Escape Route

PROLOGUE

"Unang subject palang, inaantok na ako." Chae yawned. We're sitting in class next to each other. It's another fresh week of school.

"Language class lang. Professor Panganiban is a great teacher and entertainer." I shrugged.

"Para sa'yo.. palagi nalang 'yon nambibigla ng mga ipinapagawa, hindi na ako magugulat kung may surprise activity nanaman mamaya." she replied. It's true though. Mr. Panganiban is full of surprises, sana lang ay mataas ang grado namin sakanya. I like his subject.

"Speaking of.." I pointed out the door and Chae saw him walk in front of our class. He was wearing his glasses, a book and his box of whiteboard pens.

He took one pen and started writing on the board.

Next Activity: Debate

That's what was written on the board. Everyone gasped when they read it too, even Chae.

"Akala ko ba hindi kana magugulat?" I asked her chuckling.

"Nakakainis!" she whispered at me, inirapan niya pa ang likod ng propesor.

"Today, I will give a topic and group you into two to choose who will represent your group. Left side and Right side... that's already two groups. I will give you five minutes to choose your representative for this topic.." he instructed briefly.

"Ikaw na, Adah.." one of our classmates said.

"Kaya nga, kaya mo 'yan!"

"Oo nga, ikaw na, tayo kana.."

And the others started pressuring me. I looked at them and smiled. Fine. This one should be easy. I stood up from my chair and raised my hand.

"Okay we have a representative from the right side, what about the left side?" Mr. Panganiban announced kaya naman nagtinginan ang left group sa grupo namin at nakitang ako ang representative nila.

"Wala bang may gusto mag prisinta sainyo, group Left?" Mr. Panganiban asked. When no one stood up, he looked at me.

"Begin your argument, you have the power to choose what side you are now. Today's debate is on a topic that hits home for a lot of you: "Is it better to stay in your hometown or leave to chase bigger dreams?" Mr. Panganiban asked.

Easy. I was about about to speak when the door of our classroom swung open and it revealed a classmate of mine.

His hair's a mess of dark curls, the kind that never stays in place no matter how many times he tries to push it back. It gives him this easygoing, almost careless look.

Bakit pa siya pumasok? I raised a brow.

"Eliezer, hindi ko inakalang mas maaga nanaman ako sa'yo ngayong umaga.." puna ni Mr. Panganiban.

"Good morning sir, I'm so sorry for being late. Nasiraan po kasi—"

His jawline's got that sharpness to it, not too soft but not too harsh either, and I hate that I notice it, but I do. The way he talks, with a hint of humor in his voice, always makes him seem relaxed, like the world isn't really a big deal to him, even though I know better.

"Save your excuses Mr. Valmadrid, take your seat." he cut him off.

"Start your argument now, Ms. Arellano.." he gestured me to start.

I took a deep breath and looked at everyone.. "Is it better to stay in your hometown or leave to chase bigger dreams? A very common question but some of us couldn't answer. Staying here is like hitting pause on your life. This town? It's small, it's safe, and it's comfortable. But comfort doesn't get you anywhere." I started.