2008年7月30日星期三

他們來送嫁

今年去書展,為的是賣書而非買書。感覺,就像由送嫁的姊妹變了出嫁的新娘。為讀者簽名的環節,像禮成後與賓客的留影,總會遇上一些教人喜出望外的故人。

P走到我跟前,連名帶姓的叫住了我。「還記得我麼?」他問。我半點頭緒都沒有。「在政府工作時,我們曾經吃過一頓飯」他說。想了又想,我終於記起那頓由來古怪的午膳。

當年剛加入政府的P,遇上一點不如意,託人找上早兩年入職的我,希望交流處理負面情緒的心得。我啼笑皆非地應了約,心想不知自己是否額頭鑿了「運滯」二字,也奇怪他憑甚麼覺得我該有解決方法。總之暢所欲言的消磨了一個小時,就沒有再見面。

今天,在政府工作四年後已然離開的我,面對安然渡過四年之癢的他,得悉別後一切安好,活得高興,心暗安慰。兄弟,一路好走!

還有H。那一年,我十二歲,他六歲,同台演出。他稱我作明樂姐姐,我牽着他的手,他剛好與我的手肘一樣高。今天,我要仰起頭才能跟他聊天,他的嬰兒肥不見了,換上一身黝黑膚色,。

當日,H在兒童劇中飾演勇敢而正義的小紅蟻,憑着鍥而不捨的毅力,拯救了森林內的動物,避過一場風雨。今日,他已投身警隊,在現實的成人世界中除暴安良。一切好像冥冥之中早有註定。

還有舊學生B,多年後重逢,性格文靜緬典的他言行舉止比前沒有兩樣。但他主動要求的一幀合照,更勝千言萬語。

真想不到,多少失散了的舊友,竟靠着一本新書又再踫頭。

8 則留言:

匿名 說...

一別十數載, 終於能再遇見你呢!
你還是那個舊模樣, 笑得仍然那麼的燦爛。很佩服你有那份膽色去扔掉鋼飯碗去追尋自己的夢想!

"除暴安良"希望我真的能做到啦!

黃明樂 說...

世事實在神奇,
若非你要為考警察備戰,
那天就不會破例買明報, 並發現了我,
也就不會有網絡世界的重逢,
以及其後書展上的相遇.

Becky Cheung 說...

I couldn't come that Sat because of a sudden family gathering arranged by my sister-in-law. Any time for dinner so that I can get your autograph?

HongKongFlowerShop.com 說...

Hi, I finished reading your book today ... I did enjoy it! Although I'm the with the majority people working in an office and large organization, I can feel what you're talking about.

黃明樂 說...

hi Brad,

thx ah!!! anytime for coffee and catch up? seems like I haven't met you for decades!

匿名 說...

Hi, I have just finished reading your book. I didn’y buy it, but borrowed it from Brad. Interesting. In fact, I like the first half, which is more striking to a non-freelancer like me. You were in the government during the pre- and post-SARS years, a very unique experience and exposure indeed. Most of the AOs did not have that opportunity to see the hearts and minds of the silence majority in the early years of their career. Make good use of that.

You won’t be able to remember me I am sure, I do, with very clear images in my mind even after so many years. In 2000 when we first met and shake hands, do you still recall how you introduce yourself? I am Ah 樂, the very first ET without an English name. Within the 10-second we interacted, you gave me a very strong impression that you are tough, by the way you talked, stood in front of me and walked away. A fresh graduate in the first few days of her career life could behave like that?? Unbelievable and interesting. You were small, with some baby fat. I guess you are still like that after so many years. Lovely!

The second time I spotted your name was a few years ago when I read a short article in a newspaper talking about AOs leaving the government. our name popped up again, and reminded me the small and tough lady. I could imagine the cultural shock and conflict that a person like you would have to endure in the government.

I am going to ask my niece to read your book. She is going to college this Sept, but not the first one in her family to do so. She needs to have some experience in order to realize how lucky she is today, and to treasure the things she has.

I should come to your blog once in a while from now on, and see your new adventure. Everyone needs spiritual food, and a rainy day plus a reading room is perhaps the best combination for us to enjoy that. Pls keep writing and sharing with all of us.

黃明樂 說...

hi Francis,

Nice seeing you here, but I must admit that I totally have forgotten how I introduced myself back then in 2000.... Did i say anything silly?

Are you Francis of E-commerce? So you're now in the same team as Brad?

Ming Lok

匿名 說...

Hi, you are right, I am the Francis of ECommerce and have been there for years. You did not say anything silly when we met, you just introduced yourself, that's it.

Next time, when I introduce myself, I will try, "I am ah 全" or "I am 肥仔全", my nickname since high school. Ask Bradford and he will tell you how 肥 I am.