Chapter 16: Andro

                                    

                                          

Andro...
Since our classes are about to end and I have to leave the next day for my hometown Puerto Rico for the holiday break. I have been up very early in the morning these last few days preparing for the final exam for my students. 
I've already written Lois my short birthday wishes this morning. There were a lot of things that I wanted to say, but I restrained myself since I didn't want to do anything that might give her a hint that I have feelings for her, it is not the right time yet.
In the late afternoon, I started to see pictures of her on Facebook that were taken on the same day on her birthday. She looked so simple yet elegant and is a perfect example of what type of woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. She was wearing a simple knee-length skirt, white sandals, and a floral blouse; her smile was radiant even in photos; she had no heavy makeup applied to her face; and her black long hair was freely cascading in her back. 
Many people, including my mother, left birthday wishes in the comments section of her photo. I was looking through some of their messages but one of her manager's captions caught my attention: which says,
 "Happy birthday, Lhing! This may be the second birthday cake you've ever blown, but we hope it's the beginning of many more to come! we love you!"
Even though I am certain that she is not the only person who doesn't have cake on every birthday, the realities of life can sometimes take us by surprise. This reality made me value my life more than I had before. From now on she will have cake on every birthday, I'll make sure of it. I've made a note in my mind. 
After I ate my dinner, I wrote her again to confirm our call, but I found out that she wouldn't be available due to other plans. As a result, we decided to set the call for early morning the next day for me and the afternoon for her. It was very challenging for us to adjust our sixteen-hour time difference, but we managed. For the first time, I clearly heard her voice.
"Hello and good morning" She greeted me. Although it was clear to me that it has nothing special about her voice, there was something about it that made my stomach churn with anticipation and excitement. It was so sweet and calming to the ear.
"Hi, good evening. How are you? you hear me well?" I asked her while trying to calm
myself. 
"Yes, loud and clear," she said followed by her laughter. It sounds so light and relaxing. After our short pleasantries, we talked a little more about her birthday and before she passed the phone to her sister I was able to
mention my plan of going home for the holiday season.
"Oh, really? so happy for you. Enjoy" I don't know but I immdiately sense something in her voice.
"Thank you. Everything is fine?" I tried to ask but she just said she was fine and did not elaborate more.
For the next minute, I was talking to her sister already. In the beginning, I thought I will be having a hard time with her but once she start talking I sense that she is mature in many things and she is humble and easy to talk to like her sister Lois. The plan of talking for only ten minutes we end up talking for thirty minutes, and she started opening up about her studies, her struggles and her dreams even her life in God in which I found the opportunity to encourage her in the Lord, and before we ended the call we become friends in Facebook. 
After the call, my friendship with Lois remained the same; we continued chatting with each other practically every day, primarily to encourage one another in the Lord, and from time to time, her sister would send me a chat. This routine continues till my trip back home arrived.
Tonight will be my flight back home, please pray for me_  I chatted with her one day.
Is that today? yes! I will be praying for you. Please take care and keep us updated_