Captures of Perfect Timing (The Art of Life #1: Life Version)

First Capture

I have always believed that one of the best ways to capture that "perfect moment" is to... simply create it-to go out, make the best out of your life, and create those perfect little moments.

Then, capture it-be it through a camera or your eyes. It doesn't matter; as long as you were able to live the moment and imprint it in your heart and mind.

Just like what I always do.

"Mr. Santillan!!"

Sabay-sabay kaming napalingon nang marinig si Ms. Galang. Nagmamadali akong tumakbo upang damputin ang bag at cellphone sa sahig.

The dismissal bell suddenly rang as we ran past the rooms. Ilang sandali pa ay napuno na ng estudyante ang corridor kaya nawala na kami sa paningin ni Miss.

We paused at the stairs to check the photos. Pinalabas kasi kami ng teacher kanina kaya nagpicture na lang sa hallway dahil walang magawa. Bawal ang phone pero buti na lang hindi kami nahabol ng principal, si Ms. Galang.

Nagtawanan kami sa unang litrato pa lang; it was when Ms. Galang suddenly appeared. Her small figure could be seen in the frame, standing far behind us with hands on her waist. Saktong gitnang-gitna talaga siya habang patakbo kaming tatlo sa camera.

My thumb stopped from swiping when I noticed another female figure in one of our photos. My brows knitted as I zoomed it in. We were doing a jump shot while the girl was standing far behind us, looking at our direction with hand on the door handle.

I stared at her image.

"Sino 't-"

"Excuse."

Umawang ang mga labi ko nang tumama ang mga mata sa matalim na tingin ng babae.

My eyes widened a fraction and shifted them back on the phone right away.

It's her!

Napatabi kaming lahat at halos pumasok na sa pader para lang mapadaan siya nang hindi nasasanggi.

My eyes lingered on her as she made her way downstairs.

Her light brown, long hair was in a messy braid against her backpack, with a few strands framing her face.

Maputi siya at makinis. Mukhang prim and proper sa walang kapintasang uniform. Maayos ang pagkakasuot ng ID, pati ng ribbon.

Her brows were slightly furrowed as she watched her steps down the stairs. Matangos ang ilong. Kulay pink ang mga labi. Parang ang lambot ng kutis.

Ang ganda... Ang bango.

Amoy... color baby pink; contrary to the aura she was radiating.

"Sino 'yun? Bago?" tanong ni Gab nang makababa na rin kami. Sinundan ko ng tingin ang babae. "Ngayon ko lang nakita."

Bumaling ang mga mata ko sa kanila. Then I knew; they were also looking at her.

"Avien Evangelista."

Madramang hinampas ng kadarating lang na si Max ang lamesa namin sa canteen. Nagpatuloy lang ako sa pagkain.

"Avien Evangelista pangalan nung babae kahapon, sa hagdan. Grade 7 Ruby. Taga-kabilang section. Transferee."

"Bakit niyo inalam?" tanong ni Rans. "Creepy niyo naman."

"Popormahan nila 'yan," Alex accused.

"Why not?" kadiring sagot ni Max at binalingan ng tingin si Alex habang nakangisi. "Ganda eh."

Lumukot ang mukha ko at halos masuka sa pag-c-cringe. I stopped chewing to give him a disgusted look.

Hindi ko masikmura mga sagutan niya.