Turning the page … Friends are forever 13

How Tina met Katie

Meeting Katie was awkward, unexpected and a totally strange encounter.

Tina hasnt been to the Planet for while. The gang asked her to meet them for coffee. Tina was early. She was ordering coffee and was chatting with Marina when someone hugged her from behind. The girl was jumping and screaming in delight. She said, Im so happy youre here. Youre finally here.
Tina turned to face the girl. When their faces met – the girls joy turned to confused and shock horror. Oh my god Im sorry. She apologised profusely. Im so sorry. Sorry. I thought you JD. She was . to meet me here a few days ago and she hasnt . . I thought you were JD. Im sorry. She turned, burst into tears and walked away and left.

Tina was shocked. Not sure what had just happened. But she felt sorry for the lady. She looked at Marina. Marina shook her head. Dont know who she is but shes been here the last few days. She comes in every morning and again in the evening. Keep asking for a girl named JD – whether weve seen her, if theres a message or note for her from JD. They were supposed to meet here 5 days ago. Shes still waiting. I suppose you must look like her friend.

Tina: Gosh, I hope shes ok. She looked really upset.

A few days later, Tina was at sitting at their usual table when the lady who hugged her came over.

Lady: Hi! Im really sorry about the other day. God, from the back, you look so much like JD. Ive been waiting for days and mistaken you for her. That was embarrassing. Im sorry if I embarrassed you. Im really sorry. She turned to walk away.

Tina: Its okay. Hey, you want to sit here with me while you wait. Im Tina
Lady: Okay. Thanks. I could use the company. Im Katie. Tina, Can I buy you a cup of coffee as my way of saying sorry.

Tina was about to refuse when she saw her sad eyes. They reflected her own pain. Yes, she saw the pain shes hurting too.

T: Sure, but you dont have to. Its easy to make a mistake. Dont worry about it.
K: I insist. (She went and brought back two cups of coffee, some croissant and bagel.). Thought we could use some food too.

Katie saw Tinas sad eyes too. Shes like me. Sadness and pain. Deeper than mine. More like heartbroken.

Tina: thanks. Yeah, Im a little hungry.

They sat in silence for a while. Drinking coffee and eating. Tina looked at Katie a few times when Katie was checking everyone who walked in. She kept looking and searching the crowd with her eyes. Tina saw sadness.

Tina: Do you want to talk. Im not in a hurry. Smiling, gently coaxing. Im a good listener. Sometimes talking helps.

Katie: I dont understand why she hasnt come yet?

T: You mean your friend?

Katie: Yes, JD. We were supposed to meet here a week ago. Ive been here everyday but she hasnt turn up yet.

T: Cant you call her or some thing.

Katie: Ive tried every day. But no one picks up the phone. Ive sent heaps of emails. Call her family but no one answer. She lives in England. But shes a volunteer Medical Aid worker in Rwanda. She was due to be back few weeks ago. I hope nothing happened while she was there. Im so worried. Its not like her.

Tina: Maybe shes delayed somewhere.

Katie: Its not like her not to call to let me know. She sent me an email a month ago to say shell be meeting me as planned. Shes a very reliable person. Her word is solid as rock. (tears welling up in her eyes.)
Ive got to go. Thanks Tina for your company and for listening. Thanks

Tina: good luck. Hope you get to see her soon.

The following week, Tina and Katie bump into each other regularly at The Planet. They were becoming regular coffee mate. They often share a table. Katies friend JD hasnt turn up. Poor Katie shes worried sick. She tried to be cheerful but Tina saw the sadness.

One morning, as usual, Katie came over to join Tina. Smiling briefly and then she waited as she did the last 13 days. Scanning the place. Watching every movement. Watching everyone. Then she started crying. Tina reached out and placed her hands on Katies and she held them, trying to comfort her.

Katie: I just dont understand why shes still not here. Something terrible must have happened. Oh God, please dont take her away from me.

Tina didnt know what to say. She hated false assurance and pretence. So she said nothing. Just consoling Katie.

Katie: JD is my best friend in this whole wide world. We will be travelling on the road for 6 months in the beat-up van we bought. We planned to drive all the way across to Florida. I missed her terribly. Weve been planning this trip for three years. (she sighed)

Katie: Maybe shell come before I leave for work in an hours time. If not, Ill be back here again after work hopefully shell be here when I return.

Tina: where do you work?

Katie: at the Dream Centre. Im the Project Co-ordinator at Dream Centre.

Tina: Dream Centre? Whats that?

Katie: Its a non-profit organization. We run many social programmes for the communities – like Homeless Shelter, Youth Program, Soup Kitchen, Feeding the hungry, and currently we are renovating a safe house called Dream House for the street kids – a place where they come and hang out, play pool, games, read, and most of all, get off the street.

Tina: Wow that sounds interesting. I did some volunteer work at the HQ for Social Justice and Ive really enjoyed that.

Katie: Hey, would you like to come with me one day and have a look at the Dream Centre? We need lots of help. Youd be great.

Tina: yeah, I would like that.

Katie: When are you free?

Tina: Actually, Im free today. I start work next week. Mondays to Wednesdays. Im off Thursdays & Fridays.

Katie: If you like, you can come with me today. Ill show you around as I work.

Tina: Sure. Okay.

Katie gave Tina a tour of Dream Centre and explained to her in more details about the organization. Tina was very impress. She particularly like the Dream House project. Katie took her to see the place – it was big and very run down but they have great plans for it.

At 2.30 Katie and Tina went to help serve food, under the bridge, to the homeless people. Tina was surprise to see more than a hundred people there.
After that they were back at the centre. Katie was very busy. She needed help and Tina was able to lend an extra pair of hands. Because it was a non-profit organization she manage the place with the help of volunteers. There were only a few paid workers. By the time they finished it was 6 p.m. and they were both exhausted but very happy.

K: Thanks for coming out to help Tina. Couldnt have done it without your help today.
T: Thats okay. It was fun and Ive really enjoyed myself. And thanks for asking me.

K: would you like to have a bite together? Im going to the Planet.
T: Im tired. But a quick bite and drink would be great.

They ordered their food and got their drinks. Found a table. Katie kept looking around, searching for that face. She was disappointed and sad again.

T: Who is JD? Are you and her . Is she your ..
K: No like I said, shes my best friend. No, were not lovers if thats what youre asking. Only sometimes, I wish we were. But its against my belief and religion.
T: What? Dont tell me youre one of those religious holier than thou people like Fay Buckley. That fanatic b****!
K: Hang on there. Fay who?
T: Sorry I dont mean to be rude. Just brought back bad memories. What do you mean when you said its against
K: Never mind. Just forget I said that. I think I wont see her tonight. I better go. Its getting late. Thanks again Tina. It was great having you at the centre today. Think about it – I mean about volunteering. Good night.
Tina: Good night.

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Turning the page … Friends are forever 13

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