and checking out some posts and replying to some comments on social media.

Right now, my heart’s just heavy. I’m sitting on my bed with my arms around my knees. I can’t help but stare into nothingness.

As much as I’m glad that I found out who he is, it triggered some memories I didn’t want to remember.

“And where'd you get that scarf?”, my mom asked.

She slammed the door once we reached the hotel room.

“Just got it somewhere. I was feeling cold”, I lied.

My mom looked at it intently, and pointed out a certain stitching. “Avery! Tell me!”, she shouted.

I really can’t lie to my mom.

“Fine. Someone just handed it to me, I was freezing, so I just accepted it. If I had known you’d be this upset, I could’ve just returned it to him”, I shrugged.

“Who’s he? A guy?”, she looked at me with sharp eyes. “Are you seeing someone here, Avery? Did a stranger approach you?”, she tried to poach me for answers.

“Mommy, that’s ridiculous! I don’t even know anyone here. I just went out for a walk. But yes, someone just helped me out…”, I said, almost in a whisper.

She was starting to rub her temple and let out a huge sigh. “Fine. Just promise me, okay?”

I just looked at her, confused. “What?”

“Please don’t be with a guy like that. Someone with a higher social status. Just don’t.”

I just slowly nodded. “Okay…but why?”

“They have different social circles. They have different priorities, plans. They’ll just use you…”, her voice almost inaudible.

I was very confused about mommy’s reaction, she seems really bothered. She doesn’t have anything to worry about because I didn’t even know who that was. It was just a random stranger that I met.

“But mom, I’m not dating…”

“He’ll just use you, Avery. He’ll make you fall on your knees. Make you feel like he’s giving the world to you. And once he’s done, he’ll leave you”, she said, starting to tear up.

I can’t help but cry. It was my first time seeing my mom like this. She’s always strong and cheerful. She never showed me that she was weak. It’s my first time seeing her this vulnerable.

“Your dad, Avery…”

I was dumbstruck.

“He just left me. He was…he’s someone I met during college. He was the heir to a company”, she tried to smile.

I swallowed hard. That was the first time my mom ever made a hint about my dad. 14 years, and not once did I hear my mom mention anything about my dad. Every time I tried to ask her about him, she would just shut me down.

“I want to find out who he is, mom. Please”, I begged.

She shook her head. “Don’t. Don’t try to find out about him. He left us, Ave. He didn’t want to be a part of our lives anymore.”

“Please, mom…”

“He’s already married. He has a family.”

“I don’t care, mom. I just want to know who he is.”

“Avery, he got married while I was pregnant with you”, she said with conviction.

“I really don’t care! Please mom, can you at least give me the right to know my father?”

“Stop forcing it, Avery! He wanted me to abort you!”