The Secret's Magic

Kabanata 8

Almost a week after our Vigan escapade, andaming nangyari. I was able to talk to Rod the day after he saw me with Cole. We made sure na Jam and Mary's not around when we talk.

I saw disappointment in his eyes but pity is more dominant, I can tell. I can still remember how angry he is to my Mama, which I think, is not a bad thing. Even I is mad to my own mother, paano na lang siya?

"Hindi madali 'tong pinasok mo, err C-Calla. Panloloko 'to, kahit hindi natin aminin alam nating marami kang masasaktan."

His words were already nailed on my mind. He's right, after all. To be honest, I'm afraid what will happen next after nila malaman ang totoo. I'm afraid about judgements...

"Ms. Cortez, can you please answer this equation?" 

I was awaken from my reverie when I heard Alamario's voice. Para akong nag tatakang tumingin sa harap. There's a lot of examples na  na nasa board.

Jeez, Calla. 

"C-Come again?" Nahihiya kong sabi sa kanya.

Kunot noo siyang naka tingin sa akin, he looks so naiinis to me. Probably angry kasi hindi ako nakikinig sa kanya? 

It's Wednesday, by the way. Which means it's our schedule sa Rotary. 

"Spacing out during our Rotary is not advisable, Ms. Cortez. Kung ganyan din lang palagi, mind as well give your slot to those who really wants it."

I sigh. Isa pa 'to sa problema ko. I can't still manage to read his actions towards me. Minsan, kinakausap niya ako as if I'm special. But most of the time he's being such as asshole, suplado, and masungit.

Rod's right. He's sala sa init, sala sa lamig.

"Ba't ba kasi nandito 'yan?" I heard someone spoke from my behind. The same girl na chinichismiss ako during out first meeting.

"Ganda na lang talaga, eh 'no?"

I clench my jaw. These people are so judger. Akala mo naman kung sino silang magaganda, my foot's smoother pa kaya kesa sa mga face nila.

I seriously look at the board to see kung ano bang punyetang pinapasagutan ng masungit na 'to.

Derive the equation.

Tss... galit na siya para lang jan? Eh naturo na 'yan kahapon ni Ms. Dianne eh. Ba't inuulit na naman?

I stand up and walk towards him with me head's up high. As soon as went near him, I reach for the whiteboard pen he is holding.

I roll my eyes on him at lumapit sa board. 

"Long method, Ms. Cortez." I heard him said.

"Whatever." I murmur, but I'm pretty sure rinig na rinig naman niya 'yun.

Ang sama ng loob ko while answering the whole equation. Pinahiya kaya niya ako, tapos meron pa 'yung dalawang ingrone sa likod ko na akala mo pinanganak para maging Magna Cum Laude.

I finish solving it the shorter time anyone did not expect. Pagka harap ko sa kanila, mga naka nganga pa. Like what? That's easy! Hindi ba sila nakikinig during lectures? 

I heard him clear his throat when I handed him the pen. Hindi pa nga niya kinuha agad because he's intently looking at my answer.

I walk to my seat and saw those ladies with their mouth open. I smirk at them.

"Aral muna bago judge, ha?" I told them bago sila inirapan.

Akala mo kung sinong mga matatapang, wala namang maibubuga. And hello! As if I'll let them step on me 'no! No one dares to put insult on me, not even in my fake name.