The Seat We Sit On (HFS #1)

seat #14

Rico must have felt that for I can still sense the loud thuds in my chest. I avoid his stares and is about to turn but he pulled me gently.

"I think we should pass it now. Baka aalis na mamaya si Ma'am Lauchenco."

He clears his throat. A tint of red is painted on his ears. "May...May idadagdag pa nga ako diyan."

He fixes his posture as he adjusts to his seat. Slowly, a grasp of contact lowers down from my wrist to my hand, his palm against my palm fingers between mine. I have no choice but to sit down again and stay still. Ngayon naman ay may mga simbolong sinusulat sa bawat daliri na hindi ko maintindihan. Ang gulo!

Sobrang nagmamadali pa siya. By looking at his face - those thick eyebrows furrowing, the focus on his hawkish eyes, the determination on his clenched jaw, someone would think that what he's doing is an extreme work of art. Little did they know . . . dahil kasi sa pagmamadali niya, halos lahat may lagpas!

Parang nagparumi pa lalo 'yong huli niyang nilagay. I prefer the one a while ago. This whatever thingy he added makes it more messier and problematic.

"Ano 'yan?"

He closes the small bottle of nail polish as he looks at me with faint triumph. His eyes are projecting a meek shade of emotion.

"Baybayin."

In a tight-lipped smile, he casts his gaze away. "Magpa-check na tayo," aya niya.

Tumayo na si Rico. His hands are on his pocket. Should I follow him? He says that we will pass this activity together . Medyo mahaba na ang linya nang pumila na ako. Rico's height is over towering me.

"Yeah, tayo na," pagtango ko kahit na gusto ko pang maupo.

For unknown reason, I have no plans to compromise the moment but I know dead air would appear again if I didn't say anything.

He reaches for my hands. Ngumuso ako. Nanatiling hawak niya ang mga iyon hanggang makarating kami sa teacher's table. Sa gilid kami pumwesto. Mahaba ang pila.

"Hoy, bakla!" rinig kong tawag ng kung sino.

My sight found Michael. His wide grin greets me. Kakatapos lang yata niya magpa-check. Ibinabalandara niya ang ang mga kukong parang dumaan sa professional manicurist. I quickly throw a sharp glare on it.

"Patingin ng iyo," hamon niya. Agad ko namang itinago sa bulsa ang gawa ni Rico. Yayabangan lang ako nito, e.

"Nope."

"Patingin lang!"

Pilit niyang tinanggal ang mga kamay ko mula sa bulsa. Dahil mas malakas ang pwersa niya, ngiting tagumpay naman siya nang mailabas ang mga kamay ko. Humagalpak agad siya ng tawa nang makita ang mga iyon.

"Oh my freaking gosh! Ano ba 'yan?" aniya sa matinis na boses.

Pulang-pula na si Michael habang pinapalo ang malapit na desk. Wala namang sisita dahil maingay na rito sa loob ng silid.

"Tawang-tawa?"

Nag-peace sign ang bakla. "Told yah, dapat ako na lang ang partner mo," pagmamagaling niya.

I roll my eyes at him. I wonder if his suggestion can help me. Pero kahit na mas maganda ang gawa niya, parang hindi ko yata kayang ipagpapalit ang miminsang nangyari kanina.

Magsisinungaling ako kung sasabihin kong wala lang iyong nangyari kanina. I saw the way he took care of my nails, how he gently pulled my hands, how he remained calm even when I was a havoc already. For years, I've hold grudges. These past few days, despite avoiding him for all I can, I've felt like the burden in my chest is slowly leaving, freeing me.