We walked slowly towards the parking lot. I was still confused. Not getting any reaction from Lance when I blurted out about getting jealous over Kristine was a bit unsettling. On second thought, we can just shrug it off and go on as if nothing happened. That might be better, considering I would definitely get uncomfortable if we dwell on that topic longer. I looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Izzie and Theo, but they're nowhere around.
We drove home, barely talking. Somehow, I felt relieved. Lance isn't making a big deal out of it. I decided to just enjoy looking outside the window. Traffic's pretty light, so we reached our place in no time at all. As we stood in front of our gate, I said goodbye. "Thanks for treating me out. I'll see you on Monday."
"Sure. I had fun. Thanks for coming with me," he said while handing me my bag and package.
I was about to open the gate when I felt his hand on my arm, so I stopped and turned to face
I expected a backlash after that embarrassing incident. Certainly, confirming your relationship with adults and nosy students was not in my plan. But I had to jump into the fire for Lance. He had always been my knight in shining armor in so many tight situations, I just can't let him face it alone. Lance took everything exceptionally well. He became relaxed and confidently turned down the VP of the talent agency, unmindful of our principal and teachers. Our adviser looked disappointed, but she let us off the hook. Lance and I walked away unscathed and holding hands to the delight of our classmates. Jon and Enzo were skipping, and Noah was almost crying. I thought it was hysterical. I must remember to drop by Val's room one afternoon to tell him. Lance was right, we have to be honest and just go with the flow. Lance and I went to the library that afternoon. He told me, "Thanks for saving me. I never knew you'd take that chance to...well, to accept me. I ho
After the bonfire program, the teams trooped back to their tents to rest. The teams to stand watch were briefed by the officers. As it was only 9:00 pm, we decided to get a quick nap back in our tent. I said goodnight to Lance and went inside. Izzie, Ayene, Charm, and May were inside, trying to fit in lying down. I squeezed in beside Izzie and I just sat down and placed my head on my backpack. I was so tired I blacked out. I felt someone shaking me and saw Izzie. She said "Come on, it's almost midnight. Let's get ready." I stretched my arms and yawned. I saw the others fixing their hair and uniform and we all went out. One of the guest officers came and told us to stay at the center table where a big lamp was lit. He was nice and even gave us styro cups of hot, black coffee to keep us awake. He chatted with us, giving us tips on standing guard. If not for him, we would have been so bored. The other officers continued throwing sticks at the bonfire, keeping mosquitoes a
Lance's act of courage was the trending topic the following week, as the bubbly boys and girls of Section IV-1 excitedly recounted to everyone who cared to listen how he quickly ran down the treacherous slope to save me from harm. He became even more popular and awarded a few days later with the CAT Medal of Bravery which was a first. It may have been an embarrasing time for me, but Lance would tell everyone that he only thought of saving me, and he thought of nothing else. I imagined how he must have looked like, almost flying down the hill to be able to catch up to a helpless me. So dreamy and handsome, and so brave. I felt so lucky to have the bravest boy at my side. The next few weeks was both busy and exciting. The holiday season was coming and everyone of us was rushing to complete school activities and projects. We also took college entrance examinations in our chosen universities and colleges. Izzie was becoming distracted, with her university res
That year's JS Prom was austere. The antsy political situation was felt everywhere and our principal almost cancelled the event. However, the majority of the students and their parents implored the school authorities to push through with it. Certainly, it was an annual event that most juniors and seniors look forward to and make up the bulk of their high school memories. We were encouraged to wear second-hand gowns and tuxedoes or rent-out from shops that give out discounts and promos to students. Noah comically said even with the end of the world coming, we must have our prom. I looked a myself at our old mirror, checking my simple make-up and my altered pink gown. Lance will be coming any time now, and I quickly picked up my purse and ran outside. I saw him parking the car and I quickly went to the passenger side. I slid in, and kissed him on the cheek. "I think we need to go now or we'll be late for registration. Archer already went to Izzie's house ea
Lance and I quickly went out to join our group. were on the dancefloor, gyrating to the class favorite song, "Always something there to remind me." ValAll of themand Charm were with us, along with some of their friends and we made a circle. Pairs danced off amidst loud cheers and laughter. Charm hugged me, and thoughts of Alfred were forgotten. It was the Seniors' night, our special event before graduation, and no one can take the excitement away from us. Lance and I embraced and danced, and our friends rejoiced with us. I saw Izzie dancing with Archer, Noah and Val stealing the show along with Jon and Ira, and that was how Class IV-1 spent their last JS Prom together. At past 1:00am, we left the campus. We saw a store still open, and we stayed for half an hour drinking cold soda and eating biscuits while we recounted everything that happened that night. We said goodnight to each other, and went home. Lance and I sat inside his car, and we talked about what
Classes were resumed several days after the peaceful EDSA Revolution of February 25, 1986. My classmates were very excited to see each other again. The school officials welcomed us back during our morning assembly, with the principal asking the students to go on studying and not worry about the political situation. He also reminded us seniors of our remaining projects and upcoming examinations, which effectively gave us the direction we needed. My clasmates worked like crazy, and we extended our stay at the campus in order to finish all our projects. Every minute with them counts. Lance and I went home late, and we see each other during weekends, too. Bree talked to me one night. She looked subdued, and I was a bit concerned. "How are you doing at school? Ready for college?" she asked. I nodded vigorously. "Of course! It's just the final examinations and we are all set to graduate. Don't worry. I just need to wait for the documents i need to submit to UST and I
One year later.I was walking towards the Main Building/Science library of the University of Saint Thomas to look through additional materials for our group presentation scheduled for next week. It was a hectic year for the Freshman AB class, and I was looking forward to a relaxing summer. I saw my classmates, Arnold and Eden already in our favorite table and I quickly sat on the chair across the two. Both smiled at me and proceeded to discuss the materials they were able to get from the undiscovered section of the old library.On the last Friday of March that year, the class of 1986 graduated. Surrounded by excited classmates and proud parents and companions, I felt empty that day. Even when my Nanay shed tears and Bree took pictures of me on the stage with my diploma and mother in tow, I barely mustered a tiny grin. Because we all brought our family members, my classmates and I were only able to say quick goodbyes before we left the venue. I quick
Time really flies, and how! I am now a Senior in college, and in just a few months will graduate hopefully with Latin Honors. Soon, I'd be able to keep my promise to Nanay. It was a long arduous journey, but I did it. I only need to pass the remaining exams and defend my thesis. I was so grateful to Jena, Eden, Arnold, and the rest of my classmates who made life in college bearable. As expected, life there was more serious and I learned that you have to take ownership of your decisions and not rely on others. I realized my inner strength and determination to finish what I've started. I sacrificed Lance, and nothing's going to stop me from my goal. A stumbling block indeed came, but I was able to overcome and moved on. A few months ago, I was roaming the University Belt with Jena and Arnold looking for additional sources for our thesis. The place was teeming with students from other universities and colleges. I was able to get copies of the books I needed and was waiting for