Trouble Flotation

4

"God, the egg looks not so normal..."

Today is Saturday, and I can't help but feel a little excitement as I look forward to our swimming class later. It's been a while since I felt this kind of anticipation.

I couldn't help but remember the countless complaints I had back when I was part of the swimming team in the US. Honestly, I used to dread those grueling practices, the long hours, the intense drills, and the pressure to always beat my personal best. Back then, I swore I'd never go back to competitive swimming, yet here I am. Life has a funny way of circling back.

What makes it even more ironic is how jealous I was of my cousin before. He was the epitome of chill, focused solely on his academics, with no extracurricular activities tying him down. I envied how he didn't have to deal with sore muscles or the pressure of competitions. 

I'm packing my lunchbox right now because, duh, I need food ready when hunger strikes. Like, hello? Who wants to starve during practice? Not me, I made sure to pack something light but filling ayoko naman mag-overeat and feel bloated while swimming.

Plus, can we talk about how hassle it is to leave the university looking like a drenched calamity queen? No, thanks. Kaya prepared ako! Towel, extra clothes, and my trusty lunchbox, all set! Honestly, I feel like a girl scout right now, pero better safe than sorry, 'di ba?

I immediately turned around when I noticed that someone is about to rush out of Lauren's room,  

It was Lauren because it's her room and she's the only one in the condo with me, so who else pa ba would go out there? Alangan namang multo? Obviously not, the ghost isn't even real 'no! Tsk! 

"Hey? Where are you off to?" I asked as I watched her darting around the room, clearly in a rush. Her hair was still a mess, and she hadn't even managed to finish putting on her left earring. Stress was written all over her face.

"Uh..." She hesitated, glancing at me like she was calculating what to say. "Sa café!" she blurted out, pointing vaguely at the door. Her fingers were shaking slightly.

"Oo, sa café ako pupunta! Bakit? Sasama ka? Ay naku, hindi pwede mag-sama!" she rattled on, scratching her head nervously. It was obvious she had somewhere—or someone—important waiting for her. No school today? Or maybe she's skipping?

"Oh, okay," I replied with a polite smile, deciding to let it go. I could tell she wasn't being honest, but I didn't want to push. Maybe she had her reasons for keeping it private.

"Sige, mauuna na ako ha!" she said quickly, fumbling with the clasp on her earring. She stepped in front of the mirror, smoothing her hair out with her fingers in a hurried attempt to look presentable.

"Bye! See you mamayang hapon!" she called out while rushing to the door.

''Uh, I'm not here-'' I didn't get to finish what I was about to say since she immediately fled the unit.