No sad goodbyes

It was during my third year in college, when it all began. For a couple of Stat classes then, I happen to sit beside one friendly, cheerful girl named Garet. From seatmates who would share food, and exchange tips on how not to fall asleep during boring lectures, we evolved into being groupmates for Stat papers, until we became part of this one big barkada with our other friends. I remember during senior year we were more inseparable, thanks to numerous school projects that kept us busy. I can't really recall an instance when we had a night out. We're no geeks but we're no party animals either. I guess we had somewhat a boring college life, but truthfully, it wasn't so bad.

After college, we went on our separate ways, had jobs in different fields. We'd rarely see each other then -- about once a year, during Christmas season when we'd have our traditional "Chirstmas party" of dinner and exchanging gifts. That's it. We used to joke how we never did anything after dinner, how we'd all be sleepy and would just opt to go home. Ah, still pretty boring, but again, it wasn't so bad.

Until fate brought us all together again. We've changed jobs, changed industries, until more or less our lives evolved around this one little software called SAS. Two of our friends, RJ and Jong, decided to get married, then had a baby and that brought all of us closer than before. Garet and Jeorge followed the suit about a year after. By then, we were already used to seeing each other more frequently, talking about stuff we've never talked about (unforgettable: Seattle's Best at Festival Mall, question and answer portion for Garet, the bride-to-be), and Sharon treating us almost everytime we go out.

We were never a mushy barkada. There'd be glimpses, yes, but only occassionally -- as in, only during occasions, specifically during weddings! Until Jeorge had to leave for the US. Then Garet to follow soon after. Suddenly, you realize how much things have changed since college. Somehow in the span of around 5 years, priorities have changed. Circumstances. Decisions had to be made. And friends you have to let go.

Nope, there were no tears when we said our goodbyes. Only promises. Of seeing each other again. Of future visits to the US, of coming back for my wedding. But it is with heavy heart that I write this now, because I know I'd miss two of my most favorite people in the world. Its kind of hard to imagine the group without the two of them. But we all know it's for their future's best and that we are 100% supportive of their decision. Now that doesn't seem so bad now, right?

In the meantime, we'd busy ourselves watching Geri and Miguel grow up, and Sharon falling in love.


All the best, Jeorge and Garet!