Fine. I admit that it was my fault. I was stupefied to say the least that I have mismatched, yet again, the two Serna brothers. I did my best to justify my actions and defend the unnecessary accounts that “forced” SR to accompany me to Makati. Before you think of whatever scam it was, it wasn’t detrimental to their beings. It was a classic case of miscommunication and “mis-reading” for my part. I’m sure SR would love to laugh and spread the news, but before further ripples of miscommunication occur, I would gladly justify point by point.
CASE 1:
I texted the SV group around lunch about the planned “surprise” party for Mitch this coming Saturday. Some people replied, some didn’t. AJ Serna replied on time and around lunch SR didnt, which is quite acceptable as the guy might still be asleep or already at work since he has a shift every Sundays.
Then at around 6:30 PM I texted AJ if he could accompany me to Makati to check a few things out. He replied and told me that he would have to inform me by 7 if he wouldn’t push through with his plans to go to BF. It was perfectly fine, and I waited. While I was fixing my bag, someone texted me at 7:02 and I automatically assumed it was AJ. What I saw in my INBOX was SERNA, __. You see, I didn’t bother to look at the two other remaining letters after the sir name. I immediately thought it was AJ. The text says.
SERNA, SR: I’m in 
(referring to the party)
I replied, knowing it was AJ.
ME: I’m out! Just kidding, sige, will pick you up in a few. Please think of the possible routes on how to get there because I don’t know exactly where it’s located. You’ll be my navigator.
SERNA, SR: Huh? E naliligo pa ko e. (He might be confused by now)
ME: I’ll pick you up in a few. Bilisan mo, Tara na. There’s no time to waste. (Still knowing it was AJ)
Then after a few minutes, I got to my car and drove towards the SERNA house.
ME: I’m palabas na ng gate. I’m on my way there na.
No reply. (SR Is probably still taking a bath)
When I got to their street I got a text.
SERNA, AJ: Sorry Kaye, I’m out pala tonight.
ME: HUH? (Really weirded out, is he HIGH??) Eh I’m outside your house na e!
Then someone texted. (Knowing it was still AJ)
SERNA, SR: Yan….mag mamass pa naman sana ako!
I was REALLY CONFUSED freaking confused and irritated. Who ever said someone’s going to go to mass? And why would AJ, whom I thought I was talking to all along, tell me instantly that he’s out, when he perfectly knows that I’m on my way to pick him up since HE said yes.
I parked and went to their house. I gritted my teeth and asked their maid.
“Andyan po ba si AJ?”
The maid entered the house and out came SR, with his hair still wet. And it was when I found out about the text scam.
ME: (Surprised) Oh, SR! Anong ginagawa mo dito? (oops, he’s kind of sensitive to these lines). I mean, walang kang work?
SR: Wala. (Looking confused and gets a yosi) Teka san ba tayo? Sino-Sino ba tayo? Magmamass pako e.
ME: Wala, kami ni AJ tapos kung gusto mong sumama.
SR: (Looking more confused) E mag bbf si AJ e.
ME: Oo nga, kanina, but I think he won’t go through with it na. He told me he’s in and that’s why I’m here on the last minute he told me he’s out.
SR: (Looks horrified) E…ako yung nag “in” e.
ME: What are you talking about?
SR: I’m in?
ME: Anong I’m in.
SR: Sa party ni Mitch. Ka-tetext ko lang sayo e.
ME: Huh? Anong pinagsasabi mo?
SR: (Laughs) Ako yun, stoop! Ako yung ka-text mo! Di ko nga alam kung san tayo pupunta!
AJ comes out on a perfect timing.
I was there confused at my wits and looked at my phone inbox for clarification.
But I’ve learned valuable lessons.
LESSON 1:
DO read your messages carefully. Do not always assume regardless of the perfect timing and confusing names. It would really get you into trouble.
LESSON 2:
Be mindful that a live person still exists within the realm of possibilities. Like for instance SR. He might be technically out of reach most of the times, but he is still there, a human being free to make changes and involve himself whenever he can. Do not forget about him or people like him.
LESSON 3:
Do not under any circumstances go to the last 7 o’clock mass without having dinner. It lasts for about 2 hours.
