Break Fresh Ground

9: SAY MY NAME

"Life is full of questions. Some questions lead us to find answers that bring clarity, while others lead us to more confusion and uncertainty. Are we asking these questions because we truly want to know the answer, or are we just trying to confuse ourselves?" Paris read out loud as we relaxed in our unit's living area.

Lahat kami ay napalingon sa kaniya. "Huhhhh?" Lutang na tanong ni France. "Ang aga pa, Paris, pinagubuhol mo na naman ang aking mga braincells."

Paris explained, "What I mean is, some questions in life lead us to understanding and clarity about certain things. But other questions just lead to more questions, and we end up feeling confused. For example, why did you love your ex?"

Ivy went silent, as if she was really thinking about the reason why she loved her ex. Paris continued, "Do you find it hard to find the answer? Or are you questioning whether you really loved them at all?"

"Hey! I did love them, it's just that, I can't put it into words because the love I felt for my ex was real and intense. It's not because I can't answer the question," Ivy retorted. And with that, they started a debate.

I, on the other hand, was busy scrolling through my social media account while eating. I had already finished my other subjects and my next task would be to do research for our History of Architecture class.

Hays, lunes na naman bukas. Puwede bang paextend ng weekend?

Sienna Artemis Del Gallego

Video call from Messenger

Decline                     Answer

The notification suddenly pops up but after 2 seconds, it disappears. Confusion was plastered on my face. And because it made me curious, I send her a message saying, "Do you need something?"

Mas mabilis pa kay Lightning McQueen na nagreply siya.

I accidentally pressed the video call button. Sorryyy.

Oh, okay.

Pero paano niya mapipindot ang video call button? Kailangan munang buksan ang isa sa mga message sa messenger para mapindot ang call at video call button, right? Does that mean—

Actually, I'm going to ask you if you're busy?

My brain went blank. Like, I stopped functioning.

"Scarlett Storm Carvajal, earth to you, yohoo?" Napalingon ako sa mga kaibigan ko when I heard them calling my name. "Kanina ka pa namin tinatanong kung kakain na lang tayo sa labas or mag-oorder tayo?" France said.

I sighed. "Sa labas na lang? Why?"

"Wala lang. Nakakasawa na luto nitong si Ivy." Asik ni Paris.

Gulat na napatingin dito si Ivy. "Wow, parang hindi ikaw nakakaubos ng mga niluluto ko ah."

"I don't want to waste food lang kaya," pang-aasar nito.

Hindi ko na sila pinansin at nagreply kay Artemis.

Wala naman po akong ginagawa.

Let's go to the mall?

I couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion and uncertainty wash over me. Artemis and I were not particularly close, but the way she had looked at me and spoken to me had made me feel happy and excited. I quickly replied with an "okay" to her and began to get myself ready.

"Oh, saan ka na naman pupunta? Aalis tayo mamaya." Paris asked.

"Just around. Text me the details of where you'll be eating later and I'll meet you there," I replied, turning my back on them, and heading out of the building. As I descended the stairs, I saw her walking towards me. But as soon as she saw me, she stopped. "Hi," she greeted me with a smile.