We had a full schedule that year, especially with the inclusion of more subjects in the afternoon. The Citizen Army Training (CAT) was conducted on a Friday and we were assigned our own fatigue uniforms and boots. I actually like wearing the set and moving around in combat shoes. Doing the military drills and exercises in the afternoon, though, can be tiring and make us sweat like crazy. The girls had separate afternoon CAT classes from the boys. A lot of us had to let go of some club and other extracurricular activities because of the tight schedule. I did not join the Volleyball team, primarily because I also did not want to see Charm. I haven't seen her since March of the previous school year. My classmates and I came to an agreement to stay focused and maintain our rankings, as preparation for our graduation and college examinations.
"Ms. Tamayo, please go to the Principal's office," announced our adviser, Ms. Felix. Izzie and I both looked up and saw the Sophomore
We became busier with our demanding load, extra-curricular activities, additional projects, and personal issues. I lost unwanted pounds as we find ourselves staying late until past 7:00 pm to do rehearsals, meetings, and other ad hoc activities. Izzie was looking grim as she tries to squeeze in time to meet Theo, Noah was getting even more impatient and the boys had to forego time with their girlfriends or dates. Lance and I missed days of manning their shop.Our group was having lunch when Noah nudged Izzie and me. He pointed at a group of girls approaching Lance and Archer who were at the cashier paying for their order. I thought they were from the top Junior class. The girls obviously were chitchatting and flirting with the two. Lance and Archer were just standing there both looking perplexed. I saw Jon just grinning widely at the two, both discomfited with the attention given them. Izzie just shook her head and said drily, "They never learn. I bet they are trying to
"Don't you think that Noah's suggestion is good and can work both ways?" Lance asked. I was incredulous. "You mean Izzie to go out with Archer and for you to go out with me? You know that Izzie's totally infatuated with that cutie Theo and me...I just got out of a problematic relationship a few months ago. I told you I will take it easy and focus on my studies," I responded. He frowned and opened his book. Honestly, I felt tingly when he brought up the subject. I thought about it since Noah mentioned it. I imagined going out with Lance and it's...well, tempting, to say the least. After all, he's the total dreamboat with his looks, height, brains, admirable traits, and moral values. But I told myself to keep my hands off Lance since he's my best friend. I also promised Nanay I'll concentrate on my studies especially after what happened with my sister Mica.Mica eloped with her new beau Jed just after summer. She was restless and did not enroll in coll
I walked quickly ahead of him, but Lance's long strides allowed him to keep up with me. I could feel his eyes on me, but I pointedly ignored him. I just could not respond to his last question. I wanted to smack myself for being so tactless. Why did I tell him I was bothered about that girl? We reached the intersection when he spoke. "You have not answered me yet. Why were you bothered?""What? I already forgot what I told you earlier. Just forget it.""You told me you were bothered. Does it have something to do with Kristine? I will only escort her that night," he muttered. I looked around as we were about to cross the street. As I was totally edgy, I stepped quickly to the road but he pulled me back."Watch it! The traffic light's still red for us. What's the matter with you? You'll get run over by speeding buses.""Sorry. I'm just tired I guess," I answered quickly, still not looking at him.Soon, we reached our street. I was about to bolt when h
We had dinner at a plush restaurant in Makati where a long table was reserved for our group. Kristine had changed into a very nice black, tight-fitting dress and now wearing flats. She welcomed us and went around the small group. We had our pictures taken then we sat down to the prepared menu. Leo, the congenial hairstylist was trying to convince Lance to model for him. I was sitting beside Lance and giggling at how Leo comically begs Lance. They also teased us as Lance kept giving me food and drinks. The group was jolly and feeling victorious, as Kristine proudly went around showing off her sash, her tiara, and trophy displayed at the center of the table. "Thanks so much for coming and supporting Lance and me. So nice to meet you," Kristine gushed as she once again planted a kiss on my cheek. She also hugged Lance and touched his face. She whispered to him, which made him look startled. He smiled languidly, then gently pushed her away. He looked at me, but I tur
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