CREAM OF THE CROP

Chapter 34

I ignored the alarm. I welcomed the possibility of being late for the first time. I was slept very late last night and I just want a longer nap. Maybe.

Or maybe it is the fear of opening the door and not finding a man leaning on a gray Alfa Romeo Guilia outside.

I decided, it is only because I feel lazy today.

When I finished my breakfast, I sat on the couch in our sala. I took my time gazing at the large portraits and our latest family picture on the wall.

I only stopped when my phone vibrated. It's Auden. I answered it. "Pumasok ka muna. It's still early," I said.

"It's past seven. I'm afraid you'd be late," he said casually.

I closed my eyes. Look at the things I'd do. "Just a moment, please."

"Okay. But can I have water? I'm thirsty."

"Sure. Come inside."

Binaba ko na ang tawag. Sakto namang pagpasok niya. I was seated while I directed him to the kitchen.

"Are you expecting someone? Bakit hindi mo tawagan?" he asked after a couple of minutes. There's no hint of impatience in his tone.

Oo nga. It'd would have been easier if I just called him. My problems would have been solved if I had just the courage to dial his number. But I was afraid there'd be no response.

I just offered a small smile as my answer.

"Di ba nag-aaral ka pa? Won't you be late?" I asked afterwards.

"It's still at 10 AM. It's fine."

I nodded in response. Having nothing to ask him, I shut my mouth.

I offered him a seat and he willingly obliged. So we sat in silence. Nabasag lamang iyon noong may tumawag sa kanya. He only read the name of the caller and flipped it so the sound was muted. And that gesture reminded me so much of someone.

I wonder what's happening in his world in which he won't allow me to enter. It shifted my mood.

"Arissa, I think the person you're waiting for isn't coming."

"Call me Avi," I snapped. He seemed a bit taken aback, confused. I felt guilty after.

Nagmadali akong pumunta sa kotse. Napapansin ko ang kalkuladong sulyap ni Auden sa akin. Marahil ay tinatantiya kung paano patigilin ang bombang malapit nang sumabog. I felt sorry for my actions but I'm not in the mood to apologize.

Noong makarating kami sa paaralan ay hindi ako nagpababa sa labas bagkus ay hinayaan na makapasok ang sasakyan ngunit hanggang sa field lamang. From there, I walked 'til I reached our building.

Luckily, late ngayon si Mrs. Llanes. Nasulyapan ko siya kanina sa Faculty Room na nag-aayos ng gamit.

Dinalian ko ang lakad papuntang classroom. Kahit kasi maunahan ko si Ma'am na pumasok, nakakahiya parin pag nahuli niya akong late.

Sinalubong ako ni Arvin sa may pintuan. He whispered, "Sino yung lalaki kanina sa bahay niyo?"

I gave him a what-the-hell-are-you-talking-about look. Sinasabi neto? Si Papa?

He whispered again, "The one leaning on your Fortuner."

"Ah," I responded in comprehension. "My personal driver."

He looked like I just cracked a joke. "Beb, mas mukha ka pang driver sa inyong dalawa," bulong niya ulit.

Hinampas ko siya sa balikat at pinanliitan ng mata. "Wanna die?"