Capturing The Ice Queen's Heart

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Freshman

Ang sim card na pinaka-dahilan ng pagpunta namin sa mall ay hindi ko rin nabili. Nauna pa 'yung merch ng paborito naming K-pop group ni Rayiane. At bago ang enrollment, sa kanya ko nalaman na may sakit si Triton kaya hindi ako masasamahan.

Sabay kaming nag-enroll ni Rayiane at nakapag-decide na rin ako sa wakas na Business Management ang kukunin ko. She also gave me a tour to familiarize myself with the school. We walked passed the engineering building, which had a lot of students going in and out of it.

"Triton's not there..." paalala ni Rayiane.

Nagpahatak ako sa kanya palayo roon. Inalam ko kung saan pwede kumain at marami siyang tinurong cafeteria. Then, we saw her classmates and I immediately sensed an invisible line between us. I left my social skills at home. I felt more uncomfortable when they asked an insensitive question.

"Have some common sense! Don't ask her about that!" napataas ang boses ni Rayiane nang dahil doon.

"You're causing a scene, Ray," sabi ng nagtanong kung binawi ba 'yung medal ko.

The other girl laughed. "Sorry, okay? You're making it a big deal."

"It is a big deal, so shut your big mouth!" Rayiane said with frustration.

Ako na ang humila sa kanya para makaalis doon. The other students are looking at us, eyeing me curiously. Ito ang gusto kong iwasan, eh. I didn't want to be the center of attention, more so the one who was causing trouble.

"Hayaan na natin. Hindi mo na dapat pinatulan 'yung gano'n. We can't erase what happened to me. People will always remember..." sabi ko pagpasok namin sa sasakyan niya.

Ginulo niya ang buhok niya sabay baling sa akin. "Isla, I'm really annoyed at you right now. Yes, I know that they didn't forget. Pero gano'n na lang din ba 'yon? Why can't you defend yourself for once? Let them hear your voice!"

"Kasi nga ayaw ko ng gulo. I'll talk, they'll have more to say. I'll tell the truth and they'll twist my words. My life has changed and I accept that now. I'm looking forward to this day—becoming a student who goes to school every day. I'd rather appear as oblivious than make enemies here," mahinahon kong sinabi kahit na sumasakit ang dibdib ko sa inis.

She finally calmed down. "I'm sorry. As your friend, it hurts me to hear that. I couldn't pretend that I'm okay with it because I care for you. I know what you've been through and I won't take it lightly even if it's just a joke."

"Just do your best to ignore them. They're not worth our time," I gave her bottled water and put my seatbelt on.

Hindi 'agad siya nakainom ng tubig. "Palit tayo! You'll be the driver. I'm not in the mood at baka mabangga pa tayo."

Lumabas ako at nakipagpalit sa kanya. Magandang pagkakataon ito para mag-practice. Syempre, BS Accountancy ang kinukuha niyang course at magkaiba kami ng schedule. I'll have to drive alone eventually.

In the first week of September, the class has officially begun. May pasok ako mula Monday to Saturday, except for Thursday. And before 8 am, I was already in our building to look for my classroom.

The hallway was packed with freshmen students. My white ankle boots clicked on the floor, unintentionally making them turn their heads to me and look from head to toe. My hair cascaded down to my waist—bouncing off my back as I walked. I picked the most decent outfit, which consisted of an aloewood knitted sleeveless top and greige wide-leg trousers; and I kinda elevated my look with the off-white sweater-over-shoulder. Even if we weren't required to wear a uniform, I still followed the dress code.