A Force Created By The Gongs

Chapter 3: Fearless

The gloomy weather in the afternoon still went well with everyone. It was still almost five but the dark grey skies made it seem like it's seven in the evening. The tall pine trees that surrounded them made the camp even darker. And the usual Baguio fog swarmed the whole city. 

When they said their goodbyes ending that afternoon bonding, Reiko and Mae announced that they were going somewhere in La Trinidad before they travel for tomorrow's medical mission in Bontoc. Sol and Indara easily let's their daughter go with her suitor. Then, unexpectedly, their mom and dad also announced that they'd want to spend more time with Mr. and Mrs. Fagyan before going back to the hotel then Madugay asked Yord, Samuel and Jecki to accompany her for an errand to briefly meet with other volunteers for tomorrow. 

This had left Osha all alone, again. She realized that even when they tag her along, she's mostly left out on her own. 

Osha wanted to scream at Mae but she understands that Reiko is trying his best to pursue her twin. To add, what use would it be if she goes with her friends to meet just another unknown beings? More importantly, why would she want to tag along with the old couples who still looks like they're in their high school love story phase? Aren'y they supposed to be sleeping in and getting ready for tomorrow? 

So instead of making herself vulnerable in front of the group, she told them that it's fine. They all had their own matters to attend to and they're all legal and mature adults just like what her mom had told. She tried her best to hide the feeling of being left out.

"You can just drop me off the hotel before you guys go on your way, right?" Osha asked her sister with hopeful eyes but Reiko answered softly. Osha can hear the a bit of guilt and embarassment from him. 

"I'm sorry, Osha, but Mae-ho and I are not going to the same direction that passes by our hotel. It's a different route going to La Trinidad."

"Osha, you should come with us. Meet the other volunteers for tomorrow."

Osha turns to Madugay but just gave her a sad pout. "Yeah and then what? I'd rather sleep and rest and ready myself tomorrow, Madugay." Madugay just nodded her head at Osha, besides she did not want her younger friend to be lacking of energy for tomorrow's activities. She'd also want for Osha to rest.

"Are you sure? Because there's lot of hot nurses and doctors in the group, Osha. Come on, please!"

Jecki clings herself to Osha, encouraging her best friend to come and ogle at the guys she'd met last year. Osha had met Jecki and Yord since high school then they met Mae and the group has gotten closer. Then thet met Samuel and Reiko at college, then Madugay when they were started working in the medical field.

Osha just chuckles at the cheerful blonde, "Jecki, I'll be seeing those hot nurses and doctors tomorrow so, no. I'd really want to have an alone time, guys."

"Are you sure, honey? We could take you with us-"

Indara suddenly feels like she's letting her daughter be left out on her own, guilt started to build up. Osha senses her mom's emotions and gently stops her. She's twenty-six, damn it. Do they really think she couldn't handle herself? How could they easily let Mae go off to somewhere with a guy but not let Osha be on her own? That seems pretty unfair to her but of course she does not tell that to their faces.

She hears Jecki and Yord whispering and contemplating on meeting with the other volunteers or be with Osha but Yord held his ground that the meeting is also an important matter. Besides, they'll be only gone for like three hours.

She's starting to get annoyed, no longer flattered at their concerns and worries on her.

"It's okay, Mom. Please. I just want to be alone this evening-"