Sapantaha

114

I was looking around while walking in the corridor. Not scared but more on curious. Uranus’ clasates were looking for Waffles, sigurado pa naman akong hindi nila ako kilala kaya malaya pa akong nakapag-iikot.

“Sia!”

“Clei,” I smiled and look beside her. “Uranus...”

“Congrats, our with highest Kals!” Clei greeted cheerfully.

She was known for being friendly, approachable, and fun to be with. Her company is the best.

“Congrats, my with highest.” I hugged her.

I saw Uranus pouting. I can not help it but smile. That’s too cute to bear.

“Nakakahiyang tumabi. Dalawang campus pride ang kasama ko, naligaw yata ako.”

Tumawa si Clei. “Pa-humble ang may 97.”

“97 lang?” He mocked.

Iyan din ang reklamo namin ni Clei noong huling quarter. Nag-rant din siguro siya kay Uranus with that line.

“Stop!”

“Liko na ‘ko. Congrats ulit Clei,” she beamed.

I look at him. “Pagbati rin sa ‘yo, Rans.”

He grinned. “Rans is better. Call me Rans from now on, hmm?”

I gulped and just nodded. Nagmamadali akong naglakad paalis. There’s always remark in every interaction we had.

The door is close when I reached the end of the floor. I frowned before opening it. Nagulat ako nang biglang may confetti na sumabog sa harap ko. My classmates were smiling and greeting me.

“President Kalopsia deserves it!” Ian shouted.

They started giving me heartful messages. There I realize that this was appreciation celebration. Not just for me but for everyone who’s here. Thirty out of thirty got with, with high, and with highest honors.

“We all know how hard you’ve work for to get a straight 99, Kals.”

“The best President we had through the years.”

“The most talented, kindhearted, and amazing person I’ve ever met.”

“Thank you for everything, Kalopsia. Thank you for pulling us together with your success.”

Hindi nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko. Just a few days, I and these people are going to take different paths already. Maybe without each other who’s been our helping hand through this year any longer.

“Puwede namang bumati na lang, bakit kailangan pang paiyakin ako...”

“Hala, we love you, Pres!”

We formed a group hug. My heart melted on how they prepared this and everything.

I can not believe someone appreciates me and my efforts. I only got the courange this school year. I’ve been hiding behind the spotlight these past few years. And they are one of those people who helped me get out in there.

Someone knocked on the door. I saw Uranus, giving me a smile with something. Proud?

I opened the door. “Hmm?”

“Hinahanap ka ni Sir Ramos,”

Isinara ko ang pinto matapos magpaalam. Sabay kaming naglakad ni Uranus papunta sa classroom ni Sir Ramos.

“I can’t really explain my admiration for you, Kalopsia.”

“Not in a romantic way, ha. I mean, you are one of my inspiration for striving so hard this school year. Hanga kasi talaga ako sa ‘yo. Hindi ko maipaliwanag kung gaano akong ka-proud sa mga achievements mo. Silently clapping for you.”

His eyes says it all. And I am too overwhelmed to accept it. He has his girlfriend who’s always there for him. Uranus does not need me as an inspiration.

Hindi ako nakasagot. Maybe I should stop. Guilt is slowly running through my whole system. Hindi ko na kayang magtago pa, pero hindi ko rin makakayang umamin. I will just... stop.

Kuntento na ako sa koneksiyon na mayroon kami ngayon. At kung maaari, didistansiya na rin ako.