Latecomer

Chapter 8

Patricia

“Miss Berdenio, who tells you that you can sleep during my discussion?” mataray na tanong ng Philosophy teacher namin.

“None,” I said while convincing myself not to close my eyes again. I noticed my classmates' stares but I chose not to mind it. I was just too sleepy– really tired.

“Then how dare you sleep during my time?” galit na nitong tanong. Napikon 'ata.

I didn't answer. What should I answer, anyway? I guess none.

Some of my classmates laughed for no reason or I just don't know the reason or they might just wanted to insult me. Which is which? I just shrugged my shoulders.

Pagkatapos niya akong pagsalitaan ng kung anu-ano– like she's not professional, laki kung pasasalamat ng biglang nag-bell.

Everyone was excited to take their recess. Nag-unahan pa silang makalabas ng silid. Parang walang lakas ang mga binti ko para tumayo sa kina-uupuan ko. Foods were nothing to me then. My sleepy eyes were already shouting. I was about to sleep again when my phone rang.

I answered it without knowing the caller. I closed my eyes while waiting for the caller to speak.

“Patricia,” said by the caller.

I didn't speak again.

“I need you here,” mahina na nagmamaka-awa nitong sabi. Kaagada akong napatayo at dali-daling lumabas ng silid.

It's Patrick who's calling. And I know he won't call if it's not really needed.

While walking fastly, Mr. Erick tried to blocked my way. I stared him blankly.

“Patricia,”

Why does everyone's calling my name? I know, Patricia's my effin' name.

“Not now, Mr. Villan,” I coldly said and walked to other way but he kept on blocking it.

“Where are you going?” kunot noo niyang tanong.

“It's not of your business,” sabi ko at binangga siya sa balikat para makaraan ako. Napangiwi ako sa sakit na naramdaman ko sa aking mga balikat.

“It's my business, Ms. Berdenio. You are my business,” he said, emphasizing the word 'you'.

“Who are you?” I coldy asked and left him.

These fast few days, my whole body aches. I can't have enough sleep due to many problems. But, yeah, I'm fine.

Sumasakit na ang ulo ko kina Hex at Zenela, dumagdag pa itong si Mr. Erick.

Since akala nilang dalawa na nag-aaral pa si Patrick, tuwing umaga, nagsusuot ng uniform si Patrick pero sa Hospital dumiretso. Tuwing uwian, pumupunta akong hospital para isabay si Patrick sa pag-uwi ng bahay nang hindi magtaka sina Hex at Zenela. Pagkatapos ko siyang maihatid sa bahay, aalis naman ako para sa trabaho at uuwi ng bahay ng bantang alas dyes. Nagtatanong silang dalawa about sa pag-alis ko ng bahay at pag-uwi ng gabi, at palagi ko lang sinasabi ay tungkol ito sa school. I don't know if they believe it or not. I don't care. As long as hindi ako mahuhuli na nagtatrabaho pala ako. Hindi ko alam kung anong pinaggagawa nilang dalawa tuwing may klase ako. At wala na rin akong paki.