Chapter Six: School Retreat

"Students, pack up your things now then get off the bus one by one," our adviser instructed to us.

"Yes sir!" we shouted in unison.

Our teacher just nodded to us before he finally got off the bus we boarded wearing his backpack. It was almost noon when we arrived at the location where we would hold the school retreat. As our teacher said, my classmates are already arranging their things while I'm just chilling. Waiting for them all to come down. Silent but irritatedly waiting for them. Psh!

They're going to take a long time to move around,because there's a lot of things being taken out from their bag during the trip. That's it, a hassle indeed especially when getting off. It's hard for them to move, stupid people!

They really have time to talk and laugh. What the! Only arrogance, gossip and nonsense come out of their mouths.

After how many year,kidding aside! Finally, I got off the bus. I was the last one to get off because I sat in the back of the bus. Except for the fact that I was comfortable and alone there, that's the only place available that I could sit in. Tsk!

When everyone got down, our adviser first made a roll call. While Sir was doing that, I looked around. And infairness, the ambiance was relaxing.The place was giving some feels. There are many pine trees that seemed to have been planted on purpose because its organized and aligned. It was very calming and the air is fresh too. I was stunned and appreciative of the place when our adviser suddenly called my name.

"Ysabelle!" he shouted

"I'm here Sir!" I answered with fading voice

My voice weakened when I saw everyone looking at me. Putcha! I suddenly became consious. Sir looked at me first then nodded before bending down his head again to check the paper he was holding.

'It's attendance,' I whispered in my mind.

"Okay done, and now were heading to the campsite, just follow and no one will separate," our teacher ordered authoritatively.

"Noted Sir!" my classmates answered.

As for me, I just nodded my head to the side. Our adviser started walking, so we also walked and followed him.

As we walked, Sir showed us where the men's and women's restrooms were. They were separate, the men's on the left and the women's on the right.

'Yeah right! Bco'z girls is always right.Haha!'

He also pointed out where to gather to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. As well as the rules of the place, he said. They said if they don't follow the rules, we will pay off something big.

I don't get what Sir said, what is the compensation if we don't obey. Aish!

After a few minutes of walking, we reached our destination. And my classmates could only say one thing.

"New Zealand!?" my classmates said with a mixture of surprise.

They were all fascinated by the New Zealand feels of the place. Anyone who sees it will be attracted to the very beauty of the place. And I admit that I'm one of the people who was charmed by it.

From the tall pine trees planted in the wide and clear lake in front of us. Just add the camping tents that are assembled. Great! the feeling is relaxing and serene. The feeling is good.

'I wonder if it's hiding a secret.'

I said to myself before taking a deep breath and whispering softly.

"Feels like a paradise."

My mind's wandering was interrupted when our adviser suddenly spoke.

"Students, you better listen on what I'm going to say. This place is good for the people who want to get away from the chaotic world for a while. Which means, this part doesn't have electricity nor signal. So those with cellphone, the purpose of that is only for taking pictures and hopefully since you have that with you, you should also have a power bank with you," the teacher said.

"Noted Sir!" they answered

But if you don't have a powerbank with you, there is a charge station where we came from earlier. It's a bit far but you can wait if you want your cellphones to charge. Just one reminder! Don't get lost in the woods, especially at night. Is that clear?" added our adviser.

"Copy that,Sir!"

Why do I feel like the last thing he said was for me. Well actually, he's been like that for a while now. It's like everything he says has a double meaning. Hays! Maybe, I'm just overthinking.

'Damn, don't give meanings.'

After our adviser spoke, he turned away at the same time as the three other teachers who were with us also turned away. I don't know where they came from. But our adviser said that they were here first at the location to take care of the arrival of our students.

'Well, I'll just buy that excuse.'

They started making their way to their cabin a few meters away from us. Everyone should sleep in the tent, special treatment, psh because they are teachers. Cheating!

"Just fix the tent," I whispered.

Before we went to this place, our grumpy adviser gave us a some briefing. So we already know the schedule of all the activities that will be done for two days, as well as who will be with us in the tent. There are things like ten big tents here and only five in each tent. The total number of our class is fifty-one, although the girls and boys are separated. I'm still a solo flight. Since I don't have any friends who can group me or take me as their group mate, my ending is to be alone. As usual! Alone in the other tent. Fortunately, the school brought an extra tent for me. The case is-

"I'll put up my tent, it sucks! While my other classmates are good, they can go for a walk in this place."