Chasing an Angel

MOVING ON - C10.1

A week later, Meng is on board the early morning Philippine Airline flight from their province bound for Manila. It was not difficult for her to convince her parents to allow her to find work in Manila particularly when they found out that she will be working with Lolly, her best friend since college. She had been very honest with them and told them her reasons why she would prefer working away from home.

"I want to discover things on my own papa, mama. Gusto kong matuto kung paano mabuhay ng tama sa sariling pagsisikap at hindi palagi nakaasa either sa inyo o sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin para alalayan ako, kung ano at paano gagawin ng tama ang mga pagsubok, na kakaharapin ko sa buhay.  As I mature physically, I also want to grow intellectually, develop my physical, mental and emotional capacities not through theories imparted by books but acquired through actual experiences. If I am aware that I only have myself to bank on to, I think I'll become a stronger, bolder and determined individual compared to when I know I always have everyone around ready to support when a crisis or challenge comes along."

"Nauunawaan ka namin Meng. You have all our support as your parents. We realize that our innocent and fearful baby girl then is now discovering a lot and is resolved to learn how to manage effectively these changes. Just remember, as your family we will be always here for you. We will be behind you on whatever plans you have on starting a new phase of your life," said her father.

Unknown to her however, her parents are still bothered on her emotional state but at the same time believe that her decision would hasten her "getting over him" stage. They are likewise perplexed by the issue for it seems that what Alden did is beyond the image he projected to them when he traveled all the way from Cebu to seek their blessings for their relationship. Meng's parents could not understand why he wasted his efforts on something that he could not sustain. But they also know that Meng is not one who makes foolish and not properly thought of decisions as she could not be easily manipulated by hearsay and assumptions. Discussing this with their daughter however may freshen healing wounds and deepen the hurt so her mom discarded this option and decided to talk with Lolly instead. She called up Lolly and discussed matters with her requesting that she won't tell Meng anything about what they had talked to.  Lolly being sort of an extension member of the family assured her that she will do everything to help her best friend come out of this conundrum a better woman and sooner.

"Meng take extra care while in Manila. You only have Lolly and no close relatives to run to," reminded her father.

"Don't worry papa, I am a big girl now. I could not be with you, mama, Dean or any of our relatives and my friends always so it is a must that I should learn to be independent, to become stronger and wiser in facing and handling life's challenges. Rest assured though that I won't venture on things that may place me in an awkward situation."

"Should you have some concerns then call us promptly for our peace of mind," added her mother.

"At pag may nanligaw sa iyo ate, kahit medyo type mo rin huwag kaagad bumigay, bago ka magbitiw ng nilalanggam na oo, pahirapan mo muna para patunayan kung gaano siya katiyaga at katatag," butted in Dean which earned him a light pinch on his left ear from his mother.

"Huwag ka magalala bunso, time out muna ako sa usaping puso, hirap pala eh, pero salamat sa payo, tatandaan ko iyan. Pag may nangulit, siguro pag napatunayan nya in two years' time at medyo type din, baka pagbigyan ko, okay na ba yon sa tingin mo?" seconded Meng laughing.

"Wow ate, masokista pala hanap mo, baka me sira ulo ang makuha mo, at mas lalong ayaw ko naman tumanda kang dalaga, malungkot ang magisa."

"Enough with that foolishness you two, let's leave now for you might miss your flight Meng," interrupted their mother.

When Brian learned that she is joining Lolly he also decided to follow later so that they would be united again just like college days.

He told Meng, "Susunod agad ako para mabuo ulit ang triad. Buti na lang pumayag ako sa alok ng uncle ko na hawakan business nya dito kaya hindi ako natuloy pagsunod sa iyo don. Kung nagkataon, naiwan mo ako magisa don."

Up to now Brian has no idea on the real reason of Meng's coming home much less of the relationship she have had with Alden. He thought that homesickness was the reason of her coming home and he was really glad to see her again for he missed the school days fun they had shared together with Lolly.

As arranged, Meng was to stay with Lolly in a two bedroom apartment she is sharing with two friends. Lolly and Meng will share one room while Sheila and Dotty the other one. It was Saturday and according to Lolly, Sheila goes home every weekend and returns on Monday evening as she goes directly to the office straight from Cavite, so, aside from Lolly, only Dotty was home who was maybe inside their own room when they arrived for she was not visible within the vicinity. After drinking a cup of hot chocolate Meng refused to have a light breakfast for she only felt tired but not hungry.  Sensing this too, Lolly insisted that she take some rest first before they update one another.

Meng was likewise thankful to be left alone for a while. She stretched her back at the single but comfortable bed and closed her eyes. Tired as she is, the circumstances that brought her here suddenly dawned on her thus, memories and pain came rushing back again and with them are tears she did not try to control anymore. This time she let it flow freely making a great resolve that this will be the last she will allow herself to wallow in pain as she will be a wiser woman in handling future relationship from hereon.

She woke up more than four hours later by the slight shaking of her shoulders and somebody calling her name. She opened her eyes to a worried Lolly looking at her intently, who then wiped gently her tear stained face.

"It's past noon already, you skipped breakfast so you need to take your lunch now, then sleep later if you wish. And I won't have second thoughts of forcibly dragging you away from that bed just so you could fill up your empty stomach if you still refuse," declared Lolly."

When Meng just looked at her without rising up, Lolly further said, "Meng we had been friends for years and you need not open your mouth for me to know how you feel right now. Since you arrived this morning, your eyes and body language are more than enough for me to feel and know that you are far from happy. You are now a totally different person from the jovial Meng I had last seen. I miss my carefree and fun-loving sister friend, bring her back please."

"For now I won't press you to unburden yourself but I will always be here, waiting and always ready at your call. Remember the BriMenLol slogan (referring to Menge, Brian and herself) "Kayang kaya pag sama sama", and she hugged Meng tenderly. Meng nodded and hugged Lolly back.

"Don't worry I assure you that I will do anything possible to ensure that this will soon pass and with you here, I know I would be able to regain my old self in a jiffy."

"Then lunch is waiting, lets fill our stomachs with for real food and then start updating each other later. Let's not waste the rest of the day brooding over unproductive matters."

They went out of their room together and joined Dotty on the dining room who is already eating her lunch. Lolly introduced both of them formally. Dotty is a cheerful person and Meng is amused with her witty and funny stories.

She felt blessed and grateful to be surrounded by fun loving people like Lolly and Dotty who she know would help lift up her spirit and provide inspiration and strength to triumph over this ordeal she is having now.