Another Hour, Rain

Chapter 2

One week has passed since my dad and mom fought in front of me. It feels unusual of course because I am not used to it.

I am walking to my new University here in Manila. I told my mom that I want to transfer here because it is more convenient for me. Naglalakad ako sa isang building na itinuro sa akin ng isang students na napagtanungan ko kanina. Hinahanap ko kasi yung registar office nila para maisubmit ang mga requirements ko.

Sa haba ng pasilyo dito ay hindi ko pa rin mahanap ang office na iyon!

Nakapag decide ako na mag tanong para hindi masayang ang oras dahil may mahalaga pa akong pupuntahan.

“Hello?" I shyly greeted. He looks at me and just passed by.

bastos!

Naglakad na lang ako sa susunod na room para makita yung signage doon pero wala talaga. Baka niloloko lang ako ng student na 'yon? At bakit niya naman 'yon gagawin Rain?

I look stupid here because I am talking to myself, well inside my head lang naman. But, where is that room ba kasi?

I saw a man running and laughing, holding a ball. So I took a chance to ask him.

"Hi! I am looking po sa registar. Do you know where it is?" I politely ask. He just smirked at me.

Ano bang problem ng mga students here!

"Transfereee?" nakangisi niyang tanong, I just nod para tapos na ang usap.

"Well first, do you see yung lalaking nakasalamin? Yung mukhang honor student ang itsura pero suplado?" natatawang ani niya. I just rolled my eyes at him, ready to walk out.

lumalabas ang pagkasuplada ko dito sa University na to ah!

"So rude Miss! by the way, yung dulong hallway then turn right second room ayon ang registar! You're welcome!" nang aasar na ani niya. I just give him my small smile before turning my back. Nasa tapat pala kami ng guidance. Bakit ba hindi ko nakita!

Naglakad na lang ako hanggang sa makarating sa kanina ko pa hinahanap. I just gave them my requirements and they said na I need to return para malaman ang section ko, makuha ang uniform, and id. I'm in Senior Highschool by the way. STEM strand, 1st year. It's already 3rd quarter na nga e. Buti tumanggap pa sila ng student na katulad ko. Siguro dahil yung subjects kasi na natake ko sa Bicol is same sa mga subjects here sa University na ito. And big factor is my mom, connections.

I just go to hospital and let them check me. I am having a hard time lately sa breathing ko. I have asthma rin kasi. After that, I go to nursery. Babies are amazing, kada makakakita ako ng new born babies naalala ko kung gaano sila kaswerte dahil isa sila sa nabigyan ng chance ni God to live in this wonderful world. I smiled bitterly.

Paalis na sana ako ng makita yung lalaki. He's emotionless, I can see his eyes. It's so pretty.

Umalis na lang ako roon ng tahimik at handa ng iopen ang door ngunit may nauna sakin.

"thanks" ani ko bago niya bitawan ang door.

Nag taxi na lang ako pauwi dahil wala pa naman akong class today, Friday na rin kasi and sa Monday ako babalik para makita ang section ko and makuha ang uniform and id.

I'm busy reading my fav book of Home with God : In a Life that never ends by Neale Donald Walsch when my best friend Cola called.

"Ya! Why you didn't tell me you're here na sa Manila ha? I want to tampo na tuloy!" nagtatampo niyang sabi. Natawa ako dahil kahit sa phone kita kong naka pout siya. She's cute tho.

"Last week." i only said, teasing her.

"What? I hate you na!"  she's shouting fpr heaven sake! I just laugh and told her I'm just kidding.

"Last week pa kami nakauwi ni mom sa aming balay. Ako'y naging masaya sa imong pagtawag ngunit ikaw at si Mave sana ay aking isusurpresa. But then, wala e. You already called na." natatawang sabi ko sa kaniya. A second of silence kaya mas lalo akong natawa.

She's still processing..

"Hey you're bad na! I don't u-understand you know. I only understand the last part and what's balay ba? Is it house right no?" mahinang aniya nabawasan ang sigla ng boses.

"Yea" tawa nang tawa kong sabi. She's conyo kasi, hindi sanay magsalita ng sobrang lalim na tagalog. Marunong na nga siya kahit papaano hindi tulad noon.

"I'm going sa house niyo, with Mave ha. I'm sure he misses you so much because I really do. See you tomorrow!" nag flying kiss pa siya before ending the call.

Iiling iling kong binaba ang phone at tinuloy ang pagbabasa. Cola and Mave are my best friend sa old University na pinapasukan ko here sa Manila. 4 years na kaming magkakaibigan. But of course the friendship we have ni Cola is different kay Mave.

I remember last year summer, instead of joining her family sa business vacation sa New York, Cola decided to had an vacation samin sa Bicol. That's absolutely a core memory to the both of us.

When the night came, I just did my night routine and go to sleep because tomorrow wil be tiring for sure.