Kabanata 9
Magkasabay
I noticed some students around. I even caught sight of a familiar figure walking seriously. It was stopped in its tracks when three girls approached and handed a box to it.
"Hello, Sielo, this is for you," said one of the girls.
I saw Sielo accept the box with a reserved smile.
"Gawa ko iyang cookies."
"Thank you," he said.
Napamaamg naman ang babae. Ang mga kaibigan nito ay kinikilig habang sinusuportahan ang kaibigan.
"A-ahm sielo.." hinintay niya ang sasabihin ng babae na ngayon ay pulang pula na.
Napairap akong umiwas ng tingin. Ito pa talaga ang unang bubungad sa araw ko. Ayaw ko talaga makita ang ganitong eksena. I’m not a fan of romance or love stories.
Tumayo na ako at aalis na sa lugar na ito. Tumataas ang balahibo ko sa mga nakikita ko. Hindi ko na narinig ang kanilang pinag-uusapan ng makalayo ako. Ayaw ko makita ang pag confused ng mga admirer ni Sielo.
May tumawag saakin pero patuloy parin ako sa paglalakad ng malaman kong sino iyon. Nagpanggap akong di siya narinig.
Tapos na silang mag usap ng admirer niya?
Napatigil ako sa paglalakad ng maramdaman na papalapit na siya. Hinarap ko siya.
"What do you need?" I asked.
He took a deep breath.
"My mom invited you to my brother’s birthday this Saturday. Can you come?"
Natigilan ako.
"Kung di ka makapunta. Ayos lang. Maintindihan naman nila." he added, noticing my hesitation.
I gave him a restrained smile. "I’ll come."
A smile appeared on his face. There was something in my stomach when I saw his smile. I didn’t know he had this side to him; I always saw him as a serious person.
Umiwas ako ng tingin sa kaniya. Napunta ang tingin ko sa kaniyang siko.
"Kamusta na ang mga sugat mo?"
Hindi ko parin maiwasan mag-alala dahil ako ang dahilan kung bakit siya nagkasugat.
"Malapit na itong gumaling. Nakakagalaw na ako ng maayos."
"That’s good to hear. Sorry again."
He just nodded. We fell into a silent moment, neither of us speaking. I pretended to check my watch.
"Uh, I’ll be going now," Paalam ko sa kaniya.
"Sabay na tayo. Pareho lang ang dadaanan natin."
I didn’t refuse. As we walked, I noticed the stares we were getting. I rolled my eyes. I swear they’ll start rumors again.
Sielo broke the silence between us.
"Are you joining any club for the upcoming school festival?" he asked.
I shook my head. I had no plans to join. It’s better to sleep at home than participate in such events.
"Wala pa." I answered briefly. "How about you?"
He paused. I saw his lips curl up slightly, as if trying to suppress a smile. I furrowed my brows at his reaction.
"I joined a band," he said.
I nodded at his response.
Napatigil na kami pareho sa tapat ng room ko.
"I’m going in," I said, pointing to the room.
He nodded and glanced inside. Some of my classmates were watching us.
"Papasok nako."
Hindi ko siya hinintay sa kaniyang sasabihin. Pumasok ako sa loob ng room at dumeritso sa upuan ko. Hindi alintana ang mga matutulis na tingin at bulungan nila.
"Bakit mo kasama si Sielo?"Junine, one of my classmates, asked.
Napaangat ako ng tingin sa kaniya. Nakataas ang kilay nito habang nakapameywang.
" Dahil pareho lang kami ng daanan."I answered, bored.
I heard a laugh from the male classmates. Junine looked irritated.
"Tingin mo maniniwala ako saiyo" Mataray nitong tanong bakas parin ang pagkairita.
Bagot ko siyang tinignan. Nagtatanong pero di naniniwala.
"Why are you asking if you don't believe me." I said blankly.
"Dahil sinungaling ka." Sabay duro saakin.
Ayaw ko ng gulo kapag di pa siya titigil. Hindi ko siya aatrasan.
Date published: August 16, 2024
