#2: Strumming the Pain

Strumming 03

"We have a meeting later. After class at the music room, okay? Huwag kang tatakas."

Napatingin ako kay Jeshua nang magsalita siya. She was busy writing something so she wasn't looking at me. She just looked at me when she felt my stares. She even raised her left brow and gave me a questioning look.

"Why do you want me to the music club so bad?" I asked her. Sinali niya lang kasi ako roon kahit na ayaw ko. I don't want to be in any club, pwede naman 'yon.

"You're a great singer, Kha. You need to share your talent to the world. That's why I decided to make you sing later." she answered, smirking.

"You wish." I answered, rolling my eyes.

She laughed. "One day, you'll need to sing. Lucky you, you didn't have to sing at the audition."

"Hindi ko namang ginustong sumali." sagot ko sa kanya.

"You're a bitch." she said, jokingly.

"So are you." I fired back.

She laughed. "Sabay na tayo mamaya, ha."

"Whatever." I answered.

"Good Morning, everyone!" malakas na sigaw ni Ariell na kakapasok lang sa room.

"Ingay!" Kiel immediately reacted. Hindi naman siya pinansin ni Ariell.

"Good Morning, Kha! Aga mo ngayon, ah." she greeted me. "Hello, Jesh!" bati naman niya kay Jeshua.

"Ariell, hoy! 'Yung 100 ko!" sumisigaw na tawag ni Epione sa pinsan.

"Akin 'yun." sagot nito.

"Gago, akin 'yun!" pakikipag-away naman ni Epione sa kanya.

Napa-iling ako sa kanilang dalawa at hindi na lang sila pinansin. Dumating na rin si Salem, she was smiling at us. Jeshua smiled back at her while I just nod my head a bit.

"Salem, may practice kayo ng volleyball mamaya, 'di ba?" Epione asked all of the sudden.

"Yes, why?" Salem answered, confused.

"Wala naman. Parang gusto lang kitang panoorin." she answered then shrugged.

"Oh, you guys don't have a dance practice?" Salem asked.

Umiling si Epione bilang sagot sa kanya. Umayos naman ako ng upo nang matanaw ang teacher namin. Napatingin ako sa pinto nang pumasok doon si Kirk. Nauna lang siya ng ilang sigundo sa teacher namin. He gave me a playful smile when our eyes met, but I ignored him. Narinig ko ang mahihina niyang tawa nang dumaan siya sa may gilid ko.