The Paper Maiden Diaries

Mon/6/4

Paper Plane

Soaring through a place

You never knew before

Keep flying even if the rain will bring you down

Show them you are something much more

I was running in an intersection on the street, however the street wasn’t busy. There were no vehicles on the street—a clean street. At the distance, I saw my old chubby classmate and best friend, Gellie Layuan. I called out her name and she called me back while waving her hand exaggeratedly. I ran towards her, preparing an embrace then another person appeared, which I assume was her friend. Then she exclaimed out to her friend that I was going to DFU. I didn’t expect her to say that so, I got surprised. Her friend thought it was cool in response that I’m going to school there, then he said he was going to MSJ. Then I woke up.

I woke up early in the morning, earlier than how I usually wake up, by my alarm realizing that this day was the day I will transfer to a new school, Don Fabella University.

New school. New people. New adventures.

Although, I already know two of the students there since we were classmates, Spirits Fire Academy, before going to this school. They’re names were Isa Nabua and Marie Salter. Sadly, Marie couldn’t hang out with us that much because she’s a HUMMS student and both of us are STEM students, meaning we’ll have different schedules. I love my old school; however, they don’t have senior high school, only in their main branch which is at Marikina, much more far off from DFU. Plus, I didn’t really pick a different school beforehand but found that university breathtaking.

This is my first time transferring to a different school, because all of my life I studied in Spirit’s Fire Academy; my alma mater and my second home. I learned and experienced a lot there, and now it’s time for me to leave and soar higher. To make all of my previous teachers proud.

I don’t know what to expect from this school, should I be excited or nervous, or both? Can I find someone who has the same interest as I do? And, maybe someone who’s an Englishera/Englishero (a Filipino girl or a guy who speaks English like it’s their mother tongue).

I just really long for belongingness.

Anyway, my mother made me prepare for the day. I ate two pieces of suman (a Filipino sticky rice snack that’s usually dipped in sugar) and took a shower. Afterwards, I dressed myself up in a beige blouse and dark blue skirt, black shoes with foot socks, and my glasses. I then put my tie on me, which had the similar color as my skirt and which is split into two at the end. I looked in the mirror and I saw myself, a girl with slightly tan skin, short hair all the way to the neck, and my black glasses resting on my nose. I checked my schedule and saw that our classes should only be till 3:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesday, 1:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I prepped my things and went to the school, with my mother—I’m still getting used to things since I wasn’t used to commute that far off.

My mother and I went to a place where a lot of jeepneys stop. We rode on one as I paid for the fare. When we got there, students were lining outside the school. There were a lot of them! As I could see, most of them has the same uniform as me so, they must be in senior high too. And, the guys wore a navy blue top and beige pants. When it was time for us to enter, my mother asked a lot of students on what strand they could be in, so I would know where my classmates are. She even took me to T-B (or the Tower Building) because it said on my schedule that I should be there first but then a guard told us we shouldn’t be there. I knew there was a program first… I hope we weren’t a disturbance…

I messaged Isa on where she is since we took the same strand, but she still didn’t answer. After all of my mom’s asking, we finally found another STEM student, in the same class as mine. Her name was Reilyn Celis (Lyn for short), her round glasses were eye catching. Then I saw Isa and the others so, I ran towards them as Lyn followed. My mom left at that time.

I talked with my new classmates and asked their names. The one a little bit shorter than Isa was Shyle Abella, the pretty looking one with straight hair was Kyla Diaz, the one with dark brown hair tied into a bun on top of her head was Hana Balane, and the tanner one was Hazel Cabrera (their last names were introduced a little later, just saying). Then our other classmates joined us, but I didn’t get their names. We were staying at a waiting place where there were seats but occupied. In front of us was a stage, where I assume were teachers seating on top of it, it indicated that the program was about to start. At the left side was a set of drums and there were car plaques all over the place, for some reason, I thought it was a design.

A person went up to us and asked if what section we are in and one said C-33. Coincidentally, it was we’re supposed to stay as the staff put up a sign that said E11C on it indicating our section. The person then introduced himself to us and his name was Sir Meha, who’s apparently our PE teacher. He asked for our registration forms, so he can sign it. So, we did as what we’re told and got it back afterwards. He also asked us to bring a one-half index card and a 2x2 picture of ourselves; and told us that if you use the L-sign you form with your fingers it meant that you had to go to the comfort room.

Then the sound of the drums made us jump. We thought the program was about to start but it took like four, maybe five, times the drums beat in a row. They flew a drone above us and because of my acquaintances learning the sign, they did it in front of the drone for some reason.

Anyway, it started with a host testing our energy and asked for each and every grade level to shout when their grade is called, and he said that whoever got a plaque with a message that said free t-shirt at the back will get a free t-shirt. All were hesitant at first then one guy just went over to the tree next to our waiting place, grabbed off a plaque, raised his arms up and said “WOOOH!!!” then he ran to the host and others followed. Next, the host called out the choir group, so they could sing us our national anthem. After that was a pep squad doing flips and summersaults that it just looks too good to be real. There were more happenings such as a cool dance squad who used a table as their prop. And a mascot! They had a mascot which looked like a person with those cartoon pilot hats who just went around and about for a little while. The host then asked again if we still have energy then he went up to Shyle and asked if he can get a yell out of her. She happily did it. Later, we got tired and sat for a while. Then we went upstairs, for some reason, even when the program is still ongoing. I guess we followed whoever was at the front of our line.

We got to our room, C-33, to just sit there and wait for our other teacher, some even used their cellphones—not at all forbidden but shouldn’t be used when there are classes. It had a wooden door with windows at the side of it. Inside was a plain white classroom, where the back wall was colored yellow and the front was blue with a white board on it. There also was a small table at the front with one chair. We talked to each other as the time passed by and we also learned certain things from each other, bit by bit. My new-found friends were noisy, mainly because of Isa’s social nature, but I didn’t mind since I got to know them. We also teased Isa and Alan because they looked like couples because Alan was teasing her in everything she does and Isa who was getting annoyed with him.

As I looked around the room, we were around 40+ students in the room. I’ve never had these many classmates before!

When I looked outside the window, around the door, I saw colorful confetti, shimmering as they fell from the top. It looked like I missed something good. Then a teacher came into our class who was our geometry teacher. She looked like she was older than 40. She had glasses, dark skin and she was large. She just introduced herself and talked about the lessons we’ll learn about, future projects and left. I didn’t get her name though… As usual, we said goodbye to the teacher, with a familiar tone I know.

Next was our communication and reading teacher in Filipino. She looked like a regular student since her height was that of a high schooler and her age was 19. She also asked for our registration forms. She spoke Filipino so fluently and she introduced herself as Ma’am Gracia. Then she did an orientation to us on what the school is all about. The rules, the grading system and other things. I was listening and jotting down things then I suddenly got sleepy. She caught me with the act and called me to read what was shown on the board. I looked at her and asked if I was the one being called, and she nodded. I started to read, and she told me to stand up, so I won’t fall asleep. And so, I did. Sheesh, it was just my first day and I got tired all of a sudden!? Ugh, How humiliating… She did call another student before me, so I guess it isn’t that bad?

Afterwards, when she left, I looked at our schedule and it was Earth and Life Science next but as time passed by, no one went in the room. Most of us thought that the teacher won’t come since it was already 30 minutes pass their time. So, us seven just went out together and explored the library.

As we walked by the very crowded canteen, while carrying our bags, there was a guy who just kept sticking with us—as Hana said. She asked why he was alone and not with this group called “The Powerpuff Girls” (the name of a guy group for some reason) and he shook his head in response saying that he didn’t want too. I was confused on why there’s such guy group called like that, but it made me laugh. He introduced himself as Chris Solmoro, he was a tall guy who wore glasses and he had spiky hair. He asked where we were going, and we said we’re going to the library. Another guy appeared and asked if he could join as well, since he was also alone with no group. My new-found friends agreed as he introduced himself as Alan Caras. He was also tall with fuzzy hair.

We all went towards the library and explored. There was a weapon detector at the entrance of it, like the ones you see when you enter the mall. As we entered, we were greeted by the cool air of the air conditioner and a scent, much like the one from the mall. Inside of it was absolutely charming! Even though I’ve already been here before the school began. There was a round counter at the middle, different kinds of books as far as the eyes can see and tables distributed in the place, all organized. There were also huge stairs going upwards. We went to the second floor and gazed at everything—the people, the books, the free to use computers and etc. All of us went to the far end and explored even further. There were more books, of course, and there were people at the middle of the aisle reading or doing their research. I even joked about if we could only touch a certain book and the knowledge would just rush into our minds, so we wouldn’t need to read anymore. Some wished that it were true.

Afterwards, we headed back to eat something, but the canteen was still crowded. We just hanged out outside the canteen, where there’s a resting/waiting place anyway. Some sat with me as the other bought food from the book store (yes, they sell little snacks there too). I put out my lunch and ate and the others ate their snacks as well. My friends talked about things there, but when I was eating my lunch I suddenly heard some people talking about video games and anime! And they were speaking in English as well. My people, they’re like me. However, I didn’t interfere since I don’t want to disturb them. And they were all guys, so I thought talking to them would be weird. I just listened to their conversation and kept smiling, like a lunatic… But my heart ached for a relatable conversation for quite some time. I couldn’t help it, but I wasn’t really confident. So, after we ate, we headed back to our room as I felt like I lost a chance.

As we entered the room, we talked and used our cellphones while waiting for the teacher. When he came, we all quickly hid our phones. He was, umm, he didn’t have that much hair left, didn’t mean to be rude or anything, so I’m assuming that he’s, I guess in the forties as well. He was carrying a backpack and his laptop. He introduced himself as Sir Campo, our Biology teacher. He prepared his laptop, so he can orient us as well. He also told little jokes. While he was doing so, he asked for someone to collect the registration forms and asked who the President, Vice President and the Secretary in their previous schools. The students raised their hands and, of course I know Isa’s a great secretary. Her writing is superb. Then when all are decided, some new guy (who acted gaily) was the president, Hana was the vice president and Isa was the secretary, in his class only. He then told them that they will be the leaders in our first project. I couldn’t believe that he already gave us a project, creating a 3D prokaryotic cell, in the first day! Well, at least his funny side makes up for it. He also asked us to give him an index card, the picture and some info for it, for recitation purposes.

He started the orientation and talked about some of his experiences. He told us that we have another orientation tomorrow on 8:00am-10:00am. And, he even spoiled us about Marvel, for goodness sake! Spoilers ahead I tell you, so whoever is reading this, skip the spoilers if you want.

He said that in the next Marvel movie, after the Infinity War, there’s a probability that Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America will die. And, he’s pretty sure about it. He said all who vanished after Thanos snapped his finger was still safe and is in the Soul Stone. Anyway, moving on, he told us the same thing that our Filipino teacher told us—about the school.

While he was still discussing, one student asked a question to him about the schedule. He looked into it and asked if we had a class before him. We said supposedly but the teacher didn’t come. He facepalmed and said why was she the only student who initiated to ask about this with a disappointing tone. He then clarified that our Earth and Life Science class might be at a different room, B-13 or B-20 perhaps, till 3:00-4:30 pm. We all sighed, hoping that school would end sooner. He said we should go there afterwards, and check B-13 first.

Later, we followed his advice, we went to the room he speak off which was quite a long walk. We went down to the lower floor and kept walking. While doing so, I saw people watching anime in a room on the projector. They look like they’re having fun, wish I was there, although, I don’t mind learning. Before entering the room, the smell of the freshly painted walls and chairs already welcomed us. The walls were clean white, and the armchairs were painted brown. Isa pointed out that the person in there was our old teacher who was about to leave. I saw the familiar face I know in that room, the face of our old computer teacher, Sir Rick. He still looked the same, tan and a little chubby. I remember he just left us without saying a word when we’re grade nine. Isa called out his name and I let out a little wave. He nodded in response and left.

We all then just sat there and wait. When nobody came for some time, the three chosen leaders recruited three more leaders, so the groups could be balanced. After the others volunteered, the members can choose who they want to be with. I went with Hana, because she looked interesting to work with.

When the time struck 4:00, the teacher still didn’t come, so we all left. But before our crew—the nine of us—went home, we went to the McDonalds across the street because some people haven’t eaten yet.

We went there and found a spot. I guarded their bags as they ordered their food. To be honest, I wasn’t really all that hungry and plus, I don’t really like talking to the people at the counter that much. When they came back, we talked and took some selfies. Isa asked if we all can accompany her tomorrow in the mall to buy her contacts. All agreed except for me, since I needed to ask permission first. Some even planned to wear civilian and not uniform, because they wouldn’t want to look like they just cut class when we leave school early tomorrow. Others just planned to bring a jacket. Alan then offered me some fries, of course, I took as much as my hands can grab on (I know there are some people out there who are like that, don’t lie to me), and he did say that Isa was beautiful. Though, I don’t know if he’s just teasing her again.

Afterwards, we all went home. I still remember when Chris and Hazel were the only ones who didn’t cross the street again, because they’ll wait for their ride there. We then teased them that they looked like couples. Anyway, Hana, Isa and I went home together in a jeepney. There is one thing I can’t get behind.

How did I get these friends in the first place?

I know I’m always the one in the sidelines. The silent type not regular people typically hang out with. Is this luck, a coincidence, or an answered prayer? Either way, I still need to be careful, they are still mere acquaintances. When I got home, I saw that I was placed in a group chat with them, they named it “Team Ayiiee”. Hmm, I guess things can work out. Let me see what life has in store for me next… God, write me a great story.