The Book in Disguise

3.2

Vina

"ANO pa ba hindi natin nabibili?" Apollo asked habang paalis kami sa pataas na escalator. He grips his phone, fingers tapping away like a light rain on a rooftop.

I let his question hang in the air as I kept walking, lost in my thoughts. The exam still had its claws in my mind, refusing to let go. We tackled four subjects in today's exam, and another four yesterday. I can't say how well I did.

Some might say I'm playing the humble card, but honestly, I'm just going over how I handled the exam. I did answer and look at some parts of the test but there were sections I didn't recognize, and that's why I feel like I let myself down. I lean on analyzing those items, but I'm not totally sure of my own abilities in that department.

"Vina?" nang lumipas ang ilang minuto at wala pa rin akong sagot ay tinawag niya na ang pangalan ko. "Are you listening?"

The spell of my thoughts broke only when he snapped his fingers directly in front of my face, the sound a sudden crack in the quiet. At that instant, I turned to him, my expression a canvas of no paint, uncertain which emotion I should present to him.

"Kanina ka pa lutang. Hayaan mo muna 'yong exam mo kanina." panunubok niya pagtanggal sa mga iniisip ko but failed.

Hindi nagbago ang ekspresyon ko sa mukha. Paano ko hahayaan? That's an exam, quarterly exam na hindi dapat bina-basta basta. The outcome of that exam would essentially define my academic performance for this semester.

I can't help but constantly dwell on the potential results, given that I feel I'm still falling short and not yet perfect in this field.

Mayamaya pa ay mahina niyang tinapik-tapik ang ulo ko at ngumiti. "You did your best, Vina. I'm sure na ikaw pa rin ang una sa klase niyo, h'wag kang mag-alala."

Striving to be the best isn't sufficient. Being at the forefront of the class academically isn't enough; it never is. If I can't excel in everything, all my efforts become pointless. I have to enhance my academic abilities.

Should I consider limiting my phone usage, dedicating more time to stay at home, and proactively engaging with advance readings while ensuring a solid grasp of current lessons?

No one desires a paper riddled with errors—none of them do. It must be flawless, devoid of mistakes. If not flawless, then surpassing perfection. One mistake is similar to a transgression, two is a lethal threat, and more mistakes are similar to experiencing the actual torment of hell.

"And let's talk about this later, okay? Let's focus muna sa ipinunta natin dito."Mmuli siyang tumingin sa dinadaan namin at muling tumingin sa cellphone screen niya. "Kung magtatagal tayo rito, gabi na tayo makakauwi."

Naglihis ako ng tingin at tumango, tahimik na sumusunod sakaniya.

Barado pa rin ang utak ko sa mga iniisip ko but he's right, gagabihin kami rito kung magtatagal and I can't afford that to happen dahil kailangan kong mag-advance read. I have to.

"Now, answer my previous question. Ano pa ang hindi natin nabibili?"

Currently, we find ourselves at a mall, as we've managed to secure the necessary funds to purchase items for enhancing the SSG Office. Originally, it was meant to be our SSG Adviser responsible for these acquisitions. However, due to their busy schedule post-exam, Apollo stepped in and volunteered, bringing me along with him.

Several days have passed since Sir Agulefo informed us about the leadership training, but until now, we haven't been able to acquire the necessary supplies. The leadership training is just two days away, prompting me to propose to Apollo that we go ahead and purchase the required items for the training. He agreed with my suggestion earlier, while we were on our way here.