The Land of Rose Ashes

Chapter 1- See you when I see you

"Walang maniniwala kung walang nakakakita. Sa mundong lahat ay dapat may proweba, kailangan ay mapagmatyag ka."

Maria Ali, napakagandang pangalang binigay ng mga magulang niya sa kaniya. Kilala siya sa pangalang Mara.

She was born in a conservative family with righteousness. Kahit na mayaman ay bukas ang puso nilang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan.

She reached the age of 18 and graduated on her Senior High School. Her new journey on college is getting nearer. Mara enrolled in the most prestigious and a religious university at their city.

The school year started and Mara embraces the her first day of class. Nakangiti itong pumasok sa loob ng classroom niya pero agad itong nawala nang bigla siyang pinagtawanan ng isang.

"Parang manang." Sambit ng isa sa mga kaklase niya at tumawa.

Napatingin naman ito sa suot niyang mahabang palda. Inayos naman nito ang suot niyang cardigan. Napatingin naman siya sa babaeng nagsalita kanina at hanggang ngayon tumatawa pa.

Nakasuot ito nang damit na halos lumuwa na ang dibdib nito. Labas din ang balikat niya sa suot niyang damit. Maikli rin ang suot nitong palda.

Walang nagawa si Mara kundi umupo sa blangkong upuan sa harapan. Matapos ang ilang minuto, dumating na ang professor nila na may kasamang matandang babae.

"Good morning class! I am your Professor, Mr. Pallero. Before we start our class, Ms. Lorieta, our Religion Leader will check your outfit." Saad naman ng professor.

"Ladies, stand up!" Ms. Lorieta announced with authority on her voice.

Isa-isa nitong nilapitan ang mga estudyante. Napangiti naman ito nang makita si Mara. Dumeretso naman siya sa babaeng tumawa kay Mara.

"What's your name?" Ms. Lorieta asked.

"Sydney." She answered.

Ms. Lorieta pulled Sydney's top up to cover her cleavage. She also pulled her skirts down to cover her knees.

"I know you have a blazer when you enter the school premises. Wear it before I drag you out. But because of what you have done, you should receive your punishement." Saad nito at inilabas ang isang stick mula sa likod niya. "You've violated three rules. Short skirt, open chest, and showing shoulder clothes." Saad nito at hinampas si Sydney sa braso ng tatlong beses. "Everyone, you should follow the school clothing rules. It's for your safety, ladies so listen. And you?" Tinuro naman nito si Mara.

Napatingin naman ito sa kaniya.

"What's your name?" She asked.

"Maria Ali or you can call me Mara."

"Ladies, you should make Mara as an example. Look at her, beautiful and decent." Ms. Lorieta said.

She just lower her head and smile because of shyness. Everyone is looking at her, not laughing that was happened a while ago.

She didn't expect that someone will appreciate her way of clothing. From the past years, she was bullied because of it. Nagpapasalamat talaga siya at dito siya pinaaral ng mga magulang niya.

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The school has its own dorm. Matapos ang klase nito ay agad siyang dumiretso sa kwarto niya.

Maganda ang silid at maayos ang pagkakalagay ng mga muwebles. Pumunta naman siya sa nag-iisang bintana. Binuksan niya ito at ang maaliwalas na hangin mula sa likuran ng school building ang bumungad sa kaniya.