Are Five Days Enough?

Second Chance

❝ correct timing— old loves are allowed to be resurrected. old loves are allowed to try again.❞

16|  Second Chance

Andre Serrano | 

| Day 2: 9 January, 5.30 am |

Last night ended by us just showering and then pitching our tents on flat ground in the forest nearby. We had gone to the storeroom to repack our things from duffel bags to a huge backpack since there will be a three-day excursion where we'll venture further into the forest. 

Let me tell you, going to the storeroom is like climbing Mt. Everest. It was located high up on a hill and walking up the steep slope was a pain in the ass. Just last night I had to climb up and down to and fro from the tent to the storeroom since me being the dumb person I have left my essentials for the next morning since the storeroom will be locked until seven in the morning and we had to be ready for today. We had to change into the clothes we had to be wearing for the whole of today. 

"Remember to get to the hall by 7 am tomorrow sharp. Remember 7 am sharp." Instructor Lin had reminded us after we had pitched our tents before going to her own tent.

"Andre, what are you doing up so early in the morning?" I hear Isaiah's groggy voice. I looked at my watch, it was 5.30 am in the morning. The sun wasn't even up. 

Did I mention? Isaiah, Matthia, Jaden and I were sleeping in the same tent. Something about if we took more tents our backs might break carrying them throughout the three-day excursion.

I slowly unzipped the tent, both of us crawled out. I looked around and everyone was up and dismantling their tents. Only ours and the girls' tents were still up.

"I'll wake the girls up, you wake these two up." I gesture to Jaden and Matthia who were sleeping. I unzipped the girls' tent and saw Aviana and Nisrina sleeping. 

The minimal light on Aviana's face highlighted her cheekbones and soft snores were coming from her lips. She was beyond angelic.

"Enough staring loverboy," Nisrina chuckled.

I scratched the back of my neck, "You were awake?"

"If you mean the whole time you were dreamily staring at her then yes," She whispered.

"Wake her up and start dismantling your tent, we'll help you two after we dismantle ours," I said, before walking back.

"Andre!" I turn back and see Nisrina's head peeking out of the tent.

I motioned for her to continue what she was about to say.

"I'm sorry about saying you deserve it and all the other crap. I judged you too quickly with your reputation and what others said. You might not be as bad of a guy as you might seem." Nisrina smiled apologetically.

It meant a lot coming for her. She was known in school for not tolerating anyone's bullshit and to be a straightforward person.

I just nodded, not knowing what to say.

Aviana Sanchez |

"Wake up Aviana Sanchez!" I hear someone yell in my ear.

"Jesus, Rina why are you screaming in the morning?" I mutter, stretching my sore limbs.

"Like you woke up the last few times I shook you gently."

We had packed up the tents with the help of the boys and had done our morning routine, eaten breakfast and gathered in the hall at 7 am.

"Everyone three laps around the perimeter of the campsite. Get moving everyone!" Instructor Adrian directed.

All the people in the seven watches started jogging on the narrow path. I lost Matthia halfway through the jog since he covered more ground easily and I didn't want to slow him down either.

"Aviana..."

I rolled my eyes. "What do you want?"

"I want to talk it out. Clear everything." Andre whispered. Both of us were now jogging side by side in the middle of the crowd.

I sighed. I think it's time I let him speak. I can't stay this hostile with him. We're after all living together for five days. I need to grow up and get over with it.

"I'll hear you out. We'll act like mature people and act civilised and hold a conversation like normal people. But, don't expect forgiveness." I whisper, stretching my hand out to him, with a smile on my face.

"That's all I could ask for, a chance." Andre smiled, shaking my hand. 

—

love, L