FINDING YOU AT LONG LAST

Chapter 3: A MOMENT OF CHANGE

A week after summer break, a school field trip will be held for 4 days. We were going to a camping site owned by the school. Finally something more earthy. Last year, we went on an island trip. Really not my type. I found out that we're on the same trip with Rolan and Ruth. When we got to the site, it has a touch of a "dark and mysterious" ambiance. I like it! Our teacher, Mrs. Mira instructed us to find a partner and ofcourse I chose Erica. She gave us keys to our cabin and we shared a room with Chazee Kleis and Ian Denarius, our classmates since middle school. The camp instructor told us wandering around was fine as long as we come back before dusk. I did and brought a few things but Erica stayed to finish unpacking. The minute I saw Rolan,  I immediately ran in full speed out of there and headed north. I may have gotten myself lost but I always come prepared and had a compass attached to my wrist. Most of all, I found a beautiful site.

It was at the edge of a rocky cliff. Beyond it were large canopies and twisting vines just like the one I last painted. "Different lives must thrive amongst those trees" I thought. I rested there for awhile as I feel the wind softly touch my face. I took out my art supplies and started painting. The vicinity was relaxing and serene. I could stay here but the sun was nearly close to the horizon, it was time to go back. I packed my stuff and hid it behind the bushes. I knew this wouldn't be the last time I'd come back here. It's settled then. This shall be my spot. I could stargaze here and so much. Goodbye for now.

Morning came and I was horrified the minute I opened my eyes. Our cabin was a mess, like some riot broke in. I woke up everyone and we reacted the same way. It was only 10 minutes till breakfast by the lake so we did our best to clean everything up. It was exhausting and we just woke up. "I have a hidden camera installed in the cabin, we could check it after breakfast" Ian said. That was very brilliant. When we finished changing, the bells rang. It was time to gather at the Central Pillar where we would be guided towards our breakfast upon the lake.

I spotted Courtney with some other girls and she grinned at me. I knew she had something to do about the incident this morning. I bumped into Rolan and he asked "Luney are you ok? It looks you didn't get a good sleep last night".

"For the millionth time stop calling me that and why not ask your "girlfriend" about it" I replied bitterly. "Girlfriend?" he was dumbfounded but I just walked away and went to Erica.

"Annoying you again?" she asked. "Not really, he just asked on why I look tired" I replied trying to sit down and eat. "Hmm he seems to really care about you Liz" she said while eating. I just rolled my eyes and drank my juice. "You think he's into you?" she added and I almost spat my drink. I was disgusted by her sentiment I almost got up and leave. "Maybe he's got a crush on you and you're just blind to see it" Chazee appeared behind my back along with Ian. Unbearable words kept pouring out of their mouths as they continued to chatter about Rolan this and Rolan that. So Annoying. I got up and went to the bridge, only to be spotted and followed by Rolan. Damnit. I am not gonna stop myself anymore. I have to do this once and for all. I moved closer to him and looked straight to his face. To his emerald green eyes. I tilted my head and my sight turned to his lips. I placed an arm on his shoulder, as if I was going to lean forward but...

L:"Rolan what do you want with me?"
R:"(gulp) I-I uhm just wanted to- hey! You finally said my name. No more idiot or leech or buffoon, finally!! Wait why are you surprisingly calm?"

~Earlier at the breakfast table~

E:" Why not try asking him Liz? and do make sure to speak calmly"
L:" Why would I do that?"
E:" Just try it, maybe you'll find something thats least expected of him"
L:" From that idiot? I don't think so but, it will give me some answers instead of just avoiding him. Thanks Eri"
E:"No probs"

~Back at the bridge~

L:" Don't change the subject."
R:"Right, I just want to be your friend!"
L:"What for? A bet with your friends?"

He was shocked at that moment. Like he froze and turned into a statue.

R:"(grabbed both of Liz's hands) No! I would never do that. Even if they ask me too, I could never be that plastic nor foolish to do such"
L:"…Calm down, then what?"
R:"(exhaled then smiled) Simple as that Luney, I want to be your friend (patting her head). You just remind me of someone"

I did not see that coming. I never bothered talking to him, knowing he'll end up like the others. He's different. I don't like it but also not hate it. Confused by these thoughts I ran out of there. Luckily the first bell rang. Activities were about to commence. Before everything, we checked the footage and it was indeed Courtney's doing. That witch. We showed it to the staffs and teachers and they were blazing mad. Mrs. Mira suspended her for today's activities. Thank god I don't have to worry about someone who will try to destroy me. There were tons of exercises. Fishing, obstacle courses, loot hunting, rock climbing and my personal favorite, war zone. I had so much fun that I did not even realized that it was already sunset. I ran quickly as fast as I could, hoping to see the twilight beauty and I was able to still see it. My piece was assembled and my paints were lined up. A strange sight indeed. But it wasn't the only one I saw.

L:"Rolan?"
R:"Oh hey Luney, you come here too?"
L:"How did you find this place? Did you touch my artwork? I swear-"
R:"Easy girl I didn't touch anything. I saw this place when my class were hiking and by the way, nice art!"
L:"Thanks...is that a camera? I never knew you liked photography"
R:"You kept ignoring me but atleast now you no longer run away"
L:"Don't get your hopes up, I stayed to finish my painting now be quiet"
R:"(sarcasm) Yes ma'am"

I just rolled my eyes, sat down and continued my work. He did keep his mouth shut but also kept on staring at me. I ignored him and within five minutes, the painting was complete. I sighed and inhaled the fresh cooling breeze. "It's beautiful" I said. "It is" he replied in a low voice. I looked at him with a surprised but modest face. I smiled, not knowing he did something out of my knowledge. When I was cleaning everything up, I heard Rolan suddenly snapped a picture of me. Has he been secretly taking photos of me? "What the hell, delete that!" I demanded. "Nope I'm keeping this". We kept arguing and just as I was about to jump and grab his camera, a loud gunshot was heard, coming from the campsite. Rolan and I immediately rush towards the site.

We saw groups of armored men surrounding the area. Probably 40. Or 50. It was alot and I saw Erica and Ruth on the other side, gathered and scared like the rest. I wanted to go to them but Rolan stopped me. "Listen I know you want to save them but now is not the time to act recklessly" he said. He wore some kind of ear piece and also handed me one. He also gave some gadgets and a suit. As I was changing I wondered. Is he a spy? Now's not the time to think that. Gotta focus on them. For reals, I like the outfit. When I was done, Rolan looked stunned. I snapped him back for 2 seconds. Time for a little spying. Good thing I know how to fight. Credits to my aunt.