Rekindled

Chapter 3

The smile on your face
Lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes
Saying you'll never leave me...

Staring blankly at the ceiling, I let the soft hum of music fill the silence. The smile on his face... Why, oh why, did my playlist choose that song? It was like dragging me back to that night.

I shook my head, determined to banish the intrusive thoughts. Two days had passed since that night, but the memory felt as fresh as ever.

"If you notice a decline in your grades, it may be because I've identified some papers that don't fully align with the topic. It's up to you to reflect on your work and determine if you've put forth your best effort", Sir Ian said during our grade consultation in his subject Purposive Communication.

"So, don't talk behind my back because it will not make me rich", dagdag niya pa.

And when Sir Ian dismissed the class, the classroom filled with our classmates' complaints. We didn't react to what Mr. Ian said for the fact that we got the perfect score.

"Buti nalang talaga no? We really give our best efforts to the output; if Hindi, maybe we're one of the students who'll mura", Jovane said calmly while we're heading to the cafeteria to buy some snacks and to wait for the next subject.

"Instead of a written exam, we'll have an art exhibition. I'll divide you into groups of four. Once you're in your groups, brainstorm a theme, answer the questions provided, and prepare a presentation. I'll be back shortly", our art instructor said.

Salamat at group ko na naman ang tatlong momo.

"So, I suggest na cultural theme yong piliin natin for some facts na may mga kaklase tayong IP (Indigenous People), and we can promote their culture. Dahil diba, sometimes, we misinterpret their culture dahil di natin alam what's behind it, so, guys, what do you think?", I actually like Jovane's idea.

Lahat kami sumang-ayon kay Jovane kaya we proceed to the next question which is, how much will it cost? What are our ways to have that kind of money? Sabi ng instructor namin we need to be practical about the budget at dapat hindi galing mismo sa aming mga bulsa yong gagamitin naming pera.

"We'll need a budget of around 5,000 pesos to acquire art from our chosen region. To raise funds, I suggest we busk. I can play an instrument, so if anyone here can sing, that would be great!", Johnny, from our group, said that makes everyone from our group giggled.

"I can sing," bigla silang napatingin sakin. Ay wow, shockeness?

"Then it's a wrap-up," Sheena said, and everyone clapped.

Nang tinawag na ang group namin, si Jovane yong representative since it's more of his idea.

Our instructor approved our reports, allowing us to proceed with our chosen approach for the upcoming exhibit.

We didn't waste time, so when our class dismissed, we discussed all of the things we needed in the cafeteria while having lunch.

"We will start busking tomorrow, so that we can raise enough money. And by next week, we can proceed to work on the pieces,", Vincess said.

"Be here at 8, guys. We still need to prepare", pagpapa-alala ko sa kanila.

By 4 PM, I had to take a jeep to Cogon. Since the school bus had already left, I planned to transfer to another jeep going to Sili-Sili in Pagatpat. When I arrived at Cogon, a line of Pagatpat residents, including me, was already forming. This is a common nightly occurrence here at Cogon. Patience is key if you want to get home.

8 p.m. when I got home from school and dahil sa pagod ay umaga na ng magising ako. Good thing, hindi gaano ma-traffic kaya di ako na late.

We started preparing the guitar, mic, and speaker. We decided to do busk in front of the school gate para makita ng instructor namin na kung ano yong way namin para kumita eh, yon talaga yong gagawin namin. We don't have class now, so we took this vacant time para maumpisahan yong plano namin.