One

Nine

Three weeks later

".. and then my heart flipped because I had a chance to see her again. And this time, it may be every day for 2 weeks. I've been on cloud 9 since last week when I had the biggest surprise of my life, Althea registered and that means ill be seeing more of her. I am a volunteer at a camp which I have been working voluntarily for 2 years now. My English teacher mentioned it when the class was about to end two years ago. Since then, I listed my name every summer. The camp is an all-girls camp for ages 6-12, and 13-16. I have always signed up for the youngsters because sometimes, the teens are more difficult to handle." I paused because my phone started to ring. I saved my blog entry and answered my phone.

"Hello?"

"Jade? Is this um, Jade Tanchincgco?"

"Yes. This is her. Who's this?"

"Hi Jade, this is Althea -uhm Althea Guevarra."

"Althea? uhh"  (Oh my god) I mouthed silently.

"Oh! Althea! Hi!" My heart started to beat faster.

"Hey!" She chuckled. "So, uh- well, I'm calling in to confirm, you volunteered for the camp?"

"Ahh yes, yes I did. I always enlist every summer."

"I see. When did you start signing up?"

"Two years ago." Oh boy. How difficult it is to pretend that im not ecstatic. Gosh! It is really her.

"Wow. That's great! You see, uh, this will be my first time registering. I have always wanted to, but I just can't seem to find the right time. Until finally, I got the courage to sign up last week."

"Awesome! You will love it there. The people there are nice and friendly."

"Yeah? I hope so. At least I already know someone from school." I can picture her smiling.

"Don't worry, everyone's nice there. And yep, I will help you out. By the way, in which age bracket did you sign up for?"

"6-12. How about you?"

"Same. I always sign up for that age bracket."

"Yay, we will be on the same group. Whew! I am so relieved."

"Relieved? Why?"

"Well, I am thinking that we may be on the same camp but not on the same group. So, it might be a little awkward for me."

"Ahh no. I told you, you have nothing to worry about. Just enjoy being in the camp and have fun, too."

"Well, coming from you, I'm sure I will. Thanks a bunch, Jade. It was really nice talking to you."

"You're welcome. In case you have questions, just call me, okay?

"I will. Thanks! See you soon! Bye."

"See yah! Bye." Then we hung up.

I was momentarily lost in my thoughts. Then my phone rang again.

"why are you not responding to my messages? And why is your telephone, busy?" It was Bette.

"Good afternoon to you, too."

"Are you writing again?"

"A bit, yes. And I was talking to Althea earlier." I said casually.

"What?! Are you serious?" She shrieked. "What did she say and how did she get your number?"

"Well, it slipped my mind but ive been meaning to ask her how'd she get my home phone number. Anyway, she just called to confirm if I signed up for the camp."

"That's it? Is she also going to that nerd camp?" she asked teasingly.

"Of course, that's it. And yes, she's also going."

"She did not say, I like you or any-"

"Bette! You're impossible! Im hanging up now, Bye!"

Sigh. I stared at my computer for a long time. And just go over in my head the conversation I had with Althea. I sighed some more and smiled. I feel funny inside. It's like I want to hear her voice again.. Stalking her is not enough. And now that she called me and I got to hear her voice? And that she will be on the same camp?! I am so thrilled for the camp to open. I shook my head lightly. I need to focus on my blog entry. But on second thought, leave it.. I'm happy, anyway.