Beyond the Heart's Grasp

Kabanata 7

Kabanata 7

I had a good night, and because of that, I almost forgot we have a quiz today. Luckily, the quiz ended as quickly as it started. I carefully read my answers on the paper before turning it in. Before the teacher left, she gave us pointers to review for the upcoming exam. It turned out that our exam dates were almost the same as the Junior High students.

I packed my things on the table, I planned to go to a coffee shop since we had a long break to review earlier. I also intended to make a PowerPoint for the next subject.

After that, I quickly returned to the classroom for another subject before heading home. Everything went smoothly. Gaya ng ibang mga teacher, ibinigay na rin ang mga possible na lalabas sa exam.

In the next few days, I knew I would be busy again. I know how to manage my time, and I'm really thankful that procrastination isn't a trait of mine.

"Hey," I nearly jumped when I felt Aloha behind me. I had just come down from our building. "Pauwi kana? Sabay tayo?"

I just shrugged my shoulders, naramdaman ko naman ang pagsunod niya at tumapat sa akin.

"Okay na 'yung paa ko, hinilot ni Tita," nakangiting sabi niya.

"That's good."

"Review tayo? Sabado na nga pala bukas, do you have plans?"

I thought for a moment. I just needed to work on my reviewer, okay naman ang restaurant dahil ina-update ako ni Trina tungkol doon. Wala na rin namang ibang mga pinapagawa sa amin ngayon sa school, they probably gave us this week to review for the exam.

"I don't have plans, we can review tom."

She smiled widely, and we continued walking out of campus.

"Do you eat calamares?" she asked as we finally exited the campus.

"Ano 'yun?"

"Hindi mo alam 'yun? That's weird," she said, laughing playfully. "Come on!" I was surprised when she grabbed my hand and pulled me toward a vendor with a cart. "You eat squid?"

"Yes."

"It is made from squid," she said, taking some and putting it in a plastic cup."Bakit hindi mo alam 'yung kalamares? Hindi ka ba kumakain ng street food?"

"Bumibili ako sa market tapos ako ang nagluluto, bakit?"

"Hindi ka kumakain kapag sa tabi-tabi lang niluluto?"

I shrugged.

"Ka-lalaking tao, ang arte!" pabirong sabi nito.

"Hindi ako maarte, I just preferred cleanliness." sagot ko at umirap naman siya.

"Try mo muna 'to," iniabot niya sa akin ang plastic cup na may lamang kalamares. "Inuulam ko nga 'yan, e."

I didn't respond. I just took it from her hand to show that I wasn't picky. Mainit pa iyon nang isawsaw ko sa suka at kinagatan. Not bad.

We walked in silence, both busy eating. Ito lang pala ang magpapatahimik sa isang 'to. We stayed quiet until we finished our food.

"Sasakay na ako sa pagtawid, ikaw? Gusto mo hatid muna kita?" tanong niya kung kaya't kumunot ang noo ko.

"Bakit kailangan ihatid?"

"Concern lang," sagot niya at tumawa.

"Ako maghahatid sayo sa sakayan." wala sa sariling nasabi ko.

Bakit kaya ganito ang isang 'to? Dapat sa sarili niya siya maging concern dahil babae siya.

"So, concern ka sa 'kin?" tanong niya at nagkibit-balikat na lamang ako. Ngumuso siya upang matakpan ang pagngisi. Hindi ko na siya kinibo hanggang sa makarating kami sa sakayan. "Okay, I'll get on now. Thanks for your concern," she said with a grin.