I was suspended without pay for three days due to tardiness. We have this new policy that if you are late twice within three months, you are suspended for three days without pay. This policy translates you not being late at all for your entire career. I was late on two occasions. What pissed me off was that the last one was just one minute. The suspension days fell upon during the Lenten season, so I had the entire week’s vacation-or an entire week of boredom. I didn’t hit the beach or anything because I was low on cash and had no one to go out with as they were all working. I had wanted to go home, but changed my plans because I avoided the chance they would question me about the breakup and I was not ready for it. Some people during the lent check out the beach or pack up to get the summer away. I was stuck in my boarding house with all the time in the world to think about the man who broke my heart.

I would have been happy because I would have the time to sleep and rest, but it was still as if I was working because I would wake up at the usual time I wake up when I have work. I had been rereading Twisted for a lot of times and it did not help. This insomnia has become chronic.

It was until I was on the verge of going insane that I received a text message from a very good friend who works as a Physical Therapist in New York. She said she was in the country and to meet her that day at Gerry’s Grill. I was not up to the idea of seeing anyone, lest someone who knows me that well given the kind of physical makeup that I had. I didn’t have enough sleep and there were circles of blue under my eyes. They were puffed because I had been crying all night thinking about the love…I can’t help it.

Thinking it was the usual get-together when she arrives from New York, I enlisted my presence as there was nothing else to do and I badly needed to pump up my sagging esteem. Anyhow, I was wondering why when it had not been a year yet since the last time she went home. It’s not like she can just come home if she wants to because I know her employer would not allow that… unless if it is something really important. Nevertheless, I didn’t expect there would be anything special about the dinner invitation other than us getting together as we usually do every time she comes home. She always contact the same people, Lany, Vincent and Me.

After everyone had settled, Lany introduced first Russel…as his new boyfriend…and they are going to Dubai together in two weeks time. I should have known. She and Mark broke up almost at the same time with my breakup and she…stifle sob, sniff, sniff…she has found a new love and they are going to get married in Dubai. “I’m applying for Canada”, said followed Vincent.

“So, what’s your excuse, Madz?” I said, my voice betraying me.

“I am getting married on 29^th and I want you all there on Café George.”

I swooned.