Kiss of Sunset

Kabanata 13

Kabanata 13: Fear

"Masyado na kayong pinagchi-chismisan ng mga tao rito. Pati sa faculty, kayo ang laman." Bungad ni Cassie nang makapasok ako sa classroom. "Kalat na rin sa buong eskwelahan ang nangyari kay Ms. Carson."

"Mabuti na lang at hindi naidadawit ang pangalan ni Ms. Carson patungkol sa kung anong nangyari sa inyo ni Rich." Sambit naman ni Shaina at tumabi na sa akin. "If your name merged with Ms. Carson's name, it will cause more danger than you being the talk of the town with Rich."

"I agree with Shai. For now, be extra careful with your actions. Masyadong mabango ang pangalan niyo sa buong eskwelahan. Isang maling galaw mo lang at paniguradong makakarating 'yon sa may-ari ng eskwelahang pinapasukan natin." Sabi ni Cassie na may halong pag-aalala.

Tahimik lang ako mamula nang magsimula ang klase hanggang sa magtapos ito sa oras ng tanghalian. Mabuti naman at ramdam nila Shai at Cassie na ayaw ko muna magsalita. Hindi na rin muna pala pumasok si Rich para may kasama si Tita Melanie na nagbabantay kay Ms. Carson. For now, I still don't have any update kung anong lagay ni Ms. Carson ngayon.

Kasalukuyan kaming nasa cafeteria, kumakain nang pananghalian. Bawat estudyante ay napapalingon sa akin. Before, I was a total random student but now, everything changed. I am already the talk of the town. Some were happy with Rich's speech and some were holding grudges.

Well, who I am to give a fuck?

"Alam niyo ba, patay na 'yung Mayor na siya raw nang-harass kay Ms. Carson?" Rinig naming kwento nung isang Prof sa katabi naming lamesa. "Ang sabi pa, nabugbog daw ito hanggang sa mamatay. Sa katunayan, bali-balita na si Mr. Carson daw ang nag-utos para patayin ang Mayor." Pagtatapos niya.

"Hay nako, huwag kang magbitaw ng salita nang wala kang ebidensya. Baka mawalan ka ng trabaho kapag may nakarinig sa 'yo," suway naman ng isang Prof na kasama nila.

"Sir, walang kaaway na ibang politiko ang Mayor at—"

"Ma'am, tumahimik ka na. Meron si Mr. Carson." Muling suway sa kaniya.

Napatingin naman ako sa direksyon ng papalapit na si Mr. Carson. Ramdam na ramdam talaga ang ma-awtoridad nitong aura. His serious face makes everyone shiver and make him a way to walk into. Sinundan ko lang siya ng tingin hanggang sa tumapat ito sa akin.

"Akerson, I want to talk to you in private." He plainly said and walked out from my sight.

Nabalik lang ako sa aking diwa nang sikuin ako ni Cassie. She pouted and gestured I must go after him with her lips. Tinignan ko si Shai at tumango lang ito sa akin. Tumayo na ako at namaalam sa kanila.

I walked silently behind Mr. Carson. Thinking of how serious he was earlier, I know what we're gonna talk about later. I just hope that I can lift my head and answer all the possible query about her and not making any mistake.

Bigla akong kinabahan nang makapasok kami sa mismong office ni Mr. Carson. His office has contemporary style with black, bluish gray, and white color palettes. I stood in front of his desk. My eyes landed on him. He seat neatly on his swivel chair.

"What is your relation to my daughter?" He asked.

"She's my prof—"

"Do you think I would call you here just to hear that answer?" He cut off my words. I gulped as his eyes got sharpen. He lean backward and crossed his arms. "What do you want from my daughter?"

"What do you mean, Sir?" I asked, confused.

"I can't see any reason why you have Elionhir with your side aside from money and fame." He directly said it to me. I got offended. It's off guard. "Based on how you look and your status in life right now, you're just a random student that lacks on representation. Powerless. So, how much would it costs you to stay away from Elionhir?"