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

07.14.18 - and then all else lit up

"May bagong recruit..." The president of our club entered the room.

I followed Kiel-walking behind him-with my gaze. Nakalagay pa sa likuran niya ang mga kamay habang naglalakad.

Nang makarating sa gitna, he immediately found my eyes. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. He also raised his brows at me, and smirked proudly.

Napalingon tuloy sa 'kin iyong mga naka-upo sa unahan at gilid ko. Umiwas na lang ako ng tingin.

"Photojournalist natin for the upcoming acquaintance party."

Sa sobrang daming kakilala at kaibigan nito ni Kiel, nagawa niya talagang makapasok sa club namin kahit late na. Ang sabi niya pa sa 'kin ay hindi na nga talaga siya tumuloy sa varsity.

"Hi, pogi."

"Hello, bebe!"

"Huy! Grade nine lang 'yan."

"Kiel Yuan A. Santillan. Grade nine, section Amethyst, tama?" pag-e-enumerate no'ng senior high school student. "Tapos jowa mo si Avien Evangelista?"

Bigla akong nasamid sa sariling laway dahil sa narinig. Si Kiel naman ay napa-ubo-ubo at napatalikod.

Laughter emanated the room.

I wanted to debunk their assumption but didn't given the chance to butt in. I pursed my lips. Ramdam ko ang tingin ni Ailene at Harvin sa magkabilang tabi ko.

"Lagi sila nasa library."

"Aw. Study buddies."

"Aw. Acads with lalabs."

"Cute."

"Buti pa grade nine may love life."

"Hays. Mga minor nga naman... Pa'no naman kaming mga 18 na?"

After the meeting, we posted the paper we made about the acquaintance party. We wrote details about the program and its theme.

Ang napagkasunduan ay Bohemian or Coachella ang theme ng party kaya sana raw ay hangga't maaari, i-match ang outfit.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was wearing a sleeveless halter top long back dress that fell three inches above my knees; and below them at the back. Its pattern was bohemian-themed and the color was brown. Dahil sa kulay ay lumitaw ang pagkapusyaw ng balat ko.

I was also wearing some white flat strappy sandals. Lola made me a headband braid and just let my wavy hair fall against my back. Nilagyan ko lang din ng kulay ang labi ko.

I held onto my white round shoulder bag as I arrived at the location.

I saw several unfamiliar students loitering outside.

I felt relieved when I saw a familiar face. Naglakad ako papunta sa pwesto ni Kiel na kakababa lang ng suot-suot na camera at tinitignan iyon.

"Kiel," I called.

He lifted his gaze and flew his hand to his mouth-gasping-when he saw me. My forehead creased at his OA reaction. He checked me out, making me do the same to him.

"Wow! Ang ganda-ganda naman..." He took a step back to get a full view of me. "Ikot ka nga..."

I slowly turned around, confused. Pagharap ko ay ang laki na ng ngiti niya.

"Pinagtitripan mo ba 'ko?"

"Hindi ah!" Lumapit na siya ulit. "Ang ganda, ganda, ganda mo."

"Thank you." I smiled. "Ikaw din."