Patience and Affection

#18 - ❝Dancing Shadows❞

The night had fallen, and the campus pavilion was alive with music and laughter. The Sportsday event had seamlessly transitioned into an evening of dancing and celebration. The lights were dimmed, casting long shadows across the grounds, where students swayed and spun to the beat of the music.

Rhiannon, Isabel, and Andrea gathered near the entrance of the pavilion. The three were dressed for the occasion, blending into the festive atmosphere while still exuding the air of authority that came with their roles as the "big three" of the SSG.

"Nakita ko si Maxwell kanina," Isabel remarked as she adjusted the strap of her bag. "Mukhang mag-isa lang siya. Ayoko namang iwan siyang mag-isa lalo na't alam natin na mahihiya 'yon sumali sa iba."

Andrea nodded in agreement, "Tama ka diyan. Si Wayne naman, mukhang nandoon pa sa kabilang side. Gusto mo ba siyang tawagin para masamahan si Maxwell?"

Rhiannon, who had been quiet until now, sighed. "Hindi natin pwedeng pabayaan si Wayne na mag-isa din. He's not the type na makikisama basta-basta. Alam mo na."

"Hmm, so ano plano natin?" Isabel asked, looking at Rhiannon expectantly.

"Baka naman pwede nating isama si Scarlett," Rhiannon suggested. "Siya lang naman 'yung matanda sa grupo natin, and if she's there, at least hindi naman maiilang si Wayne. Besides, knowing us, siguradong sasayaw tayo mamaya. Baka gusto niya sumama para kahit papaano mag-relax siya."

The three nodded in agreement and made their way towards the library, where they knew Scarlett would most likely be. As they approached the old building, the heavy wooden doors creaked open, and they saw Scarlett sitting at one of the tables, surrounded by books and papers.

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"Scarlett!" Rhiannon called out as they entered. "Busy ka ba?"

Scarlett looked up from her notes, her face tired but managing a small smile. "Busy pero pwede pa naman kausapin. Bakit?"

"Dance night sa pavilion," Andrea began. "Naisip namin na baka gusto mong sumama. Wayne's probably going to feel out of place kung wala si Maxwell, and we were hoping you could join us."

Scarlett sighed and leaned back in her chair. "Gusto ko sana, pero ang dami kong kailangang gawin. Graduation is coming up, and I have to make sure everything's in order. Plus, I'm just... tired."

The three exchanged looks of understanding. Isabel spoke up, "We get it, Scarlett. Graduation is a big deal. Kailangan mo talagang mag-focus diyan."

Rhiannon, however, could sense something more behind Scarlett's words. She pulled up a chair and sat down beside her. "Scarlett, alam namin na pagod ka, and it's not just about graduation, 'di ba?"

Scarlett's eyes flickered with something unspoken, and for a moment, she considered brushing it off. But the concern in Rhiannon's eyes made her pause. She sighed deeply, letting her guard down for the first time in a while.

"Yeah, it's not just that," Scarlett admitted softly. "My parents... they've been arguing a lot. Actually, ever since I was a kid. It eventually ended in a divorce. I've had to work and study by myself to get where I am now. Nakakapagod, Rhiannon. Nakakapagod maging mag-isa."

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The weight of Scarlett's confession hung in the air, and the three girls sat quietly, absorbing her words. Andrea reached out and placed a comforting hand on Scarlett's arm. "Hindi mo kailangang mag-isa ngayon, Scarlett. Nandito kami para sa'yo."

Scarlett smiled faintly, appreciating the support but also feeling the need to stay strong. "I know. But sometimes, it's just easier to deal with things alone. Ayoko na maging pabigat sa inyo."

"Scarlett," Isabel interjected, her voice firm but gentle. "You've never been a burden to us. Lahat tayo may pinagdadaanan, and we support each other. 'Yan ang kaibigan."

Rhiannon nodded in agreement. "Isabel's right. You've been strong for so long, but you don't always have to be. If you need to take a break, do it. Kung kailangan mo ng tulong, we're here."

Scarlett looked at her friends, feeling a warmth spread through her heart. For so long, she had kept her struggles to herself, thinking she had to be strong for everyone else. But in this moment, she realized she didn't have to carry the weight alone.

"Thank you," Scarlett whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for reminding me that I'm not alone."

Andrea smiled warmly. "You're welcome, Scarlett. Anytime."

"Pero," Scarlett added, straightening up a bit, "I think I'll still sit this one out. I really do have a lot to finish. But I'll be fine. Promise."

Rhiannon nodded, respecting Scarlett's decision. "Okay, but if you change your mind, alam mo kung nasaan kami."

The three girls stood up, ready to leave Scarlett to her work. But before they could walk away, Scarlett called out to them.

"Rhiannon," Scarlett said, her voice steady but filled with gratitude. "Salamat."

Rhiannon smiled, a genuine and warm smile that reached her eyes. "Walang anuman, Scarlett."

As the three girls exited the library, leaving Scarlett to her thoughts and work, the night seemed a little brighter. Scarlett watched them leave, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew she had a long road ahead, but at least now, she knew she wouldn't be walking it alone.

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