Returning the Favor

3 - Preparing the Project

Cleaners ngayon ng grupo namin kaya huli na naman akong umuwi kasama sila Andrew. We also did our research project and by far most of our worries are gone. For printing nalang and compilation then ready na ito for submission.

The group is aspiring to submit first. Ma'am Legaspi promised that there would be an additional score for the first group to do so. Kaya we are very glad to have an edge over our other classmates who are still cramming over their SIPs.

"Drey, ako na magtatapon ng basura na yan. Dali," binuhat ni Andrew ang garbage bag na sako at dinala sa labas. Naiwan naman kami ni Carla na nagwawalis sa loob.

"Ayan na naman tayo, Andrea. Tayo na naman ang nahuli habang maagang nagsipag-alisan ang mga kagrupo natin. Naku! Bakit kasi?" Carla complained.

"Alam mo naman kung bakit Carla. Eh ano ba dapat kong gawin bilang leader niyo?" I asked her nicely, tired of her constant and repeated complaints.

She stopped and looked at me with shock clearly written on her beautiful face. Her eyebrows twisted and somewhat formed a single line as she frowned and sharply focused on me.

My question must have surprised her. She probably did not expect that I would voice out this issue to her. It's not because I am annoyed at her, but, just like what she is implying, I want to find a solution to the problems that she is raising.

As her leader, I think I am also entitled to question her and ask for her help, right?

"U-uhm, well, you could, u-uhm, we could, well," She stopped and loudly cleared her throat. She looked dejected when she stated, "Okay sige, sorry, hindi ko din alam! Pero you have to at least find a way to remedy the problem!"

Classic dishing out of responsibilities. Poor me, then, eh?

"I know the problem Carls and I am doing my best to find the solution. Whether you notice it or not, I am distributing equal jobs to all of you," I softly told her, not wanting to touch more sensitive nerves.

She huffed but nodded her head. I know that she doesn't fully understand my premise but at least I am happy that she is cooperative enough to respect my standing.

Andrew arrived and we made the final touches to make the room beautiful before we locked it.

Carla was unusual quiet as we walked along the corridors of the STE classrooms. She must still be sulking from our earlier encounter.

I kind of surprised myself too, actually. I didn't know that I have it in me to be an authoritative leader. I am really promising that I would never engage in leadership churvas anymore. Whether they push me or not, never. I would never dare again.

When we reached the end of the hallway, we parted ways as they are now going home while I still need to go to the library for maintenance purposes.

"Are you sure Drey that you don't want my company?" Andrew asked me worriedly.

"Okay lang ako Drew. Isa pa kailangan na natin ipaprint bukas ang manuscript kaya mag-eedit ka pa and maglalagay ng final touches. Hassle na sasamahan mo pa ako," I told him citing the cons of his suggested idea.

"O sige but please take care," he squeezed my arms and looked at me with concern as if I will be going against a bloody war.

"Psh. OA ka naman Andrew eh!" Natatawa kong turan.

"Seryoso ako Andrea," he said with all seriousness. "Syempre kasi baka gabihin ka na naman ng uwi."

"Oo na nga. Mag-iingat na po," I answered dismissively. And added jokingly, "Pero baka sila nga ang dapat mag-ingat eh!"