Shades of Kagan

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Avian Burn's Point of View

Kagan returned to his office while I stayed in the lobby to check if all the deliveries of the paintings were successful. I even checked if the new owners of the paintings paid for the items. I issued the receipts for the purchases and sent them to their email address one by one. It took me four hours to do that.

Nang makasigurado na ako na wala akong ibang gagawin ay napag desisyunan ko na lang na buksan ang laptop ko at ituloy ang pagsusulat. Para may mabasa si Pru pag nagkita kaming dalawa sa library mamaya. I just didn't expect that Kagan will walk at my back. Madalas ko kasi itong makita na bumababa galing ang hagdan. However, this time he used the elevator. Mapapadaan talaga ito sa aking likuran kahit hindi ko napapansin.

"You write?" I almost jumped on my seat when I heard his voice at my back. Dahan-dahan akong tumingin sa kanya at doon napansin na nakatingin pala ito sa screen ng aking laptop.

"This is for my elective class. We should write something for our final paper."

"You seemed stuck." He pointed out. I have difficulty transitioning to the scenes and how the characters will convey their emotions. I really suck at expressing feelings.

"Paano mo naman nalaman?" Tumingala ako at inihiga ang aking ulo sa headboard ng sofa.

"I've been at your back for like five minutes." This time, Kagan looked down on me. Habang ako naman ay nakatingala sa kanya. Nagkatitigan kaming dalawa ng matagal at ako na ang mismo ang unang umiwas ng kanyang tingin.

"You walk without making a noise. Hindi ko tuloy namalayan na nasa likuran na pala kita." Swallowing hard, I tried focusing on my laptop's screen.

"This isn't easy. Lalo na at hindi naman talaga ako manunulat." Walang pangundangan itong naglakad kung saan ako nakapwesto at tumabi sa akin. Nagulat akong iniharap pa niya ang laptop ko sa kanya.

"Isn't it better to put more information to set up the mood?" Wow, I couldn't believe what I'm hearing right now. Is he really giving me tips on how to write? Hindi ako makapaniwalang tumingin kay Kagan.

"I took the same elective class last year. Professor Collins prefers to read, which sets up the mood. If I remember correctly, writing requires a lot of patience and practice." Napatango ako sa sinabi niya. I even noted it in my mind.

"Here I am thinking that you ace not only painting but literature as well. You're such a genius, Kagan." May munting ngiti ang kumalawa sa aking labi. I noticed how his cheeks reddened from my compliment.

Kagan looked relaxed while checking up on my work. I don't mind if he's reading what I've finished so far. He will think of my work as fiction. He won't notice, right? That I was the one in the book I am writing.

"Your work is good, Avi. You're eloquent. Now I wonder why you didn't take this course as your major." Kagan is still looking at my laptop while giving me a chance to look at him. I tried not to stare at his bare face but couldn't stop myself. Lalo na at malapit lang ang mukha ni Kagan sa akin.

"Because Kagan, I can't make a living out of it. My mother told me so." Bumalik na naman ang alala ko kung saan nagtalo kaming dalawa ng aking nanay kung anong major ang kukunin ko ngayong college. My mom and I used to clash a lot. Like we're made to argue each day. Maybe because I blame her for what happened to me, I tend to blame anyone since I can't own up to my mistake.

"So you choose a career that can pay utilities and other living expenses than what you like?" He mused. His tone is quiet while I sigh.

"Yes. My mom told me to always go for practicality. When I was six, my mom signed me in a piano class." Bigla na lang akong natawa habang naiisip iyon. Napansadal ako sa sofa at tumingin sa itaas. The chandelier swayed a little, and I was thinking what will happen if it fell down on me. Nakikinig lang si Kagan sa tabi ko. This is what I like about him. He knows when to speak and when to listen.