Training The Ensign

TTE: 15

WARNING: Work of fiction. Highly based on the author's imagination. Some events/ activities/ rules said in this chapter, the previous and the next chapters may (can happen in real life) or may not be true.

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Chapter Fifteen: Summer

Exams ended smoothly. Sa academics at sa CAT. The CAT exam was very hard. Mas mahirap pa ang contents kaysa sa subject examinations! Puro identification, ang hirap manghula.

I'm now preparing my things for the summer training tomorrow. I usually spend my summer dancing and attending different business meetings with my mom but this year's going to be different. I'll spend my summer, training to pass through the next rank after Ensign.

Kumatok ng ilang beses si Kuya bago binuksan ang pintuan sa aking kwarto.

"Tapos ka na?" Tanong niya habang nakasilip ang kaniyang ulo sa pintuan.

"Yep."

Inabot ko sa kaniya ang duffle bag na dala ko bago lumabas kasabay niya.

I'm nervous. As in really nervous. They said that the summee training can be very very dangerous. I don't want to eat things that can make me puke or foods that are so exotic. Mamatay nalang ako keysa kumain ng gano'n.

A lot of people, seniors to be exact, said that we have to undergo difficult challenges that the CAT officers throw at us. In short, mas mahirap sa Approval Day. They said that the summer training is thrice the challenge which is very, very, nakakatakot.

"You look constipated," Kuya uttered while driving.

"Kinakabahan ako."

"Ayan, sali ka pa. Alam mo naman palang mahirap," paninisi niya sa'kin.

"I'm up for a challenge kasi, Kuya. Unlike you!"

Inirapan ko siya. I want to experience things. Hindi na katulad ng objective ko dati na mapansin ni daddy. I don't want anything to do with him anymore.

"Just tell them if your body can't take it anymore. Baka bigla ka nalang bumagsak."

I nodded while listening to his long warnings, advices, and nags. I prefer him talking as if there's no tomorrow instead of him, not talking and communicating at us at all. I don't know what will happen to me if that day will come.

We arrived at the university twenty minutes before the allotted time. First rule: If you're on time, you're late. You should always remember the basic rules in CAT. Example of this are the 'five points of military discipline'. You won't survive CAT without knowing those.

"I'll pick you up at three."

I waved at Kuya as I watch his car drive away. It's Monday today and he has to attend company meetings with Lolo kaya naman madaling madali siya.

I walked towards the uncovered gym while humming a famous song by Taylor. I passed by a bunch of basketball players warming up on the quadrangle. Oh, so may training rin pala sila ngayon.

"Ri!"

Napalingon ako sa tumawag sa'kin. Oh, it's Brile. Nagt-training nga pala siya kasama sila Limuel, ang best friend ni Allistaire.

I walked towards him while waving my hand at him. "Aga mo, ah," papuri ko. He's not the early bird type of person. This training must be so important to him.

"Kailangan, e. Nando'n na sa Tin sa gym. Hanap ka nga, e."

"'Di naman ako late. I'll just catch up on you later, bye!"