FRIENDS OR FOE

Rose is one of the mutual close friends of Jacky and Juan. They had fought at times.

"Rose, where is my book you borrowed? Jacky asked.

" I forgot at home! Rose said.

"How can you forget our book, what can we use now?" Jacky replied.

"Can you cool down, what can I do? I forgot? Rose answered.

" Should I let you borrow next time if this is the case? Jacky said.

"Don't let me borrow next time, selfish," Rose said.

Jacky angry by the comment just don't answer and went away silent.

Juan observed her out of the mood.

Went beside her and give her a funny smile and cute twinkling eyes...

Jacky who faced him frowning can't resist smiling. Then changed mood. embrace Juan's hands, leaning on her shoulder. "Can you lend me your History book, I forgot mine," Jacky asked smiling.

"Sure, here." Juan getting the old, repaired book covered by a new plastic cover from his backpack.

Rose, looking and jealous of Juan and ashamed of what she did with Jacky. Get convicted, bought three soft drinks, and put in the table in front of Jacky and Juan.

"Sorry, it's my fault, Jacky." Rose signaling to them offering the drinks.

"Forgiven," Jacky said.

Both of them smiled and drink their colas. Juan did not bother to ask what their fight was, just have the funny smile. Both girls laugh, "you're irresistibly funny Juan", Jacky said.

Rose still hope Juan will court her. But she can not deny she also wants Jacky to be happy and Juan was angry if she will do the first move to court him. So, she accepted the fact, even though it hurts her to consent, that her friend is in love also with Juan and Juan the same to Jacky. Though they did not yet admit it to be an official relationship it can't be denied in their actions.

Rose started to protect her friends. She even fights those who are trying to backbite Juan and Jacky's relationship.

Rose, came also from a poor, hard-up family. It is her Aunt who is working in the Municipal Hall as the Mayor's secretary who is helping her to finish high school. She is working in the house. Her problem is she is sometimes scared to ask for extra money for some projects. Jacky just buys what she needs and secretly put in her bag.

Rose from the start hates Jacky out of jealousy that she is rich, beautiful, and especially about Juan. She wants to hurt Jacky. But this changed when she found out that it was Jacky who Anonymously provides her need at specific times she needs it the most.

" Jacky is a different kind of friend. Even I quarrel with her she still helps me secretly." Her Jesus is really something that is making her different"

"Hey Jacky, can I join you at church this Sunday?" Rose asked.

"Sure yes! Both of us will be happy." Jacky said.

"Who's with you?"Rose asked.

"Don't you know, that it's Juan who invited me first to the community church? Jacky said.

" Is that so? Well, that is good. What time this Sunday?"Rose asked.

"8:00 AM we will meet in the convenience store," Jacky said.

"See you then"Rose answered.

That Sunday, no Rose arrived. Jacky and Juan were late because of her.

They meet Monday in the canteen and Rose is not in the mood.

Jacky just went to her side and smile without a word...

Rose, waiting for Jacky to be angry.

Jacky stand bought some snacks and give it to Rose.

Rose smells the delicious" binignit" a sweet soup with banana, sweet potato, jackfruit, sticky rice, coconut milk, and colored sago. Ate with Jacky in silence then after they burp and laugh, she will explain.

"I was not allowed to go yesterday, I did the laundry and can not see my cellphone till noon. Sorry for both of you."

"Next Sunday then," Jacky said.

"No, my Aunt will not allow me to get out Sundays, only on Saturdays."Rose sadly said.

They went to class sad.

Jacky talked to Juan about Rose's problem. Juan suggested, "what if we will talk to her Aunt?"

"Let's try on Saturday, we will ask her permission," Jacky said. "We will bring a native chicken," Juan said.

Saturday, Rose was surprised, Jacky and Juan were in their terrace talking to her Aunt. Her Aunt smiling. Then Juan and Jacky went to her direction in the laundry area.

"Hello, Rose?" Jacky greeted her.

"What are doing here? " I'm ashamed for you to see me in this situation." Rose shyly said.

"Don't be my friend, we are here to help you. Your Aunt already agreed that you join us tomorrow in church." Jacky said.

"What? Are you sure, but I can't finish my laundry today." Rose pointed to her mountain of laundry.

"Don't worry, we are here to help, me and Juan," Jacky said.

Juan operated the hand pump, while Jacky helps Rose with the big tub. They filled it with water and they started washing using feet, hands, and brush. Jacky bought three laundry hand gloves to protect their hands and a gallon of liquid laundry soap that made the clothes and curtains quickly cleaned, and smelled good.

"Problem solved," Juan said.

Rose embraced and thanked Jacky and embraced Juan also but it gets longer with Juan who was caught in surprise.

Jacky who felt it is already so long and awkward tried to separate them.

Rose said: "Are you jealous?

" What do you mean jealous? Jacky flushed.

" Yes your jealous that Juan embraced me longer!" Rose teasing her.

"Crazy girl! I will kick you" Jacky joking.

Both of them laughed at Juan. While Juan was embarrassed. He just kept silent.

"You liked it right?" Rose teasing Juan.

Juan gets the pail of water and throws it to both of them and they had a water fight bathing and wet, running around throwing water to each other. After the fun, they dry the clothes in the clothesline and Jacky said, we'll go home wet, Juan.

"No, I will lend you my clothes, Jacky." She led Jacky in her small room and open her drawer, which of the clothes there can fit you? Rose offered her old clothes. Only the class uniform is new.

I'll try this.

Then, she invited Rose to eat outside. Juan who was not so wet because he knows to avoid the water thrown to him, went home partially wet.

Jacky said to Juan to go ahead and change clothes and met them at the convenience store 10 minutes from now.

They all met Rose's Auntie who was happy with there performance, allowed Rose to go with them.

Juan ran to his boarding house to change.

Jacky and Rose went ahead to the convenience store and both of them bought four sets of new dresses insisted by Jacky. They have the same design with different colors as a sign of their friendship. Jacky paid it all.

Juan arrived and was surprised to see their new similar dress like a uniform with different colors. "Both of you look good!" Juan complimented them.

"But who is more beautiful Juan?" Rose is teasing him.

Juan flushed and smile. While Jacky cut it by holding Rose in the arms and leading her to the chicken house. They ate spaghetti and fried chicken.

Rose thank them both for everything and shed tears...

" What's the matter, dear?" Jacky asked.

"If not for you both, what could be my life now? I just make jokes and pester you both but inside me is crying and afraid after graduation." Rose confided.

"Please don't be so sad, God is good." Jacky comforted her.

Juan and Jacky went with her to the tricycle and bade her goodbye.

"Tomorrow!" Jacky said.

"Yes, tomorrow! Rose waved.

Sunday morning.

Rose was so early, She was the one who waits for them, dressed in the new clothing they bought yesterday.

Jacky and Juan arrived together and they have a tricycle together.

The church was new to Rose, so Jacky was in her side the whole time. Rose was silent, there were portions in the Pastor's message that she will wipe her tears. A woman invited her to talk to her outside alone, then Rose was smiling as she approached both Juan and Jacky to go home. Rose said we are now brothers and sisters. They had a group hug and the three of them are fighting their tears happy.

Rose: " This is the only time that I understand that God loves me and died for me to pay for my sins. Thanks for inviting me here."

Juan and Jacky just nodded.

"Friends forever," Jacky said...

"Friends forever" Rose and Juan responded.

"You are now the New Rose Zabala!" Jacky and Juan said happily.