“Shuta, sarado na!” turo ko sa entrance gate pagdating ng dapit-hapon. Masyado yata kaming nawili sa kabilang bakod. Hindi ko rin namalayang nakaidlip pala ako gamit ang binti ni Rico bilang unan.
“It's already locked?”
Rico draws closer, inspecting the metal gate. Nang matantong tama ako ay natawa siya kaya bahagyang naningkit ang mga mata. He looks around, as if looking for a solution. “Wait. Kukunin ko lang 'yong hagdan sa likod,” aniya.
“Pwedeng akyatin!” My lips turn into a smirk. “You really can't give up your portable ladder, huh?”
“I want it done the procedural way,” pilit niya.
I chuckle. He is really into it. Nagkibit-balikat na lang ako. After climbing on the newly painted steel gate on the entrance, I waited for him. The loneliness outside didn't last long. And he did climb in the procedural way that he wanted.
Ang alam ko na lang, sa sumunod na araw ay siya na mismo ang nagpakilala kay mama bilang nobyo ko. He gives her a bouquet of red and white Freesia flowers. I thought that my mother would cause havoc but surprisingly, she was calm. A smile rose on her lips as she transfer it into the flower vase. Her deep eyes fringed with long lashes stare at the flowers so dearly. The war inside me subsided, but a new wonder of question appears. Ako kaya, kailan niya ipapakilala sa mga magulang niya? Natutop ang mga labi ko sa pagpipigil na itanong iyon.
His lips pout. “I want to court you, though.”
“I don't see the essence of courting nga.” They woo the ones they like. They pretend to be dreamy-like just to impress and barely give aspects of realness. Pagkatapos niyon, ano? Lalabas ang tunay na kulay. Marami pa nga ang mas nagtagal sa panliligaw kaysa sa mismong relasyon. Sayang ang oras.
“Nevermind. I can still court you while we're together, right?”
Rico pulls my hand while we're sitting on the waterless, stoic as the dead, fountain in front of our house. I look up. And for the first time, bright crescent moon and dots of stars coexist in the night sky. Our fingers intertwine.
“You can do what you want. Have it your way, Mr. President,” I tease him.
It is a cold night, a very bizarre one in the month of March. Naramdaman ko ang paglapit niya. Hinuli niya ang tingin ko. “Ilang taon ka na nga ulit?” tanong niyang may halong panunukso.
“Kinse.”
Hindi na siya nakapagpigil at bumunghalit ang malakas na tawa. I only give him sharp glares. Makatawa parang nasa legal age, ah? He is only one year older than me!
However, the rain of happy nights didn't last long. It feels like I was only given a glimpse of chance to experience the water drops of moments without worry, doubts, and fear. Pakiramdam ko ay para akong sumakay sa Ferris wheel nang panandalian. The time ticks faster than the wind does. And when it all reaches the end, I am all again stuck to myself, blank as the white canvass.
Stress is very evident on his face as he tries to catch my gaze. I can already sense his desperation. “Did you even study?” pabulong niyang tanong.
I don't know. I can't seem to understand everything. My right palm crumples my notes on the steady wooden-like table. Nanatili lang akong nakayuko habang nakaupo sa isang kiosk sa loob ng campus. I don't want to pass the final exam. And I feel guilty about it. Napahilamos siya ng mukha at suminghap sa tabi ko.
“I know that your dream course isn't aligned to the strands offered here in senior high. Pero Freesia naman, pwede naman tayong maghanap ng highschool na mayroon n'on!”
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...
