7 THE PROM
" Lumansag!" Juan the new Battalion Commander gave the command to his four Company composed battalion. The cadets and Cadettes were dismissed.
He called His Staff and other officers that they will have a mission tomorrow. What's that Sir, asked His S1, we will harvest the cornfield of our classmate, so we will have extra money. This is not for everybody, those only who lack or short to pay the expenses of our JS Prom. We will harvest 4 hectares of corn. Who will want to go? Asked Juan, All the officers want to go, even the more able financially Jacky. He called His Dad and asked for permission. Her Mom who overheard in the speaker's phone interrupted and said, " That's a good experience, but ask first your friends who know-how so they can guide you. Jacky thanked her parents happily.
Juan gave them instructions on what to bring. We will assemble 4:00 hours and we will have exactly 4:30 hours we will travel by truck that will fetch us.
Jacky went near Juan and told him that he will bring some ramen from Japan, so all the officers can have a taste of it. Juan agreed and smiled, I thought I will be the first to taste it.
Jacky then requested if Juan can walk with her to her apartment. "Sure, I love to" Juan answered.
Rose walked with them half of the way and turned to her home. Geraldine also after a moment turned to her home. Then, Juan and Jacky alone to her apartment.
Jacky asked him what is his plan after high school? "Me? To go to college," answered Juan.
"What course?" Asked Jacky.
"I want to be a lawyer or engineer" But I have no final decision yet because of financial considerations." Or I will just marry, He said jokingly.
"What? Jacky said, do you have a girlfriend already?
"No, none!"Juan said, actually I don't want to have so I can really be sure to finish college. I need to focus on my studies. We are just so poor, that I need to find ways to support my self. Some friends help me but I don't want to entrust all the obligation of my education to them.
Jacky remembered her Nanny. Missed her, I wish I could see her again. Her eyes get misty.
"Hey, why you are so silent now?" Asked Juan. "Nothing! I just remembered somebody. Let's eat some ramen before you go home. I'll ask my Landlady if we can use the rooftop to cook the ramen and have some tea. She has brought me there when Dad visits here and it's a good place to hang and cook or grill.
"Wow, that's amazing," Juan said.
They were greeted by Elena, the daughter of the Landlady, and Jacky's friend.
"Elena, this is my classmate, Juan, join us, we will cook some ramen, some tea, and I have some sushi. Juan, this is Elena." Jacky introduced them.
"Let's ask for permission from your Mom, Elena. If we can use the rooftop?" Jacky asked.
Aling Lina, the landlady permitted them and gave them the key for the rooftop.
"Juan, this is my promise ramen and also my way of saying thank you for saving me during the CAT." Jacky telling Juan while Elena listening. Juan nodded.
Jacky assembled the electric Shabu-shabu with an electric hot pot and an electric grill. She cooked the ramen and served the sushi, and grilled with butter some thinly sliced pork, fish, and some shrimps from her refrigerator.
Jacky teaches them how to use a chopstick, Elena and Juan learned after so many trials to hold the food with the sticks.
They talked about how to harvest corn using a bamboo stick to open the corn cover and how to break it from the stem or corn branch. At the start, it Will be painful for your fingers and the wild grass would be itchy.
"Are you sure, you want to taste the hard life on the farm?" Juan teased her testing if she will back out.
"Well, I'm excited, I will not worry because you will be there in case hahaha!" Jacky laughed.
"In case of what?" Juan asked.
"Nothing!" Jacky actually expects it to be hard but I will try it so I have something to tell my Mom that I really tried and experience it.
After the intended snack which turned to supper.
Juan said his goodbye and tell her to be early tomorrow. I will pass by here and we will jog to our jump-off.
Jacky nods and said her good night. Elena helped Jacky cleaning the rooftop.
" Toktogaok!" The roster.
Juan jogging seeing the lighted apartment and seen Jacky with Elena.
"Hello" Juan greeted them. Elena smiled and said "Good morning Juan". While Jacky joined jogging with a backpack, "Let's go!"
All officers were present. They boarded the farm truck and arrived at their destination after 30 minutes.
The farmer Mr. Dajay instructed them where to start and where to put their harvested corn. Then they begin.
Jacky asked how to harvest and observe as Rowena demonstrated how to do it. Corn is best harvested early in the morning, tear the covering of the ear and open it, hold the corn firmly, pull down, then twist and pull.
Two hectares of a cornfield in just three hours. Yes with 20 officers, it is chicken.
At seven hundred hours it is finished. Mission accomplished. We were paid higher because we are classmates of Susan and we have done it faster and efficiently.
Susan's father was happy and would invite us again if it is possible for our schedule.
Jacky was happy with her experience in spite of the blister in her hands. She was more thrilled because after the harvest we were offered young coconut juice and meat mixed with condensed milk, soda crackers. We have also grilled Tilapia from the pond, bananas, pineapple, and "pinakbet" a vegetable dish for breakfast.
We catch the fish by fishing rod, and the others went down the pond using a net, and they catch Tilapia and some prawns. We also grilled it ourselves that made it special. The bonding, the laughing, the teasing, and the food. Everybody has taken a bath in the river, the water is so fresh, cold, and clean, they swim, splash, and even made some games like water wrestling, she forgot about the ramen and "it's the best day", Jacky said.
After breakfast, we went home with the truck.
"Oh no! We forgot about the ramen in my bag. Sorry, we will schedule it next time at the canteen." Jacky said. Everybody nodded and were tired already.
All of us went sleeping again, that's what Juan received as texts from the officers. It is Saturday and He did not make any schedule for the Battalion.
On Monday, will be the Prom night. No class, just preparation.
Sunday, Juan invited Jacky to church. She hesitated but later agreed. They meet at the Convenience Store-bought some candy. Then walked to the community church to attend.
They were given visitors' cards and Jacky filled it up. Jacky was guided by an usher to the visitor's class, she was counseled about salvation. Then they meet at the worship hall. Jacky remembered her Nanny telling her about Jesus when she's little, she even learned to memorize and she can't forget John 3:16 in Japanese and in English. She accepted the Lord Jesus as Savior and was so happy with her spiritual experience.
Juan was happy, that Jacky testified that she received salvation through Christ. He welcomed her by saying, "you are now my sister in the Lord." Is that so? Jacky said. Then is it allowed for us to be friends? asked Jacky.
What do you mean? Juan asked.
That a brother and sister can be friends? Jacky said.
Why not? Juan said.
"Boyfriend?" Jacky asked innocently.
"What? Hahaha! Juan laugh. She joined the laughter. Can we not talk about that here? Juan said.
"Why not?" Jacky asked.
"I don't know where our topic will lead." "Anyway, changing the topic, is your dress ready for tomorrow?" Juan said.
"My kimono?" It is ready.
Monday had early rain in the morning. The principal was worried if it will rain till evening.
The covered gym was covered by decorations done by the CAT officers. The theme was "1960" they researched the dress during that time, the songs, everything 1960.
The girls are busy in the parlor with their makeup and beauty.
The boys were busy with their hair cuts.
18:00 hours, six o'clock the Juniors and Seniors Prom started.
After the invocation, and opening address by the Principal, Juan, and Jacky were called to sing a folk song, "Dahil Sayo" Juan playing the guitar.
The song goes...
"Dahil sa `yo nais kong mabuhay
Dahil sa `yo hanggang mamatay
Dapat mong tantuin Wala ng ibang giliw Puso ko'y tanungin Ikaw at ikaw rin Dahil sa `yo ako'y lumigaya
Pagmamahal ay alayan ka
Kung tunay man ako Ay alipinin mo
Ang lahat sa buhay ko'y
Dahil sa `yo Sa buhay ko'y labis
Ang hirap at pasakit Ng pusong umiibig Mandi'y wala ng langit At ng lumigaya Hinango mo sa dusa Tanging ikaw sinta Ang aking pag-asa
Dahil sa `yo ako'y lumigaya
Pagmamahal ay alayan ka
Kung tunay man ako Ay alipinin mo
Ang lahat sa buhay ko'y
Dahil sa `yo
In English...
"all my life I've suffered
the hardship and the torment
of one heart that is loving
yet there's no sign of heaven
now I'm feeling joyful
you saved me from my anguish
it's only you, my love
you're my hope and my wish
because of you
I yearn for existence
because of you
'til my life will end
I hope you realize
there's no one else I long for
just simply ask my heart
it's you forevermore
because of you
I am full of gladness
and this my love, I will offer you
to show that I'm sincere
I'll be a slave for you
everything in life is dear
because of you"
Standing ovation, by their loyal classmates.
They had dance and music...
"Fly Me to the moon
Let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On a Jupiter and Mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby, kiss me"
Jacky in Japanese Kimono, while Juan in Suit and tie. They had their first dance and they can't forget this dance and sweet music.
