Story of a Chapter

Ika-sampung Pahina

Expelliarmus!

I've always thought how funny it was that in every season of Harry Potter, there was a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. First, it was Quirinus Quirrell. I wasn't expecting him to actually be a villain, so the plot twist was quite a shock to me. By then he was replaced by the pretentious Gilderoy Lockhart who did not deserve the position he was given. And so, another one occupied the vacant position in the school of Hogwarts. Remus Lupin, someone who actually made me wish that he'd stay. His departure broke my heart. Until Alastor Moody came the next season, and then Dolores Umbridge, to Severus Snape, and Amycus Carrow.

Really, an empty seat needs to be filled. When someone leaves, another one comes.

By Alexander's flight, his seat became vacant. I thought it was just going to be like that. A one extra seat on our section. But the truth is, it was actually waiting for someone to take its place.

"Good Morning, class. Standing beside me is your new classmate. Please introduce yourself, langga."

His tall height seemed to tower above us. He stood there confidently as his hands were at his back; a sign of authority. His eyes surveyed the room until it landed on mine. He flashed a bright smile and then he introduced himself.

"Morhan Dulba. Nice to meet you," sabi nito na hindi inaalis ang tingin sa akin.

Narinig ko ang pasikretong tili nina Angela at Gretchen. He quickly snatched these popular girls even without doing anything. Angela and Gretchen are both popular at school, mostly with boys. Sa ganda ba naman nila at sa palakaibigan nilang ugali ay maraming nahuhumaling sa kanila. They are the girl versions of Inno Jeff Cero. Isa rin silang mangingisdang binabalik sa dagat ang pinagsawaan na. It's not a loss for them. Marami silang pagpipilian. Maraming lumalapit sa kanila. Ang iba nga'y bumabalik pa.

Mukhang ang dalawang magkaibigan ang may interes sa lalaki. Sana nga lang ay hindi sila mag-away kung kanino man siya mapupunta. Sigurado at gusto nilang mabingwit ang hindi pa nila natitikman.

Hindi naman maipagkakaila na gwapo ang bago naming kaklase. His features were sharp, even more defined by his hair that's in a buzz cut. Ang mala-tsokolate nitong balat ay dumagdag lamang sa katangi-tangi niya. Hindi naman kasi karamihan ang mga moreno sa amin.

Well, the arrival of a new classmate wasn't the only thing that's new today. But also the busy buzzing of my schoolmates. I kept hearing them talk about my situation. I kept seeing them draw a line, keeping their distance from me. They are afraid. I know what they're thinking. "One wrong move against her and I'll end up in the same hole as Alexander's." And I don't blame them for feeling that way.

I can't change anyone's mind. I could only please them. So, I'm keeping my distance.

I meant it when I said that I'll try to get over this situation by myself. Hindi ko pa rin kinakausap sina Zirren. It's not that I'm cutting them off as friends. Nasaktan lang naman ako. I do deserve to mourn for my feelings. Naiintindihan din naman nila ako. Hinayaan nila akong lumayo. But they're still waiting for me.

"Hey, you're the president right?"

Biglang sumulpot sa harapan ko ang nakangiting Morhan. Ngayon pa lang ay alam ko nang magiging sikat siya sa school. Transferees always rise to fame here especially if they're attractive. He already made himself comfortable with the new environment.