A Heart That Needs A Beat

Kabanata 11

"Kanina ka pa tahimik, Cleo. Ayos ka lang ba?"

Napatingin ako kay Maggie, who had just sat across from me. Her curious eyes bore into mine, as if trying to read the thoughts I'd been so desperately keeping to myself.

We were sitting outside the canteen, under the shade of a tall acacia tree. The soft hum of students chatting and the occasional laughter filled the air. Kakatapos lang namin kumain, pero nauna na akong lumabas. Sinabi kong antayin ko na lang sila sa labas, kahit ang totoo, gusto ko lang magtago. Ayokong makita nila ang bakas ng luha ko.

"W-Wala. Asan sila Taro at Tristan?" tanong ko, pilit binabaling ang usapan.

"Tinawag ng coach nila," sagot niya, sabay nguso sa likod ko.

Sinundan ko ng tingin ang direksyon niya at nakita ko sina Taro at Tristan. They stood a few meters away, talking seriously with their coach—a middle-aged man with a commanding presence.

Maggie's gaze flickered back to me. I could feel her studying my expression again. She wasn't the type to drop something once she sensed something was wrong.

"Ayos ka lang talaga?" tanong niya ulit, this time with more concern.

I forced a smile, hoping it would be enough to throw her off.

"Of course! Bakit mo ba natatanong 'yan?" I tried to chuckle, but it sounded hollow even to my ears.

"Pansin ko lang," she replied, her voice soft.

"Iniisip ko lang 'yung practice ko mamaya," I said hastily. "Sana may bago na akong matutunan."

She didn't look convinced, but she played along. "Marami ka matututunan diyan. Magaling magturo si Kairus," she said with a knowing grin.

"I can see that," I replied, nodding absentmindedly.

"Seryoso. Siya nagturo kay Tristan mag-gitara," she added casually.

My eyes widened at the revelation. "Ha? Magkaibigan pala sila?"

"Cleo, hindi lahat magkaibigan. May kakilala, kaklase, kababata—basta marami!" she said, rolling her eyes as if explaining the obvious. "Sa case nila, clubmates sila dati. Kaya nagtutulungan."

My lips formed a small "O" as the realization sank in.

"Kaya pag naubos pasensya ni Kairus sa 'yo, kay Tristan ka magpaturo," she teased, laughing softly.

"Nag-offer na sa akin si Tristan," I muttered. "Hindi lang natuloy."

Maggie's eyebrows shot up. Then, she smirked—mischievous and all too knowing.

"Patago kayo mag-practice para walang magalit at matuloy kayo," she suggested.

"Huh?" I asked, confused.

"Patago. Mag. Practice." She repeated each word slowly, leaning closer for emphasis. "Mas mabilis kang matututo pag gano'n."

"Seryoso ka?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"Oo nga! Minsan, mag-practice kayo ni Tristan sa lugar na walang makakakita," she said with a sly smile.

I couldn't help but feel a little weirded out, but I nodded anyway. "O-Okay...?"

She laughed and tapped my shoulder. "Tara na. Tapos na sila makipag-usap sa coach nila."

Pagdating namin sa classroom, agad akong naupo sa upuan ko. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Kairus staring at me again. His piercing gaze made my chest tighten, but the moment our eyes met, he looked away, acting as if nothing had happened.