Renegade

Chapter 12

Don't forget about the conference. Be on time, Ms. Marquez.

-Sir Zaragosa

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Napasimangot kaagad ako matapos mabasa ang text na 'yon mula kay Sir. I looked at the reflection of myself on the full-length mirror in front of me. I put my hair in clean ponytail and I chose to wear a pencil-cut skirt and long sleeves.

"This is going to be the last thing that I will do for him."

Ayoko talagang pumunta kasi inaya ako ni Alex na mag-date daw kami ngayon. Pero dahil kailangan kong um-attend sa conference na 'to para mabayaran 'yung utang ko, na-cancel 'yung lakad na 'yun. Kaya ang sama ng mood ko ngayon.

Jeez. I can't wait for Sir Zaragosa's end of substitution which was by the end of this week. Ayoko na siyang makita ulit. We got entangled with each other in a crazy way already. Gusto ko na lang kalimutan ang lahat ng kahihiyan ko na nakita niya.

I bit my bottom lip when I suddenly remembered my last talk with him. A shiver ran down my spine. "Diyos ko. Ano kayang pumasok sa utak ni Sir kahapon? Why did he actually ask me that question?"

Do you want to cheat with me, Ms. Marquez?

Paulit-ulit kong ipinilig ang ulo ko nang maalala ko na naman ang kabaliwang iyon. He should not really talk to me like that.

Nagpapadyak ako nang maalala ang naging reaksyon ko kahapon. Why did I let him act that way to me?!

Napabuntong hininga ako bago umalis sa harapan ng salamin at isinuot na ang heels ko. I had to wear this to add a few inches on my four eleven height.

"Okay. Get yourself together, Clarisse. After nito, wala nang dahilan para pakisamahan mo nang bongga si Sir Zaragosa," I cheered for myself before I took my bag and the invitation.

I texted Alex that I would be leaving before I said goodbye to my mother. Tuwang-tuwa siya kahapon sa akin noong sinabi ko na na-invite ako sa conference na 'to. For my mother, as long as it was acads, she would support me. I wonder how would she react if I told her I got a boyfriend.

Halos isang oras 'yung naging byahe ko bago ko narating ang venue ng conference. At nang makapasok ako, tuluyang nawala 'yung inis ko kay Sir. I was actually lucky to attend this seminar— I suddenly realized the moment I entered the venue.

I saw some familiar UP scientists and national scientists. Halata ring may maipagmamalaki sa academe at sa scientific community 'yung ibang dumadating. Astig.

After giving my invitation on the welcoming committee, I was directed to my reserved seat by a clerk. Paupo na ako sa upuan ko nang matigilan ako.

My eyes widened to actually see him here. "S-Sabi mo hindi ka makakapunta," I squinted my eyes on him, "Sir?"

He just chuckled on me before he tapped the seat beside him. Diretso ang tingin niya sa platform sa harapan kung saan naka-set-up na ang projector at microphone.

"Sir!" I whined, sitting beside him. "Sabi mo hindi ka makakapunta kaya napilitan akong pumunta para sa 'yo!" Hindi ko mapigilang manghinayang sa date namin ni Alex.

I mean, sure thing, this conference was really important and was really a good credentials for me. Pero first date namin 'yun ni Alex! I waited for a very long time to have that chance.

"Sir!"

He shook his head before he looked at me. He crossed his arms over his chest before he smiled at me. "I suddenly realized I want to spend a day with you."