sucked in

Chapter 12

"Okay, class. I've got some important news for you today," our adviser said to us. "Since next week na ang midterm exams week, I'll give you a motivation to study," she continued with a smile.

My classmates started whispering. I think they're trying to guess what our adviser is going to announce. They all seem excited.

Napatahimik naman sila nang biglang hampasin ni Mrs. Crisologo ang table sa harap. "Quiet, class!" she exclaimed at tinignan kami isa-isa. Nang masiguro niyang tahimik na ang lahat, nagsalita na siya ulit. "After midterm exams week, we'll be having a vacation trip! The trip will last three days and two nights."

Napuno nang hiyawan, palakpakan, at sigawan ang buong classroom dahil sa naging anunsiyo ni Mrs. Crisologo. 

"Oh, my God! Finally!"

"I'm excited already!"

"I can't wait. OMG!"

"I can't believe this!"

"And wait, there's more!" pabitin na wika pa ng guro, kaya napatahimik ulit ang klase. Lahat ay naghihintay sa susunod na sasabihin ni Mrs. Crisologo. "Students who failed their exams cannot join the trip," she said. Tila hindi naman natinag ang mga kaklase ko. Mukhang pursigido silang lahat na sumama. "On top of that, the President of Saint Mattheiu High will pay for the expenses of those who were able to place among the top 10 in your year. The rankings will be posted on Monday, the week after midterm exams week. So, those who want a free trip, study hard and be sure to join the top 10! And those who are not that ambitious, be sure to also study hard and not fail!"

"Yes, Ma'am!" masiglang tugon ng buong klase. 

"Good. Hopefully, no one will fail. I'm wishing you all good luck." Mrs. Crisologo smiled. 

"Thank you, Ma'am!" one of my classmates exclaimed. 

"Okay, that's all for today. Class dismissed," Mrs. Crisologo stated before walking out of the room. 

Nagsitayuan na ang mga kaklase ko at naghanda na para umalis. I was about to do the same, nang biglang marinig ko ang malakas na pagpatak ng ulan sa bubong ng classroom namin, kaya naman napaupo ako ulit. 

Oh, my God. I had no idea it would rain today. Wala akong dalang payong. Napahilamos ako sa mukha. 

Nakaupo lang ako ngayon sa pwesto ko, staring outside the window, watching the rain. Isa-isa nang nagsisialisan ang mga kaklase ko. Umalis na rin si Lia dahil may lakad daw siya. Wala rin siyang payong, but she said she's willing to get soaked kaya tatakbuhin niya nalang.

I sighed. I guess I'll just wait for the rain to stop.

Kinuha ko ang aking cellphone at earphones sa bag para makinig ng music.

"Untouchable, burning brighter than the sun, and when you're close, I feel like coming undone," mahinang pagsabay ko sa pinakikinggan kong kanta. I love this song so much. "In the middle of the night, when I'm in this dream, it's like a million little stars spelling out your name..."