Photograph Of Yesterday

17

"Sabrina!"

I was too preoccupied with what I was reading when I heard someone call my name. I was in the field of our school, in our usual spot, waiting for the others to arrive. I knew they also had a free period, so they'd come here directly.

I looked back at the woman who had called me... Ria.

She excitedly waved at me when our eyes met and smiled while walking in my direction, holding a sando bag with bread for both of us. She loves bread. Like, tuwing may morning classes kami may dala siya laging pandesal. Minsan may dala pang isang pack ng mayo.

Just like the weather today, Ria embodies the essence of summer, radiating warmth and brightness. Her presence is like a clear, sunny sky, and her spirit is free and uplifting. Her radiant demeanor leaves a lasting impression, like a perfect summer day etched into memory.

"Ang tagal mo naman," reklamo ko pagkalapit niya sa akin. Inabot niya muna sa akin yung dala niya bago siya sumagot.

"Eh ang daming bumibili e," aniya, tsaka umupo sa tabi ko at tinignan 'yong libro na hawak ko. "Ano yang binabasa mo?" Tanong niya.

"Yung reading assignment natin sa media law," I replied. She frowned and looked at me.

"Ang tagal pa niyan, Sab," she argued. I shook my head.

"Kaya ka natatambakan ng gawain e kasi hindi mo ginagawa kaagad 'yong mga pinapagawa sa atin"

"My brain works better when I am cramming though," she shrugged her shoulders.

"Sabrina! Ria!" Someone called us, so we both looked back to see who it was.

It was Clay. Kasama niya si Zak at Andrius. Kadarating lang nila pero nasa kanila kaagad ang atensyon ng mga kababaihan. Clay was smiling cockily, knowing that they were getting attention. On his left was Zak, who had his usual intimidating look. His right hand was inside the pocket of his pants, and his left hand was holding the strap of his shoulder bag. Andrius, on his right, had his usual serious expression.

Just like Ria, Clay also carries the charm of a summer day but with a touch of gloominess, creating a captivating fusion of warmth and mystery. Amid the sunshine that graces his personality, there lingers a subtle shadow, like a passing cloud that tempers the brilliance.

Zak's reserved nature is like the quiet drift of snowfall, looking as cold as ice on the outside because of his cold demeanor. His few words are as delicate as the snowflakes that silently blanket the earth. He may not be vocal about his emotions, but his actions speak volumes. Those who truly know him see him as a rare gem hidden behind a cold facade. A person with a heart as warm as the fireside glow, willing to sacrifice everything for those he holds dear.

And then there is Andrius. A man who resembles thunderous weather. He always stands by his principles, never giving up on something he loves. He rarely shows anger. He is always calm and composed. Zak and Clay would sometimes argue about whether to order pineapple juice or mango juice, but he wouldn't. However, that demeanor changes when he gets mad, resembling a scary thunderstorm roaring in the sky.

Mga bata pa lang kaming magkakaibigan na kami dahil matagal na din magkakakilala ang mga magulang namin. Ang sabi ni mommy high school buddies daw sila.

"You already heard about the organization?" Clay asked as they neared us.

"What organization?" Ria asked her brother. Clay sat beside Ria. Zak sat beside me on the right, and Andrius on my left.