‘In what other ways could I warn you? I don't even know who you are!’
I pout as I read the new words written on my table. Bakit tunog galit 'to? Flipping my pen, a smile appears on my lips.
‘Chill XD!’ I wrote.
My own world is suddenly disturbed when my male classmates rush inside and sit properly even when there's no teacher around. Kuryuso ko silang tinignan, hindi na naitago ang pagtataka.
Tumaas ang kilay ko sa mga kaklaseng babae. Some are even applying face powder. They also use the lip tints they have hidden on the pockets of their skirt uniforms for a long time. All fusses, whispering and blabbering. Silent swearing of frustration can still be heard.
“Class, be quiet. Ang gugulo niyo naman!” Naziah, our Class Mayor, shouted. She's the one in-charge of monitoring this section with of course, class officers under her.
Ngumiwi ako. Most of the time, she tolerates...for she's also hardheaded, a misfit. Binoto lang naman namin siya kasi walang gustong umako ng classroom duties. Others got no choice, so she won.
But why is she taking it seriously now? I sense panic in her eyes. She licks her lips nervously. What gives?
Unless . . . I gulp hard.
All heads turn on the opened door when we hear a light knock. Bumukas ito at iniluwa ang pamilyar na mukha. Two other officers followed. Shuta, anong ginagawa niya dito?!
Rico walks towards the teacher's table. Standing proudly, his properly ironed polo uniform hangs perfectly, suiting his physique very well. The black slacks are kind of hugging his thighs. His short wavy hair, well-cut. Lips are not smiling. As usual, those eyes as sharp as the hawk's, are gazing with glorious intimidation.
Kumunot ang noo ko.
“Good morning, class of 10-C,” he greeted.
What's good in the morning if your face is annoying?
Uy shuta, rhymed!
The boys just nodded. Meanwhile, I hear the girls seating on the front respond in a flirty manner. Hindi ko mapigilang umikot ang mata dahil sa mga pinaggagagawa nila.
“We're going to inspect the boys' haircuts . . .” his gaze meet mine, “. . . and those who do not wear proper uniform. There will be penalty for those who do not abide the school rules.”
Tumikhim ako. Nagpaparinig ba siya? I look away, facing the window. Sun rays peeping through the leaves of a tall acacia tree greet my sight. I bite the tip of my pen.
“Where's your Class Mayor?” I heard him asked.
“Uh, a-ako!” sagot ni Naziah.
“You may help us by assisting your classmates. Boys, line up!”
“Yabang!” the guy in front of me hissed.
Tama! As if he can control anyone!
“Tumigil ka, Noel. He's not even saying anything rude,” the girl beside him who obviously has a crush on Rico says. “You just felt inferior.”
Bumaling ako kung nasaan si Rico. Sinusukat niya sa ruler kung ilang inch kahaba ang buhok ng mga lalaki. Pumangalumbaba ako para tignan nang maigi ang ginagawa niya. His forehead is slightly crunched. Sobrang pokus siya sa ginagawa. His side profile makes his jawline becomes evident.
“P're, pramis na! Punta ako sa barber shop mamaya. 'Wag mo nang putulan!” my classmate pleads.
Natawa ako sa reaksyon ng kaklase ko. Rico is holding a grasp of his hair while the guy wears an anxious expression.
BINABASA MO ANG
The Seat We Sit On (HFS #1)
Teen FictionFreesia Mandeville has a habit of writing and doodling anywhere in Collins High School. May it be on the walls, chairs, and even on the comfort room's newly painted doors; even on the seat she's sitting on in their classroom as a silent rebellion ag...
