The Chapters Before Us

Chapter 1 - First Encounter

"Birds with the same feather, flocks together". That's my eldest cousins' favorite quote. He always reminded us on choosing our friends wisely. People in this town have serious illness, Gossips. Whoever doesn't know you will use your friends at a certain time as their reference of your personality. They don't care about your behind the stories, when they find a sketchy thing, they stick into it and spread. It would be too much to expect from a small town proper of a big province. To add, your next door grandma could be your 3rd degree relative without you knowing.

Growing up in that environment, the elementary student me was rooted into the belief that I have to be friends only with those who are good influence for me and in return I have to be a great influence to them as well. I didn't have the idea on making memories outside school with my classmates or friends. I believed people will just come and go in my life.

Moreover since I might be a relative to everyone, I had to maintain my great impression all the time.

While my classmates were busy having their first crushes, flaunting their first Nokia keypad phones, running under the sun 'til they bathe in their sweat, and endlessly comparing their school stuff such as 62-color crayons, notebooks, signature Barbie items and things that felt like a Gucci bag for elders, I was busy studying Science. I was 5 points short to over our top student Therese on our 3rd periodic exam exam. Her dad's an architect. Mom said he was their batch's nerd back in their days. She probably got her brains from her dad.

Just so you know, Therese and I are friends. Together with our other friends: Julie who's great in Math. Esther, our future Chemist. Monica, the Local Literature Princess. Therese as our overall top student and I as the second ; -we are the dream team of our teachers in school competitions except in sports. We can all pass in class but we never excelled in those kind to be part of any school sports team.

Monica sat on the chair next to mine looking at me then my notes simultaneously, I gave in and asked what she wanted. Our friends started coming over while we talk. She asked something about the Inter-School Games but I didn't get the whole thing since I was still busy doing my notes. I was surrounded with chit-chatting noise of my friends and it really annoyed me. After transferring my notes and solving 2 activities, I slipped it in my bag. It was hopeless to focus anyway, might as well join the noise. Just when I was ready to listen, the chitchat was ended with 'Let's meet at the north entrance of the plaza 10am.' I didn't have the energy to ask why we had to meet separately from the rest of the class.

The inter-school games came and as planned I went to the north entrance of the town plaza. I looked around a little in the area hoping I'd see them but it was a fail. Students from different schools started passing by. I stepped on the side so I won't be in their way and end up getting bumped into, -that may lead to a commotion. I don't hate attention, it's embarrassment I don't like.

It's a pretty hot day.  The sun happily up shining was a big advantage for the players but definitely not for the watchers. I was just planning to sign in our attendance sheet then go home.

In the middle of the busy park, a cool scent caught my attention. I traced the refreshing minty smell and figured that it was coming from a student of CFS, 2 meters from my side. His brown eyes were gazing at me. He looked away when our eyes met. Therese shouted from behind me 'Christian!!!' .
How did I know? She is the only one in the group that speaks high pitch and shouts like a man. The group of the mint-scented guy looked at us and waived. Therese dragged me towards them and started to introduce each guy. She kept on talking and laughing uncontrolled like an agitated titan because her gums were showing off. So un-lady like if that's even a word, while I just smile and bow every time someone was introduced. Finally, she said the name I was excited to hear. Mint scented guy was Christian. He wiped his hand on his Bench towel hanging on his right shoulder and offered me a handshake. Without second thoughts I took his hand. They were a little sweaty and cold but it was fine.

Hey, I'm not taking advantage of the moment okay? I was being formal.

We started walking towards the auditorium where the badminton game will be held. Christian was walking beside me. He asked some questions, "were you originally from this town? Where did you have your 1st-3rd grade?"

My origin was a little complicated to explain but if he wanted to know that badly I would. "Where do you want me to start? I'm kind of an NPH." I said. I couldn't hold my laugh when he looked worried for his self all of a sudden. I understood since our uphill Barangays were rumored as nest of anti-government people, New People's Harmony. Majority considered them Terrorists even the fact that they've been quiet for a decade now. "Oh no, don't get the wrong idea. I apologize." He looked directly to me and sighed, "you caught be there! I thought you were an actual NPH. What'd you mean by that anyway?" he asked. When I was about to answer, he suddenly handed over the band he had in his wrist, "You have pretty hair, though aren't you feeling hot? Mr. Sun's having fun today. I've noticed you've been wiping off you sweat for awhile now. I thought you might want to tie your hair."

I was definitely blushing that moment alright, but I had to maintain my character.

Goodness! Why does my family have such long branch of connection? I was always anxious of my surroundings. Someone may know me and stories may get twisted when they reach my mom's ears.

Moving on, I thanked Christian and took the band. I tied my hair into a bun so that it wouldn't touch my nape when I get sweaty.

We shortly stopped to buy some drinks and snacks. The boys bought a lot of energy drink, "the shop owner can close up early today" I commented. Others looked at me while their brains were loading the meaning of what I said. Christian on the other hand smiled a little. He got it. Thank goodness we speak of same language.

We chatted as a group afterwards. Christian and I didn't get the chance to finish our conversation  anymore as when we entered the auditorium, the crowd has gone wild when each school's coaches entered the court. It was our cue to go to our respective groups.

Before leaving, Christian grabbed my arm and asked where I'll go for middle school. I told him "RC High." He replied with just a nod, then gave me a warm smile as he ran backwards to his friends. He hit one of them so they each flicked on his forehead as punishment.

Such a silly boy, what was I supposed to do with that nod and smile?

If I knew that I was to meet him today, I would've made myself look more presentable. I hope I left good impression for our first encounter.