10
"My name is Maia Khaleesi G. San Martin, and I am from HUMMS 1-A. Thank you so much for listening," I said, bowing my head as the audience applauded.
I looked around for the stem students and noticed Arthfael clapping. When he saw me look at him and give him a thumbs up, he wiggled his cellphone in his hand, telling me that he took a picture or video while I was presenting above the stage.
I took a deep breath and exited the stage. Time flies by at such a breakneck pace. This is my final impromptu speech in senior high. Kaunti nalang graduate na ako ng highschool.
Actually, this is not the first time I've been a representative in an impromptu speech, but this impromptu speech I had now is the first time I can say that I did a great job.
Keeping all of Arthfael's sage advice to myself yesterday and earlier in the library helps to calm my nerves and boost my confidence. He even told me that he could record any representations or speeches I made and we'd watch them again.
Gusto n'yang makita kung paanong unti-unting nawawala 'yung takot ko sa mga ganitong event. He promised me that he would help me overcome my fear, and who was I to not accept his offer?
"Did I do a great job?" I asked him as we walked towards the cafeteria.
"Of course," he exclaimed. "Baka Khaleesi 'yan!"
Ngumuso ako at bahagyang umikot ang mata sa hirit niya.
"You also did a great job," I told him.
He's also the representative for their strand. I was really amazed while watching him deliver his speech. Every word that comes out of his mouth will really be written in everyone's mind. I'm not surprised because Arthfael is actually running as our batch Valedictorian.
"Salamat, Miss Ma'am," he beamed to me. "Kain tayo sa labas mamaya!"
I agreed with what he said and smiled.
It has been months since my parents met Arthfael. My mother has continued to ask about him since then. And sometimes, when I ask them if I can go out at the weekend with Arthfael, they will say yes immediately, and their only condition is that Kuya Gilbert drive me wherever I go and come home before our dinner.
Minsan kapag weekends at wala naman akong gagawin ay sa coffee shop kung saan s'ya nagtatrabaho ay doon ako nag-aaral.
Sometimes I go out with Viri and Krysanthe. Noong may game sa basketball sila Arthfael ay nanood naman ako pero hindi masyadong nagtagal dahil may klase kami no'n. Nanalo naman sila.
"Gusto mo?" Tanong ko sa kanya nang makitang napatingin s'ya sa strawberry cake na binili ko.
When he nodded I smirked to him. "Bili ka ng sa 'yo,"
I chuckled when he put his hand on his chest and acted as if he was in pain.
I walked towards the table where our friends were, and Arthfael was half running, para maabutan ako.
Naupo s'ya sa tabi ko at nagsimula ang lunch namin na katulad ng nakasanayan. It wasn't really noisy, but they at least talked to each other. I'm also more comfortable with the boys now. I didn't know that every lunch with them would be nice. Nasanay na rin siguro ako na may mga tumitingin saamin kapag magkakasama kami.
I'm really glad that Arthfael introduced me to his friends. I will graduate from high school with not just two friends; I already have six, including Arthfael.
"Study well po, Miss Ma'am," sabi ni Arthfael nang ihatid niya ako sa classroom.
Nginitian ko s'ya bago sinulyapan si Viri at Krysanthe na nauna nang pumasok saakin sa loob ng classroom.
