Friends again

I was surprised and I was really caught off-guard one night. Arnold just got back from his business trip from Baguio. He was so happy. He said he missed me and the house. He brought some pasalubongs for me but I just ignored him. It took all my courage and energy to stop myself from welcoming him and checking out whatever it is that he brought and bought for me.

He really forgot that we are not in good speaking terms, and his efforts are crashing me to speak to him. It was when I went to my room and locked my door that he remembered every thing. I guess he ate alone again in the dining room.

The morning after that night, I noticed the pasalubongs that he placed in one corner of my favorite spot in the house. He left a note, telling me that he wants me to wake him up before I head to my workplace in Makati.

I was a bit confused, because he was really making his way even if he knows that I don’t like to talk. His efforts tortured me for he knows that I am not that strong to ignore sweet things like this. In a matter of hours, I picked up my strength and knocked at his door. He was already awake, probably lifting some weights.

When I realized that he was awake and that my part in his notes are read and well-acted, I left the doorstep.

“Wait!” He called out. “There’s something I’ve got to say.”

“What’s the rush?” I was also surprised to speak to him again.

“Thank you. Thank you for doing these things to me.”

“What the heck are you talking about? I was supposed to be the one speaking gratitude in here. What’s to be thankful for?”

“The little things as always. The effort to open the door for me when I arrived last night. Just like the usual days when we are in speaking terms. The effort to notice my pasalubongs and read my note. The kindness to wake me up when you know pretty well that I can do it with the alarm clock. Thank you. Thank you so much Hana.”

“Stop acting weird Arnold. We are still not in speaking terms. But for an exception, I thank you for these efforts.”

“Hana, what shall I do for you to forgive me? Do you really want me to move without you? It’s difficult but I will if you really want me to…”

“Stop that Arnold. I also can’t bear it. These.. these not speaking to you, these being in this house without even hearing you converse with me. I miss you so much. But I know it’s wrong to speak to you and act as if nothing happened when you already know everything.”

“Hana, I miss you too.. I do! You just don’t know how empty I felt when you were ignoring me. Hana.. please let’s patch things up.”

“I don’t know Arnold. You have plenty in mind and I don’t think bringing back the old times is a good idea. Besides, we can get by.”

“Please let us talk things over. I miss you so much that I can’t bear to lose you. I don’t want you to keep on ignoring me, because it makes me speak to you more often. Even if it feels like talking to the wind. … Hana, please, be my friend again.”

“Please don’t push it. We will if we are ready.”

“I am ready.”

“But I am not. Not yet.”