Eukrania Academy

CHAPTER 24: A Trip

"As our trainings continue, I have observed that you are improving very well, Alvira," Miguel commented. "And I believe that they have noticed it, too."

"Yeah. I am so proud of you, Alvira," Erica said.

I genuinely smiled. "Thank you guys for believing in me."

Then, our eyes met ⎯ Tyrone. He looked away easily, and that's what I also did. I do not have enough energy for the negativities he brings. I do not have time for doubts and insecurities. I am here to trust my team, as well as to believe in myself.

"It's been a long, tiring week. You guys want to hang out?" Erica asked.

"I would love to," Alice said.

"Sure," George said. "Alvira?"

I just nodded.

"I am also in. How about you, team captain?" Miguel asked.

"I think our team captain is busy," I answered. It just slipped through my mouth.

"It's fine. I am going," he said, which really shocked me.

"Okay, I think everyone is good, and everything is settled," Erica said. "We will have a night camping. Gosh, I am so excited."

We prepared a lot of things with this trip. Since today is Saturday, we will be back here by Sunday morning. Nagdala ako ng tatlong pares ng kasuotan, iyong sakto sa pupuntahan namin. We brought foods, utensils, hygiene kits, and many more.

"Our van is already here," Alice said. "We have to go."

"I'll be the one to drive first, then Tyrone or Miguel could take my place later on," George said.

This black van that we will be using for this trip is owned by Alice's family. Ang una kasing plano ay magdadalawang sasakyan sana kami kagaya noong dati. Pero dahil mas magiging maganda raw ang biyahe namin kung magkakasama kami sa iisang sasakyan, sinuggest ni Alice na gamitin na lang ang van nila. Mas nakaka-enjoy nga naman kung magkakasama kami.

Una akong pumasok sa sasakyan, at doon ako sa likuran pumwesto, iyong malapit sa bintana. Gusto ko kasing makita ang dinaraanan namin, buti na lang at bubuksan namin buong biyahe ang mga bintana kahit pa de-aircon ito. Sunod na pumasok si Erica na pumwesto naman sa harapan ko, malapit din sa bintana. Si Alice ay sa upuan na katabi ni Erica, at katabi rin ng bintana sa kabila. Si Tyrone naman ay pumwesto sa tabi ko, kaya hindi ko maiwasang magreklamo sa isip ko.

"Bakit nandito ka? Meron pa namang pwesto sa kabila ah."

"May mga gamit sa kabila kaya wala akong choice kundi umupo rito," malamig niyang wika.

Nabasa niya ba iyong nasa utak ko? Hays naman.

Tiningnan ko naman iyong kabila, at tama nga siya, maraming kagamitan. Sa dami ba naman ng mga gamit na dala namin, sinakop na nito ang isang pwesto para upuan.

"Tyrone, palit tayo ng pwesto?" Alice asked.

Napansin siguro niya na medyo hindi ako komportable sa posisyon namin. Mas mabuti pa nga na magpalit na lang sila ng pwesto. Nginitian ko siya. Thank you, Alice.

"No, I am fine here," nagulat ako sa sinabi niya.

Ayaw kong mag-assume ah, pero gusto niya ba akong makatabi.

"Stop imagining. Kaya ko namang magtiis sa ganitong sitwasyon kaya hindi na kailangan pang makipagpalit ng pwesto," seryoso niyang sabi na halos pabulong, at ako lang ang makakarinig.

"Are you reading my mind?" I asked as I cannot control my thoughts anymore.

"Why would I? Do you think I am capable of reading other people's minds?" he said seriously while looking at me, although I am not looking at him.