red blooded
We were friends way long before.. classmates from pre-school, elementary then high school.. played together on the jungle gym, she was there when I fell off, exchanged Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books then graduated to Agatha Christie, Mills & Boon, Sidney Sheldon, Ken Follet and Robert Ludlum.. we cut class together just to be able to watch the new movie opening at the local cinema running back to school just in time for the periodicals.. tree house gimmicks.. sharing ideas and trials… she was my confidante, no less.. memories light the corners of my mind.. hmmmm… 
We were separated in college coz she took up a BS Psych, while I who couldn’t stand heavy academic reading followed my father’s advice and got a Commerce degree. Years passed and we saw each other again during our 20th HS reunion. She was already a successful bank officer in Manila, while I at the opposite end of the country.
When I learned of her illness 2 years ago, I looked for her number but couldn’t find it. Thanks to technology, our batch finally created our very own group and were able to update each other. There it was!! I got her cellphone number and we were able to communicate once again.
Chance brought me to Manila where I was determined not to go home without seeing her. I texted her "basta, I will see you within this week!" Luckily, some batchmates who were based there squeezed the visit into their busy schedules and ola! We met at her house… I had mixed feelings actually, happy because we finally had time together and sad because of the trial that she was facing.
I salute her for the strength and bravery that she showed.. She was her usual cheerful self, no depression whatsoever, no telling what I would have done myself if I were in her shoes. She will always be a part of my life. She was actually my inspiration during our younger years. I wanted to be as bright and intelligent as she was, but alas.. I cannot hold a candle to her.. My very good friend Lanie…
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