That One Time

Chapter One

Chapter One
Aftereffect

I gave the librarian a smile before I stepped outside, heading to the hallway. I just returned a book I borrowed for a competition I took part in just this morning, which is Science and Technology Writing, also known as Sci-Tech Writing. Of course, I already have knowledge about how it's written as well as its purpose as part of our training and workshops, but I figured it would be better to have another reference and information about it so my School Paper Adviser recommended borrowing from the library.

Kahit halos isang buwan na ang nakalipas mula noong hiniram ko ang libro, wala akong oras na isauli ito sapagkat naging abala ako sa aming training at workshops, kasabay ng mga klase.

It was difficult to take part in a competition because you really need to be flexible in terms of time, energy, and schedule. You have to attend multiple workshops while keeping up with academics, and classes too. Even after knowing that, I still willingly took part in this competition because I always see myself holding a pen and paper, but not as much as Kelszey because she literally joins every academic competition there is, well, except for Math. 

I had to walk on the campus ground in order to reach the locker areas and I could spot many unfamiliar faces. Since Philippine Integrated School is the host school for this year's District Schools Press Conference, it was not shocking to see many students from different schools.

We had four days allotted for the competition and it was the second day today. Lahat ng kompetisyong aking sasalihan ay ngayong araw lamang kaya bakante na ako bukas.

I glanced at my wristwatch and it was almost half-past eleven. My lecture for the Editorial Writing competition is scheduled at 12:05. Dahil doon, mas binilisan ko ang aking paglalakad patungo sa aking locker upang kunin ang mga gamit ko.

When I turned into the right wing, I saw Zia exiting the washroom. Her face beamed as soon as she noticed me.

"Kleighn, are you going to the lecture room?" She immediately asked after she approached me. Well, I couldn't say she's one of my best friends but we are pretty close because she's a classmate and also a fellow competitor in Editorial Writing.

"Yes, but I'm still going to drop by the locker areas. I need to get a few stuff. Pwede ka ng umuna kung gusto mo," sambit ko sa kanya habang naglalakad kami. Nakangiti namang umiling si Zia at sumagot, "I'll just wait for you too. Sabay na tayo papunta sa lecture room."

I just gave her a small smile as a reply. We reached the locker areas in a jiffy and I immediately went to get all the things I need for the competition. Suddenly, a group of girls from a different grade passed by, gossiping loudly about something as if there were no people around them and I can't help but roll my eyes.

"Nakita niyo ba yung lalaking sinasabi sa'tin ni Phoebe? Yung galing daw sa St. Lucas. I saw him a while ago in the cafeteria. Tama si Phoebe, ang gwapo nga!" They all giggled and squealed. "Oo! Crush ko na siya!"

I squinted my eyes out of annoyance. I don't get really get why some girls fancy a guy just based on appearances and looks. And why do they always have to squeal while gossiping about a guy again? I mean, it's okay to get attracted because some of my best friends are like that too, but seriously some are way over the borders that they inconvenience other people.

Napailing-iling na lang ako. I will never understand those girls.

"I actually know the guy they're talking about, Kleighn," Zia added and I subtly sighed. "He's kind of an acquaintance because we collaborated before for our workshop in filming and cinematography. Kasama ko rin si Kelszey noon." Trying not to show that I lack interest in that guy, I just nodded.