Ether of Anarchy (Manchester I - ON HIATUS)

Chapter 12

-

"Lia, what the hell did you just say?"

"I...um just practicing my dialogue, Miss." I reasoned dahil mukhang walang balak sumagot si Miss Gomez.

Nangunot ang noo niya, "With Yael? About what?"

I glanced at Miss Gomez who's secretly smirking now, "Hamilton, the stage play. Professor Gomez offered to help me with my lines."

Tangina self, ni hindi ko alam kwento ng Hamilton tapos ginawa ko pang palusot. Nakita ko lang 'yon sa sulok ng book shelf ni Miss Gomez. Paano kung alam niya pala 'yon?

She nodded na mukhang kumbinsido sa sagot ko, "I'm not familiar with the book but I can learn if you show me, Lia."

Now this is bad.

I looked at Miss Gomez and mouthed, "a little help," but she just grinned and looked away. Grabe akala mong 'di kasangkot sa usapan, kung ilaglag ko kaya siya ngayon sa kaibigan niya.

After a long pause, Miss Gomez finally spoke, "Unfortunately, we just finished the last section and are both exhausted. Miss Sinclair is actually on her way out."

"Oh, is that's it? Then I'll walk her out," dismayadong sagot ni Miss Avery.

Lumapit na ako sa pinto at nakasunod si Miss Avery sakin nang magsalita si Miss Gomez, "Ale—I mean Professor Rivera, what brought you here?"

Alexa huh. Psh.

Miss Avery looked at me before answering Miss Gomez, "It can wait."

"I had no idea you were a member of a theater org."

"Ha?" taka kong sagot sa sinabi ni Miss Avery.

Sabay kaming naglalakad ngayon papuntang parking siguro dahil kung saan ako ay 'don din siya, "I'm guessing since you're practicing with the theater org adviser."

"Professor Gomez is their adviser?"

She nodded, "Yes, rookie. Akala ko alam mo kaya sakanya ka nagpatulong?"

It looks like I'm going to be damned by my excuse. What do I even know about that play? I'm too lazy to speak and act.

"Ah I don't think so. I figured she was helping me out of a sense of obligation as my advisor, but I'm having mixed thoughts."

Not my cup of tea. Public appearance, oh no.

"But you've already put out an effort. Did you know that approaching Giyael is daunting, but you have her interest, so perhaps she is guiding you because you have potency?"

I chuckled, not showing interest, "I don't think so."

She playfully shoved me, "During the parade, I kept an eye on you. Your acting was natural, as if you were an empress."

I grin, "Do I get compliments from my favorite professor now?"

"Favorite your ass, rookie," she spins her eyes.

As we reached the parking area, I was ready to bid my goodbye, but she called me, "Lia." I raised my eyebrows in response, "Don't forget your night training."

Shet. I forgot to tell her I couldn't make it, but I cannot also disappoint her. Gosh, bahala na.

I raised a thumbs up, "Aye, Coach."

—

"Watch your step!"

Bullhead!

I gripped my knees habang habol ang hininga. Dalawang oras na akong nakikipagpatintero sakanya na sinasabayan niya pa ng sermon kaya hindi ko maiwasang mainis.