I've always thought how wild it is to come across serendipity. In middle school, I was friends with a girl who got bullied because a lot of dudes liked her and the cholas were jealous. I have no idea how we remained friends since we were 12 or 13, but we did. Even though we went to separate high schools, didn't see each other for years, I somehow kept in touch with this friend. Maybe it was social media? But actually, I have no idea. In high school, Myspace may have been big but I don't remember her ever creeping anywhere near my top 8.
Me and her are definitely the type of friends who bicker constantly, but we've always treated each other kindly. One time for her birthday, she told me she was having dinner at Buca De Peppos. I said, sure (without even asking for an address). So I went to the only Buca De Peppos I had ever gone to, which was in the middle of downtown LA. I spent some time finding parking in that forsaken part of town and made my way into the restaurant. As I was standing outside, I called her and she said she was sitting in the little lobby. So I went into the lobby and did not see her. I called her again and she said she was standing next to the door, the same door I was standing in front of. Then it dawns on me, Buca De Peppo had more than one location. So she was in South Pasadena and I was in downtown LA. So i talked my shit but still made my way over to her dinner in SOUTH PASADENA. It was a small dinner of about 6-8 people. Mainly of people that were on her track team or sports team or I don't know, something like that. So I awkwardly sat next to her while explaining the whole trip I made just to get to that dinner. I vaguely remembered everyone, just because it was such a small group of people.
Fast forward a few years and I'm working at a lab. I was fairly new but I talk a lot so I imagine that's how i eventually got to know some people. The people in each shift were constantly changing, sometimes leaving me a mess that had me working far harder than I should have. I started endorsing to this fool who was super nice and actually did his best to do his work unlike most people. He eventually came into my shift somehow someway and because we both were into local gigs and shows or whatever, we became friends somehow. One weekend while we were working, I was asking everyone what high school they went to since I learned that they all generally live near my area. This fool says Lincoln High School and that was my high school's rival back in the day. I knew a few people who went there and I was like that's crazy we're the same year. It then somehow clicked and I asked this fool, "do you know some bitch named Monica?". Low and behold. He was one of the dudes at the small dinner. The serependity, amirite?
Fast forward another few years later and we grow to be best friends. We had our fair share of taking one too many jager bombs, going out to random bars and lowkey punk gigs. We were such good friends that he threw my 26 (or was it 27th) birthday party, where I somehow got black out drunk by 10pm and i vomit all over his bed and bathroom. This fool still helped me get to work the next morning. He's picked up or returned all my random calls when I just needed to vent out all my sadness/anger. He's heard me giggle about the newest crush I had and helped me with tons of dude advice. He's let me cry and not sugar coat what I needed to hear. He was the realest homie I had for a long while and I always knew I could count on him.
When he reunited with Anai, i was so excited for him and I knew I had to meet her somehow someway. So as they grew together, i wanted to butt in for a hike or a lunch to be the happy third wheel. She is gorgeous and sweet. We're both pretty shy but as soon as we became penpals, I got to know how dope she is inside and out. I knew she was the piece of the puzzle he was missing. Time had helped them find themselves and then eventually brought them back to each other. It's a cute love story and I was here for it. I don't have a lot of girl friends even though i've always dreamt of having a girl gang. Those are typically difficult for me to have since I'm definitely a low maintenance friendship type of person. I don't want to text every day, I don't want to get weekly brunch. I'd rather call or text to check in every few weeks unless we're riding the struggle bus and just need someone to call/text. It's just a lot to juggle. But I knew, my best friend chose wisely. We were all basically on the same level and man, what a great third-wheel-ship.
Last month, I had the absolute honor to photograph and attend their wedding. I just wanted to cry the entire time. I was able to see the look on Anai's dad's face when he first saw her in her wedding dress, I got to see Manny trying to keep it together before the ceremony started, and i got to witness their close friends and family celebrate with joy for them. It was the perfect backyard wedding with the cute little bohemian-like decorations and drunk friends dancing. Though I didn't come prepared with a little toast speech for the wedding like I planned, I figured now is late is better than never. So friends, you may not know Manny & Anai, but bare with me here. I implore you to raise your glasses, whether it's the coffee while you're reading this in the morning or having a little wine or beer at night. Ahem.
Here's to divine friendships. To Manny, for always being one of the realest homies. I'm grateful to have known you throughout the years and I could not be more happy that you finally found your home. To Anai, though we've only known each other for a year or two, it didn't take me long to realize everything Manny saw in you. You are what makes him continue to want to grow and be better. Here's to the start of a new chapter in your lives. These are already self evident but I guess it doesn't hurt to speak them into the universe one more time. May you find solace in each other's company in both the blissful moments and the trying moments. May time only strengthen your bond as it has done in the past. Everything that everyone's already toasted to at your wedding actually lol I just wanted to re-iterate all the well wishes I have for ya'll as well. In addition, i promise to be the best third wheel. I will continue to be here for both of ya'll for anything, ever. As the great Crip Mac dude man sir once said, I'm going to keep it 55th street and let ya'll know I have love for ya'll. Here's to finally taking a little road trip, camping trip or mini adventure together. Here's to more afternoons/nights of me getting drunk at your apartment while we're watching the most ludicrous Channel 5 videos. But most importantly, here's to both of ya'll. This is such a huge mile stone and you both have made it. I am more than honored to be a cheerleader in your journey, best friends.
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