(A Short Story – Second of 6 Parts)

Every time we planned a get-together, it was a predictable pattern. Jay was always the first to show up, eager and ready for the fun to begin. I followed closely behind, but Chris and Mario seemed to have a knack for arriving late, occasionally switching between being third and last. Their tardiness became a running joke among us, but it also made us appreciate those moments when we were all together just a little bit more.

I got off the jeep and walked over to Jay’s car. He opened the door and let me in.

I checked my watch—it was already half past two, and I wasn’t late. The moment I stepped into Jay’s car, I was greeted by an exquisite scent, far from the typical air freshener smell. This was something unique, a fragrance that hinted at luxury, perhaps even an expensive perfume.

In stark contrast, I couldn’t shake off the lingering odor of rubbing alcohol that clung to me. Jay, on the other hand, presented a polished image in his long-sleeved shirt and tie, likely having just come from a meeting. It was clear: whether by necessity or preference, he had a habit of dressing to impress when meeting others.

“Let’s stay inside for now; it’s sweltering outside,” Jay suggested. “This gives us the perfect chance to catch up! How have you been? What’s new in your life since high school?”

“Oh, I don’t really have anything exciting to share. I just stayed here in our town. I drive a Jeep and work on our farm. I didn’t get the chance to go to college,” I paused, reflecting on the reasons I missed that opportunity. “You go ahead, sir. Please tell your story first, and I’ll continue later.”

Jay shared his inspiring educational journey, demonstrating how determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. With relentless effort, he earned both his Master’s and PhD, showcasing his remarkable intellect. It’s truly impressive that he has risen to the position of dean at a prominent college in the nearby town—the very institution to which I frequently drive students. His story is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication!

He had connections with Chris and Mario because they were friends on Facebook, and he shared that they had been trying to locate me on social media for quite some time. But it’s no surprise they couldn’t find me; I don’t have a Facebook account or engage in any social media. I’ve always felt that I don’t need it. Instead, I immerse myself in the world of newspapers. Every day, I buy the Philippine Star and Tempo, and I dive into them while waiting for passengers. When I’m behind the wheel of my Jeep, I tune into the radio, and at home, I enjoy watching TV. I believe this keeps me well-informed about what’s happening around me. I’m aware of platforms like Facebook and YouTube because I see my kids using the computer, and I occasionally catch viral videos on TV. In a way, I stay connected and current without relying on social media.

We had been chatting for almost 20 minutes, and Chris and Mario still hadn’t arrived.

“They’re taking forever.”

“They have not changed. Those two are always late whenever we have a meet-up, sir.”

“Could you please stop calling me sir? This is the second time you’ve done it. I’m really not sure why you’ve started being so formal. It would mean a lot to me if you just called me Jay.”

“Well, you’re a doctor and the dean of a college. You should be addressed formally.”

“Alright, I understand. When you’re at school and in the presence of others, you can address me as ‘Sir.’ However, in this setting, let’s keep it casual—just call me Jay.”

“Okay, doc.”

“Ahh… now it’s doc? What is this now? Geez. Come on, let’s get out. I need a smoke.”

We both got out of Jay’s car and sat on the big rocks surrounding the acacia tree. It was one of the few acacia trees still around the basketball court where we used to play when we were in high school. The sari-sari store and the “lugawan” beside the court were still there.

Jay offered me a cigarette. I declined. I never learned to smoke.

“You don’t smoke?” Jay said. “Good for you. I wish I hadn’t learned to.”

“Huh? Why?”

He looked at me.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just forget about it.”

I could tell Jay wanted to say something. He suddenly seemed down. He lit his cigarette.

“Jay, that board looks really old. It might fall apart anytime. And the ring is hanging loosely.”

“Yeah, it looks like it hasn’t been replaced. That’s probably the same board and ring we used when we used to come here to play.”

“I think you’re right.”

“Well, there’s a new sports center near the town hall now, so the basketball players just play there.”

“At least Nanay Mameng’s store and Mang Isko’s lugawan have improved. Look, their place is now made of concrete.”

“Oh, I didn’t notice that earlier. Before, it was made of bamboo and nipa.”

I pass by this  place almost every day, but I never noticed that they had changed the structure of the store and the lugawan.

“Do you think Nanay Mameng and Mang Isko are still around?”

“We’ll find out later, Jay.”

“Yeah, when I finish this cigarette, we’ll check on them. By the way, do you still play basketball?”

“Sometimes, when I’m not driving the jeep. There’s a court in our barangay, near my house. I join when they have a league.”

After Jay finished his first cigarette, we saw a car approaching. It stopped right in front of us, and the window slowly rolled down.

“Hello, ladies…” It was Chris. “Wait, bros, let me park this properly.”

Jay parked his new-looking car next to my jeep. My jeep was between Jay and Chris’s cars. Both were Honda Civics – Jay’s was black, and Chris’s was red.

Chris got out of the car. We were both wearing polo shirts, jeans, and rubber shoes. His looked new, while mine was a bit worn out.

“Whose junk is this? It might infect my car,” Chris said.

“Idiot, that’s Mon’s,” Jay said.

“Oh, sorry, bro. I didn’t realize it was yours.”

“No problem, bro.”

“Same old Chris… tactless,” Jay added.

“So, how have you been, bro?”

Jay and I both gave him a thumbs-up.

“And the playboy, how’s he doing?” Jay asked.

“Playboy? You’re the playboy. I heard you have a student girlfriend.”

“Come on, Chris, we’re different. I don’t shit where I eat. Having an affair with a student is a dangerous game I will never play. I am not like you… skirt-chaser.”

“Really!?” I asked.

“Yes Mon. He even tried to hit on our lady guard at school.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“She told me. You asked for her number when you visited me at school.”

“Okay, okay. She’s a hot mama, that lady guard. She has a great… bumper.”

“Anyway, how many of our high school classmates did you date when you started working?”

“Hey, Jay… just three: Aida, Lorna, and Fe.”

“Come on. Those are names in a song.” I exclaimed.

“I can’t tell you their real names. You know them. I am no kiss-and-tell guy.”

Jay asked, “For real? Three of our high school classmates?”

“What was I supposed to do? They were the ones who contacted me and chased me.”

After saying that, Chris sat in between Jay and me.

“Wow, you smell really good, bro. Looks like you used perfume to shower earlier.”

“I just used cheap cologne,” Jay replied.

“Mon, what’s that smell? Damn, it’s alcohol… you’re using rubbing alcohol as cologne?”

“Yeah, bro. Green Cross rubbing alcohol.” I just went along with Chris’s teasing. That’s how he was. He liked to joke around.

“I miss you guys so much,” Chris said, putting his arms around both Jay and me.

“Now we’re just waiting for Mario,” Jay said.

“Wait, let’s take a groupie,” Chris said, setting up his phone.

“We’ll do it later, when Mario gets here, so we’ll be complete,” Jay suggested.

To be continued…

What Matters – Part 3