Sapantaha

112

“Kals, kumusta prep?” Salubong ni Ian.

“So far, so good.” I smiled.

Habang naglalakad sa corridor, nakalubong namin sina Clei. Kausap ang mga class President ng ibang section na kaibigan niya. Agad akong binati ni Clei nang magkasalubong kami.

“Goodluck sa section niyo, Kalopsia!”

“Thanks, Clei. Sa inyo rin.”

Nakipagbatian din ang iba. One of those is Lala, Uranus’ section’s class President.

“Ang tagal ni Rans, nasa kaniya ‘yong props,” usal nito habang palampas.

We are preparing for today’s competition. Our graded P.E presentation is cheer dance. We choreograph all of the steps and props needed for the performance. If we won, there are plus points directly on our report card.

“Tingnan ko muna kung nakabihis na ang iba, ah. Sumunod ka na rin,”

“Yes, Sir.”

Lumihis ng daan si Ian para pumunta sa classroom namin. Dumiretso naman ako papunta sa hagdan para bumaba. Sasalubungin ko si Daddy dahil bitbit niya ang naiwan kong make-up kit para sa mga kaklase kong babae.

I was on my white skirt and a blue long sleeves top with two pigtails and ribbon on it.

Ako ang magm-make-up sa mga kaklase ko, mahaba pa naman ang oras kaya kaya pa. I don’t wear make-up so they were a bit surprise after knowing that I am using a few and knew how to do some techniques.

“Thanks, Dad,”

Magpapaalam na sana akong babalik na sa loob nang isang pamilyar na bulto ang lumitaw.

“Good morning, Tito,” Uranus greeted.

Napalunok ako nang magtama ang tingin namin. Guess who confessed last week. Kinakabahan ako, hindi naman siguro niya ako kilala bilang may-ari ng account na ‘yon. That night was a nightmare. Pinagsisisihan ko araw-araw.

Tito? Dad seeemed not so surprise but glad to see him.

“Oh, Uranus! You’re studying here, too? Your Dad did not tell me that.”

He nodded. “Yes po, Kalopsia and I know each other. I was watching her since first year pero ngayon lang po niya yata ako nakilala.”

He looked at me and flashed a smile. Napakurap-kurap ako. He know me since when? First year high school? But how? I never seen him before. I don’t remember any chances.

“You two better be friends...” Dad grinned at me.

Sabay kaming pumasok sa loob. We were both on third floor as far as I can remember. Iniisip ko pa lang ang lakarin ay parang hindi na ako makahinga sa haba pa ng oras na makakasabay ko siya.

“Nagtataka ka siguro,” he started.

“Hmm.” Tanging nasambit ko’t tumango-tango.

He chuckled. “Hindi mo na siguro naaalala but we were competitors for the feature writing spot in journalism before. May nasa english category na at filipino ang pinaglalabanan natin. Ikaw ang nakuha no’n, right? We did not had a chance na magkita kasi noon dahil rush na, nagpasa na lang tayo through e-mail.”

“Sorry, hindi ko na masyadong maalala. Mahina kasi ako kapag sa memories pero nabiyayaan naman sa pagsasaulo for academic purposes.” I honestly answered.

Bahagya siyang natawa. “Mas gusto ko ‘yang ganiyan kaysa sa matalas na memorya ko sa mga nangyayari.”

“Quiet but deadly type ka pala, ha.” Anito, nakangisi.

I chuckled. “What?”

This would be memorable. Especially I am slowly developing a feelings for him. But I guess, I should stop. There is Cassandra’s image in my head telling me to drop it already.

“I mean, ang dami mong talent. Tahimik ka lang pero marami kang kayang gawin. That’s a great weapon to use.” Papuri niya.

My heart suddenly feel warm. “Thank you?”

“Cute.”