Fly High, Love Thy

CHAPTER 44

“Welcome back, girl!”
 

 
“Bakit gumanda ka yata?”
 
 

Sinalubong si Keisha ng mga kaibigan niya sa may gate palang. Hinatid siya ni Ashen na agad din namang umalis dahil may kailangan itong gawin.
 
 

“Gano'n talaga kapag naiiwan.”
 

 
Nawala ang mga ngiti at pagkasabik sa kanilang mga mukha nang bitawan ni Vanessa ang mga salitang iyon.
 
 

 
“Van…”
 
 
 
 
“Bakit?” tanong ni Vanessa nang makitang nakatingin sa kaniya ang mga kaibigan hanggang sa mapagtanto niya ang isang bagay. “Omg!” Napatakip siya sa kaniyang bibig. “I’m not trying to mean something. I was just joking kasi naalala ko lang iyong mga napapanood ko. I'm sorry, Keisha. Hindi ko talaga sinasadya.”
 

 
Napatingin ang mga babae kay Keisha na akala nila'y magagalit pero ngumiti lang ito.
 
 

 
“It's okay.”
 
 

 
“Sa susunod prenohan mo 'yang bibig mo ha,” asik ni Hydie.
 

 
“Tsk! Sorry na nga, e.”
 

 
“Kahit na—
 
 

 
“Hey, okay lang. Tumigil na kayo.” Pag-awat sa kanila ni Keisha.
 

 
“Oo nga, mga eskandalosa talaga kayo,” ani Lisel saka lumingon ito kay Keisha. “Berrenzana, isuot mo na ang uniform mo. We're going to be late!”
 

 
Muli silang napangiti saka nagpatuloy sa pagpasok sa kanilang headquarters. Now is the day for them to become an official government employee. At last, they will be part of the family protecting their homeland. The bright daylight is spreading its warm embrace towards them. It'a a beautiful day for a beautiful news.
 
 
 
 
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. To extend our gratitude for choosing Philippine Air Force as your new family, we are celebrating an annual recognition to our trainees, our future fighters, military doctors and attorney. After your hardworks, you'll finally see your earns. On your back, you see…”
 
 

Lumingon ang mga trainees sa likod nila at doon nila nakita ang isang malaki at mahabang takbuhan.
 
 

“Today, as well, is an Airman's Run. All trainees will participate in a 1.5 mile run. This is a celebration of your victory for overcoming challenges and esprt de corps gained during your training. This will then be followed by the Coin and Retreat Ceremony. An Airman coin will be presented to you from here, I gratefully congratulate these young soldiers, as this coin signifies your transition from a trainee to a new developed Airman. Welcome to the family.”
 
 
 

After the speech, trainees were made ready for the run. Keisha wandered around and smiled upon seeing her whole family. They waved to her and she can't help but smile as well. Those small laughters were tagged along with her tears.
 
 

 
Xyth, this is for us. How I wish you are one among the crowds watching me. How I wish you can congratulate me like they do. I miss you so much and I love you. I'll be waiting.
 
 

 
A gun shot was then heard indicating that they can begin the run. All trainees participated on the 1.5 mile run. Their families were happily watching them. They took pictures and videos. They were just so happy.
 
 
 

That same day, trainees were given the time to spend the rest of the time with their families. They celebrated it along with the gifts and flowers handed to them.