Her Hero

Xymon

Finals na, hindi ko pa rin nasasabi kila Mama at Papa na natanggap ako sa School of Arts. I know it'll be expensive to study abroad. My parents can afford it but I want to be independent. I glanced at my planner. Sa unang page, andoon ang life goals ko. Sa 30 na nakalista na gusto kong magawa sa buhay ko pagdating ng 30, may 18 pa na nakalista don. Isa don ang mapasok sa School of Arts.

"I think you're drowning in your thoughts" Napatingin ako sa taong nakatayo ngayon sa harap ko. Hindi ko napansin na nandon na ang 'favorite' person ko. He's bugging me since the shirt incident.
I furrowed my brows.

"Let's get in. The exam will start in 5. You should be focusing on what is, you just have to prepare for what will."

He threw me another quotation. Hind na ko sumagot. My sixth sense ba sya at parang alam nya kung ano nasa isip ko?

Nauna na sya pumasok sa loob ng room.
I followed him. He sat at the back row and I sat beside him. He stared at me for few seconds and he typed something in his phone. I absentmindedly put my things on the desk. I draw a deep breath. I feel like I'm running out of air. My eyes are starting to well up. I wanted to be in the School of Arts but my savings and my little flowershop won't be enough, yet I want to be independent.

Then, suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. A warm caress is soothing my back and it made me feel a little better. I closed my eyes and breathe out.

"You're putting too much pressure on yourself. Sometimes you need to let things be."

Nakayuko na lang ako. My hands curled up on my lap. My face covered by my hair. Xavier was right, like he can read my thoughts but I don't want him to see that I'm crying. My God! I shouldn't be this emotional. Finals ngayon pero clouded and isipan ko.

He slid a hanky on my desk. I took it and wipe my tears. I sniffed and made a breathing exercise. I took my facepowder from my purse and dubbed onto my cheeks and eyes...

I paused and then looked at him.
I saw a comforting smile.
He tapped my shoulders, "It'll be fine. We're here for you. Cheer up na. I'll introduce you to Kuya if it'll make you feel better."
Nagkatawanan kaming dalawa. He's teasing me.
"Then, I'll be looking forward to that. And thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. I'll collect when it's due."
Napa maang ako. Talaga 'tong herodes na to.
"You really can't be serious."

Pumasok na ang Proctor ng exam at nagsimula na kami magsagot. I was prepared for the exam kaya hindi na ako masyado nahirapan.

I was reviewing my answers when I saw Xavier stood and pass his testpaper.
I looked at him with questioning eyes.

He mouthed, "I'll wait outside."

I continued reviewing my answers before I passed my paper. Lumabas na ako and I saw him leaning on the wall with earbuds while his lips are moving. Sinasabayan siguro ang tugtog.

I stood in front of him with my arms crossed on my chest. I'm not small but he's really tall. He smiled at me then he removed his earbuds and put them in his pocket.

"That's our Finals in there and you didn't even take it seriously."

"I know and I took it seriously."

"You answered it like you just write your name on it and that is serious to you?"

"Babe, the exam was not that difficult. You know that."

It wasn't difficult if you really prepared for it. Ako nga nahirapan sa solution tapos sya hindi?

"Tara na. You're like a nagging girlfriend. Time to meet my Kuya." He changed the topic and he knew that he's gonna get away from the argument. Suddenly the idea dawned at me.

"Oh..."I switched mood in an instant. I feel more conscious. I run my fingers down my hair. I quickly check my face on the glass of the bulletin board, stretch my clothes. I tiptoed and fan myself to breathe.

"Yes, oh...Girls and their moods. Don't act like that. You're already pretty." He was shaking his head. He complemented me but he looks annoyed and he headed.

"I'm nervous." I stiffened as I follow him like a fanatic. The jittery feeling is surreal. I've seen him whenever there were parties at school, auction or charity night pag sinasama ko nila Mama at Papa. This time it's real...I'll be meeting him.
We continued walking. Hindi kami sa hall nagdaan. We crossed in the open kasi mas mabilis kung tatawid kami kesa sa covered walkways kami dumaan. Malapit ang building sila Xymon pero madadaanan namin ang gym papunta roon. I can sense numerous eyes at us. Hindi pa kami magkasabay nyan ha. Sumusunod lang ako kay Xavier.

"You're not like any other girls. You set your goals. You make plans. Hindi ka takot maarawan." There was seriousness in his voice while he said it with hand gestures.

"Really? I thought I'm normal."

"Maybe...Maybe not." He was seriously looking at something or someone rather. I followed his gaze and I felt like the earth stopped rotating. My heart is pounding and my hands start to sweat. I saw a man's back facing us . Nakapamewang while he was talking to a group of people. He's wearing a powder blue polo tucked in his denim pants. Authority is surrounding his presence.

"It's him..." I whispered.

"Laway mo..." nakakunot pa ang nuo nya as he lift my chin with this finger.

Panira ng moment inirapan ko sya at muling tumingin kay Xymon. Yung moment na parang slow motion with cherry blossom petals. Ganun yung feeling ko.

"Kuya!" Xavier chinned up as he called his brother. Muka silang kambal. Magkasing tangkad sila. Magkasing built ng katawan. But Xymon's look is more gentle and manly but his aura is showing authority. Xavier's look is more playful and sharp. Nag chestbump pa sila. Hindi mapapagkamali na magkapatid. They look alike but the aura of their personalities are different.

Xymon motioned his gaze at me and smiled.
My heart melted.

"Hi! You must be Yara..."
He offered his hand and I took it. I am dumbfounded. Lovestruck I guess.

His hand is so soft yet firm.

Could this moment be more heart melting...

Kanina lang umiiyak ako, ngayon para kong nakalutang.