Dying Embers

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Tahan na

"Rain, could you grab the medical kits from the clinic? I'm still checking what else we might need," Heather asked as I approached the school van. Isa siya sa mga student officers na in charge ngayong araw.

I gave her a quick nod before turning toward the clinic.

Ngayong araw na mismo ang City Meet, at papunta kami sa North Eastern University kung saan gaganapin 'yong opening ceremony. The morning air felt cold against my skin, but my thoughts were elsewhere. Wala pa rin akong naririnig kay Chance. Halos masanay na ako sa katahimikan. After that last time I tried to reach out, everything just... stopped.

Pagbalik ko mula sa clinic, bitbit ang dalawang medical kit, naroon pa rin si Heather na abala sa listahan niya.

"I think we're all set," sabi niya, saka tumingin sa akin. "Oh, the medical kits are here. Thanks, Rainy."

Kinuha niya ang mga bag at tinawag si Alex. "Alex, can you stash these inside?"

Nagkunwaring nagreklamo si Alex, "I'm the president, Heather. Shouldn't I be the one giving orders here?" Pero kahit nagbibiro, kinuha pa rin niya 'yong mga kit at inayos sa loob ng van.

"Shut up, Alex," balik ni Heather, rolling her eyes.

"Tss. Power trip," bulong ni Alex, sabay tawa.

"Is NEU far from here?" tanong ko habang inaayos ang sarili kong bag.

"Not really," sagot ni Heather. "Mga thirty minutes lang kung walang traffic."

"An hour if there is," sabat naman ni Alex, ngisi pa.

"Don't butt into the conversation," iritableng sabi ni Heather. "Just organize the stuff, we're already behind schedule!"

"Whew, barely seven a.m. and Heather's already boiling," hirit ni Nicko mula sa likod, pilit pinipigilan ang tawa.

"Shut up, Nicko," sagot ni Heather, halatang napapailing na.

"Tss."

Nicko casually slung an arm over my shoulders, leaning closer. "O, ayan. Bakit hindi mo gayahin si Arce? She's so chill."

Siniko ko siya nang mahina. "Don't add more fuel to the fire, Nicks."

"Oy, tama na 'yan. Don't team up on her," Alex laughed from the front seat. "Maybe she's just having one of those days... you know, the time of the month?"

"Alexander!" sigaw ni Heather, sabay hampas sa braso niya.

Laughter filled the air, cutting through the morning tension. Even I couldn't help but smile.

Heather was the ever-responsible Student Council Secretary, Justin the playful President, and Nicko — the effortless Vice President who never ran out of jokes.

"Yeah, yeah," sabi ni Nicko, tumatawa pa rin. "'Wag mo nang sungitan si Pres. He's been working hard since yesterday."

"Hard working, yes. But still annoying," sagot ni Heather.

Just then, dumating ang isa sa mga head teachers. "What's going on here? Ready na ba lahat? We're leaving in five."

"Yes, sir. I've already checked things out. We're good to go," sagot ni Heather agad, composed as always.

The teacher gave a firm nod before walking off.

Habang isa-isang sumasakay ang lahat sa van, napahawak ako sa strap ng bag ko. My heart was oddly restless — half nervous, half excited. The hum of conversation around me felt distant, like a soundtrack fading beneath the noise of my own thoughts.