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

10.

"My name's Avien Evangelista po."

Mula sa pakikipag-usap kay Jairelle ay nalipat ang tingin ko sa kaniya. It was her turn to introduce herself in front of the class.

Aaminin ko, I did not want her attention but she got mine. I couldn't help but steal glances as I was so intrigued by her. She seemed so mysterious.

Pero hanggang doon lang 'yon. Hanggang curiosity lang. Despite my curiosity, I did not try to approach her.

It was easy for me to interact with and befriend anyone but when it comes to her, napapaatras ako.

I felt like no one has the right to approach, touch, talk, nor even just look at her.

"Huy, ang pangit mo kausap!" Napabaling ulit ang tingin ko kay Jairelle. At dahil sa kadaldalan niya, lumipas ang mga araw ay sinita na kami ng teacher namin.

Nagulat ako nang tawagin ng subject teacher ang atensyon namin at pinatayo. Nilingon kami ng klase.

Kinakabahan kong nilipat ang tingin kay Avien Evangelista. Nagtama ang tingin namin na agad kong iniwas.

Then, I felt conscious again.

Tuwing magtatama ang tingin namin, palagi akong kinakabahan kaya iiwas agad ako. Hindi ko gusto ang nararamdamang uneasiness kaya dinisiplina ko ang sariling hindi lumingon sa side niya para maiwasan iyon.

I tried getting used to her presence. Inisip ko na lang na wala lang siya at hindi niya 'ko nakikita. She was a mere acquaintance and I was a mere stranger to her.

I thought it would stay that way until the end of the school year but I was wrong.

Oo nga naman; posibleng maging kagrupo ko siya sa school activities. At dahil doon, nahirapan na akong hindi siya pansinin, ni tignan!

"Santillan."

My heart raced nervously when she mentioned my name for the first time. Kinabahan ako. I thought I already did something she didn't like pero magiging kagrupo ko lang pala siya.

She was quiet as everyone planned a get-together after class, nagsusulat lang ng names sa 1/4 paper.

I shook my head and looked away.

"Sunget ampota. Taas ng tingin sa sarili! Sino ka ba?!"

Iyon ang bumungad sa 'kin sa canteen nang magrecess time. Napahinto ako sa paglapit sa table nila Rain at nilingon ang pinanggalingan ng boses.

I saw Avien Evangelista's cold glare at the grade 10 student. She looked so intimidating and... unbelievably beautiful. Parang diwatang hinahatulan ang lapastanganang duwende.

I unconsciously followed her when she left the canteen. Natanaw ko siya sa harap ng bulletin board.

Curious, I decided to check it. When I read her name under with highest honor, I was amazed and felt excited for her.

I turned to her direction, only to get startled by her gaze. Bahagya akong napaatras.

I just really couldn't handle how beautiful she stares. Tila kasalanan na libre ko siyang natitignan.

And she really looked so intimidating. Parang sinusuri niya ang buong pagkatao ko tuwing magtatama ang mga tingin namin.

"Avien Evangelista," I called before she could leave. Namamawis pa ang mga palad ko nang lakas-loob na batiin siya.

"Tol," pagdating nila Jai.

Tumumba ako dahil parang nanghina ang mga tuhod ko sa naging interaksyon. It was the first time I talked to her! Para akong mamamatay!