Eclipse

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Feathers

It's been days since that encounter with the transferees happened. No one knows what happened that day, that little fight was only revolving around us who is involved.

And from the past few days, they gained a lot of admirers from different sections. The hallways became more livelier because of the unending squeals from girls whenever they're coming. It was also the start of my unending agony because of the ear-drum shattering noises that always irritates me.

But it was actually strange when one time, that large group approach us but they were restrained by that Cynthia to bother us. It seems like she was already being cautious of her actions now towards us because of our last encounter. But she can't prevent the others to bump into us and argue with the two girls. I let them fight like little kids and just left them behind. I don't have time to join in their childish arguements.

But whenever I left them, I could feel some gazes on me as if observing my every move just like now. I was about to leave the library where the two groups were having a silent fight over a seat when I felt that gaze again.

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili kong ilibot ang paningin sa kabuuan ng library, and from afar I saw Cynthia watching me. When our eyes met, she avoided my gaze and continued to what she's doing. Nagkibit balikat nalang din ako at tuluyan nang umalis.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwang habang naglalakad malapit sa field. It feels so calm, so refreshing when I'm alone. I feel free. Walang mga matang nakabantay sa mga kilos ko. Wala rin ang mga maiingay na mga babae dahil sigurado akong nagkukumpol-kumpulan na naman sila sa library o sa cafeteria kung saan naroon ang mga hinahangaan nila.

Ipinagpatuloy ko lang ang paglalakad sa malawak na field para pumunta sa hardin ng paaralan. I'm sure they can't find me there. It was the most secluded part of the academy where only few wants to go in there. I was in the middle of walking in this wide field when someone block my way. It was him. Again. The leader of that group.

"It's unusual to see you wandering without your companions." He's lying in the academy's green grass field with his arms crossed aboved his head that emphasizes his lean muscles.

Hindi masyadong mainit kaya malaya syang nakakahiga sa field ng ganito. And just like his usual get up, bukas na naman ang tatlong butones ng polo nya at hindi ulit naka-neck tie. He looked like he was sleeping because his eyes were closed but he's not. May natutulog bang nakikipag-usap? I sighed heavily.

He's been bothering me whenever I find some time alone. You will really have to face some difficulties before you can achieve your goal. Lalagpasan ko nalang sana sya nang matigilan ako sa tinanong nya.

"What did you whisper to her? Why does it affect her so much?" He curiously asked. Nang nilingon ko sya, nakamulat na ang kaniyang mga mata dahilan upang makita ko muli ang asul na kulay nito na nagniningning sa malamlam na liwanag ng araw habang nakaupo sa damuhan, nakatukod ang magkabilang braso para suportahan ang bigat nya at nakatingala saakin.

"Why don't you ask her? Why asking me?" Tinaasan ko sya ng kilay. It's been days but no one asks me about it not until now. Even Rianne and Ainslee didn't bother to ask me that. Ngumisi ako nang may napagtanto. "Worried about your girlfriend? It's nothing serious to be  worried about," but I know it is.

He scoffed. "She's not mine and I'm not worried about her. I'm more worried that she wouldn't do her tasks properly," at kinumpas ang kamay sa paraang pinapaalis na ako. "Go wherever you're going. I'm getting pissed with your words."

Napairap nalang ako at tumalikod na para ipinagpatuloy ang naudlot kong paglalakad. Narinig ko pa syang bumubulong-bulong ng kung ano-ano pero pinabayaan ko nalang sya. I'm too preoccupied to even care what he's whispering about. Magtatanong tapos sya rin naman ang maiinis.

I arrived at the academy's vast garden filled with different flowers, trees, and plants. It looked like a mini forest but it wasn't scary, instead it can soothe your negative thoughts away. It was calming, with the chirping sounds from the different birds, gentle breeze of the wind and the sweet scent coming from the flowers.

There are benches afar for someone like me who would like to stay here temporarily. I was about to walk towards the nearest bench when a strange thing happened infront of me.

It was raining, not with raindrops but with soft feathers.

A white and black feathers.

It was only happening inside the garden, in my position. I was in awe, almost tearing up while lifting my hand to catch some feathers. It's soft and big to be a feather of a bird. It only lasted for a few minutes then it was gone, scattering the feathers all over in my place. I decided to keep the feather I was holding in my uniform's pocket.

If only melancholy can also be kept, I will surely kept this away from me.

Nilibot ko ang paningin sa hardin at nakiramdam upang siguraduhin na walang ibang tao ang nakakita sa nangyari ngayon. Nang masiguro kong walang tao, bumalik na din ako agad sa main building.

Nakita kong balisa at nag-aalala sina Ainslee at Rianne sa isang tabi sa lobby at nang makita nila akong paparating ay patakbo silang nagtungo saakin. "Saan ka ba nanggaling? Nalingat lang kami sandali, bigla ka nang nawala," halos maiyak-iyak na ani ni Rianne habang si Ainslee naman ay tinitingnan kung may sugat ba ako.

Damn, this girls are so over reacting.

"I wandered around alone," sagot ko nalang sakanila. Sesermonan pa sana ako ni Rianne nang marahas akong humugot ng hininga at hinarap sya ng tuluyan.

"You know what? Nakakasakal na kayo. I can't have my freedom to explore on my own. You're not responsible for me but why are you so protective? I can live alone, I can stand in my own feet, I can protect myself. I don't need anybody to help me because I can help myself. I don't need anybody to be in my side if it will going to slow me down."

I saw the shock and pain in their eyes but what could I do? I've been so tired of them. "We were just worried about what might happen to you--"

"I don't need your care, your attention, your devotion. I didn't ask for it, so don't give it to me," pagpuputol ko sa dapat na sasabihin ni Ainslee at umalis na sa harap nilang dalawa upang magtungo sa silid-aralan.

Maybe millions of people wanted to be loved, to be adored by many. Protected like you're a precious gem. But would you still wanted to have that kind of love if it will only destroy you in the end? Everything have a great price. Money or gems can be use as a payment but sometimes they took the most valuable things we have that neither money nor gems can not be replaced.

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