Something Extraordinary

Chapter 4: The Power to Nullify

Alexa Maureen

Nervous. Doubt. Frightened. Amused.

Naghalo-halo ang mga emosyon na aking nararamdaman matapos akong makausap ni Ms. Selena Crimson, the Administrator of the school, tungkol sa isang test na tinatawag nilang aptitude examination.

Wala akong ideya sa sinasabi niyang examination kung saan kailangan kong sumailalim. I know for sure na hindi ito kamukha sa mga karaniwang kinukuha ng mga freshmen students para ma-qualify sa isang college university.  I can sense it and my hunch is always right. Hanggang ngayon ay tila nag-e-echo pa rin sa aking utak ang naging pag-uusap namin ni Ms. Crimson.

"What do you mean about assessment Ma'am?" takhang tanong ko.

"It's an aptitude examination Alexa, and you need to undergo with it. Practically speaking, it will test and determine how powerful the powers within you, and especially what they are capable of." she explained facing behind me, with her arms at her back. Then she face me and look persistently on my eyes. "Sa test na ito malalaman kung hanggang saan ang kakayahan mo at kung ano ang mga dapat ma-kontrol at limitahan. The discipline of using your power in a respective way is what we are prioritizing here, and you must take note of that."

"Would you mind if I ask you this question?",

"... do you really know what you can do with your power?" she then asked casually na para bang alam niya ang lahat ng sasabihin ko.

She look so ridiculously intimidating and yet calm, she even manages to smile in amusement.

Natigilan ako sa tanong nito. I became muted for a second and no words had came out. Masinsin ang mga titig nito na tila ba hinihintay na bumuka ang aking bibig. Pero hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. Maski ako ay hindi sigurado kung anong kayang gawin ng kapangyarihan ko. I smile confusely, and fake.

"Y-yes Ma'am. I have the power to manipulate my senses with my enhanced ability." I said, literally not sure of my answer.

Tumaas ang kaliwang kilay nito na para bang alam niyang mali ang itinuran ko sa kaniya. The way she looked at me this far, she is somewhat picked her intersest on mine.

"Are you really sure? We'll see when you take the test." 

"Do I really need to undergo the test, Ma'am? Is it mandatory?" wala sa lugar kong tanong para ibahin ang usapan.

Hindi ko nagugustuhan ang nararamdamang tension sa loob ng office. Habang tumatagal ay parang nilalamig ako, at hindi ko alam kung dahil ba ito sa aircon ng kuwarto o sa presensiya ni Ms. Crimson. I don't know why, but she is giving me chills down my spine.

"Indeed. All children that we coerces who manifest supernatural abilities went into the examination. It's part of the curriculum, and you're no exception. Kailangan naming isailalim ka. Don't too nervous, madali lang naman ang test. You just have to be well prepared, mentally and ofcourse, physically."

'Madali lang naman'?

Hindi ako nakakasigurado. This place is pure of magical powers. And I'm sure hindi magiging madali ang test na ito. I can smell it in her blood that she's somewhat covering what really is the kind of test is.

"Must I know the type of exam, Ma'am?" Mapanuri kong tanong. Naguluhan ako sa huli nitong sinabi.

She paused for a second and mockingly smile.

"Mind logic. Practical. Application."

That conversation we've had made me feel discomfort. Hindi ko lubos maintindihan ang mga huli niyang sinabi. What did she mean to be well prepared? Why did she put emphasis on the word 'physical'? At bakit ganoon ang type ng test na ito? Anong klase ba ng examination ang kukuhanin ko? Bakit parang pisikalan naman yata?