( Song: When She Loved Me - Lyn Lapid )

*"Keep it short and sweet..." *that's what Winnie had first told Cairo when the writer had mentioned you.

You're perfume passed her like blossoming flowers in the wind, how could her head not turn when you walked by with such a graceful stride through the hallways like a ball of light? Your luminance in aura made Cairo's eyes flicker in amazement at your presence...it was the first sign of her deep attraction towards you.

_

Then came the first date, a captivating dinner under the veil of a night sky...the light of stars just as bright as the smiles on both of your faces. Laughs were shared and hands met in the middle...held in an interlock of promise.

When you love her.

_

Next the kisses...the passion and intimacy, all that was delicate and blissful the walks in the lush green woods to school and back, the days of memories and the nights of remembering. Cairo was there for you when you were alone, and you were there for her when she was stuck.

When she loves you.

_

The problem. Troubles arise...though brushed off at first and hidden away...not all could stay dead for long.

Then the doubt. the smoke and mirrors. what feels right in the heart and is conflicting in the head, what differs your options.

The argument. Fire, sugar-honey lips turn bitter with poisonous words...tainted with hurtful aimless accusations.

The distance. Drifting away.. gone is the light...lost is the bright stars in the sky, farewell to the memories and bliss.

But she loved me..

_

As Summer moves to Fall and you find someone new to gander upon, you shoot her a smile, delicate cheek upon your hand as you sit on the bleachers next to the girl.

Cairo emerges from the forest walk she usually took with you, staring longingly with sadness as she watches you with glistening eyes full of water...swallowing her regret and emotions. When your gaze meets hers for the moment, Cairo hardly smiles at you...only both parties holding the underlying thought.

..When she loved me.