But Not Me (GxG)

BNM-20

Noelle Canarette

Kasalukuyang narito ako ngayon sa library, hinahanap si Miss Agape. Hindi kasi siya pumasok kanina at iniwanan lang kami ng activity. So here I am, busy searching every corner of the library. Bakit naman kasi napakalaki ng library na 'to? May third floor pa.

Napuntahan ko na ang buong unang palapag and I'm about to check the second floor. Gusto ko sanang gamitin ang elevator pero masama ang tingin sa akin nung nagbabantay. Feeling naman.

Habang umaakyat sa hagdan, hindi pa rin ako tumitigil sa pagtanaw sa ibaba. Napanguso ako nang wala talaga siya. Hindi rin naman kasi siya ma-contact. Ilang beses ko na siyang tinawagan at chinat pero walang sagot.

Hanggang ngayon ba yung pag seen ko pa rin issue?

Nakarating na ako sa ikalawang palapag and the first place I went to was the computer area, but she was not there either. Then I followed where the tables kung saan halos mga nerd lang ang nakita ko na sobrang seryoso sa pagbabasa, kahit sumayaw ka sa harap nila, hindi nila aalisin ang tingin sa hawak na libro.

Napangiwi ako sa nakikita ko. Books really hate me. They put a spell on me, that every time I open them, they make me fall asleep.

Sinunod ko naman ang kabilang side kung saan ang mga libro. Inisa-isa ko ang bawat estante, but I didn't see Miss Agape.

"Baka naman napagtripan lang ako ng tinanungan ko." Sabi ko sa sarili habang kinakamot ang kilay ko.

Tiningnan ko ang hagdan na patungo sa third floor. Nagdalawang-isip ako kung pupunta pa ba ako o hindi. Nakakapagod na kasi. Ah bahala na nga! Since I'm already here, I might as well check it.

Nakarating na ako sa itaas nang harangan ako ng napakasungit na president ng Supreme Student Government, Arleth Winona Thatcher. According to Sage, iwasan ko siya dahil sobrang sungit daw.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm just looking for someone," I reply, trying to maintain a calm composure. Although she may be intimidating, Miss Agape is far more fearsome.
Laging salubong ang kilay pag ako na ang kaharap.

I am aware that this floor is reserved for VIPs and members of school organizations. It is an exclusive space, adorned with luxurious couches and even offering complimentary food. There are books here that are not available downstairs.

"I appreciate the offer, President, but I wouldn't want to disturb you," I respond in a sarcastic tone. Sana hindi niya mahalata.

Her stern expression remains unchanged as she asserts, "You can't enter here if you do not belong."

As if naman gusto ko mapasama. Ano gagawin ko dito, matulog?

"Arleth."

We both turned to the person who called her. It was a professor. She had thick glasses and slightly curly hair. She was wearing flowy maxi skirts and fitted white sleeves.

"Professor Solada." Plain niyang saad. Hindi man nga lang gumalang o ano.

"Go ahead and do your business. I'll take care of her," Miss Solada assured, her commanding presence softened by her gentle voice. She's very approachable.