Finding Real Friends. . .

Finding Real Friends

School, books, internet . . . that’s all he’s been living with. He never hangout with friends although he has considerable numbers of them. It’s not that he’s weird or aloof, he’s just scared of investing emotions to anyone or anything. He had been friendly once but events turned to a point where he must let go, and must get hurt. He promised never to gamble again. He found safety in not wanting to have people to care for. In this, he would never worry about losing anyone or anything, again.

He’s been living in the shadows for so long a time, avoiding any sunlight and happiness that he thinks would never last. He’s been lying in the safety that his shell could offer, denying the joys and laughs he hears. Until, a hand reached for him.

Karen is a well-known personality in their school. It maybe because of the crown and title she achieved on a school’s beauty contest or maybe it was because of her kindness and simplicity or maybe . . . because of her beauty. They have been classmates in several subjects although they are taking different degree courses. They talk sometimes and do things and school stuff sometimes. However, he always makes sure that they will remain just acquainted. He’s been casual to her just the way he treats everyone else.

Maybe it was Karen’s kindness that left his heart to at least have some soft spots. Since their subjects require group presentations and reporting, they have been doing the same things together. Sometimes they even spend meals together and talk about anything under the sun. He was not aware that his heart is slowly opening up again. He’s beginning to befriends with people again,. Then he just woke up one morning being used to Karen’s presence.

It has been natural to him to be very observant. Although he is talkative, he always find a moment to listen to what really people say, reading between the lines as others may put it. He even observes how people react even with the most ordinary happenings of every day. That is how he finds and knows the real people.

Karen made him comfortable and at ease every time they talk. At first, all the talks they share would only go to one of his ear and then runs out of his other ear. Karen had been very insistent on her friendship and it touched him. She’s been there to offer help and support, even he doesn’t ask her to. Karen made efforts that made him feel as if he really matters and that he has worth. So, he decided to step out of the shadows, to have a peak out of his shells. He accepted Karen’s friendship.

They always spend time together now. They even spend meals more often and tell jokes while dining. They even have time talking about their dreams, their ideas and sometimes even matters about the heart. They have been friends indeed. He appreciated Karen’s trust whenever she runs to him for comfort and when she tells even about her darkest secrets. At times when she laments about something, about someone, she made him feel that he was able to ease her pains just by mere listening.

They became close together that even Karen’s boyfriend became his friend. However, he makes sure, always, that he’s never on the way between the two. He stayed casual with Karen’s boyfriend. Sometimes, Karen would tell him about her joys and pains. She sometimes would tell him about problems in relationship and even when she needs advices for decision-makings.

Unfortunately, Karen and her boyfriend broke up. The broke up just made him and Karen closer. He became Karen’s shoulder to lean on. It was on that time when he finally gave Karen his full trust, his truest care and his valuable friendship. He was there at the time when Karen was distraught and struggling to move on. He was there when Karen is paddling on a boat in a sea of angry tides and storms. He offered lights during Karen’s darkest hours until they found a new shore, a new life for her.

After the storms, she was able to find the sun again. She has finally moved on. She’s ready to fall in love again.

After considerable amount of time, she fell in love again.

She fell in love with Earon.

Earon is a very nice guy, good looking, and a popular personality since he is one of the ace players of the school’s basketball team.

Although Karen had Earon, he was still there when Karen had inhibitions, when she needs someone to talk to when she must decide about something, about her and Earon. He gave her support. He never became tired of helping; instead, he was touched because Karen trust him so much that she runs to him anytime she needs help.

Earon and Karen fell in love and became lovers. They seem to find contentment and happiness to each other. It was then that he decided to leave. He would not fit on the scene anymore. His job is done. He told Karen about his plans. “I’m used to being alone,” he tried to convince her; “three would always be a crowd Karen. I’d still be your friend no matter what happens but I must give this time for the both of you!”

He believes that they have reached the point of the river where the path is divided and that they must travel on their own.

To his surprise, they would never even let him out of their sights. Karen begged him to stay and Earon offered him friendship. It took an amount of time to think about such offer. Karen would always send for him anytime Earon would ask her out. Earon would smile and ask him along too. Just to avoid further arguments, he would just say yes to them but sometimes, he would give the reasons so he could not go with them. Unfortunately, they never believed any of his made-up stories. They know him more than anyone, especially Earon.

Earon treated him well. Maybe out of choice or whatever was the reason, he accepted Earon’s friendship. They became so close until a point came that Earon was like a brother to him. He never expected it to happen. To care for other people again. Even Earon’s family became his friends. Earon made him feel at ease just the way Karen did before. They even tell jokes now. They talk about their childhood, their dreams, and their ideas and sometimes, Earon would tell him about the things that bother him, about him and Karen. The three of them became so close that it made people throw gossip out of spite or envy.

People would tell him that Earon and Karen are just using him, making him as their chaperon. Sometimes he would just laugh and take it as a joke. But there are times that he would get hurt yet he would still try to reason with himself: “Why should I even listen to a bunch of fools?” People don’t know the bond and care and respect that exist among the three. They only see what seems to be happening. They do not have the eyes to look deeper. They are friends and they respect each other, that is more than enough.

When Earon and Karen have misunderstanding, they would always run to him, for guidance and for understanding. It never fails to touch him. Karen would tell him things that trouble her, about things she could not understand, about Earon. Earon would do the same. But what touched him more about Earon is when he would tell him about his deepest feelings, his desires, his childhood memories, his future plans and even his darkest side. He knows that it is not easy for men to be emotional, to share their innermost self and Earon is not an exemption, that’s why he appreciated it a lot. He believes that Earon and Karen trust him so much enough to include him in their plans, in their decisions, and in their lives.

I never cared for friends the way I’m caring for them now. Maybe it was out of respect or maybe it is because they care for me too. I care for them not only because they make me feel I belong but because I think they are the friends worth caring for. They taught me great lessons about life and I will continue to do the same. As Earon may put it, “I like friends who are true and thoughtful. Those who would accept me for what I am and not for what I have or what I can offer. I yearn for friends who really care for me, who would be there for me not only in times of happiness but even also at times of trouble.”

People may tell me that I’m a fool. They may tell me that I am a chaperon or a maid. So what if I seem to be a maid or a chaperon or a P.A.? At least I’m serving the people I care for and whom I know cares for me too. I would rather be with them and let people talk on my back than spend my time with other people and deny myself the happiness I have always wanted. Earon and Karen are family now. They have been there for me in times of happiness and even at times of my insanity that’s why I would continue to do the same for them

I don’t know if their lives have been better or worst because of me, but mine had meaning because of them. Who knows, I might have found a purpose for my life. That is, to care not only to people who cares for me but also to those whoa re distraught and in need of attention. Earon and Karen taught me how to care, taught me lessons I would never learn at home or even at the four corners of my classrooms. That must be the reason why I would continue to be their friend for as long as they need me.

I found not only a purpose for my life but also real friends whom I would continue to care for until the crabs learn to fly.