My childhood friend is getting married. He’s 23.

My madre just called to tell me that my childhood friend’s mom (nicknamed “Mother-in-Law” by my padre because she used to match-make me with said friend) sent an invitation to her son’s August 9 wedding addressed to “*Mars, [Her son’s name]’s elementary school friend”. I bet she sent a messenger to deliver the invitation instead of mailing it.

I’m supposed to expect an email from that friend but taking into consideration that we have not spoken or kept in contact in any possible way for over four years, it’s safe to say that the chance of me receiving such an email is 50-50. My heart really says it’s more like 0. I don’t think he knows my email address and neither do I know his. Also, he doesn’t have a Facebook account and mine is not searchable outside of my two networks. Every time I went back for holidays, his mom made him and his little sister take me out to lunch/dinner and drive me back home so I don’t think he likes me very much. Things have always been awkward and embarrassing for both of us because we were very competitive back in elementary school but his mom would treat us like we were meant to be together (wrong, obviously). I would tell-tale to her all the bad things he did every day after class and he’d be really upset with me but he still had to give cakes and presents for my birthdays using his name. The first time this happened, he said, “It’s from my mom, not me. Understood?”

He treated me better as we grew older, of course, such as standing up for me when a mutual friend accused me of being high-maintenance and having a holier-than-thou attitude because I was a little hesitant to take a cab home from a sketchy part of Jakarta. Just fyi, taxis in Jakarta are very different from the ones here. There’s a reason why most people drive instead of taking the cab. Besides, my friend drives and he knew his mom wouldn’t approve of him letting me take a cab home because our parents know each other and doing that is a big NO-NO in the parents’ world. He snapped at the accuser and shut her up good that day. Thank goodness for that because I was left speechless when the girl started throwing sarcastic, mean comments at me and I didn’t expect such treatment from someone I’ve known since pre-school. I remembered that I was pretty quiet and detached during the outing that day so I didn’t expect him to stand up for me. I’m tougher and (can be) much bitchier than the other girl but his action made me feel less of a rival/friend and more of a girl. I’m thankful for that.

Anyway, he’s getting married a week from now and I won’t be there. Does he wonder sometimes if I have changed? I do. I also wonder how his pretty sister (superrr pretty. why is he different from the rest of his family? haha. just kidding) is doing in Singapore right now. Years ago, he told me that his sister would never study abroad because she can’t bear to leave their parents’ embrace but look at where she is now :)

I was half-listening to my madre on the phone and half-wondering about all these past happenings when she told me that I have to call my friend’s mom and congratulate her. My friend’s mom seems eager to make contact again because she gave her daughter’s information to my mom in case I want to hang out with the Pretty Miss when I return from the States. Now I felt obliged. If I were to make those phone calls tomorrow, he better send (find my email first) that email to acknowledge my existence too. My lil sis is going to be upset with me because my mom plans to take her to the wedding in place of me. She doesn’t know yet.

おめでとう、アルベルト。

PS: Now I feel like I have to get married soon too. Damn him. Why must he always be one step ahead of me? -.-“

NIGHTNIGHT by DEDDY