Missing solace

SEIS

Chapter 6

"See you later, sissy!"

Patakbong kumakaway ang maliit na pigura ni Mali. She has a wide smile. May halos mabunggo na siya dahil sa akin nakatingin ang mga mata niya.

"Sorry! O-oh! sorry girl!" Nalaglag pa ang dala dala niyang bag dahil may nabunggo siya.

Unti unti nawala na sa paningin ko ang masayang mukha niya dahil natakpan na siya ng dagat ng mga estudyante na halos sabay sabay lumabas sa kanikanilang classroom.

Magkaiba kami ng daan dahil may training siya para sa papalapit na tournament. Isa siya sa mga volleyball players. She is the best Libero we ever had.

Sa dinami dami ng position na pwede piliin niya, yun pa talaga na halos buwis buhay ang mga stunt nun. Pero dahil daw maliit siya, yun ang angkop na position sa physique niya. It was also thrilling and challenging kaya gusto ni Mali.

Halos mahulog ang puso ko kapag nakikita ko siyang naglalaro na halos tumama na kung saan saan ang katawan niya mapigilan lang ang bola bumagsak sa sahig.

She loves thrills and adventures.

At ako naman, I have to go our office— Sentinel Anchor Student Publication. We have deadlines to chase. We've been busy for the whole week because our school newspaper publication was assigned for all articles that will be issued before and upon the tournament. We also designated for the live viewing. This year tournament will be featured in national television for the first time.

Kaya buong eskwelahan ay busy na busy at pressured.

Our office is in-charge to find the perfect announcer and host for that. And it excites me out kasi this will be a big break to our broadcasters. Our broadcasters were beginners. All our senior broadcasters left, some are already graduated or pursue another path like student leaders and/or sports.

Plus, the board of directors personally asked me to write and issue an article about the interview or highlight about the experiences of the last year's MVP a week before the said event.

They summoned me last week.

After almost 3 years makakapasok ulit ako sa loob ng kwarto niya. She might be a teacher but no one can go to their office she asked you.

"Ms. Salavador," her voice is still the same but it felt different.

Ngumiti ako at umupo sa harapan niya. "Mrs. Stravinsky."

Her presence intimidates me now. Her eyes seems intriguing yet felt soulless.

She crossed her arms and leaned on her swivel chair while staring at me.

The air started to suffocate me. This was not the same feeling I had when I talked to her. This was not the way she treated me before. Her presence made me.... sick.

It must have something to do with my relationship with her son.

"Ma'am...?"

She scoffed, making me shook my hands to calm my nervous heart.

"You supposed to call me Tita, sweetie," she smiled but her eyes says otherwise.