Walks of Life – Sandy’s New Year! (Part1)

I always wanted to write stories. I would like to start with Sandy’s walks of life…..

Walks of Life – Sandy’s New Year! (Part1)

There were those times when Sandy wake up everyday feeling numb and couldn’t hear a thing about what’s happening around. Light from the window partially entering the bedroom, shadows moving in his face as the wind from the air-conditioner move the curtains. He thought to himself “I have to stand up and have breakfast.” Actually it’s already in the afternoon; so much time was wasted in the morning.

In the kitchen, coffee is the king of all smells. The unmistakable aroma of coffee brings life back into the world. Mesmerizing that today is a living day for humans alike. Couldn’t grab a bite of 2-day old bread, Sandy sat down and turned on his laptop. As he switches on the DSL, he thought that a wild current suddenly connects into the world’s information. Browsing through the news and favorite sites, Sandy couldn’t stop but trying to avoid thinking about next week’s work. Today is Saturday and he needs to enjoy that. Some clothes are still hanging in the kitchen chairs. The bathroom door is partially open; he also forgot to turn off the light in the shower last night. What a waste! He thought as he wonders where the utility bills are for this month. “Buzz” a common sound that chat rooms use to say hello. Here they are checking in, family and friends of the internet age. What small world it has become, internet connecting far away friends and love ones. Small as he compares to his studio type condo.

It lasted for several hours…..well it ended after 5pm and Sandy needed to go shopping for a week’s consumption. In the City-shop, a dozen friends also showed up. Amazing he thought, why would they be around that time also? Dinner would take place after buying the goods. The fast food areas would be a fun place to chat with friends. It’s another 2-3 hours before everyone will split. It’s not yet goodbye since they would probably bump into each others in the bars tonight.

“Hey Sandy!” a voice seems familiar yet couldn’t remember a name for her. As he glances to his left, it was Alex. “Hi Alex, how’s last night at the bar? Sorry I have to slip out early, I need to be at another place.” Remembering, he wonders what happened to the wasted young people he left at a friends’ house.

“It was boring, couldn’t get out, some friends set me up on a blind date wit a city engineer. You should have waited a little bit, guess who showed up when you vanished? It’s Lucy!” Sandy felt his heart running into his old feelings, grasping back he said “how is she?” Alex smiles back and said that she looks fine.

It’s been two years now since Sandy and Lucy broke up and eventually did not get married. Alex sat down beside him and asked “what is that you’re eating?” “Pork with some orange extract and honey I think.”

“I sent you an email last night did you see it today? If you’re interested I will arrange a meeting in their office. They are a big advertising company here in Makati and the southern federal states. Loisa is our contact person and she will introduce you to their marketing director Miss Ivy. What do you think?” Drinking up his milk-tea he said thanks and hoping to arrange a presentation of his services. “Do you think I should try this out? “Well of course Sandy, you’re very strong in design and you should not stick only in sub-contracting Cad-Drawings and programming. You’re a great designer and I know your graphic skills, it’s too far better than what their company is producing right now. I am sure you’ll end up well with them!”

“I am really thankful Alex for your support!” Sandy is once the most talkative and energetic guy in the city. Almost anywhere he would surely know someone especially at the bars. Alex stayed as a close friend of him; they were old colleagues in a big planning and architectural firm. Just after the 2014 Government Federalization, Alex moved to the government service while Sandy does home based work. It’s actually an Ideal job, using a laptop at home with a good sat-link, that’s how Sandy earns a lot of money for just 4 hours a day.

Sandy met Lucy in one of his architectural clients. Just after two years they were engaged. Lucy was a project coordinator during that time. When she got promoted as a project architect, life became tough for both of them. After 3 years more, Sandy tried to convince Lucy to quit her work and be a consultant like him. But it was not that easy for Lucy, she was up for promotion and besides she really liked her job. Lucy also became a project architect for international projects which made life harder for both of them. Lucy opened up to Sandy and told him that they may be going nowhere because of the situation. Sandy understood Lucy’s dream and sadly-Sandy said goodbye to each other. Next month is New Year’s Day and it feels like a mystical year to be in 2020.

“What are you having Alex? Just drinks?” Surely, in the back of Sandy’s mind is Alex aura, she was a hot-talented-intelligent-funny girl also, a hot headed one. Well she looks more amazing when she’s mad. “Oh its milk gulaman it’s pretty sweet, you should try it", Alex said. "Thanks, I already ate, I just saw you when I passed by.”

“Where are you going after this Alex? Would you like to go to the underground city tonight? Smiling back at him she said that she’ll be free around 8pm and would love to go with him half pass 8pm. “Ok then, let’s meet in subway #8 at 8:30pm and we’ll go together in UC.” Alex stood up and waived goodbye for now. “See yah there and don’t be late for 1 minute or I will go my self.” Sandy pointed at her liked shooting with a pistol. “See yah there tonight!”

To be continued……