a homework from my english teacher, a letter to my friend.
(some parts are changed so the compo can have more expressions)

to my soulmate, my bestest listener, my friend,
joan hoe
here's how it goes


"so how are you doing now?"
then began the thee hour long talk we had at Starbucks. wearing a bark blue wollen shirt with flip flops and her trademark brown leather bag, joan was dressed casually with her hair loosely tied back, strands of frayed hair nicely falling by the frame of her face. we were dressed similarly, just that i had all my hair down, with a brown thick-width hairband to keep my fringe in place.


as we entered Starbucks, we can hear the clatter of the ceramic glasses and the small talks, soft discussions over laptops and the coffee table. we found seats available, rushed over, threw our bags on the comfy armrests and slumped heavily into the seats as we heaved a sigh at the same time. we noticed that, and grinned. joan got up on her feet and offered to buy me a drink. she emerged back with two cups of mocha frappucino in her hands. the aroma of coffee beans drifted to my nose as i brought the drink towards my lips to take a sip. it has been long since we have done this, taking time out of our busy schedules to talk about just anything over a cup of coffee, ignoring the busy business crowds and the quick-paced footsteps in the mall.


it was not difficult to get started. we went on and on, pouring over lives to each other, filling in what we have done for the past few months. the coffee in the cup was quickly reducing as we half chatted and half debated about many topics and people that concerned us. but more than just that, we spoke of how we felt, expressed our thoughts and feelings freely, knowing that she will understand what we really mean without having to worry about the usage of words or the blunt phrasing of the statements we make.


the ice in the cup was melting. as i held up my mocha frappucino to finish off my last few sips of coffee, i noticed water rings on the table where the cup is. sucking up the little remainings of the coffee with my straw produced a wierd sound which made joan giggle. i gave her a wide grin, satisfied with the treat i had just given myself, and continued sharing.



as i shaed my struggles, she was more than attentive, nodding her head, dropping words like "yea, i understand..." at times. her gentle tone as she speaks assured me that the words she said were not pretense, but rather out of love and concern. at that moment i felt as if a burdern lifted from my shoulders. though the problems may not be resolved yet, but entrusting them to a loved one really helps. joan began sharing hers too. i did the same, assuring her that i am with her supporting her eventhough i cannot be physically there for her. it was getting late and the crowds in starbucks were starting to disappear. i let down my hair band and ruffled my hair, making my scalp feel more relaxed. we continued chatting until it was too late for us not to head home.


before we parted ways, we have each other a big bear hug, whispering words of encouragement and adding strength to each other.


the smell of coffee beans. the comfort of the armrest. the taste of mocha frappucino that is still lingering in my mouth. the words spoken. the assurance. i will never forget. thankyoujoan.