ISLAOn the first day of school, I was beyond happy. Finally, I reached the last stage of being a nerd. Just kidding.“I didn’t expect that this University could be this freaking huge,” Becca uttered while we were sitting on the bench near the school entrance and looking at the tall building.“We knew that this was not just part of this University. We didn’t explore it all yet. Since we’re just going to have orientation today, why don’t we start touring ourselves?” I suggested and looked at her.Becca arched her brow and cup her face with her left palm. She heaved a deep sigh. “I’m too lazy to walk. I think my bed is still calling me,” she uttered.I frowned and puffed some air out of my nose. “Then I’ll get going all by myself—”“No!” Becca looked at me and glared. “I don’t want you to leave me here,” she said, seems trying to pull some drama.I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re unbelievable, Becca.”“Isla,” she called my name and I gazed at her as I arched one of my brows.“What?”

NO ONE dared to talk until they reached the club. “Who owned this club, Zero?” Finally, Becca broke the silence between them.“Do I look like I know all the shit in the universe?” he answered which makes Isla frown.Becca rolled her eyes. “You can answer it nicely, you know,” she said, sarcastically. “Come on, Isla. Let’s drink all night,” she uttered and dragged Isla towards the club. They were about to step inside when two bulky bouncers stopped them.Becca arched her brow and stared at the guy on her left.“I.D please—”“They’re with me,” a deep voice came from their behind and the bouncers parted, letting them enter.Becca rolled her eyes and dragged Isla again.“Stop being stubborn, Becca,” Zero warned when they successfully entered.“I’m not. You’re being meanie,” she complained and stomped her feet then left Isla as she walked towards the bar.Isla heaved a deep sigh. “Becca’s like that.”Zero put his hands inside his pocket and nodded. “I know. Hope you’re not like that,” he u

“HOLY MOLLY! Isla…!” Becca’s loud voice roared the moment she woke up. With wide eyes, she held tight to her phone, that has been ringing continuously.“Isla!” she shouted and poked her friend, who was sleeping beside her.She’s been shouting and Isla still lets out a snore. She arched her brow and poked her once again.“Isla…”“Isla… your brother is calling me,” she continued.Isla then moaned and turned to her side. She slowly opened her eyes. “What?”Becca flashed the screen of her phone near her eyes. Isla then got up immediately which makes her head throb in pain and felt a sting between her bum.“What are we going to say?” Becca asked.“Tell him we’re getting ready for school—fucking shit!” she cursed. She met Becca’s eyes. “What time is it?” she asked.Becca glanced into her wristwatch. “6:30.”Isla wiped her face with her palm. “Damn! We’re doomed. Classes will start at eight. Let’s better hurry,” she said and moved down the bed.“How about Apollo?” Becca asked and she looked

IT WAS Friday afternoon, after their class, Isla and Becca visit their home. Since it was Becca who has a car, she then sent Isla first.“Have some glass of juice first,” she said when she hopped off.Becca lowers her glasses and smiled. “Next time. I don’t wanna see a monkey inside,” she uttered, making Isla laugh.“See you on Sunday then.”“I will come tomorrow. Let’s shop at the nearby mall,” Becca asserted.She nodded and bade goodbye.She heaved a deep sigh when Becca’s car was already gone out of her sight. She then walked inside their house and silence, greeted her.She frowned and started to call her Nana Norm and no one answered. She glanced at her wristwatch, it was already five in the afternoon. Where are those people? She thought.Apollo called her this morning, saying that they already got home from their trip. But where are they?She gets her phone inside her sling bag and dialed Apollo’s number. In just four rings, he picked up.“Where are you?”“You’re already home?” h

IT was one fine morning, the sun rises beautifully, and the air was amazing and cool as winter is approaching. The birds in the trees chirp a perfect harmony. Dried leaves swayed to the ground.Isla takes her time to jog around the park near their place, wearing her black leggings, and sports bra paired with her sports jacket and sneakers. When she felt tired, she sat on the wooden bench near the angel statue. She drank from her water bottle and decided to watch those people who were walking down the street. Observing people is also one of her hobbies. Aside from reading books, doing archery, and firing guns… she’s having a good time watching people and observing their behaviors.She’s getting to know how life works about other people’s gestures and actions. However, she can’t judge anyone by just watching them. Well, it’s not bad to know people by watching.After a couple of minutes, she stood up and walked her way home. She doesn’t want to jog anymore. She wants to savor the moment—