Love Across Time

Chapter 12 - Room Mate

Chie Pov:

Pinuntahan ko si Mama sa kwarto niya para i-comfort siya. Naabutan ko siya na humihikbi at mugto na ang mata sa kakaiyak.

"Okay ka lang ba?" nagtanong pa ako, obvious naman.

Hindi niya sinasagot tanong ko kaya naupo na lang ako sa gilid niya at kinakausap siya. "Kaya lang naman nagawa ni Madam dahil nag-aalala siya para sa'yo, kaya wag mong masamain ang sinasabi ng mama mo sayo, okay?"

"Tsaka sino ba kasi 'yong kausap mo kanina?" maang maangan ang peg.

"It's none of your business, Chie." pananaray niya sakin. Well, iintindihin ko na lang muna dahil masakit yang pag-kakasampal sayo, Ma.

"If you're ready to open up to me, I'm here. Bukas ang pintuan ko para sayo.." I said while heading to the door.

"Oo nga pala, inaya ako ni Zara mag beach bukas. Sama ka ba? It's 8 AM ha" pagkasabi ko nyan ay umalis na ako.

---

Ngayon ang araw papuntang beach, and I was on my way to Zara's house. Hindi ako nakatulog buong gabi dahil dito. As the car pulled up in front of her house, Zara greeted me with a warm smile.

"Ready ka na?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.

"Of course" I replied, returning her smile. We hopped into the car, and as we drove off, I settled into the seat, expecting a direct route to the beach. However, as we neared the school, the car turned into the parking lot. Confused, I turned to Zara.

"Bakit tayo dito huminto?" I asked.

Zara chuckled. "We're meeting everyone at school first. Didn't I mention that? OO, HINDI!"

Nakalabas na kami sa car at nakita ko 'tong si Mike parang tanga kung makangiti.

"Hey Chie, good to see you!" he greeted enthusiastically.

"Hi Mike" I said, trying to match his energy. "Ano bang nangyayari dito?"

"Everyone's meeting here before we head to the beach" he explained.

"Let's go, nag-aarrange na sila" nahihilo~ nalilito~

Nakita si Rachel at Theresa heading to my direction. Una kong tinignan si Rachel if she's okay na and pwede na.

"Good morning, Chie" bati ni Theresa na tinanguan ko lang.

"Alam niyo tong dalawa?! I feel betrayed mga hayop!" pagdrama ko sa harapan nila pero itong si Rachel dedma lang.

"Ay hindi ba sinabi sayo ni Rachel, okay lang yan andito ka naman." tawang-tawa niyang sabi may pahampas effect pa yan.

Theresa and I had been chatting nonstop, but as luck would have it, they ended up in a different van from me. I found myself assigned to the van with Zara, Mia, a few other students, and three professors: Professor Ava, Professor Rhia, and Professor Nicole.

As we boarded the van, I couldn't help but feel a little nervous. I took a seat next to Zara, while Mia sat in front of us. The professors sat towards the front, discussing the itinerary and logistics for the day. I noticed that Professor Nicole, in particular, kept glancing in my direction with a curious look in her eyes.

Zara leaned over and whispered, "Ready for the beach?"

I nodded, trying to push aside my nerves. "Yeah, can't wait."

"Are you all settled?" tanong ni Miss Ava at nag si-tungo naman kami.

Napansin kong sobrang tahimik ng van ang iba naming kasama were either dozing off or quietly staring out the windows. Mia is also busy flirting with Miss Rhia.