21 Minutes

Tenth

Author's Note:

Sorry delayed but here it is!

-- Continuation of Flashback --

MIKA

I'm currently outside the UST Sports Office waiting for Karl. He's Jessey's schoolmate and member din siya ng swimming team. Pinakilala siya sa akin ng best friend ko three days ago. Ayoko na nga sana pero ginamitan ako ng convincing powers ni pretty stick kaya hindi na ako naka-tanggi. In her words, "Kung may date ako, dapat meron ka din."

After a few minutes, the guy came out the door and smiled at me. He actually had a handsome face and a boy-next-door aura. I returned a sweet smile.

"I kinda feel bad na pinuntahan mo pa ako dito at pinaghintay pa kita. Sorry about that.", he apologized as he sat beside me in the waiting area.

Naalala ko bigla yung sinabi ni Jeron sa akin noon na I should choose someone who values my time. Check!

"Ok lang, ano ka ba. Hindi naman malayo. Saka gusto ko rin namang makita 'tong school niyo. Ang historic ng feels eh.", I responded honestly.

"Ok na yung papers mo?", I then asked, earning a nod from him.

Transferee kasi siya kaya may mga records pa siyang sine-settle.

"You wanna tour around first before we go?", he asked.

"Sure!", excited ko namang sagot.

We walked side by side and passed by what they call Q Pav. As we were walking, he shared how he developed his love for swimming and how it became more than just a hobby for him.

Na-amaze ako, to be honest. Lord, itong lalaking ito na ba yung hinihintay ko? Ang sasagip sa akin sakaling malunod ako? Sakaling may mangyaring masama? Handa siyang saluhin ako? Hindi niya ako iiwan?

Ang corny ko na pero whatever, ngayon lang ulit ako nakipag-date eh.

I was in the middle of my daydreaming when I felt him hold my hand tightly and stopped walking.

Saka ko na rin lang napansin na may isa pang lalaking nakatayo sa harap namin. He wore a proud look on his face, and he looked like one of those guys in the movies na cool member ng isang gang. May itsura, maangas at mukhang mayaman.

I held my breath and waited for anyone to say a word.

"Not in here.", I heard Karl say firmly.

The other guy only let out a chuckle, and not a friendly one at that. Tumingin siya sa akin at parang gusto ko na lang maglaho nang parang bula. Nakakatakot po.

"You know what, Miss? I suggest umalis ka na lang if you value your safety.", he said.

Lalo akong kinabahan. Shucks Lord, legit bang gangster 'tong katabi ko? Crush ko si Daniel pero di ko po pinangarap gumanap bilang Athena, huhuhuhuhu

"Wha... What is this about?"

Hindi ko alam kung saan ko hinugot yung lakas ng loob na magtanong.

Ngumiti lang ulit yung lalaki. Biglang nagsalita si Karl.

"I'm out, JB. I'm out of the school, and I'm out of the group.", he said.

Group? Ohmygahd so totoo nga?

Hindi ko na-process agad yung sumunod na nangyari. Napatili ako nang bigla na lang sinuntok nung lalaki si Karl. Pero hindi naman natumba yung kasama ko. Amazed na sana ulit ako if I weren't scared for my life.