Chapter 26: ROTC Class
After changing into a white shirt and blue jeans, Aria hailed a taxi and arrived at USTP. She quickly spotted Marcus waiting for her at the school gate, his usual grin welcoming her warmly.
"Nice, buti di ka gaano ka late Aria," Marcus exclaimed, stepping forward to greet her. "Tara, let's head over sa gym."
Aria nodded, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. "Alright, tara," she replied, falling into step beside Marcus as they made their way towards the gym.
As they entered the gymnasium, Aria was struck by the sight of numerous first-year students gathered inside, all dressed in white. The amount of guys were staggering while you can barely spot girls.
'I mean... nahirapan nga akong magchange from CWTS to ROTC kasi mas prefer nila ang boys,' Aria thought, noticing the stark gender imbalance.
Marcus scanned the crowded gym and pointed towards a designated area.
"Doon tayo oh," he said, guiding Aria through the sea of students towards their assigned group. They found seats and settled down as the minutes ticked by.
Soon, the orientation lecture began, with an officer at the front addressing the eager group of newcomers, outlining the expectations, activities, and commitments involved in ROTC training.
As the orientation lecture continued, the officer at the front outlined the specific grooming and uniform requirements for ROTC participants.
Aria listened attentively as the lecturer announced, "For the boys, ensure your hair is properly cut and kept short. And for the girls, hair should be neatly gelled and tied in a bun. Additionally, all ROTC enrollees are expected to wear a white shirt and jeans for every formation."
Aria mentally noted the instructions and glanced over to Marcus, who looked shocked at the news.
"Ang strict naman," Marcus muttered, running a hand through his precious hair. "Parang makeup na rin 'to para sa mga lalaki ang buhok noh, ba't ipa-upaw pa."
Aria laughed and teased, "Mukha ka na palang itlog next formation. I'm looking forward to it!"
Marcus groaned dramatically but couldn't help but laugh along. "Ba't di sinali ang girls sa pagpapa-upaw, ang unfair."
Aria chuckled, "Wish ka sa Lord na maging babae ka next time," she replied with a grin.
The orientation soon ended, and as Aria and Marcus were getting ready to leave, a male officer approached them.
"Moreno at Morena, interesado ba kayo sumali sa Military Police?" the officer asked, looking at them expectantly.
Marcus perked up, intrigued. "Ano po bang gagawin namin doon Sir?"
The officer explained briefly, "Simple lang gawin niyo. Kada formation, responsable kayo sa mga bags ng fellow cadets niyo at may authority kayo kung ikukumpara sa mga basic cadets."
Marcus nodded, finding it interesting. "Sige, join po ako," he said enthusiastically.
He turned to Aria with a convincing smile. "Aria, join ka rin! All we need to do is look over other people's bags. Madali lang 'yun."
Aria hesitated for a moment.
'Hmmmm... Military Police? ang ganda pakinggan ah pero parang, hmmm..' Aria thought long and hard until she was finally convinced.
"Okay, fine. Sali na rin ako," Aria said, giving in with a smile.
The officer handed them forms to fill out, and they both completed their applications.
Once the officer collected their forms and walked away, Marcus and Aria exchanged glances. One was excited while the other is unsure.
"Wag kang mag-alala Aria, this is going to be great!" Marcus said, his enthusiasm evident.
Aria gave a small smile, still feeling a bit unsure. "Sana nga. It sounds like a lot of responsibility."
"Anong responsibility, magbantay lang tayo ng bag eh," Marcus said, waving her concerns.
Aria chuckled and thought suddenly,
'Wait... since magbabantay kami ng mga bags, hindi na kami sasali sa basic training? Yung marcha-marcha?'
Her eyes lit up at the realization. "Marcus, kung magbabantay tayo ng bags, hindi na ba tayo kailangan sumali sa basic training?"
Marcus paused, processing her words. He scratched his head thoughtfully before replying, "Hmm, parang tama nga 'yan. Pero di ba sabi ng lecturer, we still have to attend some basic sessions para sa basic skills? Baka may mga lectures pa rin tayo."
Aria nodded slowly, considering his point. "Ah, oo nga noh. Baka may mga lessons pa rin tayo na kailangan attendan."
Marcus grinned, reassured. "Pero at least, hindi na tayo magmamarcha-marcha at push-ups! Less physical stress, more chill."
"Parang hindi kasali sa varsity oh," Aria chuckled, imagining the contrast. "Pero same, parang puro exercise na tayo sa college nito," she continued.
They then left the gym and headed to the cafeteria for lunch. After buying lunch, they sat on a bench outside the cafeteria, enjoying the midday sun.
Aria took a bite of her steamed roll with java rice before asking Marcus, "So, any plans later?"
Marcus replied with a grin, "Oo, may volleyball training kami this afternoon. Gusto ng Coach na iwork on ang aming spikes and receives eh."
Aria nodded, taking another bite of her lunch. "Ooohh, saan kayo magtraining? Occupied namin ang gym mamaya eh."
Marcus stopped eating and leaned forward, thinking for a moment before replying, "Sa open court sa likod ng gym kami magte-training. Medyo mahangin pero goods naman."
Aria nodded thoughtfully, swallowing her bite of lunch. "Ah, oo nga noh. May open court pala tayo. Kami rin pala may training sa gym mamaya. Gusto mo sabay na lang tayo pauwi?"
"Sige, kung sino una matapos siya magwawait ha," Marcus replied, returning Aria's warm smile.
"Sure, walang problema," Aria agreed with a playful grin, finishing up her lunch quickly. "Tapos na ako dito. Tara na, baka mag-start na training natin."
They both got up from the bench and disposed their trash to the near trash bin.
"Kitakits mamaya, Aria." Marcus said with a smile.
Aria waved goodbye with a cheerful grin. "Oo, kitakits! Good luck sa training!"
They parted ways momentarily, each heading to their designated training areas.
Aria quickly changed into her sports attire in the bathroom in the gym and with a determined mindset, she made her way into the court.
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