Hiding Behind the Lenses (Arte del Amor #3)

Chapter 3

Pagdating namin sa gymnasium ay unang nahagip ng tingin ko si Kuya Gael. I was about to run to him in the middle of the court when I noticed the shorter boy beside him, so I halted.

"Chad?" I muttered, not minding Kuya Gael who just kissed the top of my head to greet me.

"Akyat kayo sa bleachers para 'di kayo matamaan." Gael told Chad. Hinawakan nito ang palapulsuhan ko at sinunod ang sinabi ni kuya ko.

Habang paakyat kami ay nakakunot ang noo ko. "Why were you with my brother?"

He didn't answer until we were seated on the bleachers where we see everything happening below, om the court. "I just finished my P.E. class, and I happened to see him." I just noticed that he's wearing their P.E. uniform.

I nodded. Hindi ko kayang tumingin sa kaniya dahil may inis pa rin ako sa kaniya, dala ng nangyari kahapon. Tapos nag-apologize pa ako kaninang umaga. Talk about ruined pride.

"I saw your message. Did you see my reply?"

Umiling ako, diretso pa rin ang tingin sa court. "No, I'm not allowed to bring my phone to school."

"Well, since you're here, I might as well tell you. I said that it's no problem, don't worry about it. Ayaw ko lang talaga doon sa batang mayabang." dire-diretsong sabi niya.

I finally turned to him, "He's probably just nine! Or ten! Huwag ka ngang pumapatol sa bata, Chad."

He let out a laugh, "Why? How about you, hindi ka pumapatol sa bata?" he asked, but I know that we are talking about that word in different contexts. I can't believe him and how my mother wants me to befriend him!

"If that's what you're thinking, you are wrong. I do not like younger boys."

Lumapad ang ngiti niya sa labi, "Yeah? And you like older ones, huh? Or am I just a special case?" hope is laced in the tone of his voice.

I didn't answer because he'd only assume, but I can't ask him to stop either. I still do not have the heart to disobey my mother's wishes. If being close with this person satisfies her, then consider it done.

Within the same week, I was called to the faculty office. Apparently, the team unanimously decided that I'd become their muse and our coach wants me to meet with her today. Buti na lang at sinabi iyon agad, dahil kung hindi ay kakabahan ako at iisipin kung ano na naman ba ang ginawa ko.

"Maganda rin naman 'yung grade four, si Anika Dungca. Sa team niyo siya, 'di ba? Adviser niya ako, ma'am, eh." dinig kong sabi ng isang teacher pagkapasok na pakapasok ko palang sa office.

Hindi pa nila ako nakikita dahil natatakpan ako ng mga divider na naghihiwalay sa mga cubicle. Lumapit ako para mas marinig pa ang usapan nila.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang nagpatuloy siya, "Mas bagay si Anika sa napili niyong escort. Pero pwede na rin naman si Gemini, maganda rin."

"Eh, Grade 6 sana ang pipiliin ko dahil last year na nila..."

The heck? Do they really think that they're settling for me?

Nagpakita na ako, nakataas ang mga kilay. Nahalata ko ang gulat sa mukha nung teacher na nagsasalita at sa coach ng team namin. Before they could even talk, "I heard it, teacher. With all due respect, I decline your offer of making me the team muse. I know better than accepting things that I do not deserve. In this case, I know I deserve better. So, go settle with the underdog. Good day."

Sobrang bilis ng pagtaas-baba ng dibdib ko dahil sa paghahabol ng hininga. I spit all those words so fast but with my head held high. I'm not even hurt because I know how wrong they are about their comparison of me and whoever the girl is.