Morning Blushes

chapter four

I am sitting at the park and for some reason, this freerunner tagged along. He's at the usual tree he's leaning on. He kept on bugging me as if we didn't clarify this last night. But now, I think I won't mind as long as he's keeping his distance. That's the most important to me. I just wish he will leave sooner because I am reading the next lectures. I can't focus very well. I'm starting to feel restless with the thought of a surprise recitation.

"Wala ka talagang balak mamansin 'no?"

I didn't answer, not taking my eyes off the book.

"You should have at least one buddy," I heard him say. 

"I told you I don't need one." I flipped the next page of my textbook.

"Okay. I'm gonna practice."

I wanna ask what he's gonna practice but he already jumped benches, running out of my sight. Yeah, right. He's gonna put himself at risk again.

After I finished reading, I have decided to go back to our classroom to spare the rest of my free time on Kindle. I was walking down the hall when I passed by the bulletin board again. I looked up the event I am interested in and the audition is today. A lot signed up already. My mother would kill me if I do the same so I disregarded the thought and just resume walking. Bumalik ako sa classroom and read a book on Kindle. The freerunner isn't here.

The class is ongoing when it was suddenly interrupted by someone. I sighed in relief because I can feel that the teacher's gonna call me to answer the question none of us have an idea about. I have an idea but I am not quite sure about it so thank heaven, they sent an angel to save me.

"May I excuse those people who signed for the audition?" the interrupter inquired.

Oh, okay, it's over. Only if I could obey that freerunner.

Tinawag na lahat ng nag-audition. I was boringly looking at the speaker while saying the names out loud. They are all cheering for our classmates since we all know this is a grand event. Ngayon lang nangyari sa school 'to that's why they're looking for someone. 

"And lastly, Miss Avyanna Santos." Natahimik ang lahat. So am I. "So, thank you for participating in one of the biggest events this year! The audition will start after lunch break later. Good luck students!"

Before I could object, it's over. I can hear everyone muttering, probably talking about me. Some are giving me suspicious glances too. Of course, they won't believe I will ever be joining that event. Good hell, who on earth put my name in that stupid list? I am trying to stay calm but I already have someone to kill in my mind. 

"Maybe she signed up for ensemble or crew. Who knows?" Napatingin ako sa nagsalita.

That's Medina. She's kind of hot-blooded sa'kin kaya nilakasan niya talaga 'yon purposely. I don't care about her. I am so ready to strangle that freerunner.

"Okay, class. That's all for today. We're gonna continue the discussion at our next meeting. Good luck sa audition!" Lumabas na ang teacher kaya balik sa kwentuhan ang mga kaklase ko.

Napatingin ako sa katabi ko. This loathsome freerunner. He didn't say anything. Pinaglalaruan niya lang ang ballpen niya.

"De Guzman?" Napalingon siya. "A word."

I swear he is the only person who will list my name there. And yet he didn't say anything. Binaling niya ulit ang paningin niya sa ballpen like he heard nothing.

My mother would definitely kill me kapag nalaman niya 'yon. I have no idea what she'll do to me. Oh, god, what should I do? This is frustrating the hell out of me! How will I refuse that? And I haven't even prepared for that! If I quit that now, it would be a greater mess. Damay ang buong section na papagalitan to mess up with the lineup of participants.