I silently walked out from the receiving area. Agad namang sumunod sa akin si Paulo. I even heard him bidding goodbye to mom. None of my classmate meet a family member. I was too discreet. I never attend convocations because I really hate going alone. But here's Paulo meeting my mom. Stepmother to be exact. Most probably he'll going to meet my whole 'family' later.
The whole time na nagpa-practice kami, Paulo's been very careful to me. I was silent and it was unusual when I was with a friend. He was really smart because he knows even, I am not saying anything.
We just practiced and practice until the door opened. Kuya Robb came in inviting me for dinner. Mukhang nagulat pa siya nang makitang may kasama ako pero agad din naman siyang ngumiti. My mind was really crowded that I've already forgot the time.
"Pwede naman akong umuwi na kung hindi ka komportableng nandito ako." Paulo said while I am busy putting the guitar on the guitar bag. I shook my head. Hindi rin ako sure kung para saan 'yun. I'm not even sure if I wanted him there or it's way better to let him go home. Well, I just found myself walking beside him towards the dining area. There, I found dad, mom and my siblings. Kulang sila pero hindi na ako nagtanong pa.
Dad eyed the two of us while we are walking inside. I sat on the left side and Paulo sat beside me silently. I guess it was my first time inviting a guy over dinner. Or should I say it was my first time inviting someone. "I guess, ikaw 'yung mas matalino sa anak ko?" Dad uttered out of nowhere. I scoop some food never minding his nonsense question. I am used to his words. Paulo on the other hand was taken aback. He wasn't expecting this kind of question.
"Mas matalino po ang anak niyo. Sa aming dalawa, mas mataas po ang rank niya." Saad niya sa matigas na tono. He's defending my name in front of my dad even I am not asking for it. Sandali akong natigilan pero hindi ako nag-angat ng tingin.
"Nasa Top 1 lang naman 'yan dahil transferee ka. Kung hindi ka siguro transferee, baka permanent na sa Top 2 yan." Dagdag pa ni Daddy bago sumubo ng pagkain na parang wala lang sa kanya ang sinasabi niya. I mentally laughed. Maybe his words are hurting me but not to the point that I'll sulk myself. I am already numb with the pain he's causing since I was little.
"I admit Sir that I am good with a certain thing. Pero hindi po 'yun permanente. Mas magaling ako sa MAPEH pero mas matalino siya sa Math. Ako sa English, siya sa Science. Lahat po ng tao ay may kanya-kanyang talino. May kanya-kanya tayong utak, magkakaiba lang tayo ng forte." Sagot ni Paulo bago lumingon sa akin gamit ang nag-aalalang mga mata. I stared at him and smiled at him assuring that I was fine. I wanted to say it with words, but I just couldn't.
Mom awkwardly laughed and diverted the topic. For a moment, I felt relieved. I am feeling Paulo taking glances, but I maintained my usual stone self when I am with my family.
"Sorry for causing you trouble." I uttered while we are on the elevator. They are still up there so I excused myself to walk Paulo down. It's already late and it was rude to let him go alone.
Lumingon siya sa akin. I can feel that he wanted to say something but he's stopping himself. Nakarating na lang kami sa lobby na ganoon. "Thank you sa pagtuturo." I smiled. I can see his serious eyes digging onto my soul.
