Changes are inevitable.  Change is what makes life interesting.  And yet, as much as I look forward to the changes I foresee in my life this year, I find myself abhorring one particular change.

One of my best friends is moving away. 

To another city. 

Although it's about 400 miles off from Manila and ironically, nearer to my hometown...it's still too far away for comfort.

I have known my pal for about 7 years and during this time, we've gone from neighbors and passing acquaintances to dating friends to best pals. 

When he told me last month that he'd been transferred for work, I was initially surprised.  Then, happy for him.  Then, immeasurably depressed. 

I miss him and he hasn't even left yet.

It's silly to feel that way really, considering for the past year or two we haven't really spent that much time together.  Between him changing jobs and my starting my own business, we've sort of lost touch. 

The move will do him good I know it.  All our friends are teasing him that he'll probably end up settling there.  Each time they say this, he kept looking at me.  Maybe he wanted to see how I'd react to that comment.  I don't know.  It could happen and it might happen.  The thought of it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.  Am I jealous at the idea?  Maybe I am.

I could never really figure out why we never ended up being together.  Oh yeah, he's not considered "appropriate" because he isn't Chinese.  But apart from that faulty reasoning, I draw up complete blank.

So as I was saying, the move'll do him good.  It'll give him a chance to polish his Cebuano as he'd always wanted to and see the Visayas.  It'll give him a chance to make new friends and grow.  He'll be a better person for it.  Besides he'll be back every other couple of months so it'll be like he never left.

But it still changes everything. 

Anyway, I just wanted to say I'lll miss you.  Thanks for all the trips, dinners, movies, and happy times.  Thanks for being there whenever I needed you...problems, heartbreaks and most importantly, thanks for putting up with me during my silly days (like spending the entire day in line just to get my book signed by my favorite author) and for keeping me company during those long hours in the doctor's waiting room.  You've been the best friend a girl could ever want and have.