Trio

We were an odd trio.

To begin with, we are a perfect combination for disaster. One perfectionist, one carefree soul, one worry wart. To top it all, we are all hot headed.

Aside from that, we could not be any more different. As foods, Jheng would be a steak, I would be a spaghetti, and Elise would be a dessert. In dressing up, Jheng would be corporate, ELise would be chic and trendy, I would be casual and not care at all how I look. In travelling, I would be the planner (always listing down iteneraries, bookings and even help numbers ahead of time), Jheng would be the on-site manager (the one making sure we did everything we committed to do, make sure we don't leave anything in the hotel room) and Elise would be the one enjoying the stroll and not aggrevate the blaming game when things go wrong.

As a trio, we did not have a very smooth start. A lot of crying and blaming and anger enveloped our first year. However, as the stir pass, the air became clear and we were off to our adventures together.

In Manila, we would see each other every so often. Sometimes only me and Jheng, sometimes, the three of us. But here in SIngapore, we were given the chance to live together, and become even closer together. There were times we would tease each other saying what we'd do to each other when we are already old and gray. How we would put ointments on each other, remind each other of our vitamins, etc. Of course we would pray that at least one of us would get married and have children. I once told Jheng (as she is the only one getting suitors) to get married and I will be her child's tita and I will spoil her children as I am spoiling her right now (or so I thought).

I joined Elise and Jheng in Singapore last September 07 and they cannot be any more supportive of my job search than they did. Living in our Sengkang home, in the beginning, exposed how differently we would handle problems. After a rough start in that house, we began to settle in, form rules, and try to keep to our duties as best we can. But it is not as mechanical as it sounds. Jheng being the most "malambing" in the house and the obvious link between me and Elise made the house our home. Our Sengkang home was witness to the most caring, warm and devoted friendship possible between three women. We were not always sweet, we could give each other scorching looks and a taste of sharp hurtful words when we are expressing our differing opinions or are simply short of patience. But we would always make up and forget all about it like nothing happened. We went to places together, throw parties together, go to the grocery together, eat together, watch t.v. together and simply have a great time knowing that each would just be there when you call.

As it happens, the past 2 years was a blissful preparation to the past 2 weeks...sadly, it looks like we will nonetheless fail.

The home crumbled with every empty seat on the table, every irritated comment, every nagging worry, every advise ignored, every unheaded plead for attention and warmth.

I guess, our lives together will soon come to an end. However, to my two friends, I write...

Thank you for being my pillar in the past two years. I have been a victim of self-doubt many times but the two of you who have seen me in my better days were there to remind me of the strength I have within. Thank you for teaching me that fighting with each other does not mean friendships end. Thank you for teaching me that adult friendship could be playful and carefree and responsible all at the same time. Thank you for playing "bahay-bahayan" with me here in Sengkang... you made me see the beauty of taking care of each other unconditionally.

I will always remember how money is important because of our expenses. I will always remember that making time for each other is always possible if you work on it because you always made time for me and I for you. I will always remember how to be sensitive to the needs of others because we shared spaces. I will always remember that friends could be family too because we were.

If plans push through, there won't be much difference in my scenario but then again...we will not be the trio we were. I will sorely miss all the good times...and yes even the bad. I will miss our home.

Of course I would be even happier if we pass this test...but I cannot deny the fact that it would have come sooner or later anyway... we only wished it won't.