Playing Provincial Proxy (MSS#3)

45. Palalayain Kita

Playing Provincial Proxy

Kabanata 45

"That ends our presentation. Thank you."

Sumabog ang fireworks hindi kalayuan sa amin, sinyales sa pagtatapos ng theatre play. Nagsipalakpakan din ang lahat ng tao, may iilan pang tumayo. Ngunit ang mayor sa harapan ay nanatiling nakaupo, munting ngiti lang sa labi ang ipinakita. All in all, our presentation was good. Despite of some adlibs and on the spot scenes and dialogues, it was the best we could give.

For a moment, I enjoyed with them. May iba ngang kamemyembro namin na naiyak ng todo. "Naitawid din natin, guys!"

Iyong ibang professors namin sa unibersidad, kasama ng aming prinsipal, ay dumeretso kina Kathey at Reon, congratulating them for the job well done. I don't condemn, but, I can't really help but be amazed how graciously and professionally they brought each other earlier more than Xinna and Kathey brought each other in acting. The way they act together, tila ba parang matagal na sila sa industriya ng pag arte dahil sa walang kahirap hirap nilang dinala ang kwento. While I was trying so hard to act and make emotions, they've done it with so much ease. I was even shocked to know that Thereon is not just a future Architect but also he is a present actor. Once, he portrayed a local play with Kathey in England. So, noon pa man, magkakilala na sila.

Pababa ako ng entablado ay sinalubong ako ng mahigpit na yakap ni Arren. Sobrang higpit na hindi na nga ako makahinga. Napatingin ako kina Alfredo at Erie, they just shrugged their shoulders and smirked knowingly.

"Damn. I've known you to be best in academic. But, tonight, you just proved to me that you can do everything."

Niyakap ko siya pabalik. The familiar warmth of forgotten friendship long ago is slowly resurfacing now, announcing its return. The wonderful sense of companionship I didn't think I've missed so much.

"Do you regret now that you've lost me?" I joked.

He looked at me in the eye. "So much."

Napatitig din ako sa kanya. Naputol lang noong sumali sa grupo namin si Mama. Niyakap niya ako at binati.

"Mana ka talaga sakin, eh!"

Nagtawanan kami. Muli lang napawi ang ngiti nang bumalik sa ala-ala ko ang nangyari kanina.

Miss Zede was there, too. She hugged me tight. "You did well, my girl."

"Thank you, At—Miss Zede,"

She smiled.
I looked at her for awhile, wanting to ask her questions about Reon sudden appearance, about what she witnessed, but there's something telling me it would not be wise. Tumitig pa ako nang ilang sandali sa kanya bago napansin ang lalaking nasa tabi lang niya. I've never seen this man before. Napansin niya ata ang pagkunot ng aking kilay sa kanyang presensiya kaya naglahad siya ng kamay with a pleasing smile on his young handsome face.

"I'm Haniel Bijoli," he introduced with a brush of professionality.

Mabilis ang matang lumipat kay Miss Zede bago tinanggap ang kamay ni Haniel.

"Rural Gueliess," tipid akong ngumiti.

"Ah, Rural, Hans is the admin I told you way back. He left to Southern Samar. Remember?"

Ilang sandali muna akong nag isip bago naalala ang pag uusap namin sa Leurosera. Noong pinapapunta na niya ako pabalik sa Coastalic.

"Ah! Yeah. Sir Hans, hello." I bowed lightly.

Miss Zede hugged me again, only to whisper something. "Know what? He's a fresh graduate from La Salle, Major in Physics, and a Magna Cum Laude."

Namilog ang mata ko nang konti. A perfect man, he is. While Miss Zede and I are talking, I saw him watching her closely, his hazel eyes are shining with pure adoration. Miss Zede, you've just found your man. The one who deserves your love.