Funny Valentine

kabanata iii

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"I assume that all of you are already familiar with these topics. Thus, hindi ko na ito ituturo."

Our professor was discussing some important topics and unfamiliar terms for our Fundamentals of Political Science class, and my eyes were fixated on his presentation on the board the whole time. I paused for a minute and stretched my neck to relieve the discomfort. My eyes felt heavy and dry, so I decided to remove my contact lenses. As I was putting my contact lens case in my bag, I checked my phone to see if dismissal was near. Dalawang minuto na lang at matatapos na ang klase kaya naisipan kong iligpit na rin ang binder ko. While fixing my things, I felt like someone was staring at me. From my peripheral vision, I caught Mayumi's eyes looking in my direction. Simula talaga noong nagbangayan kami sa gymnasium, hindi na niya ako tinantanan.

"Fifteen items quiz tomorrow, please be prepared."

The professor bid us goodbye and informed us that he would send his presentation in the group chat. We're really glad to have him as our professor because, out of all our professors, he is the kindest.

I decided to retouch my makeup inside the classroom before leaving the campus because I'm too lazy to go to the restroom. Nasa itaas pa kasi ang banyo. Napansin ko na nagkukumpulan si Mayumi kasama ang kanyang mga tropa. They were discussing about where to have their lunch. Curiosity tugged at me, making a quick glance in their direction. I scanned their faces, to see whose presence I should ignore. Noong nagpakilala ang lahat noong unang araw ng klase, doon ko lang nalaman na ang grupo ni Mayumi ay puro galing sa mayayamang pamilya. Nalaman ko rin na si Mayumi ay mula sa isang political dynasty. Nahuli nila akong tumingin sa kanila pero pinabayaan ko na lang sila dahil abala ako sa pagtali ng buhok ko. Kami na lang ang natitira sa classroom, kaya naririnig ko ang mga bulungan nila.

"Apolonia."

Mayumi walked toward me, holding the ballpen we used to sign the attendance paper.

"Nakalimutan namin ibigay sayo."

"Sa'yo na iyan."

"Huh? Sira ba tuktok mo?"

Here we go again. Parang hindi siya anak ng senador kung magsalita. I don't want to argue anymore. Sa tingin ko rin ay nasa dugo niya na ang pagiging prangka. Kinuha ko nalang sa kamay niya ang ballpen ko at nilagay agad sa pencil case ko. I was about to stand up when she interrupted.

"Uhm... Apolonia, gusto mo ba sumama sa amin?" She trailed off.

Shocking. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Napansin ko na nagtutulakan ang mga tropa niya sa likod. Parang hinihintay din kung ano ang isasagot ko.

"Baka kasi gusto mo na may kasama? Parang ang loner mo kasi."

"Excuse me? Nambwibwiset ka-"

"Joke! I actually... I want to say sorry pala sa nagawa ko kahapon. Parang isip bata ako sa part na pinahiya kita."

Naghahanap ako ng rason kung bakit hindi ko dapat tanggapin ang kanyang paumanhin. But this time, as a more mature person, I tried to set aside my hatred towards her. Her apology was laced with genuine intentions, and her pleading brown eyes were enough to sway me. It felt as though I was being hypnotized. Upon reflection, joining them doesn't seem like such a bad idea. Wala naman akong gagawin mamaya.

"Okay, saan ba?"

"Talaga? Doon tayo sa usual hangout namin. Masarap chicken wings nila ganitong oras."

Mayumi waved her hand, gesturing for her friends to come towards us. Behind her, her friends were flashing wide grins at me, their expressions made them look like kids being introduced to a distant relatives they never met.