The Mystery of Love: Part 2

X: Hey, have you seen the crossword in our latest bulletin?
Y: Yeah, why?
X: Look at this question number 8 cross: the source of dispute between Mr. Smart and Mr. Sporty, 4 letters. Can you guess the answer?
Y: Is it Ms. BOLD?
X: You got it.

Mr. Friendly: Bold, are you going to go back to hometown this week-end?
Ms. Bold: Yes. How about you?
Mr. Friendly: So do I. Why don’t we go together? I’ll buy the ticket for us tomorrow.
Ms. Bold: OK.

The phone in Ms. Bold’s house rings.
Ms. Bold’s mom: Bold, it’s for you. A guy named Mr. Friendly.
Ms. Bold: I’ll get it.
Mr. Friendly: Hi Bold. What’re you doing?
Ms. Bold: Nothing partikular. Why?
Mr. Friendly: Can I come to your place? I want to wish happy Idul Fitri to your parents.
Ms. Bold: Sure. When?
Mr. Friendly: How ‘bout this evening?
Ms. Bold: OK.
Mr. Friendly: Btw, Did Ms. Insistent and her friends come to your house too? She came to mine yesterday.
Ms. Bold: No, she didn’t. She never said she would.
Mr. Friendly: Oh, I see.

Mr. Macho: Bold, join me for lunch, please?
Ms. Bold: Aren’t you supposed to go to the English course?
Mr. Macho: Yes, at 5. We still have 2 hours.
Ms. Bold: But I already ate.
Mr. Macho: Well, just accompany me then, OK?
Ms. Bold: Alright.

Mr. Jest: Bold, I really am desperate. This whole subject is really beyond me. I don’t think I can stand it anymore.
Ms. Bold: What do you mean you can’t stand it? What do you wanna do? You’ve got to pass it. Otherwise, you’re going to be dropped out, d’you know that?
Mr. Jest: Yeah I know. But it’s really difficult. I can hardly understand a thing that our professor said.
Ms. Bold: Do you think I don’t have that problem? It’s difficult for all of us. But we shouldn’t give up. Think about our parents, what they’re gonna say?
Mr. Jest: I hate to think about that, but you’re right, though.
Ms. Bold: Of course I’m right. Tell you what, let’s have a study group tonight at the library. We can ask one of our smart friends to teach us. And then we can discuss the problems in the exercises.
Mr. Jest: Ok. I’ll pick you up. And Bold, thanks for everything.
Ms. Bold: Don’t mention it.

Mr. Jest: Bold, you really understands me, d’you know that?
Ms. Bold: Well, I try to. Actually, you’re not really hard to understand.
Mr. Jest: But I feel like we’re really connected, you know. We really get along well together. We’re so alike. We think alike.
Ms. Bold: Yeah, I guess. Otherwise, I wouldn’t want to be your friend *laugh*.
Mr. Jest: I want to be more than just one of your friends. What do you think?
Ms. Bold: I don’t think that’s gonna work. You said it yourself, we’re alike. We’ll end up arguing and bickering all the time eventually.
Mr. Jest: How come?
Ms. Bold: I think two similar characteristics couldn’t be together. I’m hard-headed, you’re hot-headed. Think of where we’re gonna end up.
Mr. Jest: You’re probably right. But I think we should give it a try.
Ms. Bold: Oh no, I don’t think so. There is always ex-boy friend and girl friend. But there’s no ex-friend. I don’t want to risk our friendship like that.
Mr. Jest: If you say so *sigh*.

At Ms. Bold boarding house
Ms. Clever: Bold, there’s Mr. Jest and his friend again. Wow, 3 nights in a row? Haven’t you guys run out of subjects to discuss?
Ms. Bold: Oh shut up *laugh*. And we’re going out to the movie tonight. So no need to worry about any subjects, right?
Ms. Clever: The three of you?
Ms. Bold: Yep.
Ms. Clever: Good. I start to feel sorry about the other guy. Do you realise that he brought a game-boy yesterday? You two must’ve ignored him so badly.
Ms. Bold: No we didn’t. After all, Mr. Quiet is my friend too, right?
Ms. Clever: And how about Mr. Macho?
Ms. Bold: What about him? We’re just friends.
Ms. Clever: Yeah right. Like all friends will show up on Saturday nights and Sunday nights and every other nights as well.
Ms. Bold: Whatever you say, Clever. Look, I must go now. Bye….
Ms. Clever: Bye! Have fun.

At Ms. Bold Birthday
Ms. Attractive, Ms. Clever, Ms. Slim: Happy birthday, Bold. Look what we’ve got for you.
Ms. Bold: What is it? A mango?
Ms. Attractive: A a a… not just any mango. Look at the names written on it.
Ms. Bold: Mr. Macho, Mr. Smart, Mr. Jest, Mr. Sporty, Mr. Friendly, Mr. Skinny, Mr. Tall………..You guys!
Ms. Attractive, Ms. Clever, Ms. Slim: Hahahaha….. We were afraid that the space won’t enough for all of them. We thought we should get you a melon instead. Hihihihi….

Several years later, Ms. Bold finishes her study and returns to her hometown. Someone sends an email to her.
Mr. Quiet: Hi Bold. How’re you doin’?
Ms. Bold: Oh Hi Quiet. I’m doin’ great. How about you? It’s really nice hearing from you again.
Mr. Quiet: Everything’s OK. I’ve started to work in this small company. But I like it here.
Ms. Bold: Well, good for you. I really like my job too. I never know that I have the talent for it.
Mr. Quiet: I bet you’re great. I know you have so many talents in you.
Ms. Bold: I’m OK, I guess. But thanks anyway.

In the Internet, Ms. Bold comes across a senior from high school who is studying in other country.
Ms. Bold: Hi, I’m Bold. I’m your junior in high school. Nice meeting you. I like your site. Can you teach me how to build it?
Mr. Handsome: Hi Bold. Nice meeting you too. Say, what class did you go in high school? Did you know Ms. Important and Mr. Big? I know them, they’re in your year. But I don’t think I ever saw you at school.
Ms. Bold: Well, ditto. I’ve never seen you either. Are you sure you’re an alumni from our high school also :D
Mr. Handsome: Of course I do. Maybe the reason you never saw me was that I often skip classes and hang out with my friends.
Ms. Bold: Ooopss… bad boy, you! Hahaha….
Mr. Handsome: Thanks. Hahaha…

At work
Mr. Calm: Bold, do you have an email address?
Ms. Bold: Yes, why?
Mr. Calm: Can I have it?
Ms. Bold: Sure. Here it is. And our friends like Ms. Dark and Ms. Small also have email addresses. Do you want it too?
Mr. Calm: Well, OK, I guess.

Mr. Quiet: Bold, I have to tell you something. I’m in love with you. Actually, I have loved you since we were in university, even when I accompanied Mr. Jest to your place. I think you are pretty, smart and kind. I also like the strong hold you have on our religion. I want to be your boyfriend. Do you want to be my girlfriend?
Ms. Bold: Geee… I don’t know, Quiet. Honestly, I always consider you as some kind of a brother. You know how I trust you in almost everything. It’s kinda hard to switch the feeling to a more romantic side. Besides, I’m not looking for a boyfriend. I’m looking for a future-husband. I will not get involve with somebody unless I’m sure that he’s the right husband-material for me.
Mr. Quiet: Well, me too. I’m looking for a future-wife and I think you’re the one.
Ms. Bold: I need to think about it.
Mr. Quiet: Take all the time you need. And let me know as soon as you decide.
Ms. Bold: OK.

Mr. Handsome: Bold, I really want to meet you in person. I’m writing my thesis and will finish it on July. I’m going back home on October. Will you wait for me? Let’s meet at our old school when I get back to Indonesia. You see, Bold, I have a strong feeling about you, even though we only know each other by Email. I feel like I’ve known you for years.
Ms. Bold: Yeah, me too. It seems like we have a lot in common. I wish you good luck with your thesis, and I hope you can finish it in time.
Mr. Handsome: Pray for me, will you? I really want to finish it as soon as possible, and then, Bold, here I come!
Ms. Bold: Of course I will. However, are you sure about us? I mean, we only see each other’s picture; we’ve never actually seen each other.
Mr. Handsome: It’s difficult to explain, but I just know that we’re connected. Don’t know feel that way?
Ms. Bold: Yeah, actually I do. That’s what I feel too.

Mr. Calm: I need to talk to you about something. Can you join me tomorrow at P restaurant for lunch?
Ms. Bold: OK, I’ll be there.

Ms. Bold: I have thought about it and I’ve come to a decision. Quiet, I care about you a lot. I really like you, but just as a good friend. I don’t think I can have stronger feelings than that for you. I’m really sorry, but I’m afraid I have to say no to your question.
Mr. Quiet: Is that your answer? Are you sure about that?
Ms. Bold: Yes, I’m sure about it. Look, I really hate to tell you this, but I can’t be more than just your friend. Your best friend. I do hope you can forgive me and you can find someone that’s right for you. A person who can love you completely. Someone who’s better than me.
Mr. Quiet: It’s allright, Bold, I understand. You don’t have to feel sorry for me. I know that we can’t make someone love us. As for finding another girl, I don’t think I can do that. Not yet anyway. I want you to know that I will always love you no matter what, and if I ever find someone to love, I don’t think I can love her as much as I love you.
Ms. Bold: Quiet, please don’t say that. You make me feel really bad.
Mr. Quiet: It’s OK, Bold. I wish you luck with your life and love. And if you ever want to change your mind, just let me know ‘cause I’ll be waiting for you.
Ms. Bold: I don’t want you to do that. I want you to forget about me and get on with your life. Well... I don't want you to forget me, but I do want you to get on with your life. Promise me you will, OK?
Mr. Quiet: I can’t promise anything, Bold. Just pray for me, will you?
Ms. Bold: Sure I will. I wish you all the best.

At P restaurant
Mr. Calm: Bold, I really like you. I want to know you better. Do you want to be my girlfriend?
Ms. Bold: But we hardly know each other. We never hang out, and we don’t know about each other’s background. What makes you sure that you like me?
Mr. Calm: I’ve been watching you all this time. I think I know enough about you to be sure that I love you. What do you want to know about me?
Ms. Bold: Everything! Where you come from, where you live, who your parents are, your siblings, your education, I don’t know any of that stuff.
Mr. Calm: I can tell you anything you want to know. Just ask your questions and I will answer. But first, I want you to answer my question.
Ms. Bold: What, of being your girlfriend? I can’t answer that right away, I need to think about it. Tell you what, why don’t we just hang out together? Try to get to know each other, see if we are good for each other or not. Let’s just be close-friends first.
Mr. Calm: No can do. I can see that you’ve so many close-friends already. I don’t want to be one of them. I want to be your boyfriend. That way, I can open myself to you and you can see the real me. And I hope you will do the same for me so I can see the real you.
Ms. Bold: Boy, this is heavy!

Mr. Handsome: Hello Bold, where have you been? I haven’t heard from you for a while. Are you busy?
Ms. Bold: A little bit. How about you? Have you finished your thesis?
Mr. Handsome: Actually, I do. I have given it to my professor last week, and now I just wait for the revision, if there’s any. I hope there won’t be any revision, though. I’m beat.
Ms. Bold: Thank God. When will you give your presentation?
Mr. Handsome: About 3 weeks from now. But if there’s no revision, I’m sure I can handle the presentation pretty well. I’m good at giving presentation, you know.
Ms. Bold: I’m sure you do. I wish you good luck with it. But Handsome, I have to tell you something. I’m seeing someone.
Mr. Handsome: Really? Who’s he?
Ms. Bold: Someone from work, you don’t know him. I want to appologize to you because I won’t be able to see you when you get back here.
Mr. Handsome: Why?
Ms. Bold: ‘Cause I’m marrying him.
Mr. Handsome: What? When?
Ms. Bold: A couple of month. It happens really fast, I can hardly think. Next thing I know, I’m engage and then we set up the date. I can’t tell you about it sooner ‘cause I’m afraid it will ruin your concentration needed for preparing the thesis. I know I’ve given you my words, but it looks like I’m not going to be able to fulfill it. I’m really sorry.
Mr. Handsome: It’s OK, I understand. I’m happy for you.
Ms. Bold: Thanks. I hope you will find someone that is more suitable for you than me.

The Mystery of Love: Part 1

There are 3 young girls who have been good friends since they started high school. They are Miss Sweet, Miss Bold and Miss Cute. They come from similar family background and share the same likes and dislikes. Their friendship grows not just between themselves but also between their families.

Among the three girls, Miss Cute is the one that often attracts people’s attention because she is cute. Miss Sweet charms people with her good manner and sweetness, while Miss Bold often surprises others with her boldness. Some boys are attracted to them, but none of them are succeded in becoming their boyfriends. The girls are just too busy spending their time with each other, studying and enjoying high school to be bothered with boyfriends.

After high school, Miss Sweet and Miss Bold continue their study in another city, leaving Miss Cute behind. But that doesn’t mean that they loose contact. They are still in touch with each other, and their friendship stays as strong as ever.

In college, Miss Sweet meets her first boyfriend, Mr Cool. He is a senior who study in other college, but they get along pretty well because they share the same hobby. She introduces him to her family and friends, and everything seems to be just fine.

Unfortunately, Miss Sweet’s situation starts to change. It turns out that everyone in her family, except for her father, dislike her boyfriend. But they maintain a sweet façade in front of the couple, so Miss Sweet doesn’t realize the loathing at first. Gradually, she starts to see it, and turns to her friend for advice.

Miss Sweet: What should I do? Everyone hates him, and he’s such a sweetheart.
Miss Bold: Well, just follow your heart. Pray to God for guidance and ask him to show you the right way.

This situation continues for sometime. One day, Mr. Cool moves to another city to work. They still maintain that long-distance relationship. But as I say before, Ms. Sweet’s sweetness always attracts people’s attention, including those of a young man named Mr. Young. Mr. Young is her junior, but his persistence compromises his age. He knows that Ms. Sweet is Mr. Cool’s girlfriend, but he doesn’t give up on her. He is sure that he can win her from Mr. Cool. So, Ms. Sweet hangs out with Mr. Young while still seeing Mr. Cool. Even though Ms. Sweet likes Mr. Young a lot, she doubts that they have a future together because, well, he’s too young. Far from bringing relieve, this situation complicates her life. Desperate, she once again seeks advice from her friend.

Miss Sweet: What should I do? I like both man, and I can’t be with any of them.
Ms. Bold: My advice is still the same. Pray to God for guidance. Ask him to choose one for you and make up your mind.

After some time, the tension starts to affect Ms. Sweet’s relationships. Finally, she can’t stand it any longer. She distances herself from both men and takes a time break to relax and think everything over.

During that time break, suddenly, she gets a call. It’s from a guy named Mr. Devout. He is a friend of friends that sometimes meet in an organization. After greeting each other, Mr. Devout tells her that he has just received a scholarship to continue his study in another country. And would Ms. Sweet like to accompany her as his wife? Ms. Sweet feels like being struck by lightning. She’s speechless. She can’t think, nor answer. Mr. Devout says that she doesn’t have to answer at the moment, but please give it a thought. He gives her 2 months to think, as he must go to that new country in several days, but he will be back 2 months later.

And how Ms. Sweet thinks! She thinks it over and over and over. She consults her best friends, siblings and parents. She can’t sleep and she can’t eat. In the end, she can’t bear the thought of losing Mr. Devout. So the answer is YES!

So Ms. Sweet breaks up her relationship with Mr. Cool and Mr. Young, informs her parent about her decision, get ready to get married, and when Mr. Devout returns home for a short break two months after he proposed, gets married to him. He turns out to be her salvation, and they continue their blessed, blooming married life to this present day.

Reunion Story

On July 23, I attented the reunion of my high school Al-Azhar. Since I didn’t go to the last reunion five years ago, it was my first reunion with most of my high school friends. It’s really great to see the familiar and not-so-familiar faces. To see the changes in my buddies and to try to find the things that hadn’t changed. It turned out that after 15 years, some of us were still as funny, as friendly and as good-looking as before. There were some changes, of course, and it’s good to see that almost all of my friends had become more mature and wiser, as they should since we’re all over 30 now. Those who were snob once have now become friendlier, and those who were childish came with their own children.

I also met some of my old ‘flings’. Come to think of it, I was rather glad that I never did hook up with any of them. You see, in my high school days, I never had a serious crush. It was mostly one-sided crush which caused by miscommunication. Those that I liked didn’t like me, and those who liked me I didn’t like :P. One of my friends used to say that I changed the fling every month (she’s too kind to say every week instead). Well, what can I say, I let my heart wander free :))). Then again, why would I attach myself with one person when there were so many good alternatives out there? And why would I confine myself in a relationship that was too immature and would not last long? (I’m not talking about you and Eja, Dev. You guys are rare species, do you know that? Who in the world could date someone for 10 years and then get married with that person? Even Titi DJ and Indra Lesmana couldn’t do it).

Back to the reunion story, were I had a boyfriend in high school or even only a steady target of my obsession, I would be awkward in meeting that person again, especially if I came with my family and he came with his family. The reason I said it was because I watched one of my friend, whom we all knew was deeply in love with another friend, chatted and laughed with the family of the person who used to be his crushed. And I couldn’t help thinking, what was on his mind? Did he regret that their relationship didn’t work out? Did he imagine the family to be his family? I wouldn’t know. But I admire him for his forbearance.

Although there were many of my friends in that reunion, some of my other friends didn’t show up. They had their own reasons, but I was a bit disappointed because of it. Some of my friends didn’t come because they had their own agenda, and some others said that they didn’t want us to see them again because they have failures in their life, whether in career or marriage. The latter was the one that upset me. So you had problems in life, so what? We still want to see you, to be friend with you. We all had our own problems; we’re just human, right? I wished I could say that to them in persons. But as I couldn’t, I just wished my dear old friends good luck.

Anyway, it’s not the only thing that bothers me. At the end of the reunion, the committee announced that there was a shortage of money for the event. They also said that the committee would cover the shortage between themselves even though they would really appreciate donation of any amount. As much as I appreciated everything that the committee member had done for us and the reunion, I couldn’t help thinking that there was something amiss in it. One, the committee shouldn’t be burdened with the shortage since the reunion motto was from us, by us and for us. They had worked tiredlessly for free, for God sake! If we let the situation continue, I was afraid that it would create a bad assumption for being a committee member, which was that a committee member should be willing to cover the shortage with his/her own money. And then, nobody wanted to be a committee member anymore. And what would become of the reunion if nobody wanted to get involved in planning it? Second, it would be a good idea if the committee tried to find some sponsors for the reunion, so that they could have some financial back up which could provide the money needed for the event. Or maybe they could create a bazaar which would deliver some cash.

But all in all, I really enjoyed the reunion and I believe, so did my hubby. We watched a slide-show of the old pictures and band-performance of my friends, who performed marvelously, I must say. Yoyon as the MC was really good, and the food was not bad. Even my kids enjoyed the event, judging from the way my Izza swayed to the music and my Reyhan watched the show. There's only one thing that quite disappointing, though, I didn't get any of the doorprizes. The grand doorprize was a cellphone and I had the feeling that I would get it. Usually, I can count on my feelings. Unfortunately, I missed. Huaaaa. Let alone the phone, not even any of the vouchers from Giants and Dewi's Salon came to my way. *sigh*. Anyway, I hope I still can come to the next reunion five years from now.