Almost Not Over You

CHAPTER 3: UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

Life is all about uncertainties. We don’t know what will happen in the future. No matter how we prepared for it, sometimes life will blow us out—something unexpected are bound to happen. So as the people we meet every day. There are those that are meant to stay and are meant to leave us. But truly those certain encounters are unexpected ones—they were out of plan at all. Sometimes those encounters are meant for the better or for the worse. But no matter where they’re headed to, they are meant to happen to teach us a very important lesson in life. And that’s what makes life even more beautiful—you just have to expect the unexpected.

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“Hey. George, are you okay?” Jessie worriedly asked as she puts her hands on my forehead. “Oh my goodness.” She hurriedly went to the kitchen to place her 2 full packs of groceries and brought some medicine and heating pads. “You must be kidding me. How come you were able to work with that condition of yours?” She continues as she places the heating pads on me and places the thermometer on my mouth to measure accurately my body temperature. “What have you done to yourself? Why are you working so hard, huh? Is this your way of rebelling against your father?” she worriedly asked.

“I’m okay.” I insisted as I grab my blanket to cover my body fully. “I just needed to take a rest and tomorrow I’ll be fine.”

But knowing Jessie, she won’t budge to what I say. And that’s one thing I admire about her, she knows what she wants and she will do it. She’s someone I can count on. Indeed, she took care of me the whole night despite how tired she was from work.   That’s how lucky I am to have her as my best friend. She was truly one of a kind. We’ve been friends since college—almost 8 years now. And I can say, that we’ve been through a lot. Just like any type of relationship, our friendship was been tested a lot of times. We’ve survived life together.

I could still remember our first meet up. It was the first day of school. New environment. New people. New world. A new chapter in life. I was a bit scared of all the new things in life. Feeling innocent, I walked towards the campus. Feeling nervous, I searched my classroom and it took me 2 hours to finally reach my first class. Before opening the door, I breathe in and out to muster up my courage. When I entered the room, everyone was staring at me. I feel like I was frozen into ice. I couldn’t move the feet even though my mind tells me to take a step. I never felt that kind of embarrassment in my entire life. Then the teacher speaks. “Speaking of tardiness.” My professor shouted while glaring her eyes on me. I never saw such a hilarious look before. Even though my mama was a bit strict but she never stared at me like that. “What time is it, Ms…?”

“George San Jose, Ma’am,” I said with a tremble in my voice.

“The first day of school and yet you manage to be late. And you choose to be late in my class, Ms. San Jose. One thing that I hate about my students is being late in class.”

I was about to explain my side of the story but I couldn’t since she already continue her speech.

“As I said earlier… Oh! I believe I don’t need to reiterate myself because of your tardiness Ms. San Jose.” She irately uttered. “But let me give you a summary. We will have a minus-plus system. Minus for violation. Plus for recognition. You’ll have 10 points deduction for being late in my class on the very first day.” She added while signalling me with her eyes to take a seat.

I was too embarrassed that I decided to take the vacant seat at the back. I wanted to disappear at that very moment. How I wish I can. I just look on the floor when someone beside me said. “It’s okay. Don’t be so discouraged. We all have a long way to go. There’s still next time.” She smiled. “By the way, I’m Jessica Cruz. But you can call me Jessie for short. I’m taking Nursing.” She added while extending her hands towards me.

Our first meeting was just like an ordinary one. But I didn’t know that a simple encounter could turn out to be seven years, 9 months, 1 week, 2 days, 8 hours, 24 minutes and 12 seconds to be exact and of course, it’s still counting.

Since then we shared everything in life. From all those joyous moments to heart-breaking nights, we’ve been there for each other. She was there when my dad failed to come to my graduation. She was there when I got my first heartbreak. She was there when my grandfather died. She was like a sister to me. And if you think, I was just the only one who receives all the care from her, well you’re wrong. Just like a said we’ve been there for each other. I was with her when her long-time boyfriend cheated on her. We even went to a countryside beach and drink our hearts out even though I had to rest for my exam tomorrow morning. I cried with her. I comforted her just like how she comforted me when I was so down and sad.

I couldn’t imagine life without her—my best friend. That’s why when she left to work abroad, it took me quite some time to adjust. I just miss her so much especially when I had my second and I guess the worst break up ever with my 3-year boyfriend. That night when I wanted to disappear from everything, she just called me and said, “Come here. I will hug you now.” Those words seem so good to me that I immediately flew to Austria without any plans at all.

Going here and living here in Austria was I guess one of the best things I’ve done in my life. I know I’m not perfect. I made mistakes every day but deciding to live here was the right thing I’ve done so far. I found healing in this place. I found light in the darkness. I have lived again. Though it wasn’t easy at all, having a friend around me makes everything so easy. And of course, the place was really beautiful and awesome. No wonder Austria was ranked among those top countries in the world for being the best place to live. And of all its cities, what I loved was Vienna. Not because this is where I currently live nor because this is where I was working, but because I fell in love with the city. I love how it’s rich culture and history was still evident anywhere your eyes will take you. Truly, Vienna has this charm that captures a lot of tourists all around the globe. And I was one of those that were captured with its beauty. With its great historical sightseeing opportunities, remarkable art collections, home of glittering palaces, and excellent musical heritage, Vienna has truly amazed me every day. Well, not just Vienna though because the totality of Austria will truly mesmerize you.  Although Austria is about 65% made up of Alps mountain range and 1,600 feet above sea level, it gives you an ample opportunity to witness an epic high-altitude scenery that you can experience even at your backyard. How beautiful it was and I’m still not over it after living here for more than 3 years now. Though the cost of living was quite expensive where Austria was ranked as the 18th country most expensive to live by CEOWORLD Magazine. But actually, your expenses depend on where you settle. I was able to endure it, thanks to my friend who got housing at a cheaper cost without sacrificing the security and comfort of the place. Well, I just love Austria a lot. This is my second home away from home. Well, the Philippines come first of course. Coming here unprepared caught me off guard but I guess the pain I have before has been a blessing in disguise—it helps me survive to live far away from home.

Meanwhile, when morning came, I wake up early. Feeling better and energized with all the care I got from my friend, I decided to prepare our breakfast. Well, after living for quite some time here, I learned how to cook. I guess I was able to unleash some of the cooking skills I got from my Mom. When I was cooking I was both happy and sad because it reminds me of her so much. While cooking, I couldn’t stop myself from singing. I love music too much that music won’t love me back. And since I’m not blessed with a beautiful voice, Jessie was able to wake up. And guess what, the first thing she did, she grabbed me out of the kitchen.

“Hey. Georgina? What are you doing?” She annoyingly asked while checking on me. “Why are you up so early?”

“Hey. I’m okay.” I calmly answered. “I’m fine now. I easily get well because my caregiver was the best nurse in the world.” I laughingly added while making a two-thumbs-up just to soothe her worries. “I won’t be sick just because I carry some cooking pan.”

“Seriously?” She was pissed off. “You don’t know how worried I was last night. You know I’ll be dead if mama knows this. She made me in-charge of you.”

“Hey. I’m sorry.” I hug her. “Promise, I’ll take care of myself even more. I won’t be so busy with work and I’ll find time to rest and relax. Promise. Pinky promise. Just don’t get angry because of this, huh? Okay?”

I don’t hear any response just a nod from her. But deep inside I know how worried she was. I don’t want to explain more since that will only make her even more worried and I already been a burden for her when I got here 3 years ago.

“Come on, let’s eat. I prepared the best breakfast for the best nurse in the world.” I splurge something funny just to ease the drama. “But wait, ah! What is this smell?”

“Why?” She confusingly asked.

“I guess the best nurse needs to take a bath first. Your smell was true, ah…” I laughingly added as I pushed her towards the bathroom and not giving her a chance to explain.

“Hey.” She spat me on the side while laughing her hearts out.

After breakfast, I went to work. Thanks to Jessie’s co-worker, I got a job at one of the best travel agencies here in Austria. Well, it was the best, though no study says that advenTOURIStas travel agency was the best, but for me it was. I found another family with them. My job as a tourist guide was so hard at first, especially because the language here in Austria was German and I don’t have any basic knowledge about that language. But because they help me out, I was able to be effective and efficient with my work. Attending 4 hours a week of class every Saturday and my desire to learn has also been a big factor to adjust quickly here in Austria.  Our company hired mostly Filipinos that’s why I feel at ease, I feel I was at home. What I love about my job is that I got a chance to tour all the beautiful places in Austria. I got to experience the things that I just read online and see it for myself its beauty. It also allows me to meet a lot of people. I found new friends. Found new friendships. I was able to learn their story and made a realization that the world doesn’t just rotate for me. I was able to know that no matter how painful life is, you just have to look everything on its positive side just as what I heard from someone that “all sides of the leaves are green, and it’s just a matter on where you look at it.” Basically, I don’t know him personally. I just suddenly remember his very words on the night I acted like a stupid human being. I don’t know but the thought of him makes me smile a bit.

On the other hand, living here at Austria has taught me to live beyond my comfort zone. My world expands to a different horizon.

 “Good morning.” I greeted everyone from our utility staff and to my fellow employees. “Here’s your coffee.”

“Thank you.” “Thanks, George.” “Latte was the best during this winter season. You’re the best.”

“Hey!” Mandy, a co-worker of mine who always the first in getting news approach me. “What’s up? Are you okay now? You don’t look well yesterday.”

“Yeah. I’m good.” I answered as I hover my computer for my current assignment.

“I feel relieved hearing that you’re okay. You just know how worried we were yesterday when you suddenly collapsed.”

“Good morning, Madam L.” We all greeted as our boss entered the office.

“George? I need to have a minute with you.” She ordered.

“Yes.” I quickly responded as I went to her office.

After the talk, I went out of her office feeling not satisfied with her decision.

“Hey!” Mandy curiously asked. “What happen?”

“Well, it seems like another tiring week for me again,” I said while pretending that things were going to be okay.

“Why?” She added.

“My week-long leave was denied.” I irritably added. “And the worst thing is I need to take over Tina’s assignment added to my current task. Now, I need to be a tourist guide for 20 people. Imagine? How can I tour such a large group of people? Ah! Why... Why... Why does she have to take that stupid leave of all the days she chooses coincidentally with my leave? This is so disgusting.”

“I can feel you.” Mandy comforted me. “How I wish I could help you in any way?”

Then I suddenly thought. “Hey!” I look at her suspiciously with the thought of transferring some of my tourists under her assignment but before I could continue she immediately leaves saying she won’t do it. As if she read my mind.

Then the most tiring week came. I smiled as I could as I wait at the airport for our tourists. I know it’s going to be a long day for me or shall I say I long and tedious week ahead of me. But I need to bear with it since this is my job and I don’t have any choice as of the moment.

“Hello!” I greeted them with a smile. “Good morning. Welcome to Austria.” “Hi! I’m George. Your travel buddy.” “Hi!” “Hello!” “Welcome.”

Seeing how large this group was, I was shortly taken aback. I don’t know how to react. Twenty people with different attitude, character and personality. Different individuals you need to handle for a week. Imagine? How crazy it could be. But I managed to smile and survive this week-long trip.

Meanwhile, inside the tour bus.

“I bet you’re all tired from your trip so we’ll be headed down first to your hotel so that you can take short rest. You can eat. Or you can take a shower if you want. But don’t sleep too much because after lunch we will immediately start your week-long tour here in Austria. And I can assure you that you’re going to experience that best thing in your life. You’re going to love Austria just like I do.”

When we arrived at the hotel, I handed down their itinerary so that they will be guided on what to expect during their trip. After lunch, I called them in the hotel lobby to explain the “don’ts” and “do’s” in Austria. And everything seemed okay. Though the group was quite large, I can feel that they were all easy to converse and knows how to follow instructions. So, I was a bit satisfied. But when I was started calling them one by one to give their ID’s and SIM card, no one responded when I called the name, Mr. Juan Antonio Crisostomo III. So I uttered it again. “Mr. Juan Antonio Crisostomo III? Mr. Crisostomo?”

When I take a count off, someone was truly missing. This can’t be happening. So I hurriedly went to the receptionist of the hotel to ask is someone went out of room 540. But she said that no one check-in in the room since last night.

“What?” I was terrified. “How could it be? I saw them all went into the hotel. How come?”

I immediately called our office to report what happened. Our boss was so angry that she ordered me to look for our missing tourist no matter what. And since we cannot cancel today’s tour just because of someone’s stupidity, Mandy was sent to temporarily be the tour guide.

“Hey! Are you okay?” Mandy asked. “What happens? Do you have any idea where he could be?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know. I even don’t know where to start to look for him.” I miserably uttered.

“He wasn’t being kidnapped or something… right?” She anxiously added.

“One thing I know, he wasn’t abducted. I checked the CCTV footage a while ago. By the looks of it, I don’t think he came to Austria as a tourist.”

“What do you mean?” She confusingly asked.

“It seems like he has other ulterior motives in coming here. And my instincts tell me something is wrong. I don’t know what his deal is but I will not let him ruin my career. First, I need to find him as soon as possible. I don’t know where to begin but I will find him no matter what.” I added with a sense of urgency and bravery though deep inside, I was nervous since my job was at stake.

After sending his photo to my friends and associates to contact me if they happen to see this guy, I immediately drove my car around the city. I search for him everywhere despite how hot outside. I almost wanted to give up but every time I stop I said to myself, she messed with the wrong person. I continue walking. From every corner to every street, I search for him. Without eating at the right time, I look for him. I was exhausted and tired but suddenly, I got a call from one of my friends. He said he saw the guy on the photo I sent a while ago. After hearing it, I rushed to the place he told me. I wanted to confront him—saying how he causes such a hassle. But somehow, I lose all my anger when I saw him crying from afar. Sitting alone on the bench. I don’t know what exactly happened but I could feel his pain. It seems like my weakness is again killing me. I slowly walked towards him without making any sound. I seated across him behind his back. Then, I handed down a handkerchief. That made him stop for a while.

“It’s okay.” “Everything will be okay. It’s okay to cry. I don’t know what happen but crying can help you let out those pain inside. I should know. That was my life before.” that was all I said at that moment. I couldn’t seem to get angry with him. I don’t know what’s happening to me. But every time I saw someone crying it seems like I wanted to help them—to comfort them just like how I was comforted on the night I wanted to disappear and feels so much pain. It was just so good to have someone at your side when the world turns back on you. Even a stranger’s presence is a big help. Indeed, no man is an island.