BECAUSE IT RAINED

The rain begins to pour down as I stepped out from the house, I doubled my step for I know traffic awaits on the highway since it’s raining. Manila is in deep shit when it rains. Not that long, I arrived in Baclaran. Still with the heavy downpour, I hurried to catch a bus; good thing it didn’t took me that long. I seated near the right window, put my umbrella aside and adjusted the aircon blade against my direction. I was alone on that two-seated row and the coldness is biting. The bus took a halt as it waited for more passengers to board. I check my time; it’s 7:29 pm. I wish it would not take that long for the bus to move on. As I sat there alone, I observed the cold phenomenon outside the window. Then I thought that I was lucky being where I am on that very moment. The warmth may not be that satisfying but the thought that I am inside the right bus that would take me to work and free from getting wet, made me feel so secured; while others outside hurries and struggles to reach their point of destination. After five minutes or so, the bus driver closed the door and the journey begins…

As we move along the busy highway of Baclaran, I noticed that the rain is causing flood on the street. I pity those passengers who are still waiting for their bus to arrived; they can’t even get a taxi. The cabs are taking advantage of the situation and is pricing too much. I wonder what they did with the meter. For some who doesn’t have anything to cover them from the rain, were stranded alongside the corners with a little chance of roof. Some were afraid to delve their flawless legs into the sorrowful water. Blessed are those who are courageous enough, for the chance of getting a seat and getting home early awaits.

Another thing that caught my attention are those street children, with all the freedom they can muster, they dive into the muddy water…dancing and playing in the rain naked. Huh, funny…a certain part of me envy them. If I can just steal a picture of that laughter and smile on their faces, I am pretty sure that what I can capture is genuine happiness. The joy is so remarkable that you cannot, at that very moment, question if they ever worry about their future. They are crazily contented of the life they have. Why…am I not?

Everything in the surrounding is so wet, the water is rising and the traffic sucks. I know I’m going to be late for work but I opted not to check my watch for it would just maximize the panic that is accumulating inside my nerves. Oh I don’t want to punish myself now and will never ever anymore.

I came late to work once, it was a month ago, I believe, and I swear I look so stupid. I was checking the time every now and then like a freak and sweating cold like a madman. I was late for 12 minutes and I was so worried like hell only to find out, when I arrived, that nobody cares and it’s not a big deal. I sat on my terminal, catching my breath and figured a big L on my forehead. But of course, my salary was deducted. It seems like the accounting peeps are the only one who cares..or shall I say… money really matters. tsk tsk tsk

Anyway, I savor the moment of observation…then I realized, If I had spend the whole trip watching the time, I could have missed this great opportunity of watching mankind on its different facet. In times like this, you will see humanity at its best. Rain is a force of nature that you cannot, even for a second, pretend not to be who you are. You can’t be on your best posture, oh believe me..I see the look just now and all you can say is…s**t!.

As the bus neared LRT, I can still see a lot of people trying to get home on that cold and rainy night. I can still see people, though it’s already late, are still so busy and in a hurry…hurry to be home with their family? Hurry to meet someone? Hurry not to be late on a night’s shift? Or just pretend to be in a hurry but the truth is, nobody is waiting for them. It’s hard to tell which one is especially on a night like this while everybody wears the same look on his or her face. The look that says…we are, after all, just human. We are like ants that no matter how busy life is…we still stop when water is on the way. Funny, those bunches of people under the overpass really looks like a cluster of helpless ants. It’s amazing how rain can hinder us. I wonder what could have happen when Mr.-Guy-in-a-yellow-shirt-holding-a-nicely-packed-gift would be right now if it weren’t raining. Will he still be in his best shot when he arrives? Wet shoes? Wet jeans? I think its sweet and romantic. Well what is sweet and romantic by the way? For me, the situation relatively fits the definition. When he arrives early, will he get a kiss or more than that? I bet mom and dad is home right now. Well, better luck next time and hope no more rain next time.

As the bus passed Burgundy, the used-to-be-smoking-area is empty. However, at the corners, you can still see people trying to get a smoke. I guess you really can’t take smoking from the call center life. The bus gets nearer to my destination. A passenger at my back asked the driver if he could make a stop near RCBC Plaza, good thing the driver signaled a nod. At least I don’t have to worry about my feet getting wet. When we finally arrived, I noticed there were like 5 of us from the same company who also boarded that bus. Gee, how come we don’t know each other, what a shame! Anyway, we all went to the same direction and while they are all in a hurry, I on the other hand, managed to walk slowly. Well for one, I am holding an umbrella and they are not and I know I’m late so why bother. Speaking of late, I now decided to check my time. Amazingly, I still have 6 minutes! All of a sudden, I saw myself running towards the entrance to catch the elevator. Talk about not bothering huh (lol)