MEMORIES OF TOMORROW

PARTY ANIMALS

November

There was a week left to Tour and I was beyond excited. We wouldn't stop talking about it.

We were going to Trivandrum, a 5 hour drive from our place. Everyone kept saying it would be boring but I refused to give up hope. My first trip in a new school, I had to make the most out of it.

I kept lifting people's spirits. That is until I found out the fee. 2,500 Rupees. Now that doesn't seem like much for a trip that is providing breakfast, lunch and dinner, in a party bus and 4 sights to visit.

I didn't want to ask my parents to spend money that could be put to better use. Besides my sister didn't go for her trip, then why should I go and have a good time.

All these thoughts made sure I responded the same three words when anyone asked me whether I'd go. 'I don't know.'
But my parents got the mail from school. And soon I was packing my bag the night before Friday 15th November. Luckily I'd gotten my period the week before and was free as a bird. I packed in a book as well, just in case it got too boring.

We slept at 2AM being full of anticipated energy. We had to get up at 5 and the bus would arrive at six sharp.

The night was filled with echoes of impish giggles and childlike delight.

Friday Morning, 4:45 AM

The first round of alarms and we were up and running. I tied my hair into a high pony praying it would stay the whole day. We were early and Matron told us she would inform us when it was time.

I remembered that it was my moms birthday. I was sad because I couldn't be there to wish her and because I missed home, not homesickness something greater. A dull ache in my chest. A heaviness that was growing. Daramtic AF, I know. It's hard to explain.

The tour was a combined group of Students from Year 7, 8 and 9. Making me and my friends the Senior most.

Then Matron called us. We ran down the stairs into the school, buzzing with early morning energy. Some kids were planning to stay one night in the Hostel after tour. As we were expected to return at midnight.

I got to the class and already kids were opening up packets of chips. I shook my head with a smile. I sat down and took out my book waiting for the teacher to call us to board the bus.

I was so focused on the storyline that I didn't notice Mahi creep up on me. He snatched the book, blatantly ignoring my protests. He set the book on top of the cupboard knowing that I wouldn't be able to reach. I stood on a chair and finally got my book back. As soon as I got down I was swarmed by classmates with stern looks on their faces.

Mahi crossed his arms. "If you want to even dream of setting foot in the bus you're going to keep that book away. No but's and excuse's. Deal?"

I acted like I was pondering over my options before setting my book back and joining them in the merriment.

The party, had begun.

We entered our bus. The boys took the back half and girls the front. We wanted the back but we didn't want to make a fuss.

The trip started with a devotional song our school being a Christian one and all. Even then we grooved to it. Then the actual first song played. The AC on full force and song on full blast. Power by Little Mix boomed across the bus.

We started off by just moving round and singing along. But quickly it escalated to dancing. Our class teachers sat in the middle of the bus so there would be a clear division between the girls and boys. Stella and I danced together with the other girls. Jumping and chest popping on cue. Some guys slept at the back. Weaklings. Pathetic truly.