Maybe Next Time

Chapter 27

Pag-sinag ng umaga ay ramdam ko na sa aking mga balat ang namumuong kaba. I could feel the tension in the air the moment we stepped into the convention center.

Punong-puno ng mga estudyante mula sa iba't ibang lugar sa Pilipinas ang narito. The sheer size of the convention, with its high ceilings and rows of seats that seemed to stretch endlessly, made it clear how big this event was. Isang karangalan ang maka-tuntong dito.

I tried to steady my breathing, reminding myself that we had prepared for this moment. Still, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all. Lachlan walked beside me.

We found our seats, and Ma’am Cat turned to us with a rare, encouraging smile. “You’ve both done everything you could to prepare. Just focus on doing your best. No matter what happens, I’m proud of you. Kaya niyo yan! Ang mahalaga ay mag-enjoy kayong dalawa.”

She looked at me, "Huwag mo masyadong i-pressure ang sarili mo Zaylee ha! Be calm."

Her words were like a balm to my nerves, and I nodded, feeling a little steadier. Lachlan, too, seemed to draw strength from her calm confidence, though his focus remained on me. Mukha man siyang kalmado ngunit  Halata kong kinakabahan din siya. 

When Ma’am Cat stepped away to speak with another coach, Lachlan took the opportunity to pull me aside. We moved to a quiet corner near the edge of the room, away from the throng of students and the noise of the crowd. He turned to me, his expression serious, but his eyes full of warmth. Tignan mo ang isang 'to, wag niyang sabihing hihirit pa siya ng––

“I know how much this means to you, Zay. And I know you’re going to do amazing. Ikaw pa! Kaya nga crush na crush kita eh, dinurog-durog mo ang puso ko noong nag re-review tayo.” he said softly, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

His words, full of unwavering belief, made my heart swell. I searched his eyes, finding nothing but sincerity and support. “Hindi ko talaga alam kung matutuwa ako sa mga sinasabi mo pero seryoso Lach, I couldn’t have done this without you,” I whispered, my voice a little shaky.

He leaned in closer, his forehead resting gently against mine. “Kung ano man ang maging resulta, Zaylee, just know I’m with you. We’re in this together.”

The warmth of his breath, the steady beat of his heart—it was all I needed to calm the storm inside me.

Before I could say more, the announcement for the first round came over the loudspeakers, pulling us back to reality. Tatlong rounds ang gaganapin. Sa unang round ay isa lamang ang magiging representative. Sa pangalawang round ay yung isa namang kasama ang isasalang. Sa pang-huling round ay dalawang tao na ang isasabak. Ako ang napiling sasagot sa unang round.

We reluctantly pulled apart, “You’ve got this,” he said, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

I nodded, taking a deep breath and steeling myself for what was to come. With one last look into his eyes, I turned and made my way to the front where the other contestants were gathering.

The first round passed in a blur. I answered each question with a confidence I didn’t know I had, the words flowing easily from my lips.

Every time I looked up, I found Lachlan in the audience, his steady gaze giving me strength. Nang mai-announce ang scores, I was thrilled to see that I’d come out on top. Whoa! Buti nalang hindi pa kina-kalawang ang utak ko sa pagod at dami ng problema ko.

The second round was Lachlan’s turn, and as he stood to take his place, I reached out and squeezed his arm. “You’re going to crush this! Huwag mo masyadong galingan baka maagaw ka pa sa akin.” I whispered, giving him a reassuring smile and a wink.