Pampering Lola
I had a deal with mama. She would do the washing of uniform only if I go with my Lola to SM. Without a second thought I agreed. She said it something like a convention for...i dunno...religious people i think. My plan was just to accompany her in the entertainment plaza and then leave her for a while so I could stroll the whole SM until she wants to go home.
When we got there, disappointment stab me when I saw the big banner "LIVE! GRANDMPARENTS DAY!". What have I gotten myself into.
Relunctant to go, I followed my Lola who seemed excited to find her co-senior citizens (uhh..sorry for the term). First thing that I saw on my left were tables lined adjacent to blue benches. Each labeled with BP readings, eye and ears examination, and the last was hand massage service... all for free. Reminds me of my friend Aicha who's motto is "nothing is cheaper than something free". I realized that they share the same saying with my Lola but in Bisaya version.
There were two bench parallel to the hand massage table. We sat there. A familiar-faced woman in a matching yellow silk vest and pants approached my Lola. "Uy! Mare, naa diay ka!", her voice was high-pitched--- I recognized her. She was my Lola's friendster.
She turned to me and said "Today is Pampering Lolo and Lola's Day", as if orienting me on what to do.
Everyone there were people with grey hairs and waxy movements. I want to get out and go somewhere else but here.
Indignation wasn't my concern that moment. In fact it's a very nice thing to accompany an elderly to socializations such as these. But... not me. It's just that I don't want to talk to them. It's really unlikely for me.
Behaved like a sick child, I sat on the edge of the bench. I searched into my body bag just to busy myself from grannies who might ask me some questions. Then I found a book which I borrowed from Jesh yesterday. Though it was not much to be happy about, a little bliss flickered inside me when I saw the book. At least I have something to divert the awkwardness I am into.
Halfway I read the book with one sitting.
Two old couples caught my attention. They danced (Tango? or whatever you call that) at the stage. I'm so delighted everytime I see couple of KATIGULANGANs still as sweet as their first year together. Then I saw the another granny who REEEEALLY looked like Mrs.uhh.. (who was that old woman in Mr.Bean?) anyway, she sang an unfamiliar song accompanied with a guitar that was also played by another Lola.
"It isn't so bad afterall", i thought convincingly. I'm surrounded with people 50 to 60 years older than me. It doesn't make a difference. Only that they were born 50-60 years earlier, of course. But nothing more other than that. I know someday I will be like them if God permits.
I see happiness in their face. Even my Lola. I know, I can tell.
I mean who wouldn't? Getting yourself a massage, haircut, manicure/pedicure and other beauty previledges for free. They were pampered like a newborns; Danced and sang as if all of them were their close friends.
Absorbed in the book I'm almost done reading, I didn't notice it was time to go.
I asked my Lola to buy me something to eat.
Then we left as I nibbled my Appleraspberry donut.
Xiao |8:03 PM
Sunday, September 11, 2005
