Chapter 18, Part I: Gaze

Our periodical test ended few days ago. We were given three days of rest after experiencing the flow of rush and anxiety. Fourth year students had no classes within those three days. It's either we stayed at home, do some productive things like attending our part-time jobs and helping each of our families, study in advance or have a three-day vacation at someone else's renowned resort.

Ngayon, alas sinco pa lang ay naghahanda na kami sa pagbyahe papuntang Batangas. Antok na antok pa ang mga kasamahan namin nang makarating sa meeting place. Nakaupo ang iilan sa mga upuan ng kakabukas lang na cafe at umiinom ng mainit na kape para magising. Ang iilan ay masigla na at masayang nakikipag-usap sa iilang kakilala. Some were busy in there cellphones to phone their sleeping friends.

I was slouching on the chair with Ena in front of me. Nabuhayan kaagad ako nang paparating si Athelia dala-dala ang isang tray mula sa counter. The aroma of the