When the Dust Lies

Chapter 5

“Do you two understand why you're here today?”
 
I was absent from my two classes yesterday. I came home early and holed up in my room, hiding in shame for what I had done. Akala ko mauubusan na ako ng buhok dahil sa pag hila at patuloy na pag gulo ko nito kahapon!
 
Tangina, nag tago pa ako. Alam ko namang hindi ko matatakasan ‘yon. At ito na nga. I'm facing the consequences of my actions now.
 
“I’ve received several reports from both students and faculty regarding your behavior. Public displays of affection, particularly kissing, are strictly against school rules, and you both know that,” the office of student affairs' head stated. She crossed her fingers together on top of her brown table and looked at us seriously.
 
In my peripheral vision, I saw how Dustine looked at me when he heard it. He nodded and spoke in a slow manner. “I’m aware, ma'am.”
 
Sa paraan ng pagkakasabi niya no'n at pagtingin sa akin, para bang sinasabi niyang siya lang ang may alam no'n!
 
Fine. Oo na. I'm aware of it, but I tend to forget it. I'm aware, pero minsan, ginagawa ko pa rin. And he’s probably blaming me for being here with me! Napaka-rule conscious niya pa naman!
 
Nag iwas ako ng tingin, guilty. I brought him here. Panigurado ay araw araw niya itong ipapaalala!
 
Our OSA head shook her head disappointingly as she looked at Dustine after hearing what he answered.
 
'Aware, pero ginawa niyo?’ Parang ganiyan ang iniisip ni Ma’am sa ekspresyon niya ngayon.
 
“What you did was inappropriate for a school environment. You’re both aware that this institution has a code of conduct, and it's in place to ensure that everyone can focus on their education in a respectful and professional setting.”
 
I lower my gaze, and my lips are pursed. Pinaglaruan ko ang mga darili ko ng tahimik. Wala na akong masabi. Para kay ma'am, kasalanan namin pareho. But we both know the truth! Ako talaga ang may kasalanan! Nadamay lang siya!
 
“I’m not here to embarrass you, but this is a serious matter. Your actions set an example for the younger students, whether you realize it or not. Hindi lang kayong mga college students ang nasa skwelahan na ito. We have lower grades here, both high school and elementary. We expect our upperclassmen to uphold the values of the school, to be a role model. I also don’t want to see you jeopardize your study over a momentary lapse in judgment.”
 
My brows made a line, trying to understand every word she said. Para bang ang dating ay palagi na namin ginagawa iyon ni Dustine at ngayon lang nahuli! Isang beses lang kaming nag kiss, ma'am! Hindi na mauulit! Hindi na talaga!
 
Mas lalo ko pang binaba ang tingin nang nilingon ako ni Dustine na para bang naririnig niya ako sa isipan ko! Seryoso at tahimik ito kanina pa simula nang pinatawag kami rito. Nakakapanibago kaya syempre kinakabahan ako lalo pa’t may kasalanan ako!
 
“Am I making myself clear here?” There was authority in her voice.

Habang nakayuko pa rin, pasimple kong tiningnan si Dustine sa kabilang upuan. Mukhang walang balak sumagot!
 
I cleared my throat. “Y-Yes, Ma’am. We’re sorry, and it won't happen again.” Talagang hindi na!
 
Magkasalubong ang kilay ni Dustine nang magsalita ito, masama ang tingin sa mesa ni Ma’am. “I understand, ma’am.”
 
Pinapanindigan niya talagang h’wag ako isali sa statement niya! Aba si Kuya.
 
Our OSA head nodded. “I appreciate that you both understand my point here, but understand that there are consequences. I’m placing a formal warning on both of your records. Any further incidents will result in more severe disciplinary action, including possible suspension. Is that clear?” Her voice was firm.
 
Ano?!
 
“Any violent reaction?”
 
Pilit akong umiling at ngumiti. Shit.
 
“And Mr. Valencia?”
 
Tuluyan niya na nakuha ang atensyon ni Dustine na kanina pa yata pinapatay ang nagngangalang Fiorisce sa isipan niya. Ipaalala niyo po nawa sa kaniya ang pagkakaibigan namin.
 
“Napaaway ka?”
 
Umawang ang labi ko nang marinig ang tinanong ni ma'am. Kunot ang noo kong nilingon si Dustine, nakalimutan na agad na hindi kami bati ngayon. May bangas nga sa gilid ng labi!
 
Mas lalong nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang mula roon sa namumulang gilid ng labi ni Dustine na may maliit na sugat, lumipat sa akin ang tingin ni Ma’am.
 
Labas na ako r’yan, ma'am! Akala niya ba ako may gawa niyan porke hinalikan ko ‘yang labi na ‘yan? Pa’no? Kinagat ko?!
 
I cleared my throat two times. Napaayos ako ng upo. “O-Oo nga, napaaway ka?”
 
He sneered at me before answering our OSA head. “Tumama sa pader, ma'am.”
 
Ngumiwi ako. Ang pangit mag sinungaling ni gago.
 
Ma’am sighed and looked at me before she nodded and smiled lightly. Bakit pakiramdam ko may kung anong tumatakbo sa utak ni ma'am?
 
“Alright, you’re dismissed. I trust we won’t have to have this conversation again.” Her voice was now gentler.