Upon graduating as the valedictorian of her junior high class, Zoila Hermione Ortega felt the increasing pressure exerted by her parents. She came up with the idea that achieving certain goals brings regret, especially when expectations subsequently...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Help
After finishing my lunch, I gathered all my belongings and headed to my next class, Practical Research 1. The fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead as I settled into my seat. Mrs. Badet, our research instructor, had mentioned last week—after meticulously discussing every parts of a research paper—that we should dedicate all our time in the coming days solely to our research projects. And fortunately, we have Thursday scheduled for a feedback session, during which she can let us know if we we are on the right track or if we need to revise certain parts.
“Zoila, do we need to stay here for two hours ba? Can I leave first? I have an important appointment pa kasi eh,” Jella said, one of my groupmates in Practical Research 1.
Tinitigan ko siya habang abala siyang tumitingin sa kanyang relo. Napaisip ako sandali kung papayagan ko ba siyang umalis.
Honestly, I hate it when we're doing something and suddenly someone interrupts because of their errands. It's still class hours for God's sake! Practical Research 1 spans two hours since it occupies two periods. However, she mentioned that it's important.
“I will accept your excuse, but ensure you submit your part within this—”
She abruptly turned disrespectfully and hastily left. Jella cut me off before I could complete my sentence, leaving me speechless. I rolled my eyes in irritation at her sudden exit.
“What the? She didn't even let you finish your words,” I heard Gracie’s voice.
Ka-grupo ko rin siya. Sa isang grupo kasi ay limang miyembro at ang apat na kasama ko ang pumili ng lider. I expected them to choose me, and that's what they did. I don't mind, though. Gusto ko rin naman, lalo na't by group ang grading ng papel namin maliban sa research defense. Because I have this problem where I am not satisfied with the work of others, I need to check if it meets my standards or not.
“Hayaan mo na lang, baka importante talaga iyong lakad,” si Rose naman.
Hindi ko na sila pinansin at mas minabuti kong bilisan ang paggawa ng parte ko. They allowed me to divide the parts of Chapter 1, but of course, I also allowed them to choose the part they were comfortable with. Ipinaalala ko naman sa kanila na ako ang mag-aasikaso ng mga parte na hindi nila aakuin. As long as they contribute and make an effort, I have no problem. That's all that matters.
“Giatay, ang sakit ng batok ko!” one of my classmates shouted, distracting all of us.
“Ang ingay mo, umabot hanggang dito baho ng bibig mo, Antonio!” sigaw pabalik ni Daniel, ka-grupo ko rin.
Several of my classmates burst into laughter at his outburst, while I could only shake my head in disbelief. What are they? A kids?
“Rinig niyo ba iyon, guys? Bumoses ang cheater?” si Antonio at saka ito humalakhak.
Hindi yata matanggap ng ka-grupo ko iyong tinawag sa kaniya kaya ito tumayo. “Igaya mo pa ako sa iyo! Kailan ako nag-cheat?”
