j.a.s.: matthew V

jacques was going out of town with friends. and he wasnt sure whether he could go online. oh well, matthew thought to himself. no chat for the nights leading up to his departure from u.s.

and though matthew missed the nightly chats so much, he was content on focusing on the day of his arrival.

the day of the meeting was finally on hand. matthew was beside himself with excitement. it was like meeting destiny up close. he was feverish the whole day. and he had the evening planned out. fetch him at airport by 11pm, take him to late dinner before bringing him home to his place. no, he wasnt planning on anything happening after. jacques would probably be too tired by then. and besides, they have a lifetime to spend.

afternoon was almost uneventful until he saw an unusual email from an unknown sender.

"hi, matthew. you dont know me yet but ive heard much about you. im jacques' best friend, vivien. im writing because of some bad news. jacques met an accident and is now in the hospital. i received news from our common friends. he's out of danger but he's been injured pretty badly. he can't make it home."

he couldnt believe this was happening. it sounded like so bizarre, almost like a sick joke. he kept shaking his head, worried, disturbed. he wanted to know how jacques was. he felt tears welling up. he didnt imagine he would feel this way. but all he could think of was that jacques' condition. how badly was he hurt? how long will he be in the hospital?

and that's when the storm covered metro manila, and gloom enveloped matthew. he felt so helpless. it seemed so ironic. a cruel twist of fate.

he knows the story is not over yet. but he couldnt help the emptiness gnawing at his insides.