Chapter 2: High School Retreat

On the busy street, a lot of people could be seen doing business, gossiping, and helping the old people walk across the street. On this street, a young man was running as fast as he could. He was panting and breathing hard. This young man was none other than Reese. He wasn't used to running like he was doing right now. He was not like his younger brother, who was athletic. Reese wasn't into sports, hence why he was panting so hard.

While Reese was running, he could hear his phone ringing in his pocket. He looked at it and saw who was calling; it was one of his best friends, Renz. "Dude! Where are you? Mr. Yap has been looking for you for like 30 minutes now, and he is pissed. You better hurry up before Mr. Yap will run out of patients and leave you behind."

Mr. Yap was a strict person when it came to latecomers. He rarely tolerates this kind of student; even if the student was an honor student, he would scold them like there's no tomorrow, let alone a student like Reese who was always late for class and doesn't have a good grade.

"I'm almost there, dude; just tell Mr. Yap I'll be there in 5 minutes," Reese said while panting.

After 10 minutes, Reese finally arrived in front of the school, where he could see a Yellow bus full of students glaring at him for being late as usual.

Reese just lowered his head to apologize for being late. When Reese was almost at the door of the bus, he was confronted by his teacher, Mr. Yap, who looked like he was about to devour Reese out of anger. Mr. Yap was a tall man, very muscular, and had a mean face. Reese doesn't get why Mrs. Yap was with this monstrous man. In terms of physical appearance, Mrs. Yap was the complete opposite of Mr. Yap. 'I guess opposites attract?' Reese wondered.

"What took you so long, Brat? Renz said you would be here in 5 minutes, yet it took you 10 minutes to be here. You know that I don't tolerate latecomers. Tell me one good reason why I should let you get on the bus and be part of this retreat," Mr. Yap said angrily.

While Reese, who just kept looking at the ground like it was the most interesting thing ever on that day.

Reese conjured up his courage to look at Mr. Yap, as he said. "Sir, let me explain. I forgot to set the alarm last night and I overslept. Please don't rob me from experiencing this retreat, sir. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us high school seniors. Would you not feel guilty if I was the only one who could not be part of it? Just ask yourself this, sir." Reese paused, then he continued. "What would Jesus do?" Reese said shyly, smiling at the bald-headed teacher in front of him.

Mr. Yap just glared at Reese for being so sly. He had no choice but to let Reese go on the bus, or this annoying student of his would just tell her wife, and he would get in trouble with his wife.

"Fine, but you better get on your best behavior or I will kick you out of the bus. You hear me?" Mr. Yap reluctantly let Reese get on the bus.

Reese was overjoyed when he heard Mr. Yap's decision. "I will, sir." Then Reese got on the bus and walked straight into his two best friends, who were trying not to laugh.

"At least you two idiots saved me a set. I thought I would stand up for the rest of the ride." Then Reese sat right next to the window.

"Hahaha. Of course. Anyway, have you heard the latest news? Lian had broken up with her boyfriend?" asked one of Reese's best friends, Rey. Rey was a tall, lean kid with short black hair and dark brown eyes. Reese, Renz, and Rey had been friends since the start of high school. The three of them have been inseparable since they met.

Reese's best friends knew he had had a crush on Lian since forever, but he did not have the guts to tell her.

"Dude, why are you telling me this? It's not like I have a chance on her. I mean, look at me; I'm way out of her league, while she looked like she stepped out of Vitoria's Secret Model with wings on it," Reese said, his voice laced with sadness.

True to his words, Reese was not that good-looking; he was average. The only good things about his appearance were his height and light brown eyes. The rest was remarkably average. His nose had a little bump in the middle, like that of a dromedary camel. As for his lips, the lower lip was a little bit bigger than the upper lip, even though it's not noticeable.

"What are you talking about, man? In terms of looks, between the three of us, you are first, I'm second, and Rey is third," Renz said to Reese while trying not to laugh at his own words.

"Yeah. Renz is right. Wait, what? Why am I third? Why can't you be third? Clearly, I look better than you, you golem. I had a girlfriend once, but you haven't had any since birth." Rey defended himself.

"What are you talking about? I haven't seen you with a girl since we met. Oh wait, are you talking about your imaginary girlfriend, right?" Renz retorted back, who was glaring at him.

Before Rey could say something to Renz, Mr. Yap suddenly disturbed them and said,

"Alright class, quite down. We will begin our journey to Badian Province for your senior retreat. When we arrive there, you better follow my instructions and be on your best behavior so that we can avoid any accidents from happening. From here in Bogo to Badian Province it will take us about 6 and a half hours. But that depends on the traffic on the road. You can do whatever you like for the next 6 and a half hours like sight seeing by the window, games, singing, or even eating except for inappropriate things. Am I understood? Mr.Yap said with a stern voice. 

The students did exactly what Mr. Yap said. Some were singing, some were gossiping about the latest celebrity scandals or whatnot, some were watching movies, and some were listening to music while enjoying the view.

Badian, Cebu, Philippines

Before the students realized it, six hours had passed, and they had finally arrived at their retreat house. Resting in a quiet place in Poblacion, Badian Province, the High School Senior Retreat at Parking Cross offers a peaceful sanctuary for the students care. This six-bedroom, four-bathroom ranch-style home offers a range of student-friendly modifications and homey features that add to its tranquility. With 24/7 care, laundry, cooking, and cleaning taken care of by the staff, the students are able to enjoy a carefree retreat and everything their home has in store. In the spacious den, seating around the gas fireplace offers a relaxing ambiance with views of the backyard and garden. This home also features a back deck and a screened-in porch, perfect for enjoying the weather and natural surroundings.

"Alright, you brats, meet me outside in 5 minutes. I have something to say," Mr. Yap suddenly said, then went outside without delay.

When the students heard what Mr. Yap said, they all went outside without delay as well. None of the students wanted to be scolded by the so-called tiger in their school. They all lined up outside the house and waited for Mr. Yap to say something.

"Good, this is the kind of behavior I'm expecting while you brats are here in Badian Province for your high school senior retreat," Mr. Yap said satisfyingly, then looked at Reese.

'What? Why did that bald-headed gorilla look at me? Did I do something wrong?' Reese thought bewilderedly.

"Okay, listen up. Your retreat officially starts now. The house behind you will be your temporary home for 3 days." Then he looked at all of his students to see if there was any complaint. Satisfied with what he saw, he continued and said, "Good. As for your first activity, we will go to Kawasan Falls to experience nature and friendship. As for spirituality and growth, that comes in the upcoming days," Mr. Yap said straightforwardly.

Most students were excited and enthusiastic when they heard what Mr. Yap said. They did not expect that going to Kawasan Falls would be part of their retreat. "Sir, what will we do in Kawasan Falls?" A student asked Mr. Yap all of a sudden.

"We'll be doing canyoneering. This activity, practiced in a group, helps to develop team spirit, self-confidence, leadership, and responsibility, helping you to strengthen ties with your groups. Because this is an outdoor sport, there is always an associated risk. So I want you to be very careful when you take your step during this activity. But don't worry, there will be a guide helping you through this activity, and I will also be supervising." Mr. Yap answered in a serious tone.

A lot of students were ecstatic, and they couldn't wait to go canyoneering later. But some students were not thrilled at all by this physical activity. Especially Reese. 'Sigh, I thought we were just going to stay here and talk about stuff, bond, and have fun. I did not expect we would be doing physical activity on our first day here,' Reese complained in his mind.

"Alright, first group yourselves in four groups of 10 students. Then you can rest a bit and then be at the bus at 2:50 pm. Am I understood?" Mr. Yap said authoritatively.

"Yes, sir!" The students answered in unison.