Young Love

Angel is my thirteen-year-old niece. I saw her blossomed from a little girl playing with dolls to a prim, pretty young lady.

She was always full of vitality. That, at times, I wonder where she got all that energy.

But one day, instead of the usual smile there was a frown on her pretty face.

“What’s wrong? I asked, deeply concerned.

Angel was watching television and she turned it off when I approached.

“Nothing." She quickly replied.

Not wanting to let the matter rest, I pressed further for answers- gently. “You look…..disturb. What’s the matter? Come on, I’m your auntie, you can tell me anything."

I sensed some hesitation but later she acquiesced.

“Promise you won’t tell?" Angel asked.

“Yup. I promise."

“Well….." She started rather hesitantly, “you see…. I have a huge crush on this really cute guy. But … I found out just today that he has a girlfriend already." She paused and a hurt expression crossed her face then added, “It makes me feel…so bad." Angel’s voice cracked.

My face lit, as comprehension dawned.

Ah! Young love.

So that’s what this is all about. My niece has just experienced her first heartbreak. Perhaps one of the many she would experience later on.

I could still recall my first love. I sighed at the memories.  But that was another story.
Obviously, she needed my advice.

“Well…" It was my turn to stammer as I groped for the right words to say. I had a feeling that whatever I say now would probably have a lasting effect on her. So I chose my words carefully.

“Well…  you must have really felt something special for him or you won't be miserable right now."

My niece nodded.

“I know that you feel rotten today. And that is okay. He is your first love, after all. But it isn't enough that you love him, he has to love you in return. You cannot force a person to love you.... One day you will meet a guy who will truly love you and will make you happy. Your crush is probably not the right guy for you yet."

“I don’t feel ok now."

“Yeah. I know. Sooner or later you’ll forget him and move on and find another. But first you need to accept the fact that he is not the right one for you coz the right guy is the one who will finally stay."

“You think so auntie? Will I really find someone I will like and who will like me in return?"

“Of course you will!" I said resolutely as I tried to soothe her wounded ego with more words. “When I was your age, I used to think that way too. But as I grew older I learned that love will always find you - if you believe it will."

Angel smiled quite tentatively. I was glad to see her smile.

“Are you feeling better now?"

“Yes." She replied. “A bit. Thanks Auntie."

“By the way, who is this mysterious guy who broke your heart? Do I know him?"

“Of course you do. Everybody does."

“Why? Is he a classmate? I don't think I know all your classmates."

“No Auntie. He’s not a classmate."

“A neighbor then?"

Angel shook her head and smiled.

I racked my brains for a name but nothing came so I raised my arms in capitulation. “I give up. Who is he?"

“His name is Leo."

“Leo? I don’t know any Leo."

“Yes you do." My niece firmly insisted. “His name is Leonardo DiCaprio."