A Teacher's Diary

People from the Past

July 9, 2014

Wednesday

Vixen and I went out the house at the same time and had a ride to Pateros. I told her we can just have our ride to Guadalupe by  riding a jeep from Petron. She said she has an appointment at L. Guinto at 8:30 for her medical records. But the jeep we got into can just fit me since there were others also waiting for that ride. Upon realizing this, she went down. I didn't.

There were no lecture classes due to the Mastery Test until Friday. And so I thought I will be very relaxed. But no. I can't expect that much. I tried to finish my Filipino duties for the Buwan ng Wika. I was only able to accomplish SMEAC and the Sandiwa Club members. Music and script is still on process. (Ha! Dear Self, wait until the month of August arrives.)

I was hoping I can go home earlier than the previous days. It's T. Donna's turn today to tutor Gwen. I am still thinking about their proposal on me staying there temporarily. Cons and Pros are still being weighed. Before we parted ways, I went with her so she can buy her own new umbrella.

Pushing my luck. I had a hard time getting a ride home from Pateros. And my phone's battery emptied. Isn't that so great?

While waiting, I heard someone calling me so I turned back. "April? April Joy Borja. Am I right?", she said. I knew her. She has a very clear resemblance of her sister. "Uhm, yes. Hi." I can only give her a shy smile. "Do you know me?", she asked. "Yes. Of course. I still remember you. You are Joanna's sister." I remember they also have brothers.

Joanna was my best friend in grade school. We were playmates. I used to go visit their house on weekends or after class. We live in the same barangay. But their house is near the grassy areas. (Well, it was years back when I went there, I have no idea if it's still the same) Also, I remember being invited on their church's Christmas party held in Fisher Valley. They're Born Again Christians that's why mom kind of hesitated about me going and asked me if I'm converting religions. Those were the days.

I used 'was my best friend' because we weren't able to keep in touch after our graduation. I saw her last summer (if I'm not mistaken) but didn't bother exchanging phone numbers. And coincidentally, I just confirmed Joanna's friend request in facebook a while ago. So, after hearing that from me.. she said, "Let me give you her number while we wait." I was thinking deep. "My phone's battery is empty." Just then, Jennifer (Joanna's sister's name) pulled out her business card to write on Joanna's number and gave it to me.

Awkward. What would I even tell Joanna even in text? However, I don't want to be rude so I just accepted it. I checked the back of the card, she wrote two numbers. Acording to her, both are active. Then I flipped it to its front showing Jennifer's name and her company, BPI. Where my brother and his wife are also working. What a small world.

We waited. I think it has been more than half an hour since I've waited. We decided to walk a little because there was a slim chance we can get a ride where we were staying. Luckily, we found one. But there's only one available seat. "You should go. That will be fine with me. You've been waiting too long here.", Jennifer urges me to go for it. I hesitated a little but then I complied. I wanted to go home so I took that ride leaving Jennifer behind.

I left people behind. Twice this day. Without looking back.

But, isn't it the right thing to do  with the past...

Leave it all behind?