No more dates

This is a funny story. I sure don’t want to forget so I resolved to write it here.
Warning: this is a long read.


Since the latest Harry Potter movie (to date) is about to be shown here, I was reminded of the time I went to see one HP movie in the theater some years back. I’m actually not a HP fan, since I do not favor witchcraft in any form, but I went to see how the effects will come out. I normally don’t go to movie houses too—not my type—but I did for a second reason: as a little favor to someone. Actually, it was a pious suitor from long ago—who, finally, had the guts to ask me out after several years of wooing.

Fact: I don’t go out on dates. Period. But I went to see HP with him. He was a friend since we’re 12. We went to the same high school back home (with very exclusive number of students, only 30-34 in a class, three sections, 100 students total per batch). He was a shy boy and I made friends with him since we’re seatmates (our surnames start with the same letter; seats were arranged in alphabetical order). He was a legend in high school for three reasons: (1) being shy; (2) the math wiz; (3) chess grandmaster. (On the contrary, I was known as the counselor, the literary geek, and the school band and clubs’ president and corps officer). He was a good friend too. Out of the blue, he started giving me all sorts of things, (all four years) not missing an occasion—birthdays, Christmases, Valentine’s, etc). He even dedicated [love] songs for me on our foundation day--every year! I married him thrice in school festivals and strolled the HS building handcuffed with him(with guards of course!). Nanay particularly liked him. His mom, in turn, how do I say this—she loves me! After high school, we also studied at the same University in the city. You may have guessed, still him not missing any occasion. When we finished our bachelor’s, both of us chose to practice our profession in the University; I am in the social sciences field while he’s a Mathematics professor. And yes, still with his devotion. Yet, all those years, he NEVER asked me out. (Wait, maybe when we were HS sophomores, with almost half of the class altogether.) Perhaps he knew me well—I wouldn’t go anyway. Haha!

History set. As young professionals, he managed to keep in touch. Sending me messages every now and then until one day, he asked if I have seen Shrek (movie). I said no. He casually asked if I want to watch it with him. I politely refused. End of story.

Not very long after, he asked if I have seen another movie I forgot what. I said no. He casually asked me again if I want to see it and he’d be happy to accompany me. I said I can’t. End of story.

Now, he again asked me if I would like to see HP. He said since we’re both going home on a Friday night, we could take a stop to see the movie then go home together (to the province) . Then it dawned to me that I actually turned him down recently (twice). I might be too harsh on him to give another NO for an answer. So, I said it wasn’t a bad idea. After all, he can be trusted. I quite know him well and he is a gentleman.

It was a little surprise seeing him again. (Even if we work in the same university, we rarely—almost not at all, see each other.) He really looked like a professor. But he remained casual, same as we were in high school. He first invited me for dinner—of course coming from work, we’re starving! But I was so insensitive (I confess!) I carried my files and put it out as we eat. I really just wanted to be nice to him so I agreed on a “date” but I was working on a deadline then. Besides, it was strange just to eat with someone who wasn't saying anything at all. So instead of being mute, I discussed the research I was working on.

I told Tatay I’ll be seeing my friend (my father knows him) and we’ll be watching HP. Not a problem. The real problem began when we got in the theater. It was so full there were no more seats available (and people were standing). We had to stand all the time with our big travel bags each (remember, we were going home to the province for the weekend). Plus, the man to my right was so annoying. Where was my date? To my left, standing with a respectable distance from me. I really wanted to catch his attention and tell him to snap a blow to the jerk (pardon my diction) at my right. Poor me, he liked the movie (or was he so afraid tobe anywhere near me?). I told him about the man and he was so mad. He apologized for being unaware of what had happened.

After the movie, the next ‘struggle’ was at the terminal. For some reason, there were no more taxis/buses going home. We were stranded for about three hours. We both called home and said we'll be late. Finally we were able to find a ride. It was past 1am when we got to the drop off point where—my father and my big brother (who by the way, was our student teacher back in high school)—were waiting. Since there was no other transport available, I told him to head home and not to get off the taxi anymore. But he insisted. He politely brought me to Tatay and Kuya and apologized for being so late. Have I mentioned that my father is an adorable and just man? Tatay, in turn, thanked him for bringing me home safely and offered that he stayed at our home for the night. (I’d seen him turn red all over in the dark!) He politely refused but after waiting at the terminal for another 30 minutes in a deserted road at the wee hours of morn, he agreed reluctantly. We had late meal when we got home. I gave him a shirt to change from the teacher-outfit he was wearing. He slept (if he ever did) on the sofa at the living room.

He was up very early the next morning and politely thanked my father for the accommodations. Anyone can tell how embarrassed he was. He kept apologizing to me all the time. I understand him; if I were a guy, I wouldn’t want that to happen on my first date, especially when it was more than eight years in the making! Haha!

Since then, he never mentioned anything about it. Didn't even dare to ask me out again. Yet he still sends his messages daily.

So, do you think I’d still go out on dates? Tsk…tsk…