Jhoanna had always been an achiever, well-respected by everyone around her. However, the new school year promised unexpected challenges.
Her cousin, Stacey, often found herself in trouble, especially when the unpredictable Mikha Lim was involved.
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A long trip should be peaceful, enjoyable, and full of chats, right? RIGHT?
So why am I suffering right now?
I'm wedged between Mikha and Stacey, who are sitting on either side of me, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. I feel like the Great Wall of China, a barrier separating these two in the back seat of the car.
The three of us are enveloped in an awkward silence, Mikha and Stacey are staring out of their respective windows, pretending the other doesn't exist.
Meanwhile, at the front of the van, Sheena, Maloi, Gwen, and, surprisingly, Colet are having a blast.
Gwen, Sheena, and Maloi are sprawled across the second row of seats, while Colet is riding shotgun. The music is cranked up, and the four of them are singing along at the top of their lungs.
They occasionally burst into fits of laughter, sharing jokes and stories that I can only catch snippets of from my seat in no man's land.
How did we end up in this situation? It's partly my fault.
I thought it would be a good idea to get Mikha and Stacey to sort out their whatever issue they have during this trip. I figured that being in close quarters would force them to talk it out.
Stacey, however, was not on board with this plan. She argued with me, and somehow that led to me sitting in between them, acting as an unintentional buffer.
"By the way, Mikhs, where's Aiah?" I ask, trying to break the ice.
"She can't come. She's going to spend the vacation preparing for her exams at the university," she answers, still looking out the window.
"You guys were supposed to have an upcoming game, right? Is it okay for you to be here?" Sheena asks from the middle row.
"Our game was cancelled. Coach said there's a problem with the competition itself, so the school decided we just won't compete," Colet replies, turning to face the back.
I glance at her, and she immediately meets my gaze. There's a glint in her eyes, and a small smile plays on her lips, which I can't help but mirror. My cheeks suddenly feel hot, and I quickly look away.
