The Final Mission and a sudden interval..

Loosing someone especially when that person's place was the strongest support in your entire life, turns everything so hard and seemed impossible to do. A once magnificent world of smiles and positivity is now crowded of doubts and fear, desolate and barren..

Merch at age 25, was at the peak and turning point of his career. Whenever challenges are presented never thus he fails to focus objectively and always delivers. Great efficiency and sergical effectiveness earned him the callsign " Sarge "; a play of word for "Sergeant" by teammates and close friends.

Quietly seated on a bench within the Employees Entrance and Waiting Area, trying to relax his workup legs and feet after having finished today's shift. His cellphone suddenly vibrated and continued to do so indication of a call. Upon checking the caller i.d. he entnusiasticly answered for the person on the line was the first woman of his life.. his mom. Not knowing that the events to follow would be the saddest and darkest moment of his life.

" Jan.. my son, I have something to tell you. Are you perhaps still at work?" .... " or may be at home now? " a concerned and very sad voice in the background. You could already feel the struggle of the voice to stay composed..

" Hello Ma? how's everything there? I'm still here at work with the usual over time.. but i'm about to go there now. " pausing for a while trying to massage his tired leg muscles. " Is.. how is Pa... " before he could even finish his question his mom already replied..

" my son.. please try to stay calm, no matter what.. be for what I'm about to tell you.. father has already left us.. his now finally resting after his years of fighting just to stay with us..." endless tears running down, that every words expressed are where being gobbled from time to time. Both, mother and son where enshrouded by silence for a long time.

Ever since his father got hospitalized, Merch's daily structure was from work he directly proceeds to the hospital, to substitute for his mother and younger sister as they rest and recover some strength for the next day. He does this without fail even to a point where he is to go home only for a shower and change into fresh sets of clothes before reporting back on duty at work. The only times he could not stay in the hospital is when the Hotels Banquet Service is fully booked by events.

Roughly a week after the fathers burrial, the mother had fallen very ill; was unadvertebly diagnosed of stage 2 cancer, due to continues bleeding and got hospitalized. Faced by hard reality Merch was forced to give up on his career, halt his dreams and deny oneself of wordly pleasures. So he could pay more attention in managing and taking care of his parents life's produce. Otherwise everything may be left into waste and soon be gone entirely.

Guided by the principles and skills his father had instilled and hurnest onto him. He is now in the mids of taking on the very challenges that his father once face in his lifetime...

Thus the final mission has now comensed..

------------

A man suddenly wakes up on a bright sunday morning with musky eyes containing turbulent emotions. Soon uncontrollable tears fell down his roughed face, caught perplexed he wipe them dry.

" Of all times.. why now!?.. " slowly spacing out.. staring blankly outside the open window where gentle sunlight quietly flows in. Trying to remember the dream.. of how it felt so true..

+++++

In a small cafe restaurant designed in ornamental vines and old gothic pillars, two being are seated close to each other. A lady in merky eyes stares with longging affection for the gentleman in front of her. Peaceful silence encapsulated them, even though they are not the only persons talking in that place. Mastering all the courage she slowly reach out trying to grab his roughed hand.

" After all these years.. only now could I.. can finally tell you.. ".

" How I've deeply regretted on not replying back, the letters you so passionately written for me.. "

" Of how I've loved the way you shared in detailed, all the thoughts and feelings.. "

" Or didn't you know? that I just preffered being silent.. impatiently waiting for the moments... when letters come in.. from you. "

" Laying my eyes on those hand writings.. brought unequal comport and happiness ".

The girl lamenting with tears, confesing the feelings she had long ago, tried to hide and eventually denied.

The gentleman caught in confuse feelings stared back at her, forced a knowing smile and softly replied:

When I first saw you it startled me;

" She's so pretty.. Why would she seat next to me?! " ... there must have been a mistake.. or did lady luck purposely played a trick on me?

Smiling sweety she nod unconsciously in agreement while the tears before are being wipe by him.

My only hobby back then is trying to glimpse on that pure sincere smile of the beauty beside.

She could not help laughing after hearing him recount those days. While never letting go of his hands completely savouring the moments.

As silence would come to interrupt.. yet it was like nothing that could make things awkward for them. Every second was treasured with only the two them could only weight.

" So you where into me from the very first, I see!? the lady giggleling inquiry on the side.

" Nah! you where the one who sat next to me. That means you where attracted first before I to you.." pausing.. " more like she didn't had a choice no matter how ugly the guy already seated there ".

" Hey! that's too much of you.. yes you may have been a bit unpleasing from then.. but you where really kind.." (especially to me) Reminiscent, like she was seeing everything all over again.

" Do you still remember? that time.. when we exchange notebooks, that mine was blank as day and yours is so neatly written.." This is when teachers instructs the class to the exchange of homeworks, to be checked by their fellow students. A convenient way for the teachers to lessen their world load and at a same time observe their students abilities.

" haha! I kind of.. uglyfied my hand writing just to inscribe answers, the fastest i could into on your notebook ". Not letting her know that its my own take of screatly keeping our scores too close, so I could not, be apart from her after the conclusion of every grading period back then. She joined into our class during the second grading. While we had 4 grading periods, I had only manage to be seated with her twice.

"Oh oh, that! yes! You where really good at how you timed your writing on my notebook and books. Whenever the teacher had pass by or was too far away " she replied while in thought of..

" never knew that he already cared that much for me.. way back then ".

" I mean who was i to him? We just met and hardly even talked on things about us. But he gave me that most comportable feeling of being, relide on.. "

" If only i had met him before.. "

As for me: " Remembering it now while you narate it.. makes me feel all those lost efforts.." sign, silence spreads. " Wait didn't we get caught one time by our English teacher?" it was all very clear to me, but deep inside i was hoping she could narate her part that time.

" Ahh that part!! Wait! No, if I tell before I know what's the story on your side first.." on the side giggleling again she said. " As a girl i demand that you state your story first then I'll naturally tell mine". With her chin held up high pressing like a Captain to her Leutenant to report properly.

" About this, can we order first? My throat suddenly became dry." glancing around us trying as hard as I can to avoid those sweet but deadly eyes that I was so funed of looking way way back..

" Wahh.. intentionally dragging things out! So shameless of you! No matter, your already cornerned.. "

" A cappuccino and a slice of cheesecake..or whatever you suggest that compliments my drink. "

Waiter taking tabs.. when I suddenly interrupted: " Hold on.. since when did you overcomed dairy products allergies?" with a doubtful look on her.

" Brother kindly replace that into your best seller's.. the unsweeten one's please "; cause in reality she doesn't need any for I'm already too sweet for her.. telling myself internally.

" I'll take a pot of earl gray tea, sachets of brown sugar, and if possible a highball with 5 - 6 ice cubes on the side. Thank You ".

Sneering.. " Who do you think you are replacing my order without me agreeing?! ".

" Waiter let that cheese cake be and make it into the most expensive one you have! ," and with excitement she added: " His paying so all Fine!" showing off her bright teeth indication of being agitated at the moment.

On Commander's orders one must obey first before you verify or at worst complain. Unwilling I let things be as they are. The Waiter then proceeded to prepare for us.

This was how if should have supposed to be.. couldn't help lamenting.

-----

" So how are the kids? " her eyes widen as she heard me asking and with a force smile, in motherly affection she narrated so passionately in detail..

" JM is a healthy one and very thoughtful.. He never fails to kiss and hugs Mommy everytime I return from work."

" For some unkown reason everytime he smiles it keeps on reminding me of someone I knew." now facing you again.. even if i deny it, its quite obvious isn't?

Was staring blankly at the wall where cherished moments are neatly preserved. Glancing pass a photo, of us..on graduation day.. 16 years ago.

I could not help to ask.. fallen still.. had to check on her.. using the supreme arts of incognito. Thus how I knew..

------

After all this years you, you can still remember of my allergies. While I only seated silently beside you I didn't know how I was already pampered by feelings before.

" Just so you know, I already out grew my allergies. Don't be too concern about it any more. Now we can enjoy your (probably mine aswell) favorite snack if I remember it correctly, em I right? " smiling at me.

" I didn't know you cared.. " feeling warmed as happiness take over over.

" Didn't you right it all down on your (lovable) letters for me!?, yes they were long letters.. but aren't tiering to read. " she keeps her thoughts then said out loudly.

" Whenever I'm in a bad mood or had experienced a terrable day; I would look for them. To read back on the stories.. that makes me calmer and gradually drives all negative feelings away..".

Locked at each other's eyes, we never realized that the waiter had been standing there for quite some time now, watching us waiting for an opportunity to serve our order.

When she said the words " Merrrch.. lets get back.. " I got jolted as the feeling nostalgia drowned me over and the memories just came flashing.

Growing impatient for not getting an immediate answer she ask " So.. what happen on that English class where talking? " eagerly..

" What you suddenly got an amnesia making it hard remembering, now that I'm asking you?! "

Feeling tensed I replied: " I still remember, its just that.. aren't you even concerned that I might change, some of the details on what actually transpired that day?

" Even though you want to lie.. in front of me you cant.. could and would not even ".

He'd rather lie for me if things go from bad to worst. These I certainly knew, cause its how I've felt confirming herself.

" Oh wait.. did he not just?.. that day?? " suddenly being field by flashing memories, she never thought where true, that it just had actually happened.

-----++++----

The class was suddenly stoped, as Merch was told stay outside for the remaining class period. After he exicted the room he never heard anything more. As other instructors passes him by, out of curiosity, some asks

" How come your out here while classes are still in session? " He just politely replies in close eyes..

" I was task to stay outside for the whole period ". After hearing his response, the Inquisitor would proceed on as these senarios are very common. Then from afar; the Head Proctor passes by coincidentally as part of a daily routine check.

Already observing from a far and meeting my presence along the hall way. His sharp eyes light up while conforming his thoughts, he then asks.. " Who's the teacher inside? ".

Merch said it was their English teacher and stated what transpired during class. The Head Proctor shook his head while slightly smiling, then ordered Merch to follow him.

They ended up at the 4th years Instructors Office. Standing timidly with back facing the wall, all the unoccupied teachers where looking at him fully intrigued. What made it even harder was his homeroom teacher is looking at me with sharp eagle eyes.

No body was saying a word as if waiting for someone to come. A while later a person had come walking in. He was our school's Head Guidance Counsilor, who was a very close friend of our school's Owner and Directress.

After observing how "soldier like" attentivel I was. He finally decided to just go on with it, trying to stare me down..

" Was that a student found cheating during class is you, is this true? ".

Not knowing how to narate what actually happened. I just said " yes sir!" , and everyone in the room started to giggleling trying hard not to actually laugh. But my homeroom teacher had his serious eyes lucked on me.

" Don't be scared child, out with it and tell us what actually happened. You are already in your graduating year now, making such mistakes are only normal at your age. Try to explain your side.. and I promise it will only stay here in this room." then gesturing to a vacant seat.

As his words assured some secrecy, I was left to just cooperate rationally. After I narated everything without pointing out other people than myself. Everyone in the room seemed at peace. Even the Guidance Counselor was left signing, then our English teacher walk in. Not knowing that the bells for the next period of classes were already ranged everyone suddenly prop-up to go out with their classes. Leaving me, the English teacher and our Guidance Counselor in the room. And as my home room teacher pass me buy he said: " I was quite surprised of all the students under me, that you where this... never mind will talk later at my period".

Sending chills all over my back. This was the first time my teacher got serious and that seriousness was directed to me. He usually got serious in repremanding my other classmates whenever they are bullying others and are too noisy.

The Counselor ask the English teacher, " Who's the girl on this one?" looking at the English teacher smiling.

" it was Karriza sir." the teacher closely observing any reaction from me.

" oh her, signing.. a lovely girl indeed, no wonder our boy here did this.."

Sir I was also surprise about it. This guy here, never thought he could do this petty offense living me to wonder how is their relationship doing.

" Ok since this is your first offense we can let you off, but you have to promise never to do it again, right down three pages back and front about. You are lucky I'm quite aware of this things going on. Now go back to your class and refrain from talking to her for now. If you can do that I will not ponish her as well. Otherwise you'll be suspended for any minor offense in the future. This I trust you understand clearly right? Now go.. back to the class.

Sir, yes sir. Mam I'm going take my leave now. As I was walking far away the Counselor sign while saying " adolescents ".. shaking head with a gentle smile.

" Oh is that what happened to you? You were just ask to stand for a period. While I was being interrogated like a climinal when you went outside" At that time I was scared to be in a relationship. After the incident things got awkward for two weeks. Although we can't talk we were still seatmates for some reason this guy still opens his books or test sheets widely during quizzes and exams.

" So what happened to us? I mean it has become blurry after we graduated. I would like to know how much can you still remember. "

Her thoughts are quite readable from the way she is playing with tea cup in front of her. And I have to say, I had been longging to see this side of her.. One could never get enough of it.

" Would you still have memories of the school fair back then?" She was tairing back at me in deep thought as I said the words, after a while her eyes slowly widening as flashes of memories coming back one by one. Then redness slowly crawling all over her face and slowly turning down her head.

" Yes I do remember some things, but its kind of vauge will you help me remember some part of it? " as if not focusing enough she then said; " I think i got grounded by mother for some reason which I could.. not just remember.. someone kneel down at the center area of attraction just to propose to me.." squinting her eyes silently observing if there were any changes in my facial reaction.

On the side as if someone had suddenly poured cold water on top of my head. Shivers could not stop all over my body and that my heart which was still calm earlier was now pounding like a stompiding hourses.

" Ahmm.. about that; " deeply thinking for an aliby. " Yes it may had been this one's fault, I got concerned to much not seeing you by my side for about a week? after that incident. I didn't exactly knew what happened so..

I called your home and unexpectedly your mom was the who picked up. Obviously because its your Mom, I can't hide anything and she made me talked. The conclusion, I never got to talk to you, but she assured me that you'll be coming back to school soon enough.

" Only now did I realize, I haven't discuss it with you properly. Not that I really had a chance though. " smiling awkwardly while bowing apologeticly.

Confused she stared back at me lost for words to say. Finding it interesting and annoying to know the senario just now. She then gestured to continue the story.

" Why do i feel like your hiding vital info or something with regards to that talk with Mom. Whatever! "

...

Was everything just now a dream? Why of all the time.. this.. Looking in the distance a man was awoken from his deep meditation in a great valley surrounded by lush green plants and huge trees across various rock formations where innumerable rivers passes all ending at majestic water falls at the edge.

These memories of the past has been slowly cripping out again. That face.. would it be possible to see her again? No, this is not the world and even if there's a chance they will not be the same person...