"What is it?" she asked when I didn't respond to her first one.

I have this wonderful technique that works well with making my mom agree but it fails 15% of the time. I do this thing where I ask my mom permission to go out the night before or hours before the actual day that I'm going out. It works because she doesn't have a choice but to just say yes. But sometimes, she says no due to family outings, visits from relatives or natural causes.

"C-can you fill my cup with water?" I asked as I handed her my empty glass.

Stupid! I can't ask her with dad and Matt in the vicinity. I just have to wait until later.

======================================

I just finished dinner and came upstairs to continue my homework. Yes, there are heaps of homework that I just decided to do now.

I waited for mom to go upstairs. And when she did, I waited a couple more minutes that turned into an hour before I could find the courage to ask her.

I opened the door to my parents' room. Dad and Matt are downstairs yelling at their favorite team in the NBA as if they could hear them.

"Mom?" I called.

I saw mom sewing her uniform. She then looked up to see that it was me. "What is it?" she asked.

"I'm attending a seminar tomorrow." I said. My heart is beating fast. It's like my whole entire lifetime hinges on whether or not she allows me.

"What seminar?" she looked at me sternly as she put down her sewing equipment.

"It's an Encounter." I said. 

Oh no. It feels like I'm going to puke. Nope, I'm just joking but seriously, my face is drenched in sweat. I can't help that I'm nervous!

"Is that a Catholic event?" she asked.

That question made me lose all chill. It's hard to contain it. I know that it's not. This is what I hate about their strictness regarding religion. I inhaled and exhaled and finally answered.

"Yes."

Inside me, I'm whispering "Sorry, Lord." it's just that I really want to attend the Encounter and I know it's bad because I sinned in doing so.

"How much is it?" she asked.

I tried to be as calm as possible from then on. "It's 200 pesos but someone found me a sponsor so it's not that much of a deal. Lunch is included also."

"Okay, then." she said as she resumed her work.

I closed the door and held my chest because whew! That was nerve-racking. As I entered my room, I closed the door and excitedly jumped. I held in the joyful scream that was daring to come out.

I returned to my laptop and proceeded to chat Vince since Denver was offline.

Gray: Broooooooo! Guess what?

He saw it in an instant.

Vince: What?

Gray: Mom allowed me to join Encounter tomorrow! Whooo! Yaaaaas!

Vince: Really? That's great! 

Gray: Did you tell your mother though?

Vince: Yeah. She allowed me too but there's this huge problem.

Gray: What is it?

Vince: I just looked at my wallet and I'm 50 pesos short on fee. I would tell my mom but she'll change her mind since I said that I had the money.

Gray: Wait.

At that, I looked for my wallet because I'm pretty sure that I have a hundred pesos of savings there. I searched the contents of my bag that looked like it was hit with a million tornadoes and finally I found my wallet hidden in the depths of my disorganized backpack.

And there it was, a hundred pesos.

I sat in front of my laptop and started typing again.

Gray: I have a hundred pesos here. I'll give you the money you need.

Vince: But Gray, how about you?

Gray: I have exact savings for my fare. You can have my money  to add to your fee and a bonus 50 pesos for your ride home.

Vince: I can't take that, Gray. I'm embarrassed. 

Gray: Shut up. You know me very well when I offer something. You're taking this money and I'll see you tomorrow whether you like it or yes. Byeeee!

And with that, I logged out. 

I shut down my laptop, turned off the lights and plopped onto my bed. I hug my blanket tight because of excitement. I position myself to face the ceiling and whispered,

"I'm encountering you tomorrow, Lord."

And I went to sleep.

=====================================

*bzzzzzt* *bzzzzzt* *bzzzzzt*

I woke up from the vibration of my phone. Denver texted me.

Bro! Good morning! Wake up! It's encounter! See you there!

I replied back with a smile and left my phone in the bed.

I went down to eat my breakfast. Call time is 8 am and it's currently 7:13 am which means I only have a few minutes to prepare. After I ate my food, I went upstairs and took a shower. I actually had to cancel the long bathroom concert since I'm running late. 

I went to my room and picked the clothes I'll be wearing and prepared my stuff. I shoved everything that I need in my sling bag, posed in the mirror and went downstairs to leave the house.

As I reached the gate, I saw mom waiting for me.

"Here's your money. Text us when you're going home, okay? Don't be late!" she said. I gave her a nod, grabbed the money and started walking.

Finding a jeep to ride on was not that hard since it's early morning. I plugged in my earphones and listened to some Ariana Grande music on the way to school.

As I arrived, I walked excitedly to Pastor Jane's classroom and out there waiting were Denver, Vince, Janette, Jet, Kelly and Allison. 

"Hey!" they greeted in unison. I waved in return. As I approached them, I noticed that they were wearing IDs and they have their own plastic cups.

"Where did you get those?" I asked.

"Go and register at the table over there. Ask Marimar for your ID and cup." Allison answered.

I immediately approached the registration table in front of Pastor Jane's classroom which was closed due to ongoing preparations.

"Hey! Good morning! Kindly register here and hand me your fee." she cheerfully greeted.

"Uhm. I have a sponsor." I replied with a soft voice.

"Who is it? So I can write his/her name down the sponsor box."

"I don't know. Colin never mentioned his/her name. I never got the chance to thank him/her."

"Is that so? I'll ask him then. Now fill up the registration form as I write your name in your ID."

I did as I was told and once I was done filling up the details, she handed me a plastic cup and my ID. 

"Thank you! Now, Encounter will start at exactly 8:30 am so why don't you go and chill with your friends first?" she said with a smile.

"Okay, thank you Marimar!" I said and returned to where my friends were.

"So, are you stoked?" Denver asked.

"Heck yeah!" I screamed while uppercutting the air.

We were talking about our expectations and what we think will happen as we step inside. As I was talking, I was surprised as my vision began to darken until I can no longer see my friends.

Someone covered my eyes.

Here is the part where my friends give me pointless hints as to who covered my eyes. Please enjoy.

"Who is this?" I yelled.

"Oh! You know that person!"

"Boy or girl?" I asked.

"He has a face!"

"He studies here!"

"He has a black shirt on!"

"He has a green bag."

Are you kidding me? They described him physically! Such friends.

Then I heard a laugh from behind. It was the one covering my eyes. I know that laugh anywhere.

"Colin?" I asked and voila! My eyes are freed! I turned to face Colin and he man hugged me and I returned it too.

"You are going to have the time of your life!" He exclaimed.

"I bet I will!" I replied.

He chuckled and said, "Oh, we are actually done preparing so you guys can come on in!" He pointed us to the direction of the door and as we entered, we saw techy stuff set up and Benjamin along with Marimar on the small stage holding their mic.

"Welcome to Encounter!" The facilitators greeted.

This is where it begins.
========================
My apologies for making you wait for a month. My laptop is broken and my phone is whack so I have a hard time writing chapters.

I'll be leaving Wattpad until my laptop is fixed an also because I've gone through depression this month. More on that when I return.

You are all amazing and thank you for understanding. We're at high ranks and that's because of God's grace and your support so thanks a lot!

God bless you!