THAT GIRL | MIKHAIAH

CHAPTER 16

School Fest

Day 1

The long wait is over for the IBN College students as one of their favorite events every school year is now about to start.

They were all gathered outside the campus in their respective houses with each team wearing blue, green, yellow, and red, accordingly.

“Isang makulay na umaga sa ating lahat! I am Alexa, welcoming everyone to this year's school festival!” The emcee spoke on the center stage. “A kick to start our opening day, we run with colors! With the theme: Stay fit, Stay Healthy, Have Fun. Kaya, handa na ba kayo?”

The students' chants and cheers were blaring along the loud music that get them more hype up.

“Are you ready to run?” The emcee's voice roared over the microphone. The students' groundbreaking YES and their unconcealed excitement are a testament not to keep them in further ado.

“Alright. Please fall in line, everyone.”

Aiah stands in the front line holding their banner, alongside IBN's Mr. Charmer of the year way back 2019. Behind them is their house adviser, followed by their officers, coaches and the rest of the team members.

She poses for the camera, waiting for the emcee's cue. No doubt, it was her favorite hobby — to run, but being held as their team's muse, in tight jeans and high heels, only mean one thing — she has to be all sassy and fresh all day. No jogging, no sticky sweats — just a sitting pretty lady, playing with her long trimmed nails. And she sort of not like the limitation, although she surely could live in it for a day or two.

“We're off in 3,2,1!” The emcee counted, and the students are on their feet. “Go!” Just like that, they head off to the most colorful run they've ever been.

“Ate Aiah, may running shoes ako dito. Gusto mong mag-join?” Jhoanna asks Aiah on the side line kung saan sila maghihintay na makabalik ang mga runners.

Aiah's eyes sparkle with joy. “Really?!” Tumango si Jhoanna at kinuha ang sapatos sa bag niya. “Ay, wait. Kakasya kaya 'yan sa'kin, Jho?” She was pouting a little as she inspect the shoe.

“Ito, try mo, ate Aiah. Makakahabol pa tayo, hindi pa naman sila nakakalayo oh. Gusto ko rin magparticipate eh.” Inalalayan ni Jho si Aiah upang alisin ang heels niya at isuot ang sapatos.

Aiah did a small jumps to test its fit.

“Ano, ate Aiah?” Jhoanna glimmered with hope.

Aiah didn't answer, her face shows unreadable expression that Jhoanna almost think the shoes maybe was an inch smaller or bigger to Aiah's, but what comes next made Jhoanna scream in delight as Aiah run past her like a car in torbo.

Napatakbo nang mabilis si Jhoanna. “Ate Aiah, ang daya!”

Aiah slowed down but it wasn't enough for Jhoanna to catch up that fast kaya huminto ito at hinintay si Jho.

“Bilis, Jho! Dapat maabutan na'tin sila.” Sigaw nito.

“Ang laki ng hakbang mo.” Inabot ni Jhoanna ang tatlong balot ng colored powders habang papalapit na ito kay Aiah.

“Favorite ko 'to eh.” They continue to jog. “Salamat, ako lang pala walang ganto.” She slid the tiny packs of powders into her pocket.

“Syempre, andon ka dapat sa caravan ngayon eh.”

Aiah chuckled. “Jho, huminga ka ng malalim.” Jhoanna furrowed but did what she says. “I'll count to five, pagkatapos non tumakbo ka nang tuloy-tuloy. Huwag masyadong mabilis. Consistent lang para 'di ka maubusan ng hininga. Gets?”