I have known for a fact that in this world that never stops spinning, in this spectrum that never ends stretching, I am just a speck in the whole image. A part of dust in the vastness of cosmos. Almost invisible. That even when I die, forgettable.
But when Rico uttered those words last night under the moonless night, that he likes me, that he wants to take good care of me, I felt special. That I do matter. That even when I am only one of the specks, like him, I still shine.
Our remaining activity in TLE subjects are all done. Hindi na niya sinabi ulit ang mga katagang iyon. Nonetheless, he never fails to make me feel what he feels for me.
We exchange secret smiles. We eat the fifty-peso worth of siomai in the plaza. Sometimes, in one of the kiosks inside Collins High. Hindi naman mapagkakailang may mga tumitingin, nagmamasid pero hanggang doon naman iyon. I could even care less about their opinions.
Are we on the dating phase? Is he courting me?
Pero hindi ba, kapag nagdi-date na, gusto na ang isa't isa? He hasn't heard of my feelings yet. I am also still confused but one thing I know is that I like seeing how happy he is whenever he is with me. His smiles, his laugh, his gestures. The way he becomes more talkative and so do I. And so do I with all those that I have mentioned.
“You are not allowed to enter the school premises, Miss Mandeville!”
The clock just turns to five in the morning. Rico is standing just beside the entrance of Collins High School's gate. Guarding it from me with his arms wide open. Natatawa pa siya kahit umagang-umaga. My heart flutters at the sight. Anong trip niya? Parang baliw!
“At bakit? What did I violate this time, hmm?” I cross my arms.
Sa pagkakaalam ko, naka-complete uniform naman ako. The familiar dark brown eyes stare at me with fondness. Ngumuso siya at tinuro ang medyas ko. “Above the knee.”
“Hindi ba dapat?”
He nods. “According to the student—”
“Che! Lahat na lang,” I hiss.
Tinupi ko pababa sa tuhod ang medyas, gaya ng sabi niya. He also finally lets me in. Habang naglalakad ako papasok, I feel his hand caressing mine. Namilog ang mga mata ko. Lumingon ako sa paligid. Baka may nakakita!
“Dito ka muna. Samahan mo ako magbantay,” aniya.
Boses niya ay tila naglalambing. His eyes are pleading but felicity is visible and it touches my soul. Right at this very moment. I'll gladly say yes. And so I nod my head to agree.
He successfully holds my hand. The one he has given slight touch earlier. Naramdaman ko ang pagpunan ng mga daliri niya sa mga espasyo ng daliri ko. He holds me tightly closer to him. Mas naging maingay ang kaba sa dibdib ko.
Damn, I didn't know that he can be showy in physical manner. Kumakain naman kami ng sabay, namamasyal nang magkasama, uupo sa swing nang magkatabi, pero hindi naman ganito kalapit. Now, distance seems questionable. It is actually the first time, in an open space, especially at the entrance of our school!
Aside from our arms touching, his warmth, the coldness of morning dew, it is the turned up corners of his mouth, it is the loud and fast beat of my heart, it is our blushing cheeks that are more pronounced above anything else. Napalunok ako. Kung hindi niya ako pakawalan agad, baka lahat ng estudyanteng papasok pa lang ay makikita kaming ganito. For me, it is a lot of PDA already!
Hindi nagtagal, pumanhik na rin ako sa loob. Malapit na ang final exam kaya busy ang mga teacher. Nag-review lang halos lahat ng mga kaklase ko. I also borrow Owen's notes and take pictures of them.
BINABASA MO ANG
The Seat We Sit On (HFS #1)
Teen FictionFreesia Mandeville has a habit of writing and doodling anywhere in Collins High School. May it be on the walls, chairs, and even on the comfort room's newly painted doors; even on the seat she's sitting on in their classroom as a silent rebellion ag...
