Maleta

"It's Official, I just received my court order for the dismissal of the case filed against me. I am now free from the suspicion of being a criminal. Now I can really go there."

Text ko yan kay Charmita.

"Finally! When na? Bukas?"

Reply nya... I snickered... si Charm talaga!

"Gaga! Shempre mag iimpake pa ko ng mga gamit ko... alangan naman mag gagagla ako on one set of clothes... unless ipag sho-shopping mo ko ng isang buong aparador ng mga damit at gamit. Pick a date on the third week of August. I want you to chose so that it would be convenient for you para masundo mo ko."

"22, Saturday. I am off by 4am and will not be back in the office till Sunday 4pm." Mabilis nyang sagot.

"22 it is!"

So there... With the one final obstacle out of the way, this is it! I am finally relocating.. for good!

The next few days were spent on endless 'despedida's' with countless circles that I would be leaving behind. I decided to forgo the big 'despedida' in favor of quiet final meets with small circles for intimate farewells. Besides, I must carefully guard what little is left of my finances to anticipate the tide over period with which I am yet to receive a pay check when I am in the Metro already. At least. job hunting would not be a problem since Charm's company would readily employ me, as if its a shoo-in.

The endless get-togethers and small coffee meet ups continued day in and day out... and nights too. Until one time, we were strolling in a mall and I noticed a sign.

"Luggage Sale, up to 50% Off!"



Then it hit me. Wala pa nga pala akong maleta! The last time I traveled with big packed baggages was when I went to New York i n 2001. This time, since I am moving out for good, I need big luggage. Then, a certain cold feeling swept over me. Melancholia, perhaps.

I looked around, and the assistants were very helpful. When I finally settled on a specific luggage that I liked, the loneliness got mixed with drops and spots of excitement! So this is it!
I ended up postponing buying the luggage as we were still going elsewhere. Alanagan naman bilhin ko na agad at bitbitin ang pagkalaki laking maletang yon, now na!


Yesterday, I finally bought it. It's big, combination of hard and soft case, and dark orange/saffrom. Almost brown. It's sitting right beside my bed.



Now... how do I pack my dreams, longings, laughter, friends, memories and reveries to bring with me to where I am going? I hope my happy thoughts could fit in between the folds and crevices when my clothes are all packed., just in case I need one in the dark, dingy and dangerous streets of the metro. August 22, 2009 and Manila. SO near, yet so far away!

Meanwhile, my mobile is sounding off the batteries and I am late for yet another group farewell. Coffee beckons , and I heed the call. There is much time left to pack. I just hope there is someone out there tonight to make me forget my worries. I know that there is always my ever reliable mug of coffee, but then again, a tight hug from some hot chubby chinito would be nice to buoy me and save me from drowning in my thoughts.

Now where's my lucky "I'm gonna get laid tonight" shirt?

Photo Credits"

http://www.kathystanczak.ca/deathvalley.html
http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/travel/2007/08/
http://drzelig.com/2008/07/26/bring-on-the-crazy/