Faith.Hope.Love

4. One Perfect Day

 It was past 6pm The coffee shop was not crowded and I easily found a perfect space to park the car. As I was nearing the entrance door, Rachel waved her hand. She got our favorite spot. The overlooking view of the lake beside the window was just amazing.

"Faith Katherine Perez, finally you're here. I've been here for about an hour, you have to treat me!' Rachel kiddingly said.

I chuckled at her. I missed Rachel. I've been so busy lately. That's why we didn't hang out so often. We're just updating each other whenever we have time to talk on the phone at work.

"Rachel Anne Morales, I think you should be the one to treat me, I heard you're the new Business Manager of the school?" I teasingly said as I reached out my hand to congratulate her.

"Who told you that?" Rachel looked defeated.
"Let's just say I have my sources, my ever reliable sources." I intensely looked into her eyes.

"Okay, that's what I'm going to tell you, Faith, you just spill the beans!" She pretended to be hurt.

"Congratulations friend!" I stated victoriously as I began to look at the menu.

"Let me see, I think I'll have tuna steak and rice and mango shake. And I also have blueberry cheesecake for dessert, Shepherd's pie and a cappuccino." I playfully said to Rachel.

"Oh no, where's your appetite Faith! I'm so ashamed!" She rolled her eyes.

I just smiled.

"Alright, that's fine, just be sure to finish them all or else..." She threatened.

"Of course!" I assuredly said.

"I'll just have shepherd's pie and green tea." Rachel said. She then placed our orders.

While waiting for our orders, Rachel and I began our endless chitchat from work happenings to family, Rachel's schooling (she finally decided to take her special education), church and even her new hobby, biking which I could never learn.

"About my new job as business manager, I'm not really confident if I can do it. I feel that I'm not ready yet for the big responsibility." Rachel shared with me.

"Why do you feel that way? The management gave you that responsibility because you are capable, skilled and most importantly you have the heart. And you're Rachel! Fight, fight, fight!"
"You're saying that because you're my friend!"

"No, it's not that. I'm your friend that's why I am confirming that they have chosen the perfect person for the job! Don't ever doubt yourself, Rachel. You're really good."

"That's why I really have to see you...Thank you, Faith."

"You're most welcome Rachel! I know you can do it."

We started to eat. Then suddenly a sweet music filled the coffee shop. A little boy shyly approached the table next to us carrying a single-stemmed white rose. He gave it to the young woman wearing a simple and casual floral dress sitting just across a young man. The little boy got so much resemblance to the man. If my guess was right, he was his little brother.

"Please say yes to my brother?" the little boy beseeched the young lady. The young lady held close the little boy while tears came running from her eyes. Then the young man rose up from his seat, pulled out a small crystal box inside his pocket and fell on his knees. Rachel and I were both speechless for this special moment happening right before us. If my calculation was right, I think both the young man and lady were on their late 20's.

"I've been waiting for this time to ask you. Would you mind spending the rest of our lives together?" The young man sweetly inquired.

In silence, everyone waited for her answer.

"Yes, I don't mind spending our lives together," she replied.

The young man put the ring on the finger of the young lady in front of her. They tightly hugged each other.

Everyone in the coffee shop applauded in unison and congratulated the couple.

"Hey Faith, are you crying?" Rachel sneered at me.

I hastily dried up my eyes with the tissue paper on our table. Why am I crying? This is so not unusual of me. And sometimes it's embarrassing but I just can't help it.

"I'm sorry, I got carried away. That was so lovely, don't you think? What a way to end our Sunday evening. But Rachel, you're also crying!" I tried to say in high spirit despite my monotonous voice.

Rachel and I finished our dinner. My cappuccino was served. Rachel got her green tea. We'd converse any topic that came to mind. We're about to go home and I excused myself to Rachel to go to the ladies' room. As I got up from my seat and find my way to the ladies' room, I saw one familiar face of a man sitting two tables behind our table.

It was Gabriel de Vega. His name really sounds like a brand of cologne to me. He was a schoolmate from the University and for almost three years ago we became officemates. I was about to pretend not to see him but he waved his hand at me. I waved back trying to put a smile on my face. He stood up.

"I was about to leave, I'm with a friend," I explained.

"Yeah, I saw you a while ago. " Gabriel said. He was here at the coffee shop that long. I hope that he didn't see me when the perfect proposal happened.

"So, how long have you been here?"

"I was here at around 5 pm. Remember the man who proposed? He was my cousin Lemuel and I was invited to witness and support him.'' He explained to me.

"I see..." I just hope he didn't see my reactions while the proposal was happening.

"How's your car?" Gabriel inquired. He seemed so concern.

"Oh, good as new. Thanks to you. You saved me yesterday. And I owe you." After the book proposal, Gabriel helped me change the flat tire. Three blocks away from Today's Hope Center for Children, the tire blew up. I decided just to run my way through the presentation and I was at that state when Gabriel came.

"By the way Faith, this is my friend Isabel. She's been invited here also. Isabel this is Faith."

"I'm happy to meet you Faith!" She held out her hand.

"Same here Isabel." I took her hand. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. Gabriel didn't share that he has special someone. They perfectly looked good for each other.

"It's so nice to meet you, Isabel. Gabriel, I think I have to go. Well, actually, I think I have to run. (pointing to the ladies' room). You both take care." I smiled and turn my back straight away.

"Okay, see you tomorrow Faith!" I heard Gabriel said from behind. I didn't bother to look back.

I rushed my way to the ladies' room. After some time I went back.

I was glad Gabriel left already. I almost forgot about Rachel. Oh, my!

"What took you so long Faith?" Rachel inquired.

"I'm so sorry friend! Something came up. Okay, can we go now?"

"Yeah, would you mind me going to ladies' room this time?" I laughed as Rachel asked me. I'd suddenly become so insensitive. What kind of friend am I?

"Not at all, go ahead Rachel." I just waited silently watching the beautiful lake view outside the window.

It was a long day. The church was perfect. I'd finished my work and played with the kids. Rachel and I finally got our perfect dinner updates. I witnessed a perfect proposal. And I met Gabriel and Isabel. My heart was so full. 

I felt like it would break anytime.