To Ara

No matter how small a family is, you still cannot discount the possibility of disagreements and misunderstandings.  And i f it happens, more often than not, you get disturbed emotionally.

Last Saturday, i was supposed to meet two new old friends way back  in the '70s from the V. Mapa High School. While on my way to SM North, I came to know through a phone conversation  that Malou Villaruel Almazan wouldn't make it as she was not feeling well.  I felt a bit sad for her inability to join us that afternoon because that bonding moment was really meant for her considering that her lifetime partner had just passed away.  We know how sad and lonesome she was and I felt that bonding with some friends would somehow ease the pain.

After some few minutes, I received a call from Ara.  She said she would be late as she was coming all the way from Taytay.  " Haaaaay, salamat!", I uttered silently.  At least, I will still be meeting  an old friend, kahit isa man lang.

Ara and me at Barrio Fiesta in SM North

Actually, on that very same afternoon, I was nursing a pain somewhere in my heart brought by a lot of misunderstandings which eventually  led into bickerings in school. As the school administrator, I felt the burden of having teachers from two different worlds.  I really need someone to talk to and someone who'd listen to me to lighten the burden .

While waiting for Ara,  I tried to enjoy the eat-all-you-can merienda at Barrio Fiesta.   I tried everything...literally!  I wanted to forget all the troubles . . . I wanted to release the pain.  After two rounds of Arroz Caldo with matching tokwa't baboy, a saucer-full of karioka and gelatin, I was full . . . and satisfied.
At about 5:30 p.m., Ara arrived.

Oh my!  Ara is truly a stunner!  She was wearing a pink long-sleeved shirt with matching accessories.  Despite the long trip, she looked fresh.  She greeted me with a sweet smile and a kiss.

Not long after, we had a chat.  A very pleasant chat . . . and it was all about everything under the sun.
Slowly, I felt  I was smiling...laughing as if there were no more pains.  The more we enjoyed the afternoon when the pianist performed some of the most popular love songs.  As we listened  and sang to the different tunes, we ordered Ara's favorite pancit bihon guisado.  We matched it with a big bowl of halo-halo which we shared.

The pianist at Barrio Fiesta  whom Ara and I " fell in love with "

Time passed by and it was time to go.  It's getting late.  With a smile on our face, we stood up, dropped some bills to the tip glass, and left Barrio Fiesta with a light heart.

To Ara,  the little things that you've done for me meant so much in my life.  Truly, you are not an accident.  God created you for a purpose.  You are God's special creation . . . ready to brighten the burdened souls!
May the good Lord bless and keep you today and always!  See you again in another bonding moment!
Cheers!