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

08.00.18 - A Peek Through Your Lens

Binigyan kami ng oras ni Sir Rodriguez para magpractice sa ballroom dance. Unang araw ng practice ay namili si Nathan ng unang partners na magkakabisado ng steps.

"Sige kami na ng partner ko yung isa," aniya.

Nathan pulled some of my classmates to the center. Iyong ibang hinila niya ay nagmamatigas talaga at magtatago pa.

Napahilamos na lang sa mukha si president dahil sa frustration. Naghanap pa siya ng iba.

Nagtama ang tingin namin. Lumapit siya sa 'kin. "Sino partner mo, Avien?"

"Si Harvin."

He glanced at Harvin's direction. "Okay, both present. Practice kayo."

"But I don't think papayag si Harvin."

Nathan looked over Harvin's direction. Kanina pa siya nakatingin lang din sa 'min. As if he already knew what it was all about, he shook his head before Nathan could even utter a word.

Napahinga nang malalim si Nathan at nagtimpi. Stressed na hinawi niya na lang ang bangs niya.

I was about to go back to my seat when Kiel shouted from the back. "Avien, magpapractice ka?!"

His voice was so loud, catching everyone's attention. Ang eskandaloso talaga!

"Ayaw ng partner niya!" Nathan shouted back.

"Ako na lang!" Bumaba si Kiel sa inuupuan niyang desk ng armchair.

"Fota ka! Kanina pinipilit kitang magpractice dito, ayaw mo!"

"Sabi kasi ni Ailene, ayaw niya! Siya partner ko eh!"

"Magpapractice na 'ko." Harvin stood up from his seat and went to my side.

"Lah!" reklamo ni Kiel. Nakalapit na rin kasi siya.

"Ako ang partner niya," Harvin said firmly without any emotion in his face.

Kiel's eyes lingered on him before he gazed at me. "Avien, galit ata siya," bulong niya.

"Araw-araw naman."

Pumwesto na kami ni Harvin kung saan kami dinala ni pres at naghintay ng iba pang magpapractice. Maya-maya ay pumunta ulit sa gitna si Kiel, kasama na si Ailene.

When the pairs were already complete, I looked at Harvin who was just leaning against the nearest armchair. He folded his arms as he averted his gaze from me.

Gusto niya ba talagang magpractice?

Ano ba kasing problema niya sa 'kin? Halos isang buwan na rin niya 'kong iniismiran! He's the moodiest person I know!

Pairap niyang binalik ang tingin sa 'kin. He stood up beside me as I started focusing my attention on the screen. I folded my arms and watched.

The steps were... Of course, Avien, you have to hold hands! It's a ballroom dance!

The other pairs started doing the steps while Harvin and I just stood there, doing nothing.

I didn't even wanna touch him. The first and last time I did, I discovered his wounds and he pushed me. 

"Ano ba? Magpapractice ba tayo?" he asked impatiently when I turned to him. "Ano?"

I glared at him, couldn't take his attitude. "Magpractice ka nga mag-isa mo!"

I irritatedly marched away but he caught my arm and pulled me back.

"Tsk!" He held my right hand while I was glaring at him. Kung nakakamatay lang ang tingin ay kanina pa namin napatay ang isa't-isa.