some good things

Sooner or later, it will come, I thought.

So might as well get over this…

Rolly here. Salesman. Middle-aged. Semi-comforable with a daughter, a son and a caring wife.

But I have to rewind first.

I met Dedeth by accident- she was the temporary seller of a sari-sari store, where i bought stationery papers I will be using for my job application in a nearby town up North.

'How much is the short bond paper?' I asked her from outside the iron grills of the store.

'Koonnsss!' She called out to somebody in the kitchen. 'How much is the short bond paper?' She has a clear, ladylike voice- unpretentious and honest. I love the quality.
I also admired her physically- about 5 feet, medium build, black eyes that shone out mysteriously, somewhat chinita eyes, full lips, dimple on left cheek, long black hair in a bun. (If you scored 'Scorpio Nights', she is a spitting image of Annamarie G.!)

So, I engaged her in some small talk and she turned out to be a student of the city's only medical school, no boyfriend, ready to mingle. I asked her off on a certain date and promised to treat her out before taking her home. And, we mutually agreed.

- + -

I waited outside on the appointed time near a store at the school's gate. She sprung off with two close friends, who sought me out pointed at me, as if saying, 'Look I can't come with you because I am with somebody.' And the girls giggled, smiled and waved her off.

'Hi! Have you been here long, Rolly!' Her eyes twinkled as he asked.

'About ten minutes, I guess. Are we going straight home?'

'Sure. But let us ride downtown first. There's a terminal near the market.'

'Okay.' I walked off to hail a passing jeep, which stopped, and I held her arm towards the vehicle. She seated deep inside, near the driver and I sat on her right side, our skins creating friction.

'Are you familiar with the city?' She asked.

'No. But, I think it's just an oval. Why?'

'We'll just go take halo-halo near the terminal so you will get oriented.'

'Para po, mama!' She said to the driver.

I got out first, and took her hand as she alighted. But I did'nt release it.

She guided me through cargoes, bales, porters, and carinderias before getting to a supermarket.

'You buying some groceries?'

'No, the upper floor has a cafeteria selling the best halo-halo.' Her eyes twinkled again.

'Oh.'

That was our first date. It was getting-to-know-you stuff, and some personal information.