Beautiful Disaster

New Found Friend

It was already eight in the evening when Franki arrived home. She had so much fun hanging out with Jodi and Maza. All they did was eat and laugh and they did not even notice the time.

Kiara wasn't home yet. She's probably still busy at the restaurant since she took her time off for almost a week touring her around. Franki's already somehow familiar in BGC, a township where Kiara's condo is located. She can already navigate the place by herself. Kiara and Gino also brought her to some historical places in Manila. They've been to Intramuros and Luneta already. And oh, Binondo as well in which they did a food crawl which she truly enjoyed.

Her last week has been an interesting journey of getting to know her heritage. It's like putting the pieces together of who she is by exploring the other side of her roots. She couldn't wait to travel and explore more of the Philippines.

Franki decided to change in her running clothes. She'd like to check the park nearby. She passed by it once and thought it might be good to give it a try especially that she had been eating a lot lately. It is just a few blocks away from Kiara's place.

When she got to the park, there were also few people going for a jog. She believed the park was really made for it as it has a jogging path inside. There's also an area where you can do yoga, and a well-maintained lawn where you can do other physical exercises. She also noticed the bench seats spread around the area. The park is definitely a nice place to get some air and relax.

Franki already went for a jog as she saw the park closes at ten in the evening. She only have a few hours left. She was already on her fourth lap when she noticed a familiar face walked in and sat in one of the bench seats located near the bamboo-filled area of the park. She can't be wrong! It's Diana! Ugh! She felt like her heart will explode!

Diana was wearing a dusty pink pants suit and had a white bluetooth headset on. Her hair was in a pony and her make-up was spot on. She looked fierce! It's like a totally different Diana. The Diana she first saw was wasted, vulnerable and steep - she was like a baby. So, this is how she looks like when she's not drunk. Beautiful is an understatement. Their eyes met for a few seconds, but Diana didn't seem to recognize her. Well, what would she expect from a drunk person?

Franki didn't know what to do so she decided to went for a few more rounds in the track while thinking. She wanted to talk to Diana, but she didn't know how to approach her. She finished few more laps then took all the courage that she has and stopped to where Diana was sitting.

"Hello!", she said still unsure if she's doing the right thing.

Diana looked at her with sullen face. Uh-oh! Looks like her timing was bad. She felt like she wanted to slowly walk backward and undo what she did, but then she saw Diana removed her headset and smile. Geez! This woman! Franki sighed out of relief.

"Hello!", Diana said in a friendly tone. "You need help with anything?", she asked. Franki noticed most Pinoys are like that. Wherever she goes, when she approaches someone, they would think she's a foreigner getting lost and would ask for direction. Lol. They're always approachable and willing to help and she thinks of it as a good thing.

"Oh no! I am new here. Just trying to make some friends. Do you mind?", she was asking Diana if she could take a seat beside her. She did move and make a space for her.

"I hope I am not disturbing you from anything. Or are you waiting for someone?"

"No, I'm not.", and the she smiled. "I just came from work and went here to get some fresh air before I head home.", Diana added

"I see.", Franki didn't know what to say next. There was an awkward silence between them.

"So, do you always go here?, Diana finally asked.

"This is my first actually. I just passed by here the other day and thought to give it a try. How about you?"

"Hmm.. not very often. Only if I feel like going. But I love it here. It's quiet." Diana paused for a bit. "Where are you from?", she asked.

"I'm from Australia, but I was born and raised in New Zealand.", she answered smiling.

"Really?!", Diana seemed surprised. "My Dad was from New Zealand.", she said.

"Wow! What a coincidence! So you've been to New Zealand already?". She responded in a high tone and couldn't hide her excitement. Such a small world after all.

"Yup. Few times. Just for vacation. I was born and raised here."

"My mom's from here. She's a Filipina."

"So, you're here for vacation?" Diana was asking for confirmation.

"Well, kind of.", she responded.

"I'm Franki by the way.", she realized she haven't introduced herself yet.

"Diana.", she said reaching for her hand wearing a smile in her face.

They shook their hands and talked a little bit more until they saw the guard roving.

"I think the park is closing.", Diana said.

"Oh yes. Didn't realize it's almost ten."

Diana stood up and Franki followed. "It was a pleasure talking to you, Franki!", she said.

"Umm.. Mind if I get your number? I've only been here for a week and do not have that many friends yet.", she was smiling inside realizing what she was doing.

"Oh sure! Give me your phone."

"Aw, that is so nice of you. Thank you!", her eyes lightened up and excitedly handed her phone to Diana. When she gave it back, she saw her added her number and labelled it as "NFF".

Her forehead wrinkled. "What's NFF?"

"New Found Friend.", Diana responded laughing.