Hanggang Sa Huli

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

New School, New Life

Maraming pangyayari ang naganap kahapon. First, we moved here in Alestria— the province where mom used to live when she was young. Alam ko rin na dito sila nagkakilala ni daddy, lumipat dito 'yung family ni daddy at doon sila nagkakilala. Well, Alestria is full of scenic places and no doubt why people choose to live in here. Kung ako rin naman, I must stay in the place where peace and serenity are in your life.

Second, when I went to the mall. It's not the typical mall you can see every time you are shopping to buy some elegant clothes, but it's like the shopping center when you can buy groceries, supplies in your house, and meron din namang gaming arcade na nagustuhan ko. Maybe, I will go there soon.

And lastly, the three men where I bumped into. Hey, why did I include this? It's no big deal though, they apologize naman pero 'yung lalaki na tumitig sa akin? Uh, I mean not 'titig' baka napatingin lang.

"Seah, is your portfolio complete na?" sambit ni mommy sa akin.

I nodded. "Yes, mom, I double-checked it earlier."

Habang wala ako rito kahapon ay tumawag si mommy sa dating paaralan niya. She registered me to Grade 12 in Alestria High. Since Monday na ngayon, it's time for me to go to my new school.

"Enjoy your first day as a student here in Alestria, Seah," mom said while looking at the gate of Alestria High. Maybe, mom is reminiscing the past while she's studying here, huh?

I smiled. Bumaba ako sa kotse namin na minamaneho ni Kuya Philip. He really didn't quit his profession to drive us to school nor at work, even we moved in another place. Si Kuya Philip mismo ang nagpumilit na ituloy ang trabaho niya sa amin kahit na malalayo siya sa pamilya niya. 

And that's why I admire such a hardworking person. They are really pouring their blood and tears just to feed their families.

"Good morning po. Can I ask you something?" sabi ko sa isang guard na nasa tabi ng gate.

"Ano 'yon?"

"Saan ko po makikita 'yung registration office rito?"

Nag-isip siya bago magsalita. "Diretso ka lang tapos kaliwa. Mayroon namang nakapaskil na pangalan doon, katabi siya ng finance office."

I nodded. "Thank you po."

Sinunod ko ang sabi ni kuya guard. Walang pag-aalinlangan kong natanaw iyon sa malayo pa lamang. I knocked before entering the registration office. Isang babaeng matanda na nakasalamin ang tumambad sa akin. She's maybe had a lot of experience here in Alestria High throughout her age.

"Ikaw siguro 'yung bagong estudyante rito, ano?" sambit niya.

Oh, wait, is she referring to me? Or to the guy who just entered the room?

"Claude, nand'yan ka na pala. Paki-bigay mo na lang 'to kay Mr. Ocampo, oh," sabi niya sa lalaki na halos malapit na sa akin. Wait, Claude? Isn't this the man that I saw in the mall?

Uh, so dito pala siya nag-aaral...

"Sandali, 'di ba section Apollo ka? Paki-hintay na itong si..." She stopped and looked at me. 

"U-Uhm, Venicia po," sagot ko.

"Ah, oo! Ikaw 'yung anak ni Beatriz, ano? Naku, oo nga pala! Pina-register ka niya rito kahapon, nasaan na 'yung mga records mo sa dating paaralan mo?"