Whispers of the War

Kabanata 1

KABANATA 1.

Habit.

COLLEGE LIFE IS hard. I can justify to that and many people would agree with me too. It is different from high school. If you're an easy-go-lucky in high school, you might want to change that in college.

College is like a survival game. It is not that important if you'll be on top; the important part is survival.

But then, college is also about team work. Hindi paatasan kundi tulungan. And it's also a big help if you're in the right group, the right circle of friends.

As for me, I guess I am in the right place and I belong to the right group.

“Bruha,” I turned to Fita, she's eating in a messy manner. Napangiwi ako.

“Yuck, Fita Francesca, ang dugyot mo!” I exclaimed but she just rolled her eyes.

Rafa gave her tissues, tinanggap niya iyon at pinunasan ang labi niya. I rolled my eyes when there are still a bit dirt left on the side of her lips.

Kinuha ko ang tissue mula sa kamay niya at ako na mismo ang nagpunas ng tirang dumi sa mukha niya. Ngiting aso lamang ang isinukli niya saakin.

Fita is a very messy eater. Simula noong junior high school ay magulo na siyang kumain, hanggang ngayon ay gano'n parin.

I met Rafaela and Fita in junior high, we were classmates in De La Salle Zobel. Pero nang mag-senior high school ay lumipat si Rafa sa UST, kami ni Fita ay nanatili sa La Salle pero magkaiba na ang strand namin.

I took Accountancy and Business Management while she took Science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

We remained friends though. At ngayong magc-college ay pareho parin ang pakikitungo namin sa isa't isa.

Rafaela remained in UST for college while Fita is still unsure if she'll study in Ateneo or in UP. Ako ay sa La Salle parin dahil ni-recruit ako ng volleyball team.

Aside from the girls, mayroon pa akong isa pang bestfriend. He's a childhood friend though he's older than me. Our families live on the same village. Bagong lipat sila noon at ako ang una niyang naging kaibigan sa Metro.

Alonzo Guzman has been my bestfriend for years now.

“’Di ba sabi ko may ipapakilala ako sainyo? Iyong kaibigan ko sa Batangas.” Napatingin ulit ako kay Fita nang magsalita siya.

Right. She told us before that her friend from Batangas is going to study here. Spica is her name, as far I can remember. I just wish she's nice.

My wishful thinking came true. A week later, Spica arrived in Manila. She looks introvert and snob but when we got to talk to her, she's cool naman pala. And she listen to indie music too! Great!

She's still aloof though, kami lang talaga ang kinakausap niya, as in. I had an idea how to make her socialize.

After my first training camp on De La Salle volleyball team, my team mates and seniors organized a welcome party for rookies like me. It's just a house party and we can bring friends.

Rafa and Fita immediately agreed pero pahirapan ang pagpilit namin na sumama si Spica. In the end, we all came to the party. Walang panama si Spica sa convincing powers naming tatlo.

Spica's first party was a blast. Hindi kami uminom kahit na eighteen na kami pero na-enjoy parin naman namin amg party.

Masiyadong marami ang tao sa party kaya't medyo nawala sa paningin ko sina Rafa. Kung saan-saan ako nagsuot para mahanap ko sila.