Lisa and I were soul mates in middle school. We are still on good terms, even though we are attending different high schools, me at YYHS and Lisa at CCHS. As months went by, however, I became aware that our paths were gradually diverging.

Last Saturday we decided to have a dinner date at the mall. I eagerly anticipated the meeting since we had not hung out for some time. Her appearance at our agreed site, however, kind of shocked me. Was the girl in such revealing attire and heavy makeup my friend Lisa? I strained my eyes.

She came up and hugged me tight. The cuddle convinced me that it was none other than my friend Lisa. I noticed a pleasant smell on her. Lisa was wearing perfume.

I wanted to say something, but I was lost for words. A bit embarrassed, I asked Lisa where she planned to go before our meal. Without any hesitation, she said, “Let’s go to the Cosmetics, Starry.”

At the Cosmetics department, I found Lisa virtually an expert in almost all the beauty products on display on the shelves, some of which I had never seen before. Lisa applied some cream and powder on her hands, arms, face and lips. Instantly she appeared so adult that I looked at her, mouth agape. Lisa is six months younger than me.

About one hour later, Lisa finished her frenzied cosmetics shopping. She was taking away eight beauty product packages in shopping bags. On the way out, she said to me, “Starry, you have changed a lot. Why did you have so little to say to me?”

“Really? That is,” I quickly responded, “because I am a complete cosmetics novice.”

“Oh, that is true,” Lisa nodded. “But you will learn, won’t you?”

After a while she went on, “Let’s go to a restaurant for the meal.”

Over dinner we reminisced about the good old days. In the course of our tête-à-tête, both of us sensed that we had changed. Circumstances had us drifting apart from each other. Yet both of us were making an effort to save the connection.

Whose change is better? Lisa’s or mine? To be honest, I have no clue at such a tender age. Everyone in the world has the right to make their own choices. Different choices land them in different circumstances. If Lisa prefers the path she has chosen to walk, she still has my blessing. As adolescents, we have no way to tell where our destiny eventually lies. Whatever the future might hold in store for us, may Lisa and I have our own happy lives and shine.