I'll Remember

Twenty-sixth Week

One thing Princeton University loves to do is to host big parties for students. It's always bigger and better every year. Laging gustong hinihigitan ang mga nakaraang taon. Feeling ko, kalahati ng tuition fee natin allotted sa mga magagarbong celebrations nila.

And the Annual SHS Acquaintance Party is one of the most anticipated events at the start of the school year. It's a welcome party spearheaded by the 12th grade students. At masyado ring binibigyan ng school ng kalayaan ang mga estudyante sa kung anong gusto nilang gawin para sa mga event na ganito.

You told me that's how Princeton flexed. Kaya rin maraming tiga ibang university na naiinggit. Hay naku! Kung alam lang nila kung gaano kasakit sa bulsa mag-aral dito.

When I told Hero about the event, he immediately turned down the idea. Kahit naman ako, hindi ko hilig makipagsocialize but I thought it's also nice to meet new people. Wala akong kaclose masyado sa strand ko. Scattered kasi ang barkada sa iba't ibang strands.

Attendance is a must, though. Required kang pumunta kaya wala ring nagawa si Hero. And for the first week, may sinasamahan din naman siyang mga kaklase namin dahil ayaw niya nga sa atin. Kaya hindi naman ako nag-aalala na magiging complete loner siya. And I don't really think he cares, mukhang mas masaya pa siyang mag-isa.

"I'm sure they have something up their sleeves." Magui warned us. We were inside a nipa hut near the Trident pond.
Ito na yung lagi nating tinatambayan dahil SHS na tayo. Tuwing breaks or vacant lang tayo nagkikita kita.

"Acquaintance party is just a cover up. Excuse lang 'yon sa paglandi." Ani Taki habang may sinusulat sa notebook niya.

"Yeah, it was a disaster for Calin last year! He was the target. Ang alam ko ay crush siya nung student organizer." Si Heaven.

"His band will perform, right?" There was a hint of excitement from Sloane's voice. She's a low key Calin fangirl pero hindi niya pinapahalata kapag kasama natin ang pinsan mo.

"Yup, they also invited indie bands to play for the concert."

Everything was already well planned and settled. Half-day lang tayo sa mismong araw ng party. Halos hindi na rin nagklase for the preparation.

"They really ain't joking when they said Coachella." You whistled while pointing at the field. Pauwi na tayo para magprepare sa party nang mapadaan tayo sa field kung saan ito gaganapin.

There were teepees set up on the grassy field instead of tables. Inside the teepees were blankets and pillows. Colorful flaglets were hanged. The stage looked so cool for the concert. Mayroon ding mga bulaklak. Balloons were also present in cool shade of colours. And booths and food trucks were also around the corners of the wide field.

"Is that a ferris wheel?" I exclaimed. A huge ferris wheel is at the side of the stage. It's so pretty.

Ang sakit sa ulo kapag inisip mo kung magkano ang ginastos para sa event na 'to! Mas malala pa siguro 'to kaysa sa year-end ball natin.

"I think it's just a decoration."

Mayroon ring life size butterfly, cactus, caterpillar and snail light installations na sa tingin ko ay bubuksan sa gabi.

"Look! An inflatable pool." Tinuro ko ang tatlong malalaking pool sa gilid. May mga plastic balls pang nasa tubig.

"This is going to be fun." You smirked. Hinatid mo ako sa sasakyan namin. "Laters, baby."

It was indeed fun. Hinding hindi ko makakalimutan ang araw na 'yon. Spending it with you made it all better. The image of how you hugged me from the back while watching the fireworks lit up the night sky is forever kept deep in my mind and heart.