Forgotten Heartstrings

Chapter 6

Lugi parin talaga, nag STEM pala si Eris. Kanino na ako magpapapansin ngayon?

"Huy tabi!" Sigaw sa akin ni David nang makarating kami ikatlong palapag.

Pasalamat siya at nasa mood ako kasi ngumiti sa akin si Eris kanina.

Namangha talaga ako habang pinagmamasdan ang mga classroom na aming nadadaanan habang naglalakad sa hallway papunta sa aming room. Sinusundan ko lang iba kong kasabay kanina sa flag ceremony, ang iba kasi ay nauna tas ambilis pang maglakad nitong mga kasabay ko.

The door to the minimalist classroom swung open as I reached our classroom. I stepped into a world of pristine simplicity. Maganda ang itsura ng aming room sa labas pa lang.

Hindi na ako naghintay na tawagin nila akong pumasok dahil kusa akong naglakad papasok.

Nawala ang excitement ko nang makapasok ako sa room namin, 11 ABM-Mendez. Mrs. Ma. Theresita Faye Mendez is our class adviser. Ang tanga ko lang sa part na sa list ng enrollees ng junior high ko hinanap ang pangalan ko kanina. Kaya pala hindi ko mahanap hanap pangalan ko kasi nasa kabilang board pala. Do'n din naman kasi ako papunta kanina kung 'di lang kami pinatawag ng principal para sa flag ceremony.

Taking a deep breath, I walked toward an empty desk. As I settled into the chair, I realized that it was more than just a seat; it was an opportunity to start anew. Umupo ako ako sa second-row sa left group. Ayaw ko kasi sa pinaka harap at ayaw ko rin naman sa pinakalikod kaya nasa second-row ako, close enough to read the texts on the monitor.

My eyes widened in awe as I took in the clean lines and neutral tones that adorned the space. It was far from the chaotic encounter during the flag ceremony, and for a moment, I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

Alam kong pinagtitinginan ako ng iba dahil sa inaasta ko. First time ko kasi sa private school, kahit sino naman ata mamamangha sa ganda ng school na ito lalo na't first time mo rito.

Rows of desks stretched before me, neatly arranged in pairs, creating a symmetrical harmony. The left and right sides of the room mirrored each other as if the universe itself had designed the classroom.

Kunti pa lang ang nasa row namin kumpara sa kabilang row na halos mapuno na. Nagkukwentuhan ang iba roon at ang iba naman ay nag aasaran, halatang kilala na nila ang isa't isa.

The glossy floor tiles reflected the morning light, creating a shimmering effect that added to the overall sophistication of the room. In front, a colossal TV screen dominated the space, an electronic oracle awaiting its turn to share its part. May iilang computer din na nakahelera sa likod.

The room was a minimalist haven, a stark contrast to the chaos of the earlier confrontation. I felt a sense of hope that perhaps, amid the pristine walls, I could find a place to belong.

Taking a quick look around, I couldn't help but notice the striking arrangement in the classroom. Four rows to the left, four rows to the right - it felt like the room was split in two, creating a dynamic and intriguing atmosphere. It was almost as if the classroom itself was orchestrating a sense of harmony and organization among the students.

Despite my initial fascination with the room, a sudden wave of loneliness washed over me. I was a newcomer, an outsider searching for a connection in a sea of unfamiliar faces.

The constant chatter surrounding me became a barrier, hindering my entry into the conversations. It felt as if I was on the outskirts of a vibrant community, eager to be part of the rhythm.

Normal lang naman iyon siguro lalo na't transferee ako. 'Yung iba dito, halatang magkakaklase na simula junior high.

Iba't iba ang pinag uusapan ng bawat grupo. May iilan din sa likod na tahimik katulad ko. Nakaupo lang sila at hindi nagsasalita.