The Girl of Moonlight

A story that happened before the girl of sunlight appeared. "The Girl of Moonlight" revolves around my encounter with the mysterious girl named Anna.

“So... How did you meet Anna?” said the guidance counselor.

It’s always the same question over and over again, but I suppose I could tell our story just this once. I’ve known Anna for about a year, we took many classes together we talked, we hung out, we saw each other every day since the first 8 months of school, but I actually met her on the 9^th month. How can that be you ask? Well...

It all started when the annual school festival began. My other classmates and I were tasked to come to school early in the morning to draw people who would be interested to sit still and have their portrait drawn for the promotion of our booth.

The first person I saw was Shyla, she was my best friend among my female classmates. She had a round face with high cheekbones. Her deep dark brown eyes were somewhat almond shaped. She has long straight jet-black hair with bangs that seem to almost cover her left eye. She was wearing a black shirt with a pink jacket along with grey jeans which seems to compliment her tall figure. Shyla was always so cheery everything I say just seems to make her smile. Her happy-go-lucky attitude was very contagious and that’s why it was always fun to hang out with her.

“Well if it isn’t Mr. Hotshot himself, ready to replace all of us?” she said laughingly.

“Nope, just you.” I said in a teasing manner.

“Oh just shut up and draw.” she answered.

Since it was still too early there weren’t many people in our booth. I got bored pretty easily because I had no one to draw and nothing to do. Then I had an idea to kill time. I asked Shyla to model for me so I could draw her portrait.

“Hey Shyla, could you mo-“

“Don’t you even dare finish that sentence.” said Shyla.

“Oh come on, I promise that your portrait will come out great. Don’t you trust me?”

Shyla then, grabbed her wallet and took out a picture which she then gave me to draw.

“Here’s a picture instead, that portrait better be the best!” she said.

I then grabbed my blue sketch book to get started on the drawing, since there some people in the back watching me draw I decided to show off a little bit by holding a pencil on both hands while drawing. I secretly love the attention I was getting because of my little stunt, and before I knew it more people came to watch me illustrate.

After 20 minutes of drawing I was finally done. Shyla was very impressed by the output and she gladly said that she’ll hang the portrait by their fridge. We both then had a good laugh after a short while.

Shyla then asked me if I wanted to join her for lunch, but I was still hungry for more praise so I decided to draw 1 last portrait before taking a break.

“Anybody else want their portrait drawn?” I said.

That’s the time when Anna sat down in front of me and took my prideful offer. Anna also had a round face, she had short black hair which barely covers her forehead, her elegant brown eyes were somewhat hooded. She wore a pair of blue eyeglasses which complements the beauty brought out by her eyes. She wore a pink shirt along with dark blue jeans which seem to match her body physique.

I've always did have a crush on Anna, she was always so popular in class. Not only was she pretty, but she was also smart, being one of the top scorers in class. She was kind yet mischievous. It was practically impossible to have a bad day with her as a companion.

“You called for a model?” Anna said with a smile.

At first I thought she was joking, but after a few minutes of arguing with her I finally decided to draw her. She wanted her portrait drawn in a somewhat cartoonish style. It was easier compared to what our booth’s suggested style which was realism.

Anna was different compared to the other models I drew in the past few days. Every time I stare at her eyes she’d stare back at me. I told her that she could stare anywhere she wants so she wouldn't be nervous, but in reality I was the one who was nervous. My hands kept on shaking every time she would give me her attention. She seems to enjoy watching me cringe because of the uneasiness.

“Hurry up slowpoke; I’m getting sleepy over here.” Anna said in a teasing manner.

At that moment I had to regain my focus so I can give her portrait. I looked at her eyes with full confidence and I then proceeded with the drawing. I can see that Anna was a little disappointed when I began to look serious. But really it was all an act because my hands were still shaking every time she stares at me.

After about 15 minutes of drawing and keeping my composure, the drawing was done. Anna was proud of my work and she asked if I could sign it for her so it would look like an authentic artwork. I then signed the drawing and started to pack my things afterwards ready to have my break.

As I was about to leave, Anna then came towards me and asked if I could join her for lunch. I hesitated for a bit, thinking that there must be some kind of catch, but I couldn’t just let the chance pass so I said yes. I saw Shyla just coming back from her break so I asked her if she could look out for my things. She then agreed and told us to have a good time.

I still couldn’t believe that Anna asked me to join her for lunch. She usually has her many friends go with her at times like this, and I’m not exactly mister popular in class myself so it’s not quality versus quantity over here, but nevertheless I very much enjoyed her company.

The annual school festival held many booths for all students to enjoy, there were a lot of stands inside the campus selling food so all we have to do is pick a nice booth to buy lunch, Yeah easier said than done. We spent a lot of our break time looking for a place to eat, and then suddenly I heard a band playing a song at the center stage. It was an acoustic love song with a slow and calming tune and the band was really giving life to the song. The soft strum of the guitar string was very pleasing to hear combined with the fine tune of the singer’s voice. Unfortunately I never did know the title of the song playing so I just stood there and enjoyed the music.

“It’s a nice song isn’t it?” said Anna said.

I couldn’t answer her directly because I was too busy listening to the music. It gave me a calm feeling inside and I felt completely rested.  I then notice that there was a pizza stand right behind us, and suddenly I had this crazy idea.

“Hey, let’s buy a whole box of pizza, don’t worry it’s my treat” I said in a happy manner.

“We can’t possibly finish all that with just the two of us.” Anna said.

“It’s alright, don’t you trust me?” I said with a smile.

At that moment I felt a sudden rush flowing through me to take Anna somewhere quiet so we could get to know each other better, I told her that we could eat the pizza at the old cafeteria, that place was usually crowded at lunch time, but during the school festival it turns into a ghost town. It was perfect. She was very fond of the place that I suggested. She then grabbed my hand and said “Come on!” in a very excited manner.

 I was shocked because nobody ever held my hand like that before. Her hand was cool and smooth. My heart started racing and I felt my chest getting warmer. I couldn’t hide the fact that I was happy. We started teasing each other along the way. We were laughing like a pair of complete lunatics when someone cracks a joke. A lot of people stared at us, but we couldn't care less what they thought of us. We were happy.

We then arrived at the old cafeteria; it was big and spacious and I was right it was deserted. We went to the second floor to get a nice view outside. We decided to take the table nearest to the window. From that view we can see the different booths that the school held. The sun was about to go down and the weather was nice. 

Anna then took off her eyeglasses, and the light of the fading sun gave a much more vibrant color of whatever it touches. The light then grazes over Anna’s eyes; her eyes were the most elegant shade of brown that I've ever seen. I sat there stunned and breathless, because from that angle she looked like an angel whose wings were composed of vibrant lights coming from the vast open sky. And that was the time when I met Anna for the first time.

“Hey are we going to eat or are you just going to stare at me all day?” Anna said with a smile.

My face then turned red because of what she said, but luckily the sunlight was also at my direction so I could use it as an excuse when she ask why I’m blushing. We spent our whole break time talking. Time seems to slow down when I’m with Anna. I could see the leaves slowly being carried by the wind, and my eyes could match even the fastest movements of the brown sparrows flying around, I could hear every beat my heart was making. It was like everything was at that perfect state. There was just something about Anna that brings out very best in me.

I learned a lot about Anna’s past and I was interested to learn more, even listening to her stories about her everyday activities seem to intrigue me more than anything. I was excited to know more about her. Her simple stories seem to rival the stories I've read in bestselling novels. Of course I could tell that she feels the same way about my stories, every boring detail of my life suddenly became exciting and adventurous. She would often ask me more questions about me and I would happily answer back.

We finished eating the whole pizza, but we still continued talking. Then suddenly my phone rang it was Shyla:

“Hey, sorry I couldn’t watch your stuff I had to go, but don’t worry I asked someone else to watch it for you. But just to be sure you should head back and check.” Shyla said.

“Ok, I’ll be right there, thank you so much and I’m sorry for the inconvenience” I replied.

I then got up my seat and told Anna I had to go back to get my stuff.

“I’ll come with you.” Anna said in a happy tone.

Her words just made my day. We got up our seats and proceeded to head on over our booth. We then continued talking as we went back. Our booth looks almost deserted, but I could tell that my classmates had a busy day, seeing the new set of portraits on display. But still there were still a few people coming over to have their portraits drawn. 

A young boy came to me asking if I could draw a picture for him. I still didn’t feel like drawing that time so I was about to decline his request, but suddenly Anna stepped in and said:

“Don’t worry kid I’ll draw you.” Anna, filled with confidence, said.

I was shocked by her words, because Anna was never really a fan of drawing to begin with.

“Are you sure about that Anna?” I said with little concern.

“Hey, I’m still an Artist am I not? But don’t expect a perfect work.” Anna said laughingly.

I could see that Anna was determined to live up to her words. She grabbed her sketch book and proceeded to draw. She was really focused on her work. Her eyes followed every little bit of detail on the boy’s face, sealing the image on a blank sheet of paper. Each stroke she made with the pencil was clean and well executed. She kind of reminded me of me when I drew her earlier, and seeing her work gave me the inspiration I needed. Anna was halfway done with the portrait when a little girl came over asking for her portrait drawn. Our booth was about to close for the day so Anna was about to break the bad news to the little girl.

“Oh I’m sorry little girl, you see our booth’s about to close and we just don’t have enough artists here.” Anna sadly said.

The little girl seems disappointed, but as she was about to leave I called her and said:

“Hey, wait! I’ll draw your portrait.”

The little girl was very excited to hear my words, and she then sat down in front of me ready to have her portrait drawn.”

“Are you sure about that? You don’t have to force yourself you know” Anna said.

“Hey, I’m still an Artist am I not? But don’t expect a perfect work.” I said in a teasing manner.

I had all the inspiration I needed to draw one last portrait for the day. I sat beside Anna and then grabbed my sketch book one last time. I then took out a pencil. I didn't need two pencils that time because I still couldn't master ambidextrous drawing and besides I use it to attract large crowds, but this time I wanted to draw with just my own skill. My eyes were fixed on the facial features of the little girl and my hand was ready to follow through. I kept looking at her every 5 seconds to keep the lines I drew as accurate as possible. My concentration was at its peak that time. My only problem was the girl can’t seem to stay in place she kept on moving every time I look at her which made drawing her portrait almost impossible.

I got a break when the little girl looked at Anna. She was sitting still that time and I couldn't afford to waste the wonderful opportunity presented in front of me. I quickly drew the lines as fast and as exact as I could, the little girl then turned her attention on me and began to ask:

“ hmm… excuse me mister is she your girlfriend?” The little girl said as she was pointing at Anna.

My pencil broke upon after I heard those words. Anna must have not heard the little girl but I clearly heard every word the little girl said, but even then I couldn't resist the urge to say “What!?” I was so shocked that a sweet innocent little girl like her could ask a question like that. I was laughing nervously to break the awkward atmosphere that the situation created. The answer to her question was very obvious, but to some weird reason I couldn't bring myself to answer her question. It seems a part of me refuse to state the reality.

Seeing that I couldn't answer the question by myself I decided to shift the question towards Anna.

“Hey Anna, could you answer this girl’s question for me please?” I said as I was trying desperately to keep my cool.

“Sure thing, what’s the question?” Anna said as she was still working on her drawing.

“Are you two a couple?” asked by the little girl.

Anna had the exact reaction as I did; she also couldn't resist saying “What!?” even though she heard the question word per word. It was the first time I saw her nervous. She can answer even the hardest questions our teachers had to give without breaking a sweat, but why was she freaking out so much? It turns out Anna also couldn't answer the question.

“ hmm… that’s a bit too personal how about asking something else?” Anna said attempting to dodge the question.

“Are you two going to marry each other?” the little girl then asked.

Anna and I sat there absolutely speechless; we looked at each other with our faces drenched in the color red. We waited to see which one of us would speak first. The atmosphere was so thick that it was hard to breathe. Then I decided to break the awkward situation by saying:

“Hey little girl, how about I answer your question later? I've got to finish this portrait before your mom starts to worry.” I said hiding the nervousness with a smile.

“Right sorry you two just look good together.” The little girl added.

I continued with the portrait, but I couldn't concentrate anymore. Every stroke I made started getting sloppy and the drawing was starting to look like somebody else. I could also see that Anna was uneasy as she kept looking at her paper, and her glimpse of her model became less frequent.

After what seems to be an eternity I was finally finished with the drawing. I gave the little girl the finish product, and I asked her what she thought of it.

“hmm… it doesn't look like me, but she looks pretty cute. Thanks mister!” the little girl said.

I felt like a huge burden was lifted off my back when we left. I was able to breathe normally again, but there was one thing that got me thinking. Why couldn't Anna answer the question? The answer was obviously no wasn't it? Right…?

Anna was also done with her portrait. We kept looking at each other for a while, but then Anna started laughing.

“Man, that little girl sure is something isn't she?” Anna said.

“Yeah, I never thought she could ask something like that.” I said.

We laughed the whole situation off, but I wanted to know why? Why couldn't Anna answer?

“So what was the answer to that girl’s question” I said as my curiosity got the best of me.

Anna then saw that I was serious, but she still couldn't answer me clearly so she kept looking away. She was thinking of something to get my mind off topic. Then suddenly she got a text message from one of our classmate.

“Oh let’s forget about that for now, our classmates are at the mall come on!” Anna said.

Anna then grabbed my hand. I didn't get the answer that I was looking for, but seeing Anna hold my hand helped me regain the focus I lost earlier. I was able to smile again, but I was still curious to why Anna didn't answer the little girl’s question. I knew I wasn't her boyfriend, but does that mean that I have the potential to be?

“Don’t worry I’ll answer the question on the field trip.” Anna said with a sincere smile.

Hearing those words gave me great comfort. I then smiled back and agreed to go. Anna and I came to meet up with our classmates at the mall. It was good day and we were celebrating the success of our booth. We each gave ourselves a pat in the back for job well done. Overall, the day ended happy.

It was then getting dark. We would then all go our separate ways to get some rest from the tiresome work we had. We each said our goodbyes and began to part ways.

“Thanks, I had fun” Anna said with a smile.

“Yeah, me too, Thanks for making my day.” I said.

I then headed on home. I kept on thinking about the Anna’s response about how she will answer the question on the class fieldtrip. The fieldtrip was 5 days away from now and the anticipation was killing me. I wanted to know her answer to the question, No that’s not it. I already knew her answer it was very obvious. I guess I’m just hoping that she wouldn’t say it. Oh well I guess I’ll just have to keep waiting then. The way back home was very dark, but I wasn’t scared. Because I felt like an angel of light was watching over me, and every step I took was guided by a cool shade of moonlight.