We arrived at Wut's church by 10am that Saturday. It was a late brunch event held at the cathedral's garden. It felt as if I stepped into an alternate universe where people cloned themselves. Everyone's outfit was so similar. From their hairstyles to the shoes they wore. All long sleeves, below the knee gowns and skirts. I barely took notice of the men; they were that forgettable. We all stood in silence, watching the bland view.
"It looks like an award show for the worst dressed people," Nat pointed out.
"Are they trying not to stand out on purpose?" I questioned.
"Seems like you'll fit right in, Kit. You sure know how to dress to unimpress," Jaran mocked.
Ignoring him, I shook my head.
"Remember how we agreed on not judging?" Pure reminded.
"Yup," Nat and I said in unison.
"Let's stick to that."
"Wut!" Mongkut appeared, approaching with open arms.
They exchanged hugs and continued with pleasantries, Jaran joined them in a brief chat.
"You brought the minions along." Mongkut turned to Nat and I.
"You look like someone shoved a stick up your ass in that shirt," Nat snapped back.
"We are in the house of the lord, have some respect."
"Technically, we are in the garden of the lord."
"Both of you quit it. I need everyone to be on their best behavior today," Pure cautioned.
"How long do we need to be here again?" I asked, reaching for the freshly baked cupcakes Pure brought along. She smacked my hand away.
"As long as it takes." Pure eyed me.
"Nong Pure! Nong Wut!" a round, chubby lady hailed from a distance, waving at us. She began to approach with a group of friends.
"Who?" I leaned into Pure.
"I'm out." Mongkut turned away, a chuckle in his throat.
Wut moved to join and Pure glared at him, keeping the big smile on her face. I turned to where Nat stood beside me and Poof! He was gone.
The women arrived rather cheerful and exchanged bows.
"I'm very glad you decided to join us, we were starting to worry for you," the round lady expressed.
"Of course, Phi Kanda. I wouldn't miss such a dear moment."
"How are the wedding preparations coming along, it's just a few months away now."
"Coming along very well, Phi."
"Have you picked your bridesmaids yet?" the second woman inquired. "We know you love to work. I sometimes wonder how you will ever have time to manage a home and raise a family. It's time consuming and—"
"That is why she has me." Wut threw his hands around Pure's shoulder as they shared a big grin.
"Of course, of course, but you still need friends for support. We were planning to arrange for you to meet some people and—"
"Speaking of which, I'd like you to meet some of our dear close friends Phi Jaran and Phi Kittisat," Pure introduced.
They turned to us with broad grins.
"This is really good to see, Nong. You with actual friends? I never thought I'd see the day." Phi Lamai and her group of friends laughed. The uncomfortable expression on Pure's face was difficult to mask even with her bold smile.
"It will still be helpful to find married friends, especially for the upcoming marriage counseling," the second woman added.
"Did I mention they are engaged?" Pure shoved Jaran and I closer.
I choked on my saliva, turning to Pure whose face had no sign of deception.
"Oyi! Both of you?" Phi Kanda's eyes widened. Without warning, Phi Kanda threw her arms around me, hugging me tightly. The other women took turns, hugging and squeezing Jaran and I. "Our church welcomes everyone. We are umm... what is it called again?"
"Ally?" the second woman asked.
"Yes! We are allies! I'm so excited! Come, you must meet everyone!"
They dragged Jaran and I along. I turned around, mouthing a cry of help to Pure and she mouthed back pleading words with a fake crying face.
Phi Kanda paraded us around, introducing us to multiple church members and even a priest. Jaran and I could barely get a word in during those short conversations. She went on and on about how amazing it was that the church was progressing, how she was an ally, and everyone should do their best to make us feel welcome.
Phi Kanda began her gazillionth introduction when the arrival of another priest stole her attention. Jaran took my hand, and we snuck away, ducking behind the statue of one of the disciples.
Cue in the Mission Impossible theme song.
OPERATION ESCAPE THE ALLY
MISSION 1: identify the nearest exit route.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: approximately fifty steps from the Virgin Mary. The risk of exposure is high.
MISSION 2: calculate minutes until target penetration.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: approximately five minutes, without any interruptions from the allies, speed walking to be initiated.
MISSION 3: identify hiding spots to avoid detection.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Saint Joseph and Saint James are available. But we'd have to pass by the fountain without detection, eye on the prize!
"On my count?" I had my serious face on. Jaran nodded in response. "One, two, three." I pulled him along and we ran stealthily to one of the statues.
We peeped and saw Phi Kanda already searching for us. We took a moment before hopping to the next statute, and then the next, sneaking around like rats in a maze. By the time we arrived at Saint James, Jaran was breathless and shaky, clinging onto my hand for support.
It took me by surprise how easily the little run got to him. His pale skin turned sickly, his eyes watery and glossy. He fell to his knees, gasping for air. I followed him to the ground, watching him with growing concern. Over the years, I had watched him indulge in several physical pursuits, competing against him in some, he was athletic and appeared physically fit. Never had I seen him struggle so much.
"Are you okay?" I asked, patting his back.
Unable to speak, he took a deep breath, passing me a nod. I gave him a moment, simply looking down at him in silence as he came to. As he recovered, he turned his gaze to our intertwined hands. He was practically squeezing the life out of it. He released his grip slowly and slight pain shot through my palm as blood began flowing to it once again.
"Uh...uhm..." he stuttered.
"No one would believe you beat me at relay back in university." I smiled and he managed to return the gesture.
"I trained for it."
"Really?"
"Yes, every night for a month."
"You were always determined, weren't you, Jaran?"
He held my gaze. I felt a smile coming and stopped myself.