Max: The Queen of All

Kabanata 16

Maxine

Katarina sits in front of the black shiver chair, and crosses her legs. Sunod na bumagsak ang mahaba at itim niyang buhok. I can smell the fragrance of her sakura blossom shampoo. Matapang din ang pabango niya. Nagtaka nga lang ako dahil amoy pang-lalaki. She tilted her head while texting from her cellphone's keypad. Kanina pa siya ganyan at halatang abala. Sometimes, I can hear her cursing from frustration.

This lunch break. I was called by the Student Council again.

"Wait for Keira." Katarina combs her hair using her fingertips.

Halos malagutan ng hininga ang dalawang lalaki kong kasama dahil kanina pa sila hindi umiimik. I suppressed my laugh because they look like scared puppies. Yeah, I'm with Gio, and Leo. Katarina extended her body to reach something. A wooden tray full of chocolates. Lalo silang natameme kahit na nakatingin lang naman si Katarina sa cellphone niya.

"Choose." She just said one word but it seems like a threat because the two guys immediately picked something in the tray, as their lives depend on it. I laughed. Nakakatawa sila! Kulang na lang maihi sila sa takot!

Sinilip ko ang kinuha nila at natawa dahil madami namang malalaking tsokolate pero isang pirasong kisses lang ang kinuha nila. I remained sitted. Bumaling ang tingin ni Katarina sa akin. She stares coldly directly into my eyes, as if she's waiting for me to do the same.

"Dairy Milk?" Lumipat ang tingin niya sa tray. "Ayaw mo?" Binagsak niya ang tray sa mesa at halos mapatalon sa gulat ang dalawa.

No, I didn't blink. Nanatili ang mga mata ko sa kaniya. Ever since, I wonder why people would avoid someone like Katarina, she's Karina's twin, our well-known, and happy-go-lucky Student Council's President. Maybe, people would always avoid her because she looks so intimidating? Plus she has a resting bitch face.

''Like something else?'' Tipid lang ang mga sinasabi ni Katarina. Tiningnan niya ako dahil tipid din akong magsalita.

Well, the truth is, I can't see any emotions to her eyes. Even the tone of her voice sounds monotone. She extended her hand to reach for something. Sa small table sa left side niya. I saw a small square container. Binuksan niya 'yon at bungad sa akin ang maliliit na dark chocolates sa loob.

"I'm good," I said. I smiled at her.

"Bahala ka." She shrugged her shoulders, and leaned on her chair. Nakatitig lang sa akin sila Gio at Leo na para bang hindi makapaniwala na kaya kong kausapin si Katarina. Siningkitan ko sila ng mga mata.

''Ano?'' Matapang kong sabi.

"Ingay-ingay mo, Max!" Rumolyo ang mga mata ko sa sinabi ni Leo.

"Wow! Coming from you, Leo?!" Masungit kong sabi. Sinita nila akong dalawa sabay sulyap kay Katarina. Pinagkunutan ko naman sila ng noo dahil hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit takot na takot sila gumawa ng ingay dito sa loob ng Socio-Cultural Office.

I looked around. Nasa third floor itong Office at tabi lang ng Library Area namin. The interior screams minimalist. A white-painted wall, and ceilings with neutral color lights. In front of the sliding door, there's a reception sofa, desks, and chairs. I can notice a wooden shelf inside. Magazines lang yata ang laman. Ang sabi sa amin busy ang ibang Officers at si Desiree lang ang free sa kanila. Of course, air-conditioned ang loob.