Behind the skies and lies

Kabanata 15

Naubos na ang pagkain at tapos na ang lunch namin. Ibig sabihin lang nito ay balik na kami sa trabaho. Nagstay muna ako sa classroom para i-check ang progress namin at tumulong. Trisha is preparing for her possible question and answer. Maayos na rin na nagtatraining siya sa mga on the spot questions namin para hindi mabigla ang isip niya at mamental block.

It'll help her brain to function well and not only to think fast but also fruitful.

Pagbaba ko sa ground nandoon na rin ang mga candidates. Sinalubong ako ni Arvin at kumapit sa braso ko.

"Taray ng Ate Mel mo. Si Papi Raden pa ang piniling partner!" bulong niya sa akin pero parang hindi, kasi sumisigaw siya. Lakas kasi ng music.

"Pambato niyo 'yan. Parang may pagbash ka?" tawa tawa kong sagot.

"Talaga 'no! Pabida girl!"

"She's nice." Pagtatanggol ko kay Mel. Kahit papaano naman ay kilala ko siya and all she did to me is nothing but to show me how kind she is.

"Alam ko! Di ko naman sinabing salbahe diba? Kalorki ka!"

"She likes Raden?" I asked even if it's obvious. I still want to confirm it. For sure naman alam niya 'yon since classmates sila.

"Ay teh! Sobra. Tigok na tigok ang ate sis mo kay Papi! Simula junior high, papampam na 'yan! Kaso hindi talaga mapansin kahit chic boi ang Raden mo!"

"Hindi niya pinatulan si Mel? Kahit kelan?"

"Ayan nga! Dyan ako nagtaka. Super visible naman na tulo laway ni Mel sakaniya pero hindi niya ginawang babae! Ang lola mo tuloy kung ano ano sinasabi." Nanlalaki ang mata at humahaba ang nguso nito habang nangchichika. "Kesyo hindi daw sya trip ni Raden kasi hindi pa seryoso si Raden sa mga babae."

"Hindi naman talaga." I spit facts. He's a playboy! He's known for that.

"Oo nga! Ayan nga ang point niya kaya daw di siya pinapatulan kasi pang-serious daw siya! She's not for just a trip daw! Ang ate mo buhat bangko!"

I shrugged. I've been feeling indifference towards Mel lately. I'm being awkward for no reason! I'm trying to be civil with her but when she's around and Raden too...the bitterness within me is too overwhelming and I can't even explain why!

Pinanood ko siya paano rumampa. Her smile is charming. She looks like Barbie with her long hair and petite body. She's a bit morena, but she got a perfect face ratio. She's beautiful. A lot of boys flocked just to be noticed by her. She's friendly and approachable too.

She's been drooling over Raden for years while Raden is well known for being a playboy in town pero bakit nga ba hindi niya pinatulan si Mel? Maybe she's right?

"You're spacing out." Nakaalis na pala si Arvin sa tabi ko at si Marcus na ang pumalit.

"Ah yeah. Ang gagaling ng mga contestants. Iniisip ko kung paano lumakad sa heels na 'yon. Ang taas!"

"Sana walang matapilok." Natawa ako sa sinabi niya. "But I know you can do this too. I'll wait for your turn. Not now but maybe sa college?"

"Hmm...let's see. I'm not really into this."

"But you are over qualified. You'll standout among the rest for sure." Tumango tango siya. I made a face. Hindi ko alam na bolero pala siya?

"You are hitting on her."

"Aria!" Gulat ako na lumingon sa pinsan. Bigla kasing sumulpot!

"Am I?" nakangiting sagot sakaniya ni Marcus.

"Those lines won't hit her. She's numb and dense when it comes to flirting."

"Aria, what are you doing here?" I did not mind kung ano man ang pinag uusapan nila. Maybe they are acquainted, knowing that they are both famous in our campus.