Ella Finally Meets Carson

It was Monday again, and I just endured another training session at the gym. Having lost over 20 pounds the past month my body gradually became more comfortable wearing smaller-sized fitness wear.

Since starting gym subscription, I have accumulated 20 session days' worth of treadmills, bicycles, zumba and boxing classes. My aim to lose 50 pounds is within reach; few more days of workouts and plenty of healthy eating should do the trick.

After gym class, Michelle, Ella and I began to plan our latest adventure at a coffee shop nearby. But she had been restless of late ever since we mentioned Carson's name a few weeks ago at Michelle's house.

"What's the matter Ella? Why the long face?" Ella was asked about her sombre mood.

"Sorry if I can't help it. You haven't formally introduced Carson to me," Ella answered out of desperation, her face frowning over her personal disappointment.

"Yeah, I almost forgot. But don't worry, we'll set up a meeting with the two of you soon. Just wait. I'll fondly call you and Christine about this," Michelle explained as Ella listened intently.

Ella begrudgingly accepted the offer, but only because Michelle cared and wanted nothing more than to get this thing over with. And so off we went our separate ways.

Returning home, I wrote my latest blog entry that centered on Cynthia and her untimely death as a direct result of bullying. It had been over a month since the most recent article and many have submitted comments of both praise and respect on the blog.

Tuesday morning, I attended my next training session, but Michelle and Ella skipped class for some unknown reason. That was the first time for me to attend gym class without either of my friends, and it was strange not to see either of them training with me.

Back inside the room, I carefully finished a few housecleaning duties and ate some leftover chicken salad for lunch. But just as I enjoyed a much-needed nap, my mobile phone suddenly chimed in.

Michelle texted me, and it said:

"Christine, I've set up a surprise meeting tomorrow. Come and see me at 3:00 p.m. outside your condominium."

I promptly replied:

"What's this meeting for?"

Michelle texted back:

"You'll see. Remember, 3:00 p.m. tomorrow."

After sending Michelle a thumbs-up, everything was all set for tomorrow's surprise get-together. But I remained intrigued.

"What will Michelle do precisely to me tomorrow?" I wondered to myself, my eager mind still piquing over this gathering.

It was now three in the afternoon on a Wednesday. I stood at the condominium lobby wearing my mother's green blouse, blue denims and flat heels, anxiously waiting for Michelle's car.

But just as I started to text Michelle, her red Vios finally arrived. She unlocked the window and informed me to come inside.

I used to identify Michelle in sporty attire: loose shirts, tight shorts and rubber shoes. But she looked completely different that day as Michelle wore a red dress and a pair of high heels for the occasion.

We finally arrived at Ella's house, but she was still inside. So Michelle honked the horn of her car to notify her that it was time to come down.

Fortunately, Ella was a particularly punctual person, and she made her way outside to greet us. She was also dressed to impress that day, wearing a pale gown and white high-heeled shoes.

We were on our way to Carson's house. But first, we dabbed in some makeup to make it look more formal.

While inside the car, Ella felt some shivers all over her body. Not because the air conditioning inside the car is somewhat cooler than usual, but due of nerves.

"Michelle, Christine, I don't know what to expect. I'm a little scared," Ella eagerly told us in anticipation of her meeting with Carson.

"Don't worry about it. Just breathe deeply and be confident," Michelle reassured Ella, her face beaming with poise.

At around 5:30 p.m., the Vios finally made its way outside Carson's house, located somewhere at an affluent residential neighborhood in Makati. Michelle texted him to come down while Ella and I descended from the car.

At long last, Carson showed up outside the gate wearing formal attire. Upon gazing at Carson, Ella could not help but blush over his handsome looks.

"I don't believe it. You are really that attractive," Ella exclaimed towards Carson, who can only reply with a wink in his right eye.

Inside Carson's lovely home, his house maid prepared some grilled steak, double dutch chocolate cake and red wine for dinner. The lights were dimmed and there were rose petals scattered all over the floor.

I had a feeling that this was going to be Ella and Carson's first date even though it was their first encounter with each other. But he truly pulled it off.

Dinner is now served and after a few introductory greetings, Ella and Carson started to talk intimately. Ella complemented Carson on setting up this unexpected gathering.

"Not sure how to say this but I treasure what you did. It felt like 16 all over again," Ella smiled radiantly in approval of Carson's plan.

"I only made sure you truly enjoyed this evening," Carson carefully described his idea. "It's like we're in high school again on a prom night."

Ella and Carson continued their private conversation while Michelle and I looked on in awe. But the festive mood soon turned serious when Carson started to mention his encounter with me at Camp Laging Handa many years ago.

"Really? I never realized how much of a compassionate person you are. To spare our dear friend Christine from certain death is undoubtedly a very courageous thing to do," Ella commented on Carson's good deed.

"It was no big deal," Carson eloquently explained to Ella. "The truth is, I don't want to see innocent people like Christine get stripped of their moral dignity by some goon or thug. Christine is undoubtedly a very humble and peaceful person and to witness her get humiliated really pisses me off. But she is secure now thanks to me."

Shifting back to the cheesier stuff, Ella and Carson promptly began to complement each other in a more intimate manner. Never in my life have I experienced such passionate tenderness in front of me.

After we finished dinner, Carson and Ella started dancing together to some slow romantic music while Michelle and I looked on in glee. It was a pleasant ending to a memorable evening.

The following day, I was back at the gym for my latest session. Michelle and Ella also attended, but they were not alone.

Carson promptly decided to come in as well. When I asked about last night, Carson humbly replied:

"Ella and I were merely friends. That was no first date. Like I said, last night was similar to prom all over again."