Today was like many others, following the normal routine of a second-year college student. This routine went on for 31 days straight until finally, a disturbance: a field trip was announced for tomorrow, which was very exciting.
The Adventure Club at school was hosting a field trip to a hot spring resort. This was amazing in itself, but the best part was that it was free of charge, adding a touch of grandeur to the announcement.
I immediately grabbed a permission slip and started filling it out. While I was doing so, my friends came over to my table with slips of their own and started a conversation.
"What are we going to wear to the hot spring resort?" Jaden asked.
"I don't know," Marcus replied. "How about you?" he said, turning to Ezekel.
"I don't have anything to wear."
"That can't be!" both boys exclaimed. "We have to go to the mall after school to get you something new."
"I don't have that kind of money to waste on new things, guys."
"Don't worry, it's on us," they said in unison, smiling.
After school, we headed to the mall together. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and chatter about the trip. As we wandered through the stores, Jaden and Marcus picked out various outfits, making sure Ezekel had plenty of options to choose from. They insisted on finding the perfect outfit for him, something that would make him feel comfortable and confident.
Finally, Ezekel found an outfit he liked—a comfortable yet stylish set of swim trunks and a casual shirt. Jaden and Marcus approved, and we made our way to the checkout. True to their word, they covered the cost, and Ezekel couldn't stop smiling.
That night, I packed my bag, making sure I had everything I needed for the trip. I could hardly sleep, thinking about the excitement of the next day. This field trip was a welcome break from the monotony, and I knew it would be an experience to remember.
While I was packing, my mom knocked on my door and walked in, a concerned look on her face. She had noticed the new clothes lying on my bed.
"Ezekel, where did you get these new clothes?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry. "I know we didn't buy them."
I turned to face her, still feeling the excitement from earlier coursing through my veins. "Mom, it's okay. Jaden and Marcus bought them for me. We're going on a field trip tomorrow to a hot spring resort."
Her eyebrows furrowed even more. "They bought them for you? Why? And how much did this cost?
I smiled, trying to reassure her. "Yes, they bought them for me because I didn't have anything suitable to wear. They insisted on paying for it, and I couldn't say no. They wanted me to be comfortable and enjoy the trip."
She sighed and sat down on the edge of my bed. "I know they mean well, but I don't want you to feel like you owe them anything. Friends shouldn't have to buy you things for you to have a good time."
"I understand, Mom," I said, sitting beside her. "But they didn't do it because they expect something in return. They did it because we're friends, and they care about me. They wanted to make sure I could join in and have fun without worrying."
She looked at me, her expression softening a bit. "I just want to make sure you're not getting into any trouble. Sometimes, when people do things for us, it comes with strings attached."
"There are no strings attached," I assured her. "Jaden and Marcus are good friends. We've been through a lot together. This trip is just a chance for us to relax and enjoy ourselves after a long month."
Her concern started to fade, replaced by a hint of a smile. "Alright, I trust you. Just promise me you'll be careful and take care of yourself."
"I promise, Mom," I said, feeling a rush of gratitude because of her concern for my well-being. "It's going to be a great trip, and I'll make sure to stay safe."
She hugged me tightly. "Have fun, Ezekel. You deserve it."
As she left the room, I finished packing, the excitement bubbling up again. I glanced at the new outfit lying on my bed and thought about Elizabeth. We'd been friends for a while now it started when we were given a gradded assignment to do together (a lot of them), and I valued her opinion. I picked up my phone and sent her a quick text.
"Hey Elizabeth, are you going on the field trip tomorrow?" I typed, my fingers hovering over the send button for a moment before pressing it. I added, "Also, I got a new outfit for the trip. Would love to know what you think of it."
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed with her reply. "Hey Ezekel! Yes, I'm going. Can't wait! And sure, I'd love to see your new outfit. Meet me by the fountain in the park?"
I quickly agreed, grabbing the new clothes and heading out the door. The park wasn't far, and I found Elizabeth waiting by the fountain, her face lighting up when she saw me.
"Hey!" she greeted me with a warm smile. "So, let's see this new outfit."
I pulled the clothes out of my bag and held them up for her to see. "What do you think?" I asked, feeling a bit nervous.
Elizabeth's eyes sparkled as she looked them over. "Wow, Ezekel, these are great! You'll look fantastic. The colors suit you, and it's perfect for a hot spring resort."
Her approval made me feel even more excited about the trip. "Thanks, Elizabeth. I wasn't sure if they were my style, but Jaden and Marcus helped me pick them out."
"You've got good friends," she said, smiling. "And I can't wait for tomorrow. It's going to be so much fun."
We chatted for a while longer, discussing our plans for the trip and what we were looking forward to the most. As the sun set, we said our goodbyes and headed home, eager for the adventure that would definitely await us.