Us against the world

By: Julz Villaret

How did you meet your best friend? Or I’d say your true friend, as if I cared you know but I want to share to you mine. My name is Chuck, well I was born Taylor but my best friend preferred to call me Chuck. She likes to name people with names that turned out that people forget what their real name is and stick to the one she names them, if you know what I mean.

She named me after the converse shoe, Chuck Taylor. I am a girl but a guy names for a girl are really pleasant to my ears. Back in high school people would say “hey Chuck!” like I’m sort of guy, dude, bro or whatever. Thanks to you Julian “Julz”. No, really, I like it. I never thought that “hey grandma Chuck” would be more cool and sweet than “hey Chuck” back in high school.

Yes, I am now a grandmother and happily married with my husband. Another reason why I am grateful to have Julz as my best friend, without her, there’s no me and Irish sitting on the racking chair, watching the sunset from our bungalow near the seashore. Before I would say there’s no me and Irish sitting on tree, K-I-S-S-S-I-N-G. But that was before after watching Flipped movie, again back in high school.

My eight children are all now successful and they would visit us here with my lovely grandchildren every weekend. Something I am proud of, I named my eight children and never asked for Julz opinion. Yeah, she is the one expert naming someone but not in my children. Hell-no.

My first child, Yadie is also in a law firm with her husband who have a 2 cute little devil. And the second is my sweet KL who fulfilled my dreams and became a successful Psychiatrist. I am proud to say that I have cute little blondes’ grandchildren from her. And my first son Angel, well he is a deck captain like his father. He is my only son who’s away and I don’t think if I’ll forgive him for marrying a Brazilian chic and never showed me my grandchildren from him, only on pictures from facebook. Doane, my second son is really good at his car business. He sells cars and I just wish my grandchildren from him will not grow up as brats because of the old money their parents had. Alex, is the architect. When I saw her growing up and took architecture, I could see Shamcey Supsup in her but Alex has the tornado walk, a look like a beauty queen but doesn’t have the courage to be a beauty queen. I support her decisions anyway. Jastine, gosh! Good thing she overcome the parasitic lies. My only child who’s been infested by lies when she’s little but I am grateful she’s a successful fashion designer now. Her boyfriend is kinda hot. I saw it on facebook, I would’ve Skype him sometimes. Shia is now  working on her Obstetrics and Gynecology specialization. I was a fan of Grey’s Anatomy before and I am proud that one of my children will be like one character of that show. And Todd my youngest son is a womanizer like his dad. When I visited him one time in his condo unit, I was surprise to see a ménage á trois thingy. I was shocked not of what I saw but to what my husband sang, Last Friday Night by Katy Perry Yeah, nobody knows that song nowadays I know I’m old. I don’t care what he does in his life as long as he has pay checks with his career as an engineer. Well I’m not trying to be a stage mom here but I still am anyway. I am proud of my eight children.

Well, as I’ve said, I would share to you how I met my very best friend. I did not know we’d be friends for like forever, more than half of our lives but she stood by me forever as I am to her. Every time she calls, I would use to her my lawyer skills, which is her fault anyway for giving me a wrist band with A-T-T-Y-C-H-U-C-K on it on my 18th birthday. How cheap that was? But because of that I have no excused to forget what my really goal is, to be a lawyer someday. And I make it happened, with Julz help of course.

I bet she’s cursing the weather in Germany, since it is almost winter there. How many times I told her that I want her to be home for Christmas but Julz per usual is hard headed. I couldn’t see why she won’t get here. We have internet connection here, that as far as I can remember when we were young, she doesn’t want to go home because our town don’t have internet connections. A huge problem I know.

And when I was younger, I have a fear of losing my memories but guess I did not because I am writing this, right? Well let me take you back to the time of my life, high school.

**

I am the popular chic in town. I top the class, student body president, editor-in-chief of our school paper and I have the cutest clothes in school. I have friends! I always received greetings from the faces I am familiar with but actually I am not sure what their names are. I was wondering do I have a true friend.

One time when I arrived at school with my Chevy, I saw a not so familiar car from the parking lot. It is a night blue Ford Fiesta. Gosh my dream car.

As I walk pass the car, I saw a new girl went out on the driver’s door. She wears a black shirt, jeans and her converse. Her hair has highlights and she has 2 pierce in her right ear. What an emo fever?

“Hey!” The new chic with the Ford called for me. “I’m Julian, I’m new here.”

“Hey, I’m Taylor.” I introduced. “Nice ride.”

“Really? Thanks!” Her eyes lightened up. “Can you help me where is this locker number and this room?” She pointed her fingers to the paper she’s holding.

“Yes, sure. So you’re a junior.” I said. She nodded and I escorted her to where her locker is and to her room.

We were like only minutes being together but she already told me the movie she had watched last night and how she scolds me for not watching the must’ve watch movie she’s talking about. I did not know why she’s telling me this but she told me that when she saw how small my eyes are, she remembered one of the characters in the movie and can’t help but to talk and talk about it. If this was some other girls, maybe my ears will be like bleeding but this girl is different. I find her non-stop talking entertaining like I’m just watching Oprah or some local TV shows like Kris TV or whatever.

“See you later.” I waved my goodbye to her.

“Thanks again Chuck!” She called.

I turned my head and ask “What did you just called me?”

“Chuck! Like my Chuck Taylor. Awesome yeh?” She grinned. I just smiled. Mmm? Chuck? This girl is cool.

I went to my classroom and settled on my usual spot. Again I am seating beside my childhood crush Irish. It’s a bit awkward the whole time because he knows I have this thing for him. But I hate him; he’s some kind of guy who gets tongue tied when girls around. Or it’s just me who noticed?

During lunch I seated with my friends Ethyl, Auper and Jasmine. Then I was surprise to see Julian is making her way towards us with her tray of food. “Hey Chuck!” She greeted me.

“Hey!” I greeted back. “Ethyl, Auper, Jas, this is Julian.” I introduced her to my friends.

“Hey! Happy birthday!” Julian exclaimed. I saw my friends just smiled. I’m not sure whose birthday’s today. She seated beside me. “Call me Julz”

“Happy birthday what?” I asked curiously.

“I’m kidding. It’s my way of saying hey like hey sounds like Heypee birthday. If you know what I mean.” Julian laughed.

This girl is funny. I just knew her but I like her. I did not say a word when I saw Irish is walking pass them. I can’t help but to stare.

“You’re boyfriend?” Julz asked. Maybe she noticed how my eyes glow when I saw Irish. What a lame, I seated beside him from class 1 to class 4, now I miss him.

“She wishes.” My friends informed Julz. Then the next thing happened, Julz waved her hand to Irish. When Irish turned his head, Julz points her finger to me. What the hell?

After seeing how embarrassed I was, she bursts out into laughter. Ethyl, Auper and Jasmine join her from laughing.

“I hate you Julz. He’s my crush since 3rd grade.” I finally hit the words. “We were friends before but when he knew, he never talks to me again. Every moment was nothing but awkward.”

“You’re welcome Chuck, now he noticed you, AGAIN.” Julz replied. She feels comfortable calling me Chuck. Urgh.

“This school is weird. I couldn’t even find a guy to stare with.” Julz complained.

“There goes Ihsan. People think he’s the best-looking guy in here.” Auper suggested.

“Where? You really think so?” Julz frowned and acts like she’s gonna throw up.

Ihsan, well, he’s my crush as well. But he’s such a feeling suave guy who thinks he holds the world with his finger. Nobody likes that.

The reason why I couldn’t forget that day, it’s because I met Julz and she made Irish noticed me by her pranks and jokes. The next day was fan-crappin-tastic. Or that’s how Julz describes it. I couldn’t ever imagine what other things this Julz can do aside from joking around or staying cool though the fire around had ignited.

“Hey, guess whose mobile number is this?” Julz brags during lunch. She is a junior but she hangs out with me? Why the hell? I like it anyway. I feel special.

When I did not answer back, she says “Its Irish, Chuck! Wooh-wooh—wooohh” She sang the words and danced her little tune. “I am awe-mazing I know!”

“What? How did…” I let the sentence hang.

“I’m sorry but I flirted with your boyfriend.” Julz sounds sad. She pouted her lips like a puppy. When I look at her with a strange look she says “I’m kidding. He likes you too and you’re gonna thank me later for doing this.” She winked.

“I am not going to text Irish.” I objected.

“Yeah? Ok, I will. Hand me you’re phone?” She commanded.

“No way.” I objected but Julz is fast. She’s now holding my phone and hold it up in the air so it’s hard for me to reach it but I did not give up. I tried hard to reach it.

“Fine.” Julz handed me back my phone. “I will make him text you… and what about this phone? It’s like a piece of junk. Oh I see, you’re some sort of sentimental little girl that you want to keep this phone because your grandma gave this to you?” she’s being sarcastic.

“AWWM? How’d you know?” I mocked.

She settled back again in her seat and went back to eating. Then I was shock when he called for Irish. Irish looks back and points a finger to himself to confirmed that he’s the one Julz was calling.

“Yes, come here!” Julz confirmed. Irish made her way towards us and I fidgeted. What the hell is she doing? Embarrass me to death?

“Hi sis!” Irish greeted Julz. What? Sis?

“Seat!” Julz commanded Irish and he sat as he told.

“You play guitar right?” Julz asked. She tried to have a nice convo. Irish nods.

“You know how to play Your Guardian Angel by RJA?” Julz asked again. “I like that song.”

“You do? You know the chords? I’ll play it. But I don’t have a guitar at home.” Irish replied. I never heard Irish talks like this. He feels comfortable. I thought this would be another awkward situation but Julz made it as light as feathers. I feel light like I’m going to fly.

“I have. But it’s out of tune. You know how to tune guitars?” Julz asked. Julz is my first guitar teacher, and guess what? I am better than her. *grin*

“Yes, sure. Bring it tomorrow.” Irish said. Irish is a rocker with a nose ring. No, he’s just a rocker and I love him with or without a nose ring or whatever his hairstyle was. I don’t care if it is Mohawk or mullet. I just love this guy and how he stutters.

“Hey look. I kinda forget stuffs so you must remind me. Here’s Chuck number, call her alright!” Julz winked. So this is it. The main point is that to make Irish text me. Nice move Julz.

“Chuck?” Irish asked.

“Yes, Chuck! Chuck Taylor. The girl you wanna marry?” Julz joked. “Hand me your phone.” She commanded to Irish and when she’s pushing buttons to save my number to Irish’ phone, she mutters “Why everybody is so slow nowadays?”

I clearly know she’s referring to Irish and I saw Irish curved a smile. I’m wondering if you knew, I have so many unsent letters for you. I wanted to say that to Irish but I am sure if I try to speak, I always said the wrong stuff so better shut up.

“That’s it. You got Chuck’s number, and Chuck’s got your number as well. I’m done. Do the move little bro!” Julz commanded.

Irish remained silent and I turned red. That moment I thought If Irish will make his move, I would never ever waste Julz efforts. Or should I call it effort? She did it like some piece of cake.

Ok, forget my love life. I and Irish went out just fine. He asked me out, we went to prom together, took the prom queen and prom king crowns, we kissed and we hang out like we’re the coolest couple ever. You think I forgot Julz? Hell-no. We hang out a lot like we’re some kind of tripod from the movie I’ve watched. We couldn’t stand alone if one is lacking, that’s the way we rule.

But I tell you, I never let Irish read my diaries filled with him. Julz had a sneak preview with it for intruding my private stuffs when I invited her home. When I knew it was my mom reading it, I would be hysterical but I let Julz to read it. Does this mean she’s my best friend?

Wait, when I told you I wouldn’t waste Julz effort for making Irish asked me out? Well, I lied. I blew it off and I know that there’s no one to blame, it’s a sure given shame of my own. How poetic that was? Actually, it’s a song. I like Juliet Simms, not because maybe people will call her Julz but I can relate to her songs especially its Parker. It’s the perfect song when I decided to dumped Irish. I still flinched at the thought.

Julz graduated from high school first. She went to Pharmacy School and I was left to spend my senior year without her. We always kept in touch. I always send her message every morning or before I slept at night. She told me a lot about her friend Paddy or how her College life is.

When she went home one summer, it’s when I realized that being away with each other is sometimes a great thing because you could feel how much you miss each other. She always does the talking when we’re together and I just listen. Is to be a listener is my calling? Mmm.

And you want lines from my graduation speech? Yes, I graduated high school as Valedictorian. I’m smart I know! I included Julz in my speech. I saw her cried but she’s too shy to admit it, I know.

To Gys and Fila, thank you for existing. Fila, sorry if I lost the poltergeist along the way. As they say, that is and people change. Fila you were a strength behind me. I know you know it. You are the truest friend my life could ever have. I’ll not bargain you’re for any friend in the world, because you really rocked my world. You are my Johnny Depp, my Mandy Moore and my Paramore band. The song brighter is not for me but for you because you shine brighter that anyone and without you I will feel so small. As you wrote in the poem, ‘No thanks to him but thanks to you.’

Yes, maybe the emo fever thing just hit me. But I mean it. I cried when I started to write my graduation speech and how hard for me to reminisce the moment that you know won’t be happen again. Well, that’s it I got Julz as my graduation gift, well Julz, I nicknamed my Macbook Julz. Why there are so many Julz in my life? First the Juliet Simms, I assumed nickname is Julz and the Julian Julz, the talkative, coolest Julz.

You know the reason why I name my Mac as Julz? So I have an excused to curse that name. *evil laugh* Anyway, Julz named Irish as Gys because she said that Irish looks like a ghost, the poltergeist. That time we were a fan of Harry Potter, that’s why. I agreed because no matter how hard for me to say that ‘yeah, I know Julz is good at naming names’, I find Gys cool as well, like how I like my nickname ‘Chuck’. She named herself FILA because she kept falling in love again to someone who never laid their eyes on her or to those she never dated. It’s just nothing, she just falls for them. FILA

Okay, moving on. When I turned college, I took B.S Accountancy. I and Julz went to different schools. I got Scholarship from this Uni and she went to a Pharmacy school. Well, we don’t usually hang out like before but we sometimes went for a road trip. Julz always do the honor of driving because between us, she got the higher percent of ability to focus. She can talk when she drives, unlike me who almost fell down to a manhole when I was busy talking to my friend while walking across the streets. When I told her about that, yeh, at first she laughed but that’s when she never entrusted me her car keys. She loves her Ford Fiesta like more than her life.

“We are alone in this car; it’s time to start our concert!” She said as she turns on the stereo and plays our favourite Paramore song, Brighter. “Hand me the hairbrush!”

We got the pretty face, nice body but we don’t have the voice but that doesn’t mean we will stop singing. No way, though our voice is ear-cracking, we don’t care.

Most of the time, when we’re together, we would listen to music and started to break the codes of the song. Especially Taylor swift’s whose each song has a story to tell. Maybe Julz is cursing as well, because of how many Taylor in her life. Her chuck taylor, Taylor Swift and me Taylor. *haha*

As Julz started the engine for our long drive she says like she’s making an intro to her concert. “So my name is Julz, and I hope this doesn’t make anyone too uncomfortable but I am completely naked inside these clothes.”

I laughed. “What the hell Julz?”

She did not answer me but she looks at me seriously and asks “Ready?”

She moved her hands like she’s holding a drumstick and started beating the invisible drums in front of her. And wait, did I mention she’s driving? Multi-tasking again Julz?

“1, 2, 3,1,2,3, I hate that stupid, old, pick-up truck you never let me drive.” She started singing like crazy. “You’re redneck, heartbreak who’s really good at lying”

We ain’t got a boyfriend, cuz this is how we spend our free time. Trying to picture out how crazy we are, no, how crazy Julz is? Well, I hope I’m not giving you a hard time.

Sometimes we would try drive-thru to skip the longest line contest on either Mcdo or Jollibee. But you think it’s the lines Julz is concern? Well, partly but the reason is, she’s flirting with the cute Mcdo guy.

“Hey, two burgers, two fries, and two cokes.” She ordered then she turned her head to me and asks “Chuck, what about you?”

I flashed her I-THOUGHT-YOU-ORDERED-FOR-TWO look and she’ll say “I’m kidding.”

Good thing we have a connection like you don’t have to say the words, she’ll just know. Sometimes, I would think telepathy existed. Like you would look at each other and then laugh that people around would think “what’s so funny?”. Hey, it’s called inside jokes you moron. Probably that’d be Julz would say if people would stare when we’re laughing.

“Hey, what time is it?” She asked the Mcdo guy.

“3:14, ma’am.”

“Oh? I’ll check it.” Then she’ll check the time on her wrist watch. She’s not interested with the time; she is more on seeing the cute Mcdo guy smile. What could you possibly think for asking someone the time when you have the watch in the first place?

“My gosh Julz!” I exclaimed.

“What?” She looked at me then says “Oh, you have a crush on ‘Manong’ ha?”

Julz is totally a psycho. “Shut up.”

“Here’s your order ma’am. Thank you, come again.” The Mcdo guy hand Taylor what she ordered.

“Sure, and her name is Chuck. She has a crush on you. See ya later!” Julz replied and laughed hard.

“My gosh Julz, you’re insane!” I said then I just laughed for my best friend’s craziness.

Well, if I turned out to be an emotional little punk. I am glad to have an emo-looking friend but actually a psychotic, hilarious, loony toons, cool cool and fun to be with inside. Like Newton’s law. The opposite attracts. I am the listener and she’s the talker, but we have one thing in common, we’re both a girl. No, kidding, we have the same likes in terms of music. One time, she told me I am her myx, my choice, her music. Poetic! *haha*no, she just heard it a lot because she always tuned in to the number one music channel in the Philippines, myx.

**

I put my pen down when I heard a car pulled off in our garage. I look around in this familiar room. I and my husband moved here 6 months ago since I want to wake up with the sound of the ocean breeze and how I love the scent of the ocean. And my children supported my decision. I hang the pictures of the yesterdays on the wall and my eyes settled on my younger reflections with Julz. It was taken when we had our vacation in Palawan Island, Philippines. I remember back when we were college, we pinky swear that we would explore Palawan after graduation and we made things happen again.

We did a lot of travel; we’re like soul searching all over again. We spend one summer in Camarines sur, and all we get from skiing is body pain, sunburn and all. After we get tired of the Philippine islands, well we went back to our childhood and visited Disney Land, Hong Kong. I had a chance there to have a picture with David Beckham’s clone. Well, Julz was right, he is bloody handsome. If I ever met him in person, I’d swear I‘ll lick his face than shake his hands.

I was left in the Philippines because I studied Law and pursue my dream to be a Lawyer. Julz flew to Germany and found her future there. I was married first and she is my maid of honor, she flew back here to attend my wedding and she was shocked to see that I will be marrying Irish. Yes, our paths crossed again and fell in love with each other all over again. I never seen Julz cried in ages but I guess all she thinks that time was ‘My efforts are all worth it.”

She also went home to attend the baby shower of my eight children from time to time. She is their godmother who she finds unfair because she has lots of gifts to wrap when Christmas comes while I only have one godson and one goddaughter from her. Yes, Julz got married to a German boy named Jeffrey. She got two blondes children who I envy the most. I flew to Germany to be her maid of honor as well.

I went out of the room to check that if Irish was already there. To my surprise, I ran towards the sofa like I am a strong, old, woman to hug Julz. She is not like other grandparents whose hairs gone white and wrinkled skin. She still looks young and thriving. Maybe her life in Germany is stress-free.

She still wears her familiar smile I fell in love with. “Look who’s old?” She greeted.

We sat down at the sofa. “Irish, you know about this?” I asked.

“Knows about what?” Irish asked back as if he doesn’t have any idea how surprise I feel right now.

“You haven’t change Julz! You still love to surprise me. You said you won’t be home.” I said with teary-eyed.

“I miss you too Chuck.” She grinned.

I called for my housemaid and ask to prepare for something to eat. And maybe dinner, I have lots to discuss with Julz.

“How are you? You look old and I’m not.” Julz said. Years had passed but still she hadn’t change at all. “Age is just a number and young is an attitude.” She winked. I remember these lines. It is from a shampoo commercial before.

“Shut up Julz. So how long you’ll be staying here?” I asked.

“Like for seconds because, me and you are going out. I’ll drive.” She winked. She is still lively and game to every challenge.

“Wait, what?” I frowned. But Julz grab my hand and drag me out of the door.

“Come on, I miss the old-time ice cream.” She rushed out of the door and shouts “Irish, I’ll borrow your car and Chuck, ayt?”

Seriously, who are seventy? I thought.

She drives the pick-up truck and made her way to the coastal road. “Why you decided to move here?” I heard Julz asked me.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I mean, this is the best ever decision you’ve made.” Julz exclaimed. “I like it. I’ll tell Jeff, I wanna move here. The ocean, we could surf sometimes.” She grinned.

“You’re impossible.” I muttered.

“I’m kidding.”

“I know you would say that.” I rolled my eyes like old-times. This time I was the one who turned on the stereo and started singing the old Taylor Swift songs. Irish saved it.

“Is there something dying in here?” Julz giggled. “Switch it to what makes you beautiful by One Direction, it’s a hit now Chuck. Boys that composed that boy band are really good looking, I tell you.”

Nothing’s change at all. I mean, I grew older with 8 children. Julz as well with her 2 children but again age is just a number and young is an attitude, that’s the rule Julz live by. We ate our favourite ice cream like old times and listened to one direction Julz is talking about. I remember when we were younger; a kid once called her a Pedo. Now, I could see why.

Now I am happy like the happiest person among the happiest person that you could ever be in the world with my truest friend. So, respect anyone for anyone is fighting their own battles but to me, I had a time of my life fighting dragons with Julz. And I tell you, we won! Us against the world is like a piece of cake especially when our own weapon was simple, our own laughter’s and then in the end you’ll be surprise you forgot all the burdens, just all the happy memories, happy thoughts and all you have to say is ‘we won’.

This is the old time song but we could listen to it all over again. I hope the lines are familiar and if it’s not, I and Julz will sing it in front of you.

When I see your smile

Tears run down my face

I can’t replace

And now that I’m stronger I’ve figured out

How this world turns cold

And breaks through my soul

And I know, I’ll find deep inside me

I can be the one

I will never let you fall

I’ll stand up with you forever

I’ll be there for you through it all

Even if saving you sends me to Heaven

It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay

Seasons are changing and waves are crashing

And stars are falling all for us

Days grow longer and nights grow shorter

I can show you, I’ll be the one

‘Cause you’re my, you’re my, my

My true love, my whole heart

Please don’t throw that away

‘Cause I’m here for you

Please don’t walk away

And please tell me, you’ll stay, stay

Use me as you will

Pull my strings just for a thrill

And I know, I’ll be okay

Though my skies are turning gray

I will never let you fall

I’ll stand up with you forever

I’ll be there for you through it all

Even if saving you sends me to Heaven

I was wondering if Julz is the one writing this, maybe she’ll end it this way.

We were sitting on the front porch listening to the Christmas carols little children’s singing then we would eagerly listen to the song and then Julz would stand up from her racking chair and you’ll think she’ll give the children a quarter or she’ll offer the popcorn she’s holding but the truth is she shut the door close, yes, she shut the door close in front of the children’s faces.  How mean that old woman could be?

Then she would look at me smirking. To my dismay of what she had done, my arteries constrict and I couldn’t breathe and then I fell down now facing God in heaven then I was surprise after a minute, she followed me there then she told me what happened to me is beyond her expectation, so she had a heart attack as well and we both died. The END.