(A Short Story – First of 6 Parts)

I gently pressed the brake and quickly got out to assist the elderly woman who was slowly and painfully getting off. I also helped her climb into my passenger jeep earlier. I was confident that the other passengers didn’t mind the brief delay. They understood the situation. She looked so vulnerable, and I found myself wishing that a family member had been there to accompany her.

“Thank you so much, hijo. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found your jeep,” she said gratefully.

“It’s nothing, nanay. I’m just glad you chose my vehicle, even if it’s a bit old,” I replied.

“It looks just fine, hijo. And you’re a truly good driver,” she insisted.

“Thank you, nanay. Please take good care of yourself.”

She was my last passenger for the day, and as I removed the signboards from the front windshield, I made a deliberate choice to prevent anyone else from hailing me.

Although it was still just a little past noon, I was ready to call it a day. I was about to meet up with my closest high school friends—Jay, Chris, and Mario—after nearly 20 years. Over the years, there had been a few occasions when two of them would meet, but never all three together, and certainly not with me. The anticipation buzzed through me, filling me with excitement. This wasn’t just a simple reunion; it felt like a celebration of the memories we shared, a nostalgic journey back to a time when our lives were still unfolding.

It was Jay who took the lead in organizing our long-overdue reunion. Just a week ago, I found myself face-to-face with a familiar figure who flagged me down in a moment of need—his car had broken down. While I could have driven past, something about that face compelled me to stop. As I stepped out of the jeep, our eyes locked, and I was taken aback when he enthusiastically called my name. It was Jay! In an instant, we reverted to our old ways, shaking hands firmly before playfully locking arms as if preparing for a friendly wrestling match. That spark of connection ignited memories of our carefree high school days. I had no idea that this chance encounter would pave the way for rekindling friendships that have withstood the test of time. Jay’s proposed reunion promises to be an incredibly meaningful experience, and I can’t wait to see how much we’ve all transformed and grown over the years.

We were excitedly catching up while I worked on his car’s discharged battery. Jay was in a hurry because he had a meeting to attend, so we didn’t have much time to talk. Once I fixed his car, Jay pulled out some money from his wallet and tried to hand it to me. I refused to accept it. He then apologized for two reasons. First, he explained that he wanted to pay me because he knew I was on the road picking up passengers, and he felt that his car troubles had taken up my time and cost me an opportunity to earn. Second, he apologized for the inconvenience he had caused me. He was surprised when I told him that I had expected he would try to pay for that very reason. I told him that I had also helped other drivers in the past in a similar situation for free.

After that, he took out his phone and asked for my number. He said he had been looking for me for a while. I gave him my number. He dialed it so his number would register on my phone. I saved it, and after promising to call, he quickly got into his car and drove off. He seemed to be in a hurry.

Jay was one of the best in our high school class. He was the leader of our group. I was delighted we met. I had been looking for him and the rest of the gang for a long time.

It seemed that Jay had achieved his dreams. Back then, he often said he wanted to complete his studies, secure a good job, buy a car, and own a house. Now, he had a car and was wearing a coat and tie. His career appeared to be going well. I wasn’t sure if he owned a home or had a family. He probably had a house, but I couldn’t tell about his family situation. It’s a shame we didn’t get to talk for long; I didn’t even have the chance to ask him where he worked or what he did.

By the time I got home, I was still reflecting on that unexpected encounter with Jay. It made me think about my other two friends, Chris and Mario. We spent four years together, from our first year until we graduated from high school. During that time, we often discussed our dreams and life goals, and they all shared similar aspirations: complete their studies, find jobs, save money, buy a car, and own a large house. However, I wasn’t entirely sure, but it seemed that Mario was the one who dreamed of working abroad. I wonder if he ever managed to do that. I hope so.

When they asked me back then what my dream was, they laughed at my answer. I wanted to be happy and live a good life. I wasn’t sure why I said that. Jay said it was vague,  to which Mario agreed.

We were still young, and I had no idea what I would do after high school. Perhaps it was because I wasn’t confident that I could attend college, given my parents’ financial struggles. At that time, Chris told me I had no ambitions in life. It was only when I grew a little older and saw my siblings graduating from university that I recalled Chris actually saying I hadn’t dreamed big. Hadn’t I? Now, as we are about to have a reunion, Chris’ words come back to me.

Just then, my phone rang. As promised, Jay called.

We only talked for a short while. He had a visitor. He was calling to tell me he had contacted Chris and Mario, and both agreed to meet up next week, on Saturday around 3 in the afternoon. We were to meet at our old spot.

*****

That day, I would be with my friends again. I stopped at a carinderia for a meal. It was only 1 in the afternoon, so I still had time to eat and rest for a bit.

“Aling Tinay, I’d love to have some menudo and pinakbet, but could you please skip the fat in the menudo?”

“Mon, why do you shy away from fat? You’re the only one of my customers who doesn’t want it.”

“I’m really trying to keep my cholesterol in check.”

“Understandable, but a little indulgence now and then wouldn’t hurt! How much rice would you like?”

“Just one serving, please.”

“Two delicious dishes and only one serving of rice? You’re surprisingly health-conscious for a jeepney driver! Manny, could you please bring a serving of rice for Mon? Just don’t pile too much on; I know he won’t be able to finish it.”

“Yes, Inay,” replied Manny, Aling Tinay’s teenage son.

I just smiled at what Aling Tinay said. My stomach grew bigger when I turned 30, so I eat less rice now. I heard on the radio that eating too much rice can cause your belly to grow, and consuming pork fat is bad for your heart. They even said drinking beer regularly can also make your stomach bigger. Thankfully, I’m not much of a drinker. But with our reunion, I’m sure I’ll end up drinking with them, especially since Chris and Mario will be there. They wouldn’t let us meet without having a drink. Only Jay and I didn’t drink in the group.

“Here’s your water, no ice. I know you don’t drink cold water.”

“Thanks, Aling Tinay.”

That’s one of the reasons I always go to Aling Tinay’s carinderia whenever I have lunch while driving the jeep. She’s kind and attentive to her customers.

“Manny said you seem to be going to the gym now, like him. He said your chest and shoulder are looking great and your biceps are bulging in that t-shirt.”

“No, I don’t. The gym is too expensive. I have some barbells and dumbbells at home made of cement. I use them every morning before I drive or go to the field.”

When I started eating, Aling Tinay stopped talking to me.

It was well past 2 PM by the time I stepped out of the carinderia. I had just enjoyed a comforting cup of coffee, complemented by a few delightful cookies—generous treats from Aling Tinay, who always insisted I take them for free. She would genuinely be disappointed if I turned down her heartfelt offering. Our long-standing friendship made these moments special. She often became one of my earliest passengers in the morning on her way to the market, and I consistently chose to waive her fare, valuing our connection far more than the money.

Before I started the jeep, I wiped my body with a face towel soaked in alcohol. I changed into a new shirt and shoes. I didn’t want to show up smelling like sweat and grease or wearing worn-out slippers when meeting my friends.

In just a few minutes, I would reach our old meeting place—a basketball court near the high school where we graduated. This is where we usually hung out, especially in the afternoons after our classes. The court is located next to a wide field that is stunning to see when the rice plants are ripe and ready for harvest. Many acacia trees were planted around the court, providing shade for our morning and afternoon basketball games. Unfortunately, only a few of these trees remain, as many could not withstand the strong winds from the powerful typhoons that have passed through the area. I hope our friendship is as strong as those remaining trees. I also hope that, like those trees, my friends and I are resilient enough to endure the storms we are sure to encounter in life.

But why did it take so long to meet up, even though our barangays were so close? Maybe the reason was that they studied in Manila while I stopped studying after high school. After completing their studies, they likely found employment and settled in the area.

When I got to the meeting place, Jay was already there. I saw his car, the one that had broken down last week, parked under an acacia tree. I parked my old jeep beside his sleek car.

To be continued…

What Matters – Part 2