My Teacher is a Gangster

16. BEHIND THE MASK

Ilang araw din akong naging abala sa pag-reresearch tungkol sa meaning ng centipede tattoo. I found out na ang centipede tattoo ay isang symbol of protection and spiritual guidance. Sabi pa sa article na nabasa ko, only the bravest and fiercest warriors can wear the said tattoo.

Kung titignan ko nang maigi si Perez, I cannot imagine her as brave or fierce lalo na kapag ordinary days sa school. But as I recall the incident where Neil and I were attacked by a gang, I can picture her as someone who is bold and strong.

There are still many missing pieces in the puzzle. I won't stop hanggang sa malaman ko kung sino ka talaga Allison Perez.

I'm here at the parking lot waiting for Gray and Neil.

Mula sa entrance nakita ng mga mata ko na may papalapit na pink volkswagen, her car.

She parked at nakita ko siyang lumabas ng sasakyan. She saw me and she smiled. I hate that smile. Bakit ba siya ngumigiti sa akin? Nakakasira talaga siya ng araw.

Unexpectedly, lumapit siya sa akin. She said "Jazz you're early. Bakit hindi ka pa pumapasok?" Tinignan ko siya pero hindi na lang ako kumibo. Akala ko hindi na siya makiki pag-usap pero she asked me another question. "Are you waiting for someone?"

This time sinagot ko siya and I made sure na makikita niyang irritated ako sa presence niya. "Do you always mind other people's business? Puwede ba umalis ka na lang Perez. I don't have time for a small talk." Napapikit siya and I heard her sigh.

"So you still prefer to call me Perez?" Yes. I mentally answered her question.

"Jazz why are you so distant to me? Bakit ba galit na galit ka sa akin? I'm trying my best everyday to get along with you. Maayos na din naman ang treatment ng ibang boys sa akin. Pero ikaw hindi." I don't like you and I don't trust you. Gustong gusto kong sabihin sa kanya but I controlled myself.

"I'm sorry. Hindi ko lang kasi maintindihan why you keep on ignoring me." Hindi pa yata siya tapos. "Ok. I'll go ahead. I hope next time gusto mo nang makipag usap sa akin." She is about to leave nang naisipan kung magsalita. I want to give her a piece of my thoughts.

"Trust is something that is not easy to give. I simply don't like you and it's not my obligation to explain myself to you. I don't buy what you show us dahil alam kung marami kang itinatago." She froze and she seems not to digest what I said.

"You asked me why I call you Perez. Do you want me to call you Chua instead?" I smirked. Hindi na maipinta ang mukha niya.

"What did you say?" she asked.

"Bakit nakalimutan mo na bang Chua ang apelyido mo?" I can feel that she is tensed.

"Paano mo nalaman iyan?" she said trying her best to stay calm.

"I have my ways. Sooner or later you'll have to remove your mask Perez."

After saying that, inunahan ko na siyang makaalis sa parking lot. Sa classroom ko na lang hihintayin sina Neil at Gray.

What is behind your mask Perez? Bakit kailangan mong itago ang ilang bagay tungkol sa iyo? You can't keep secrets forever. Malalaman ko din kung sino ka talaga.