LOST AND FOUND

Chapter 1

We can't live without surviving; however we can't survive without living.

Magulo noh? Kasing gulo ng buhay ko.

Life is hard, and it's true. Life is full of sufferings, challenges, and burdens yet we need to face it, we have to overcome it, in order for us to survive.

“Bhie, anlayo ng tingin ah? May bible study tayo mamaya umayos ka—”
“Di ako papayagan—”
“Dating gawi?”

Nagkatinginan kami at napaismid nalang ako sa kalokohan nya. Sa tuwing may bible study ay pareho kaming patagong sumasali, parehong katoliko mga magulang namin at ika nga nila, ‘Namulat kaming katoliko, mamatay kaming katoliko. ’ at gayun din daw kami—nah.

Naalala ko noon, sumasali lang kami sa BS (bible study) dahil sa pagkain, biscuits, at orange juice, tas sunod-sunod na 'yun d'on ko rin nakilala sina Deb, Thea, at iba pa.
As we became a teen, sumali na rin kami ng Youth Camp, and there we realized how worst we are, but God still loves us. We met a lot of unbelievers like us, and believers—kids who grew up in a Christian family.

“Youth, we have a guest! They're from main Ormoc Youth, and they will join us today.”

Napatingin ako sa tatlong lalaki at apat na babae, as far as I remembered sila yung kasama namin sa youth camp, ang tatlong lalaki ay kasali sa worship team  and I admit they're really good at playing instruments—they're hot! Oh, no? Na gawi ang tingin ko sa lalaking pamilyar ngunit diko maalala Kung saan nakakunot ang noo nito habang bitbit ang gitara, naka-demin short at polo shirt, I bet he's the youngest among the boys—he's cute, not my type.

Makikita talaga sa tindig nila na may kaya sila sa buhay, the way they move and the way they talk.

I didn't realize that Deb at Thea already introduced themselves, and Thea keep on poking me.

“Pogi ba? Kaso mukhang bata pa—” Mahina kong siniko sya't baka may makarinig sa bulong nya, tumayo ako kahit nanghihina ang tuhod kong tumayo dahil sa kaba. I tried my best to stand and look at them and suddenly, our eyes's meet.

"I'm Ruth, 17 years old, and it's nice to meet you all.”

Oh, I said it without stuttering? Give that a round of applause! Well, that's the bravest thing I've ever done. I always stutter whenever I speak with strangers.

Tita Lot approached them and told them to introduce themselves too. The one with the beatbox is named Owen; he's friendly and approachable. The other one is Dush, and he's the tallest among them. He has a cold and intimidating aura, it's like you can't read what's in his mind, but I find it cool, which is attractive. And the last one is Dave. He has thick eyebrows and dark eyes that make him look mature, but his baby face contradicts that! He has flawless tan skin that makes him even more—cute.

The four girls introduced themselves too. They are Yaz, Vien, Aurora, and Zai. They're really pretty and feminine—unlike me, parang angkol mo. Yaz, Vien, and Zai are siblings, while Aurora and Dave are their cousins. Dush and Owen are also cousins.

"Okay, before we start, who wants to lead the prayer?" All of us looked away as if we hadn't heard Tita Lot's question. Deb looked at me and Thea pinched my arm, but I didn't bother to look at them! I didn't hear anything, I didn't feel anything. Hahaha—

"Ruth, lead the prayer—"
"But—" I felt defeated and was about to start the prayer when someone else began to lead.

"Let's bow our heads, close our eyes, and feel the presence of the Lord."

There, I saw him bowing his head and closing his eyes while praying. Oh, you saved me from my social anxiety, Cutie. I just stared at him until he finished, and he caught me staring. I immediately looked away because I could feel my face heating up.