After All

f o u r t e e n

GERARD GONZALEZ

Just like in any other ordinary day, here I am, stuck in this seat and waiting 'til the bell rang. I suddenly had the urge to go to my office instead and finish all my paperworks since I already know what the teacher is discussing the class all about. But then, I can't. I still have to sit here and wait. I cupped my face and look outside the window - just like any other students do in a clichè story. When suddenly, someone tapped my shoulder. I immediately turn and look at him while he's looking outside the open door.

"I didn't know your younger sister has plans to outsmart her nerdy brother," he said pointing his finger outside the door.

"Let's change seats," He looked at me in disbelief. Did I say something wrong? He then shook his head and as I've said, we changed our seats. Then I suddenly remember, why am I using english as if it's my mother tongue now? I'll bet Cath will make fun of me again if she knew.

Nakatingin ako sa may pinto, kung saan kitang-kita ko ang paghihirap ng kapatid 'kong buhat-buhat ang samu't-saring makakapal na libro.

Ano na namang trip niya? Hindi naman siya nag-aaral o kahit nagbubukas man lang ng libro niya dahil sabi niya, alam na raw niya 'yun. Still looking at her, not minding others around me, I suddenly heard my name as the teacher called me.

"Maaari mo bang sabihin samin kung ano ang pinagkakaabalahan mo, Ginoong Gonzalez? Mukhang interesado ang lahat," Sabi niya habang dahan-dahan akong tumayo pero hindi pa rin naaalis ang tingin ko sa kapatid ko.

"Not listening to the teacher and busy daydreaming without minding others, Miss," Honestly and proudly, I answered her.

"Sa tingin mo-"

"Pasensya na po- Cath!" Hindi ko na naituloy ang sasabihin ko dahil napatakbo na agad ako palabas. Nagkalat ang mga librong dala niya at nakita ko siyang nasa may sahig, walang malay. Agad ko siyang nilapitan ang binuhat. Tumakbo na agad ako sa infirmary at inihiga siya sa isa sa mga kama roon.

"What happened?" The nurse asked while checking her vitals.

"She's carrying books I think weighing more than her weight when suddenly, she collapsed in the middle of walking," Hingal na hingal man ay pinilit ko munang magpaliwanag.

"Kumakain pa ba siya? She look pale," Napatingin naman ako kay Cath, "and tired," dagdag pa niya.

"Wala naman siyang sakit o kung ano diba?" She smiled at me as an answer.

"Don't worry, she's alright. She just need to rest," sabi nito habang inaayos ang kumot.

"You can go back to your room now," As if on cue, lumabas na rin ako. Hindi ko ugaling tumambay sa infirmary tho I admit na maganda naman 'yung nurse 'ron, it's just that, infirmary really isn't my thing. Besides, baka kapag nakita pa ako ni Cath na nandoon, kapag hindi sermon ay baka pang-aasar ang abutin ko.

I knocked on the door and let myself give a bow to the teacher infront.

"Where have you been, Mister?" Tanong niya.

"To infirmary, Miss," tipid 'kong sagot at nginitian siya. She just nod and let me take my seat.

"Anong nangyari?" Tanong ng kalalaking tao 'kong katabi na sobrang daldal.

"Ano bang nangyayari kaya dinadala ang mga tao sa infirmary?" I said in a bored and uninterested tone.

"Then I'll just check her later," he said which made me give a death glare on him.