Pursuing from the Shore (Sun Rays Series #2)

CHAPTER 14

Chapter 14

It was another day of spending my time practicing and preparing for the pageant. Last na araw na ngayon ng preparations, and tomorrow would be the great deal of the day.

Either way, hindi ako na-e-excite.

"Edo..." Hinila-hila ko ang uniform ni Edorina. "I'm getting anxious... It's not helping me at all. Kinakabahan ako na hindi ko maintindihan."

"Shh... come on, Red. Kaunting tiis na lang! You're going to be fine there, 'kay?" She patted my head, a proud smile plastered across her lips. "We're here to support you! Right, guys?" baling niya sa mga kaklase.

Some of the girls and boys agreed. Nagsi-thumbs up pa sila sa 'kin.

"Kami ang mangunguna sa pag-cheer, Red!" I heard Asther's voice as he jumped up on one of the desk, akala mo siya ang leader. "Guys, we'll take the lead! 'Yong mga banner at pompoms, make sure na handa na para bukas!"

Napailing na lang ako sa pakulo nila. I was actually overwhelmed with surprise as I watch them spring into action.

Usually, hindi naman sila ganito ka-active at cooperative kapag may mga event na nagaganap sa school—as in, there's no unity at all. Yet, to my surprise, here they are, rallying around and lending cooperation with each other to support the pageant I am part of.

"You guys are the worst, napaka-ingay ninyo! Mga pasikat at plastik!"

Biglang tumahimik ang buong paligid dahil sa sinabi ni Claudia. We all glanced at her direction only to see her face with annoyance. Nang magtama ang tingin namin, tinaasan niya ako ng kilay at inirapan.

This girl is really unbelievable. I wanted to roll my eyes back but I remembered baka lumala lang ang sitwasyon so I resisted myself from doing it.

I was not even doing anything wrong with her tapos ganito na lang siya kung mag-react. This girl is really doomed. I guess, the best thing I can do to avoid trouble is to ignore her, it would be a waste of time kung papatulan ko pa siya.

I noticed Razel and Yumi's discomfort, their expressions framed with dismay because of Claudia's words. They looked at me with an apologetic and concerned gaze.

"Ano na naman kayang problema n'yan?"

"OA! 'Di naman ina-ano."

"Akala mo talaga hindi rin siya plastik, e!"

Iba't ibang bulungan ng mga girls ang naririnig ko. They were obviously talking behind Claudia's back.

Edorina let out a low scoff as she gave me a head pat. "Huwag mo na lang pansinin."

I nodded as a response as I turned my focus to Edorina's notes. Because I was unable to attend class when we were preparing for the pageant, she lent me her notes instead so that I would not be late for any lessons I'd missed.

"Red, may naghahanap sa 'yo!" biglang tawag ni Asther.

I gave him a puzzled look before standing up. Nagpunta ako sa pinto at bumungad si Rio sa paningin ko.

"Hi, Francine, sorry to bother you," he started, giving me a hesitant look.

"It's alright, Rio. Why are you here?"

"Pinapatawag nila tayo for final practice." He smiled.

Nagpaalam lang ako saglit kay Edo bago tuluyang lumabas at sumama kay Rio. We went to the gymnasium at naabutan namin ang mga costume na nakahilera.

"We're going to practice while wearing those," Rio commented, to which I agreed.

However, I hadn't even gotten close to my costume yet, nakita ko si Davin at Tantan na mukhang inaayos ang mga 'yon. They were adding some final details and design to make it more realistic and definitely more exquisite. Napaka-creative nila sa pag-de-design.