Dedicated to Toinpre💗

Zarinna struggled to take another step, releasing a long sigh as she finally saw Principal Dawayen strike the ground with the white flag he held, implying their arrival.

"So," Zarinna released a shaky breath, "Was this the hiking you were telling me about?"

Gina chuckled beside her, "Oh Zarinna, no. This isn't even considered a hike yet!"

"Really, it's not? So what does an actual hike look like? We've been walking uphill for like, what, 40 minutes!"

Gina shook her head whilst laughing. "This is why I always tell you to eat more! You are so thin and that's probably why you lack energy."

"Or maybe I'm just not cut out for this," Zarinna countered, following Gina as they both sat on a big rock.

"Whatever," Gina rolled her eyes, "But I'll have you know I'll make it my business beginning today to make sure you eat more."

Zarinna released a laugh, still catching her breath as they watched the other faculty members arrive in the Camping venue.

"Okie Dokie, then!" Zarinna beamed, "I must say, however, this place looks breathtaking! - well, it actually is breath taking, I'm still finding it hard to breathe since we got here." She muttered, fanning her shirt against her skin.

"What, do you have asthma or something?" Ma'am Mel cut in, smiling as she joined them upon the rock.

"Oh no!" Zarinna informed, "Just a little tired, Ma'am Mel."

"You sure? Cause you definitely look like you need medical attention right now!" Gina joked.

"Oh, you two stop, okay?" Zarinna shook her head, "You always make fun of me when it comes to these. What - are you that sporty?" She shot back.

"Seriously dear, calm down!" Ma'am Mel chuckled, "I do have to agree with you, though, this place looks wonderful, even better than our venue last year!"

Zarinna nodded along as the two teachers beside her recanted their past Teacher's Camping experiences, unsure of whether to feel excited or frightened of the number of physical activities they were subject to do.

Shaking her head, she turned her attention to the wide clearing surrounding them. The ground was fully cloaked with little grasses, making the place glow a vibrant green against the dimming skies. A few rocks like the one they sat on were scattered around the place, and the trees around the clearing were like a wall around them, each towering beside each other majestically.

They set out from the school at exactly 4:30 pm, and they rode for about 20 minutes to the foot of the hill they just passed through. After probably walking a little less than an hour, they finally reached the place, just in time as the sun began to set.

"Alright, kakadwa!" A hush swept through the place as they heard Principal Dawayen speak, his baritone voice echoing, "I assume you've gotten some rest from the walk. We should start setting up our tents now!" He announced. The faculty all gave a reply of compliance and began to bring out their tents, resuming their chatter as they began to set up.

"See you later, Rinna" Gina spoke.

"Okay, see ya!" Zarinna watched her friend walk to her fellow math teachers, and with this, she walked with Ma'am Mel towards their designated spot. David, Luke, and Sir Maurice followed behind them, taking out the tent the males in their department will be using.

"Do you need any help with setting up?" David offered.

"Oh, that's okay. We can handle." Ma'am Mylene politely refused, a smile upon her face.

"Alright then!" David complied."We'll begin setting the stoves in preparation for dinner later."

"Thank You, David." Ma'am Mel replied, her wistful eyes towards him unwavering.

David flashed Zarinna and smile and went on.

"That man's just so darn charming, isn't he?" Zarinna heard Ma'am Mel whisper.

"Oh," Zarinna swung her gaze to the man being pertained to. "Y-yeah. He definitely is." She returned her gaze to the ground. A strange fluttering upon her chest. She blew out a breath. What in the world, Rinna? She rebuked herself.

"So," Zarinna began, turning he attention to the two female teachers before her. "How do we set up a tent?"

"Wait," Ma'am Mylene spoke with one of her brows lifted, "Don't tell me you don't know how to set up a tent?"

"I-Ive never went camping before," Zarinna confessed, her eyes downcast.

"Seriously? Ma'am Mel queried. Zarinna nodded in affirmation.

"Gosh," Ma'am Mylene breathed, taking a tent pole and establishing it on the ground. "Maybe instead of praying all the time to your 'God', you should get out more and experience reality." Zarinna was taken aback by her co-teachers words, shocked by her sudden remark. She knew other atheists who were extremely kind, but Mylene seemed to differ.

"Ha!' Ma'am Mel forced a laugh, smiling in hopes to break the tension between the two. "Ma'am Mylene your humor never fails to amaze me,"

Mylene released a scoff. "I mean it though," Zarinna heard her whisper.

"Okay! Let's just get on with this, shall we?" Mel spoke up, mouthing a 'Don't mind her' note to Zarinna as they began to work.

Zarinna released a breath as she stepped out from their tent, her body instantly met by the cold evening breeze. Surprisingly sleep hasn't found its way with her yet, something very strange especially that she'd just engaged in a tiring walk earlier. She walked a few steps away from their tent and took a seat on the grassy ground. Lifting her gaze, prayers of thankfulness slipped through her lips. The skies were streaked with bright lights and the moon shone brightly that even in darkness she can easily trace out the trees adjacent to where she sat.

"No matter what they say, Lord," She whispered, "I will still pray even if it costs my life." She shut her eyes, basking in the silence and peace that the night provided. Tomorrow, I will not be having much time like this. She thought. Might as well enjoy it.

"Why are you still awake, Ma'am?"
Zarinna jolted upright, turning her gaze as she heard a familiar voice.

"Oh, Sir Luke," She breathed. "Nothing, I just couldn't sleep that's why."

"I see," the man walked towards her. Zarinna couldn't help but stare as the man approached, appreciative of his raven dark eyes.

"What about you, why are you still awake, Sir?" She asked, turning her gaze away as the man sat beside her.

"I wasn't sure really," He replied, "But now I think I know."

Zarinna's brow furrowed in wonder. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"Well, I've been meaning to talk to you for a while now," The man began "The moment I saw you from that first day I thought I was just fascinated by how beautiful you are, but..."

Zarinna felt her heart lurch as she heard him speak, "B-but?" She gazed up at him.

"But ... I think that's not the only reason now." She saw him take in a breath as he continued to speak. "I think I like you Zarinna..."

Being the first one to wake up, Zarinna began preparing the food for her Department's breakfast. She may not be able to set up tents but she can serve them with mouth-watering food instead. She lifted her gaze, the skies were still a shade of navy blue with no sign of the sun.

"Hey Rinna," She heard a voice behind her whisper.

"Oh, Gina, you're up early," She remarked, turning around towards her.

"Woah, what happened?" Gina stepped closer to her, her gaze studying Zarinna's face. "Did you even sleep last night? You look like a panda!"

Zarinna pursed her lips, unsure whether to laugh or be flustered at her friend's remark.

"Yeah," She confessed, "Have you ever felt like you're asleep but you're also kinda awake? It's like that."

"Like a... 'half'-sleep experience?" Gina chuckled, "I don't even know if there's such a word."

"Yeah, I guess you can call it that." Zarinna nodded.

"Why, did something happen?"

Zarinna came to halt, memories of what happened the previous night flashing through her mind. She felt her cheek heat up.

"Woah, you're blushing!"

Zarinna gazed at her friend. Unsure of what to say. "I-i." She stuttered, "I-t's just, uhm..." A groan escaped her lips.

"What? Come on, spill the beans, girl." Gina persisted.

"Okay, fine." Zarinna released a breath. "I really don't know how I'd deal with this. I didn't expect it to happen and he-"

"Get to point, Rinna!" Gina groaned, "You didn't expect what? Who is 'he'"?

"Sir Luke."

Gina's eyes widened, a smile creeping up her face. "What? What about Sir Luke?"

"He said - he said he liked me."

Gina squealed at Zarinna's word, her hands clapping.

"Shh!" Zarinna cautioned, "You'll wake the others." She whispered. Gina didn't seem to hear a thing, taking Zarinna's hand in her palms as she prepared to speak.

"So what did you say?" Gina eagerly asked.

"I-" Zarinna took in a breath, "I told him no"

"What!?" Zarinna jolted away at Gina's bellow.

"Hey, quiet!" Zarinna scattered her gaze around the Camp. "Yes, I told him no. What's the problem with that?"

"What's the problem with that?" Gina echoed with sarcasm, "One, he got a job and a house! Two, He's only the most charming bachelor in school - well - along with David but..." A chuckle escaped Zarinna's lips. "Come on Zarinna, why would you turn him down? He's like perfect!"

Zarinna couldn't utter a word, but she knew why. After her failure, how could she expect to get into another relationship again? What would the guy say when he discovers her past? Such a shame. She wouldn't risk loving another man and have him leave her when he finds out of her sin.

"I can't, Gina..." She breathed. Gina seemed to have sensed the sudden melancholy that engulfed her, for she gripped Zarinna's hand tighter as she spoke.

"Look, I don't know what's the real problem Zarinna, but you can tell me," Gina wrapped an arm around Zarinna's shoulder, sending a wave of comfort through her. "Did you have bad relationships with men before?" Zarinna locked gazes with her friend, sensing the concern from Gina's voice.

Should I tell her? Zarinna asked in her mind. Would she still be my friend if she knew? Waves of doubt and fear went through her being. I don't want to lose her. She seems to be the only friend I have. She heard herself confess.

"Just one - and it's worse than bad," She replied.

"What do you mean, Zarinna? It's okay you can tell me." Zarinna dropped her gaze, mustering the courage to speak whilst she shook the doubts off her being. Gina deserves to know, and if she's truly my friend. She will stay.

"It's a long story, Gina..."

Gina lifted her wrist to see her watch, "It's only 4:21 am Zarinna, an hour before others will be up."

With this, Zarinna took hold of Gina's hand and led her away from the camp, preparing in her mind what she is to say as they sat on the ground.

"I hope you don't hate me after knowing this," Zarinna spoke, her gaze still downcast. "You're right; I've had a bad relationship with a man. Bad as in... it was sinful."

"Sinful?"

"Yeah," Zarinna swallowed hard, "He's a married man."

A gasp escaped Gina's lips. For a moment none could speak a word. "Oh dear. How?" Gina placed her arms on Zarinna's shoulder, concern gleaming from her eyes - a response that Zarinna never expected.

"Well, it went on for four years. We were both in the ministry and it kinda got ruined because of us. I broke up with him many months ago. I feel so - so guilty for what we've done." Zarinna suppressed the tears that threatened to fall, but failed to do so as she felt Gina pull her in an embrace.

"Oh Rinna," Gina breathed.

"I've repented and cut all ties with him," Zarinna sobbed, "But the guilt never seems to completely leave me. I'm still tormented by the fact that because of us, others had been discouraged to serve God. I'm so ashamed of what I've done, why I continually did it for years when I knew it was wrong." Zarinna took in a deep breath, calming herself as she felt Gina pull away.

Gina looked at her for a few moments, her lips sealed shut. Gina lowered her gaze and took in a breath.

"I've seen your heart and passion for God Rinna," She began, "And as you said, you have repented. I know God has forgiven you, He promised to do so in His word, so now you have to forgive yourself."

Another set of tears fell from Zarinna's eyes, truth piercing her heart as she listened.

"God is willing to restore you and make you even better than when you haven't failed yet. You just have to surrender all the guilt and allow Him to use your pain for His purpose."

Zarinna released a breath, feeling her heart throb to each of Gina's words.

"I know you might find this strange to hear but... your greatest failure, is your greatest testimony, Rinna."

Zarinna was taken aback as she heard those words.

Your greatest failure is your greatest testimony...

The words ringed in her mind like an endless echo - as if hearing God Himself speak to her. A drop of tear tainted her already wet cheeks.

"That's one of the most profound words I've ever heard, Gina..." Zarinna whispered. She lifted her gaze, "Can you please pray for me?"

With this, a smile adorned Gina's face "Gladly." Gina took hold of Zarinna's hand, bowing her head with her as she prepared to speak.

"God," Gina began, "I and Rinna come to You today in humility. I pray Lord that Your unending love engulfs us as we pray. Jesus, wash her clean with Your Precious Blood, restore her with Your Mighty power, and uproot all things in her life that is not from You. In Your Name Jesus I declare Freedom, Restoration, and Deliverance! Lord may her mess become a message, and her trial - a testimony. And God," Gina took in a breath.

"Use her ... as a voice of Revival."