QUADRO

Chapter Tres

ANNABELLA'S POINT OF VIEW

I am observing Michaela right now while the class is going on, English time. Look at this girl, sinabihan lang na nakatingin sa kanya si Hanz, she spaced out. Kikiligin na parang uod na binudburan ng asin. Crush na crush niya talaga ang lalaking 'yon. Well, he is handsome. Who on earth won't have crush to a guy like him? Of course, I am exemption to that. I have zero interest on him.

"Michaela," tawag ko sa kanya.

Nilingon niya ako, "H-huh? Ano 'yon? May sinabi ka? Pasensiya na hehehe. Peace," she said and smile sheepishly.

"Stop daydreaming. If our teacher caught you like that, lagot ka. You better listen to Mr. David," I said.

"Ha? Nakikinig naman me, eh."

"Make sure."

Pagkatapos ko siyang kausapin sakto naman ang pagtanong ni Mr. David sa amin.

"He was both a poet and a playwright. Who is he? Anyone from the class?"

I saw Elizabeth raising her right hand. I turned my gaze outside. Alam ko naman makakasagot siya.

"Yes, Ms. Elizabeth?" Encouraged Mr. David.

"Sir, it is no other than William Shakespeare," Sagot ni Elizabeth na pinalakpakan ng mga kajlase ko. Mr. David complimented her.

"Very good, Ms. Elizabeth. Now, who can give me one of his works. Class?" Wala yatang sasagot sa tanong niya dahil walang may balak sumagot. Hinagod ko ng tingin ang buong klase. Nakatikom lahat ang bibig na para bang may hinihintay lang. "No one?" Dugtong pa niya.

"Okay, since no one is answering my question, I will call someone and answer it. May I call on Ms. Michaela?"

Tinignan ko si Michaela, ayon parang wala pa sa sarili. What the fudge? Until now iniisip pa rin niya 'yong lalaki na 'yon? Nakita ko si Mr. David na parang naiirita na. Tatawagin ko na sana siya pero naunahan ako ni Dabid.

"MS. MICHAELA?!" Parang kulog na boses nang tinawag niya ulit si Michaela. "ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING?!" Paktay na, I can see his veins popping out dahil sa iritasyon.

Napatayo ng wala sa oras si Michaela. "Y-yes, Sir? What's your question again?"

"Where's your mind going, Ms.? I said, give me one of William Shakespeare's work. Make sure you can answer me." Diin na sabi ni Dabid.

"Ahmm, ano sir, Hanz Briton, Sir," Wala sa sariling sagot ni Michaela. Nasapo ko ng wala sa oras ang aking noo dahil sa sinagot niya. I can't believe it, ayon, pinagtatawanan siya ng mga classmates namin. Si Dabid naman ay mukhang hindi nagustuhan ang sinabi ni Michaela. Ang layo ng sagot. Hanz pa more.

"Are you even listening to me, kid?! Ang bata-bata mo pa, iba na ang nasa isip mo. I am asking you nicely but you clearly answered it wrong! Stupida! You're here in our school to learn not to think nonsense behavior! Sit down. I will give you a grade that you deserve. You failed today! Such a disappoinment."

Michaela settled down from her seat, head bows and clasping her hands. I can see her shoulders shaking. Ayan, pinagsabihan ko na siya kanina but she didn't budge. Pinagpatuloy pa rin niya.

I tapped her shoulders gently as I console her. I made a glance to our English teacher na lalabas yata, lalayasan pa kami. My side lips rose for a bit smile. Lumabas na si Dabid, tumingin ako kay Michaela at nakita ko sila Narcy na inaalo si Michaela.

"Ano ba kasing iniisip mo at ibang pangalan ang nasagot mo? Iniisip mo si Hanz, ano? Paano kapag kumalat 'yon tapos malalaman niya? Hahahaha Nako, next time be careful, huh?" Said Elizabeth.