RING

Chapter 44: Courage

CHAPTER 44: COURAGE

[Ever's POV]

Last night. This is our last night to remember. After this night, our life would be back to how it used to be again. No more activities. No more vegies. No more ghost stories. This is the last and I still haven't talk to Jesse.

Kasalukuyan kaming nagtitipon para pag-usapan ang finale ng activity na ito. Nakaupo sa ground, at may isang malaking bonfire sa harap namin. Para kaming nasa isang summer camp kung pagmamasdan kami.

"Madali lang naman ang goal ng activity na 'to. You just have to find flags, at least seven. Bakit seven? Because usually five ang ginagami na number, and five is too few, walang challenge pag ganun. Why not 6 or 8? Because 6 are very close to 7, and 8 is a little too much. So we decided that 7 is a fine number." Paliwanag ni Van sa hanapan namin, nakatikod sya sa bonfire.

"Mr. Prez, isn't this activity is too easy for us? I mean, walang thrill kasi we're just going to roam around in the area, find flags, and that's it. End of the game." Said a girl.

"No and yes, Lina. No, because this is not that as easy as what you think. Of course we want to make this one thrilling, very thrilling, actually. This is the finale, right? So you should expect more. And yes, you are just going to roam around the area, find flags, then the game is over. But, there always but in every game. You are going to roam around the area," he made a slight pose to caught everyone's attention, then continue, "the forest's area."

And with that, everyone gone murmuring side-by-side. Uneasiness is now reigning in the peaceful atmosphere.

A girl raised her hand, "But Mr., isn't that too dangerous for us?"

"Unfortunately, Maggy, no. I've been roaming around the forest before the sun comes out every morning since we got here. And I made sure that everyone will be safe for this particular -"

"What?! Ginagawa mo na yun since nung dumating tayo dito, at hindi mo man lanmg saken sinabi? And how come na alam mo yung mga pangalan nila? Biglang singit naman ni Lisa, nakasalukuyang nakatayo sa tabi ni Van since this meeting begun.

"As I was saying, guys and gals, everything will be okay. And we, Ms. Lisa and I, are already finished in the preparation for this activity. So, is there any more clarifications?"

No one attempted to raide there hand nor speak up.

"So, it's settled then. You may bow have your dinner. And in exact 11pm, we will begin."

And we that everyone made their own way. Leaving our group, still sitting on the ground. No one spoke. And after a few more moments, Vand and Lisa approached us.

"Bakit hindi mo saken sinabi yung tungkol dun Van?" 

Tanong ni Lisa dito nang sinaluhan nila sa pag-upo.

"Hindi mo naman kasi ako tinanong e," sagot naman ni Van. Halatang iniinis lang nya si Lisa.

Namumula na ang muka ni Lisa, "kahit na ba. We are supposed to be partners here. Hmp." Nag-attemp tumayo si Lisa, pero hinawakan sya ni Van.

"Oh san ka pupunta?" Tanong naman nito.

Tinignan lang sya ni Lisa ng masama.

"Oo na, mali ko na. Sorry na. E sarap kasi palagi ng tulog mo e. Kaya di na kita ginigising." Paliwanag naman nya.

Everyone broke into laugh. Well, at least kahit nagtatampuhan sila ngayon, komportable na sila sa isa't isa. I know there is always a thing between the two of them all this time.

Tinignan kami ni Lisa. Looking so embarrassed, tumayo sya at umalis.

"Hey Lisa, where are you going? Wait." Habol naman sakanya ni Van.

Ooooh~ Now that something. I wonder what's really going on with that two. Hmm.

Silence fell on us again. So silent that I almost hear white noise. Until Night asked me, "you want to take a walk with me?"

"Sure," I answered, giving him a slight nod. "Kayo?" 

Tanong ko naman sakanila.

Chesca and Kristin is sitting next each other, Jo is sitting next to Kristin, Josh sitting next to Chesca and Chivas is sitting next to Josh. I know there is something going on with those four. I can sense it. And the white noise I'm hearing a while ago, it's because of them. May mga uneasiness sa vibes nila. Surely, sa mga gantong oras dapat excited sila kasi finale na, pero para silang mga zombies na naka-upo.

"We're fine here. You can go guys," sagot sa akin ni Kristine.

"Sure kayo? Ayaw nyo sumama?" pag-aalok ko pa sakanila.

"We're good." Simpleng sagot ni Chesca saken, and put an encouraging smile on her face.

A fake one. There is something fishy going on with them. Humanda sila saken bukas. Bottom-line sa bus ang meron. Bwahaha.

Umalis na kami ni Night at naglakad-lakad.

"Are you hungry? I can make a soup if you want." Night said.

"No, I'm alright." Ngiti ko naman dito.

"Are you sure? Okay fine. So, are you still worried about Jesse?" Night's voice sounded dreamy.

"Ano bang hindi ko maitatago sayo Night?" I asked, almost to myself. With a hint of smile in my face. I looked down.

"That's why we're bestfriends. We are friends since we're 3 years old. So, what now?"

"Well, I'm worried, of course... No, I'm... I'm worried-sick actually. Jesse missed the rest of the activity since he go  sick. And I can't even do anything for him. I'm afraid to do anything, honestly. I'm afraid because he might reject me." I said with a very low voice.

"Why would he reject you?"

"Because I'm me. I'm just another wanna-be girl who's no good for him; one of those party girl at bar, enjoying cocktails, lazer lights, the smoke-screen, the awesome music, and dance until morning. Because I'm Ever --"

"Because you are Ever Margarette Melrose, and that's why he loves you."

What he said caught me off guard. A tear broke out of my eye. I stopped walking, and looked at him.

"Wh-what did you say? Pano ka nakasigurado?"

"I'm not sure, Ever. But I know he loves you. And you love him, don't you?"

"Loving him is not enough, Night. And saying to me right now that you think he loves me too is not very assuring. Ayokong umasa lang Night." Then I started to walk again.

"Wait Ever, why not try?" tumigil ako ulit sa paglalakad.

"Try what, Night?"

"Tell him what you truly feel about him. Instead of hiding behind me, just tell him your feelings."

"What if he rejects me?"

"Then he will be a fool if he did."

"Seriously?"

"I am dead serious." Then he cracked a smile.

Then, I hugged him, too tight. "Thanks, Night. Thanks for being my big brother."

And then, I run. I run toward the love of my life.