The Sun, The Moon, and Their Stars

19 : Detour

Benjamin

We left the retreat house at two in the afternoon. We had the traditional class pictures first, and then we went to this tourist park and had more pictures. The fog left, so we had a clear view of the lake and the famous crater.

And we're back on the road.

Our classmates are extra nice today 'cause we just came from a spiritual retreat, so I get to switch seats with Wilfred. I'm on the one behind Kim's, where I can see the reflection of her face on the glass window. And she looks like the picture-perfect still from a sad music video for a Radiohead song.

I hear a series of laughter from the back of the bus. I turn my head left and Patrick is asleep. I pull the hood of my jacket and slouch back. Then I see Mary Elizabeth slides herself down on the empty seat next to Kim.

"I just want you to know that I'm so sorry," I hear Mary Elizabeth says.

"You really mean that?" Kim asks after a few seconds.

"Yes."

"Okay. Thank you," Kim says.

Mary Elizabeth stands to go back where our classmates sound like they're having fun. We make brief eye contact just before she passes this row. Then I cross my arms on my chest and lean my head on the window.

**

I called her name, but Kim either ignored me or she didn't hear me as she closed the door of the restroom.

I knocked and called her again. I asked if she's okay. Though, I knew that she's obviously not. What I didn't fully understand was why I cared that much.

Just then, Mary Elizabeth suddenly appeared.

"What did you do?" I asked.

She faked a look of disbelief. "What are you talking about?" she asked. "I didn't do anything."

We argued for another round until the door opened, and Kim let herself out. She didn't answer my question on what happened and whether she's okay. She faced Mary Elizabeth straight on and dropped icy words on her like she had enough of it, whatever that was. Then she stormed back to the retreat room.

Mary Elizabeth lost her defiant posture and stared blankly at me.

"Stay away from her," I said. "Don't bother her ever again."

**

We got stuck in traffic for about thirty minutes, so we arrive at the school a bit later than expected.

Cars are waiting for some of our classmates. I watch some of them leave one by one. Others leave school premises in groups.

I think about calling my dad to pick me up as well since it's getting a bit late, but I see Kim crossing the street and heading toward the jeepney stop.

Erick runs to catch up with her and waves goodbye. In return, she raises her open palm. He's a harmless type of guy, but sometimes I just want to shove him right down to a ravine.

I cross the street and quietly stand next to her and wait as well for the next ride.

There are three other people inside the jeep when we get into it. There's plenty of space, but I sit next to her. It's quiet, windy, and cold, but not the kind like in the retreat house.

Kim yawns. Then she removes her glasses and wipes her eyes with a handkerchief. She hugs the backpack on her lap and rests her chin on top of it. And I wait until we're the only passengers left to say something.