Roller Coaster Bliss

CHAPTER 1

Jaime's POV

Jaime!!! I shouted, one of my best friends this high school, Yvonne. I am here today in the school cafeteria and I am waiting for my other best friend Yvonne.

Why? I asked.

Do you have a dress already? For our graduation? She asked.

Not yet. Thanks for the worry. My answer. Thank God that she reminded me about that. I totally forgot about that thing.

Right, I haven't too, Let's go to the mall!!! She excitedly answered. Maybe it is really a good time to buy a dress for our graduation but we need to wait for Kate.

K. Then. But let's wait for Kate. Yvonne and I are classmates since grade seven, unlike Kate who we only meet this senior high. We are now in our last year in high school.

Oh my! That's how she is. She shouted again.

Yvonne, can you please low than the volume of your voice? You're getting worse. I was getting annoyed with her. I am not exaggerating things but her voice is really loud like I can feel my eardrums throbbing.

Hi, besties!!! Yvonne greeted us. Then Kate screamed again. I stood up from my seat.

Guys let's go. I'm bored and I don't want to waste our time sitting and watching our schoolmates walk back and forth in front of us.

Where are we going? Kate asked. Yes, she didn't even know that we are going to the Mall. I did not bother to tell her because I thought Yvonne will tell her but she did not.

We're going to the Mall. I answered.

When we got to the gate we had given our gate pass to the guard, so we could get out.

When we got out, Yvonne immediately signaled to stop the Jeep.

Jaime you are going to treat us! Yvonne cheered. We are in a public place for Pete's sake. I really don't know what to do with this girl.

Why? I asked her.

You're valedictorian! Yvonne answers me.

Okay. Then. We also have a few days left together, I am moving to Manila and you still don't have a clear plan if you will migrate or not. I don't want this conversation to continue, I don't have time for petty things and I usually agree every time. Aside from that, college is coming and we will not have much time to see each other and bond together.

Besh! Don't be sad, every weekend will you come home here to Batangas, right? So there's still time for us to bond. And if ever I will migrate abroad, I will make sure that I will go home on special occasions. Yvonne smiled.

I just smiled at her again. I will study at South East University in Manila. That is where my cousins studied. And that school is quite famous here in the country.

I paid for our fare. This day will be on me. I will treat these two.

I just watched the scenery outside the jeepney. I know that I will miss this view and feeling. This will be changed by tall buildings and large establishments. I will be welcomed by the pollution and not by the fresh air. That will be my life in the next few months.

Hey! We are here! Yvonne and Kate said at the same time.

We are walking when the two shouted. Gosh! I was startled.

Wahhhhhhh!!!!!!

What's wrong? I'm pretty irritated with their response.

Kyle and Daniel oh! Yvonne shouted while pointing in the other direction.

Kyle is a popular basketball player from Batangas Academy and Daniel is one of my co-members of the Batangas Academy Dance troupe. I am not shocked to see them here, we are both from Batangas and we also share the same school. Moreover, we are quite close to each other.

What now? I answer back.

The two made puppy eyes, and I know what that means and I know that they are initiating something.

I called the two men so that I can greet and say hi to them. And of course, for Yvonne and Kate!

They have feelings toward the boys and they are afraid to do the first move. It is uncommon here in the Philippines for girls to do the first move, unlike in the States where you can freely do what you want.

Kyle! Dan! I called the two men and they immediately looked our way.

Oh my! Jaime! Dan said.

I can see the smile of Yvonne and Kate from my peripheral vision. What a happy day for both of them.

Why are you here? Oh hi! Dan asked me and he say hi when she noticed my friends at my side.

Uh, we are going to buy our dresses for our graduation next week. How about you two? Girl hunting at the mall? I joked and laughed but they immediately dismissed the topic.

No, we are just spending our time here. The house is boring. Kyle answered, I just nodded.

Can we just go with you? Dan asked. There is no reason to say no so I just agreed.

.......

We are now outside the gym of Batangas Academy, our graduation will start in a few minutes.

I'm with Mommy and Daddy now. I am an only child that's why we don't have any other companies, unlike my other classmates who are with their siblings too.

Jaime!!! I heard Yvonne and Kate shout at me.

Why? I am pretty sad about this occasion. This is my last day in high school. This campus will be missed, along with my memories together with my classmates, friends, org mates, co-officers, co-members of the dance troupe, and together with my colleagues.

Kate just waved her camera in response.

I turned to them with a smile and happily run toward them.

We were having a blast when someone suddenly shouted...

Jaime!!!!! Daniel and Kyle called me and they are both smiling. So this is what graduation feels like? Mixed emotions, you can be happy because finally you finished high school and sad at the same time because you and your friends are taking different paths.

Why? I asked Smiling.

Let's take a picture together! Kyle's answer.

All right!

We took pictures together, many pictures to be exact. This will be my most memorable experience in high school.

The ceremony will start in a few minutes now. The emcee announced. I am a bit nervous because I am delivering my final speech later. A speech that will tell my journey in Batangas Academy, together with my struggles and memories inside the four corners of this school.

We are told to fall in line and arrange in order.

The ceremony started and all the graduates along with their parents started to walk on the red carpet.

We stopped for a moment to pose for a photo.

Smile! The photographer shouted. This moment will be forever cherished.

I smiled.

The program has begun.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen! We are here for the graduation of grade 12 students S.Y. 2007-2008 of Batangas Academy. Give them a big round of applause!!! And the emcee opened the program with oozing energy and confidence. I really do not know what to feel.

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

After conducting the usuals, and after the significant happenings in graduation, it is my time to shine.

People are already clapping inside the gymnasium after much has been said and now it's time for me, to deliver my valedictory speech or valedictory address.

May we call on stage, Miss Jaime Faith B. Allado for her valedictory speech! The emcee joyfully called me. This memory will be on my mind and heart, definitely.

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

I climbed the stage.

Parents, teachers, administrators, and students, good afternoon! We are all happy here because we, students that will graduate today finish half of our milestone. Most of us are joyful because we have received many awards, medals, certificates, and trophies but it's not the award that will you receive it's what you've learned and experienced during your years in high school. My tears started to form around the corner of my eyes. I did not expect this to happen.

Mommy & Daddy thank you for always being there for me and thank you for the support. I love you both. Thank you and I love you is not enough for the sacrifices you did for me. You saw my struggles, ranging from breaking down and not sleeping for a couple of days just to accomplish my responsibilities as a student, as a dance troupe member, as a friend, and as a member of the student council. My tears were dripping. I am hoping that I will finish this speech, I am already feeling a lump in my throat.

Many say that high school years are the happiest years of a student, and I have proven that. I can say that my six years in high school, those are the happiest years of my life. I know that nothing is permanent in this lifetime. We may lose friends on our way here, we may lose time with our family, we may lose our closeness and bond with other people who are dearest to us, and we all undergo a lot of changes and sacrifices. It is heartbreaking but it is all part of life. My tears are falling nonstop. I did not expect that I will cry this hard.

My high school life is not just a high school life, it is a journey and it is a journey that I will cherish forever. All of my friends, colleagues, acquaintances, teachers, officers, and schoolmates, I want to extend my gratitude to all of you. You have a huge place in my heart and in my mind.

Our mornings and afternoons will not be the same as before. I know that you will miss the long lines in the cafeteria, the long lines at the entrance and exit of the campus, the noisy classrooms and hallways, and of course your classroom set-ups, as well as your seatmates and classmates.

I want to congratulate each and everyone that is here today, not only the graduates but also their parents and teachers. You all did well! The sleepless nights, the hell weeks, the stressed days, the rushed trips, and the hectic schedules, your hard work really paid off. Teachers, thank you for all your efforts and sacrifices. Your students are now moving on to the next level of their lives, college life. Thank you for the lessons and wisdom you imparted to us. I am sure that it will be helpful for us in conquering our first months, and years in college.

I want to wish everyone a stroke of good luck on the new path that you will take. I know that we will all meet hindrances and hard times but always remember that you can do it. Always believe in yourself and do not give up. I know that you will all be successful in your chosen fields. Let's see each other in the future, future engineers, doctors, nurses, architects, teachers, policemen, attorneys, prosecutors, accountants, pilots, and business owners. Good luck on your journey! Padayon!

Thank you very much!!! I ended my speech with my eyes a little puffy.

I was welcomed by my parents and friends with warm embraces and hugs. This day will be memorable, definitely. It may not stick with my mind forever, but I know that my heart will always remember this moment.

That I was once a great achiever and I enjoyed my life a lot. That despite the heartaches, there will always be a rainbow after the rain.

I will miss them all.

CHAPTER 2

Jaime's POV

I am currently laying on my bed when I remembered something.

The surprise!

Mom! Dad! I shouted.

Jaime, why are you shouting?! My mom irritably shouted back from the kitchen. I am here in my room which is on the second floor of our house.

Sheesh, maybe I get too loud on that.

Mom! Dad! I was running down the stairs when I saw dad on the couch.

Dad! I sat beside him when I saw mom walking towards us.

What is it, Jaime? My dad asked.

Dad, where is the surprise? The one that you and mom told me last time? I asked my dad.

But my mom answered.

You will know, later. First, fix yourself. Go up then take a bath. Wear something comfortable. My mom reminded me. Is it something big?

Mom, what's happening? Is it something special? I confusedly asked.

Later, Jaime. Calm down. Just prepare upstairs. I ran upstairs.

What should I wear? Should I wear a dress? Or just shorts? Or pants? But she said something comfortable!

I grabbed my towel and walked toward the bathroom. I was washing my hair when someone knocked on my door.

Who is that? I shouted.

Your mom. My mom answered. It's just five minutes when I go upstairs.

Why mom? I asked.s

Faster, move quickly Jaime! We need to rush! My forehead creased.

Mom! I just literally stepped on my foot here thirty seconds ago! I shouted.

Okay then! But please double your time! We will wait for you downstairs! She shouted back and I heard the closing of the door.

When I finished taking a bath I immediately changed into comfortable clothes.

I dried my hair with the hair dryer and I immediately went down after that. I saw them on our terrace and they were waiting for me. I did not spend that much time fixing myself so they did not wait for so long.

Let's go! My dad gladly said.

I started taking my steps outside when I saw that our van was parked. Why van? I went inside and sat in the second row.

Where are we going, mom? Dad? I curiously asked. I literally don't have any idea.

Airport. Mom simply answered. Who are we going to fetch? Is it my cousins? I hope so. As long as it's not grandma then it's totally fine with me.

I did not ask again. I just wore my earphones, it will be a long drive. It will take around two hours for us to go to NAIA. Batangas is a bit far from Manila.

I did not notice that we are in Manila already. My mom just woke me up by tapping my arms.

Jaime. Jaime. Jaime. We are here already. Wake up. I slowly opened my eyes and it's my mom who woke me up.

Mom, how long have I been asleep? I asked. My neck is quite numb. Maybe I slept for so long.

You are asleep during our whole ride. I nod my head. That explains why my neck is numb.

It's not traffic? I asked dad when I got out of the van.

No, the ride was smooth. Dad explained.

I looked up and it said Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

I am still thinking about who we are fetching now, I am curious. I just stood there and waited until someone came in front of me.

After around thirty minutes of waiting, I heard someone call me

J!!!

My jaw literally dropped when I saw my cousins running toward me. Fudge!

Oh my gosh! I am jumping right now and I don't know how to react. I hugged my cousins one by one. It's Nina, Nika, Jayvee, and Jackson.

We miss you so much! Nina and Nika squealed.

Nina is older than Nika. Nina is a tall morena while Nika is a petite morena. They are both beautiful in their own ways.

I miss you too! So much! I am so happy right now. My heart is full. It's been a while since I last saw them.

Let's go. Dad spoke. We started walking toward the van.

J, you are much prettier now! One of my cousins told me.

Shut up! Don't start reading me. I know what will happen. This conversation will go nonstop if I do not stop him right now. Jackson is fond of teasing me.

You are still that moody and snob J! This is what I am saying, this will not stop. This will go on until we arrive in Batangas.

Even though there are extra seats on the third row of the van, we still managed to fit ourselves into one row. That's how we missed each other.

There are other seats at the back, this will be a long ride. Dad suggested.

It's totally fine Tito, we can manage. Nika answered.

Where are you going to stay? I asked them.

We are not sure yet. Jayvee answered.

Why don't you just stay at our house? There are a lot of spare rooms. I suggested it would be less hassle that way. Aside from that, it is free!

That's a good idea! Actually, that is part of the plan, that we will stay there. We really don't have any plans aside from that because we want to fit into your schedule. Are you busy with other things? Or are you preparing for something? Like for college? I looked at Nina after that and I smiled.

Good, I don't have any plans this summer. I will gladly join your escapades. I badly need to unwind too. I am so happy right now. I will not be bored this summer.

We were casually talking about random things when Nika screamed beside me.

Gosh! What is it?! Fuck. I totally lost my breath.

Oh my gosh! This boy is really handsome! She just ignored me and fudge who that boy was and why my cousin was drooling over him.

Probably one of her crushes. Jayvee answered.

Who among them, Niks? Can I take a look? Nina asked.

The one from SEA! But maybe he is now in SEU! Oh my gosh! I did not expect him to be this handsome. Nika exaggeratedly explained.

Oh! The high school cutie! Nina added.

Child abuse. I heard Jackson mumble but Nina and Nika heard it. I tried to stifle my laugh.

No! He was a high school student back then but I am sure that he is in college now! Nina almost screamed her lungs out.

Who is that guy? And why are you drooling over him? I curiously asked.

The one and only Jhon Nicholo Marquez of South East Academy!

***

CHAPTER 3

During the month of my cousins' stay at our house, I enjoyed it a lot. We bond together like there is no tomorrow. Movie marathons, food trips, road trips, and many more. I know that our next vacation together will be far from now. We need to wait for days and months up until our next vacation together.

Time really flies fast when you are having fun. Their month of vacation ends now. Today is the day of their departure. They are going back to the States. Nina and Nika's eyes are so puffy, they are crying nonstop last night.

Let's go. I heard my dad's voice outside so I helped my cousins on getting their luggage.

The whole ride from Batangas to NAIA seems like forever. The talks and chitchats are nonstop, and though we can still talk via skype or messenger, it is still different if we are face-to-face with each other.

They are studying abroad so it will take around one year or more before they return back here to the Philippines. I am not sure if we will fly to the States on Christmas but I am hoping that we will.

Tito, Tita, thank you for accommodating us for the last month. We really appreciate that and we are really thankful for both of you. Nina hugged my mom. She is still crying.

Thank you for the good food, tita. And thank you for the drive and rides, tito. Nika hugged my mom and dad. I know that they enjoyed it a lot, their whole stay is definitely memorable.

Jackson and Jayvee just hugged my parents. I hugged them one by one. This is really sad. It is really hard to be an only child. I grew up alone in some phases of my life. Even though I have spent my summers and vacations with my cousins, it is still different if I grew up with someone inside our house.

I love you, Jaime. I hope to see you soon, always remember that we are one call away. Nika hugged me. She is the one that I am closest with because we are the same age.

I love you too, Nika! I answered her. I hugged her tightly.

J, be kind, okay? Don't always be rude, just call me if you need me. I will miss you. I love you. Nina's crying nonstop. I can't stop m tears from falling too.

I love you too, Nina! She is literally one of the sweetest.

Jackson and Jayvee came to me. They also embraced me. My tears were dripping. I'll miss them!

We will miss you! They also say. They kiss The side of the cheek.

I will miss you too! I hugged them again.

Nina and Nika's noses are now reddish. And I can also imagine that mine is also red already.

Nina, Nika stop crying, we will see each other again soon. I smiled even though I am crying. I need to calm them down.

Yes, we will come back. Nika's smiling.

Guys let's go we will be late for our flight. Jackson spoke.

I hugged them again before they enter the departure area.

Take care! I will miss you all! I said while waving my hand.

All right Bye! We will miss you too! Jayvee said and they turned around to enter the departure area.

When they got in, we went to our van.

Jamie, stop crying they will also be back after a year. Mom said softly.

All right mom, I'm going to sleep.

I just put on earphones so I don't get bored on our long drive.

On the next day

I was awakened by the vibration of my phone.

Aisht, what is it? I groaned. I am still sleepy.

When I looked at my phone, it is a reminder that today is my enrollment day. Fudge I need to move quickie. Batangas to Manila is a long drive. Even though we have our own car, I can't literally depend on it. The traffic in Manila is really something.

I warmed my body up before doing some exercise. I need to awaken my body.

Then I went to my walk-in closet and took the dress that I was going to wear and went to the bathroom to start preparing myself for today's agenda.

Tok! Tok! Tok!

I heard someone knock on my door. It may be my mom or my dad.

Jaime, are you awake already? I heard my dad's voice from the other side of the door.

Yes, dad. I answered back.

Can I come in? Dad's voice echoed.

Yes, dad! I am done wearing my clothes and I am now just wearing my shoes so it is totally fine if he will come in.

Oh, you are done dressing up. I thought you are still asleep.

After that, go down. We are going to eat breakfast. Dad reminded me before he went outside my room. I look at the clock, I saw its a quarter to 6, so I hurried. I need to be as early as possible. I don't want us to be caught by traffic and I don't want to be the last one in line later.

When I came down, I went straight to the dining table.

Good morning mom!

Good morning dad!

Greeting them is part of my daily routine. We are really close to each other because I am an only child. Growing up, I am always with them on every out-of-town or business trip. They never left me alone so I enjoyed my childhood so much. I have been to different countries because of their trips.

They greet me back.

Good morning Jaime! Said mom and dad Of the following.

After dad led the prayer we start eating The dad suddenly spoke.

My dad called our house helpers to eat with us. I am used to this kind of setup, wherein I will share my food, our food, with our helpers. They are the one who makes our lives extra easier.

After eating, I went up to brush my teeth.

Jaime! We might get caught in a traffic jam. It will be hard for us if we will be trapped in traffic. I heard the panic in my mother's voice. She is always overreacting, I don't know why but she is really like that.

I was getting in the car when I remember that I should bring some water. I went inside again and asked for my tumbler with water inside.

I am listening to different genres of songs for the whole duration of our drive. It is definitely one of the best moments of my life, watching the sceneries while listening to this kind of genre.

Jaime let's go! Mom told me as we reached The University. I haven't gone out yet, but she is squealing already. That is how excited she is.

I'll be there in a minute. I combed first and put a little lip balm. I got off the car.

We are heading straight to the registrar.

While we're going there, it seems like everyone is looking at me. Shems! I don't want to assume but I can feel their stares at the back of my head. What is wrong with these people?

I just nodded as I walked.

When we were across from the Registrar, mom stopped for a while. Jaime, what course again? Mom asked. I don't know why my mom still accompanied me, I can handle myself and enrolled myself already but she did not allow me. I wonder why,

Chemical engineering. I flash a genuine smile.

We entered the registration office. There are other students too. I think it was four girls. They are with their parents too. They all looked at me, what was there for me, and If they could look like something was wrong with me. I just smiled at them and waved my hand to say hi.

Hi! I said, they came up to me and shook hands.

Hi! I'm Jamie Faith B. Allado. 18 years old. I will be a Chemical engineering student. I said while a smile flashed on my face.

They are Loreen, Queen, Ariella, and Marie.

Queen spoke. Okay, starting now, we will be friends. So that is how I gained my new friends. The first day of school has not started yet but we are friends already, according to her.

After long conversations together, we came in a plan for living together. My initial plan is to live alone but I think this will be a better idea.

So that's how I meet my college friends.