Daydreaming, and bored in class when the teacher announced about the upcoming summer camp in a nearby town. So when, Gladys asked if I was going, my only reply was “to where?”

“You didn’t hear? Mrs Chiong announced that there will be another Regional Camp this summer.” Said Gladys

“Oh, I think I will. You?”

“Still thinking about it…”

Chapter One Initial Encounter

On the day of the trip, Gladys suddenly backed out.

“Bummer, I will be with Mrs Chiong and her students. For sure this will be a drag…”

“Adela, bring these canned goods with you. Knowing you, you won’t eat camp food…” Mother said.

“Great more weight to carry but then she is right.”

“Are you done yet? You’re going to be late!!!”

Upon arriving at the docks, they were greeted by Brother Ronnie, a family friend. He said that he was going with us as the facilitator…

When my mom left, he whispered that we have to wait for someone else. And buy our boat fare since we confirmed a little late.

Hey Ms Anna, Bro Ronnie suddenly said.

Hi Ronnie, this is James the one who I told you about.

Hi James. Ms Anna, James this is Adela.

Hi. I said shyly.

Ms Anna you may board the ferry now just look for Mrs Chiong you remember her right?

Yes Ron. Oh James I will leave you will with Ronnie and Adela then.

James just nodded and Ms Anna left.

“Adele, James, I will just get your tickets. Just wait for me here ok.

After five minutes… We proceeded towards the ferry.

As we were going up the ferry, James noticed that I was having difficulty carrying my bag. He offered to help me with it.

It seems you brought your entire house, he joked.

Hahaha! If only I could.

We got to get to know each other better. I found out that he only joined the delegation because his teacher, Ms Anna forced him to be our city’s representative in the Mr Camp.

Not bad… He does have a cute smile and expressive eyes… We continued chatting until we caught up with the rest of the delegation.

Oh, all section B are here, Kay, Chard, Ken. Then some lowerclassmen, Steph. And of course James school mate Reed.

I guess this would not be a bad summer at all. I told myself.

* Camp day one*

When we arrived in campsite, we went to our assigned camp tents. We were having lunch when suddenly it rained hard. We have to go back to our tents and evacuate our things from the tents to empty classrooms.

While arranging my things, I noticed I am missing a couple of items. So I went back, and when James saw me, he accompanied me to gather my remaining items.

When we returned to our assigned classroom, we were both soaking wet. We stared at each other and laughed at each other.

Gotten a bit closer, it made me rethink my earlier conclusion that this would be a dragging experience… Or so I thought.

Everyone was having a great time until Alyssa showed up. When she arrived we introduced her to James, Reed and Ms Anna.

Then Alyssa turned to me and said if I knew anyone named Karl.

Yes, why?

Oh I met him earlier. He asked me from what city I am from. And I said, from Red Town. And he asked if I know Kara, Kristy and Adela.

Really? He remembered me? Cool.

Yup. I said yes I know them. But only Adela is with me. Then he asked if I was in last years camp. I said yes. He said he doesn’t remember me. Who is he?

The guy we met when we had our socials last year. He is the one with braces right?

Yes. You do know a lot of people here. Alyssa said as we went to camp activities.

That night, James asked me if I could accompany him to his practice, since Reed is quite busy hanging out with Kay, Chard and Net. I said, sure… Its better than sitting here.

While sitting in the audience area while he was practicing, someone sat beside me and said…

You look familar… Were you in last years camp?

Yes. Why?

Oh you look familiar. And you’re …

Obviously this guy is fishing I told myself before facing him… Hi I am Adela.

Oh its you! I am Karl! Remember me? We’re textmates… Hehe. How are you?

I am ok. How about you?

Doing ok too. My last year in highschool now.

Oh. So sad… Where you planning to study?

In UP manila. What brings you here at this hour?

I am just accompanying my friend. You?

Same. Accompanying my friend too. Did you watch the program earlier?

Yes. Hey waitaminute you’re one of them. What’s with the hair? (I giggled)

Just part of the get up. What can you say about the dance?

Nice. Full of energy… Didn’t know you could dance haha.

Then, we were interrupted by James.

James: we’re done for the day. Let’s head back.

Ok. Bye Karl. Nice catching up with you.

Karl: bye Adele. See you tomorrow.

As we walked back, James asked who Karl was.. I just said, an old friend from last year.