The Rank - IV

Chapter 1

Last day of summer break.

Of course we make the most out of it. The Rank girls and I are here now in  Singapore to watch Taylor Swift concert. It was quite a surreal feeling when I finally made my way into the stadium — it's crazy!

There are smoke, fireworks, flashing lights and all sorts happening on and around the stage — my heart skips a beat when Taylor Swift came out.

Para na akong mabibingi sa lakas ng hiyawan ng mga tao.

Medyo naiyak pa nga ako dahil finally, nakita ko si Taylor Swift. I'm emotional but really happy.

It's the best 3hours of my life.

"Wala na akong boses." Natatawang sabi ni Kathryn sakin habang palabas kami ng stadium.

"Sigaw ka ba naman ng sigaw." Sabi ko.

"And who wouldn't?" Pagsingit ni Sophia. "It's freaking Taylor Swift."

I smile at my friends. "I know —"

"You know what Solana." At inakbayan pa ako ni Sophia. "You are so well reserved, you gotta losen up sometimes."

And my eyes are rolling. "Losen up? You mean going to the bar? Drink and get wasted?"

"Exactly!" Pag-agree ng kaibigan ko. "And what are we waiting for?"

I'm about to disagree. "But..."

Nang biglang sumulpot si Radish, Madison at ang kani kanilanh girlfriends sa harapan namin.

"Are you girls ready?" Tanong ni Radish with a smirk.

"Yeah!" Halos sabay sabay na sigaw ng kasama ko.

And they all notice me. Kaya Madison steps towards me with her usual intimidating aura. "How about you Solana?"

Sa The Rank book rule kasi namin ay dapat lahat payag sa isang desisyon, mapàmaliit man yan o malaki. Or else hindi na namin itutuloy.

At syempre hindi naman ako killjoy — even though I'm already exhausted due to standing for 3 hours ay pumayag narin ako.

Hindi naman kasi ako party girl. Penthouse and law school lang ang ruta ko everyday kapag may pasok. Wala na ako masyadong oras because being a law student is brutal. The causework is difficult and the competition is fierce.

But i love it. Every.bit.of.it.

Besides, I have a great adviser since freshman year and it's my mother Mars Estrada. She guides me every step of the way. Actually my parents are very supportive kaya ang goal ko sa buhay ay maging proud sila sakin —  Lalo pa't napakagaling na defense lawyer ni Mommy Mars.

At nakarating na kami sa bar.

Halos mapuno ito ng tao, siguro daretso din dito ang ibang nanuod ng concert ni Taylor Swift. But good thing, we have a reservation.

Anyway,

Did you know Singapore is an expensive country to visit and live in? Though there are plenty of affordable — and sometimes free.

Nagparty na ang mga kasama ko and I'm just sitting in the couch drinking my margarita. Rice is here with me though, but she's busy on her phone.

Actually this girl is cute.

"Hey." Pagtawag ko sa pansin nya as i look at her phone. "What the — " I almost laugh when i see what's she's busy for. "You are playing mobile games?"

And Rice chuckle. "With my sister ,yeah."

"Ano ba yan eh dapat nag-eenjoy ka dito."

Rice give me a sideway look. "Bakit ikaw? Nakaupo ka lang din dito."