The Seat We Sit On (HFS #1)

seat #7

Pumangalumbaba ako. The pressure of my elbow against the metal armrest of the chair just adds more intensity to my thoughts. Rico's head moves to the other side, giving signals to the men behind him. Nakita kong ibinaba naman nila ang mga lata ng pintura.

If they already know that I was the one who did it, they should have sent me in the guidance office. Huminga ako nang malalim. That thought comforts me a little bit.

“It's not necessary to finish the entire wall. We'll just be back to inform you if you're already allowed to go home,” he continues.

They let us carry the cans of paint. Hindi naman masyadong mabigat. Hindi ko lang sigurado sa mga sophomores. When we arrived at the backmost part of the school where the vandalized wall is at, I glanced at Rico. He's walking first but the distance between our shoulders are just inches away. I can't help but to feel anxious.

His hair cut is in a side part, clean and conservative. Napansin ko lang. Maybe he felt my gaze, for the cognac irises of his eyes looked back at me.

“Next time, wear your proper uniform. And your skirt's length, fix it. Marunong ka naman pala kasing manahi. Hindi mo na kailangang pumila sa sistre,” sermon niya.

I simply nod. “Fine. Pero totoong mahaba talaga ang pila sa tailor shop,” giit ko.

“Maraming panahian sa Oakvine. Napuntahan mo ba lahat?”

Napanguso ako. “Isa lang...the nearest one.”

Rico sighed. I didn't know why I sensed frustration. Tinuro na lamang niya ang pader na kailangan naming pintahan.

I suddenly felt like I was given a blow on the nape when I saw the big middle finger I painted on it before. Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi habang iniisip kung bakit ko ba iyan ulit nagawa.

“We'll be back later,” Rico mutters and walks away. The other two officers nod at us before they follow him.

Alam ba niyang ako ang may kagagawan? He suddenly turns cold. But he's always cold. But he also smiled at me earlier. Kumunot ang noo ko. Why does it matter then if he's snobbing me again? I mean, does it matter? Wala akong pake!

So, being treated coldly by him should not be a big deal. Ang hindi ko lang din matanggap, bakit kailangan ko pang balikan 'yong mga maling nagawa niya sa akin para lang ipaalala sa sarili ko na ayos lang kung ganoon nga ang trato niya sa akin?

I started to brush the paint against the wall with soulful passion to cover up the graffiti. Half an hour has passed when I feel some bullets of sweats forming on my forehead. Hindi naman na ganoon ka-init. Medyo napagod lang talaga ako. I can even feel the whispers of cold breeze kissing my skin.

My throat feels dry so I decided to sit awhile under the shade of the acacia tree nearby. Ngayon, mas nakikita ko na nang buo ang pader.

Shuta?

My arm really feels so worn out. I'm not even in the half of it? Nagsimula ako sa gitna pababa dahil nga hindi ko abot ang mataas na bahagi ng pader. The other two boys are painting what they can only reach. They're almost finished!

After resting for few minutes, I went to the cafeteria to buy a bottled water. Tinatlo ko na para sa dalawang bata. When I return, I approach them even though I'm not the most approachable one here in Collins High. I tried my best not to look mean as I cleared my throat to get their attention.

“Baka nauuhaw na kayo. Kunin niyo na 'to,” I said and gave the bottled mineral water.

They just stared at me. My eyes snap at them. I lick my lips.