RUN

CHAPTER 12

"Based on my resources, meron kayong sinasalihang gang outside the school?"

The two girls are currently being intimated by the presence of their parents and our Dean. On the other hand, I sat across them with Manang Tes beside me and beside her is Aya and her mother who's closer to the table.

"Totoo ba 'yon?" Dagdag pa ng dean pero nagtinginan lang ang dalawa.

They don't look like real gangsters anyway. But the way they move and react, it's obvious.

"Paano nasali si Miss Durren dito? Is it true na sinugod niyo siya sa girls comfort room?"

The two remain silent again.

Oh, come on! Speak up! Tell the Principal how losers you are at pinagtulungan niyo pa si Aya! Napairap na lamang ako.

The meeting ended at hindi nalaman ang tunay na ugat ng problema. They just made a reason of making fun of Aya, that is all. Then, the four of us got a punishment for it.

"With all due respect, Ma'am. Ginawa ko lang po iyon para tulungan si Aya. I had no choice that."

"Yes, I know. But still, kasali ka sa gulo. You injured your schoolmates, too. Let's be thankful that no one here tried to file a case, alright?"

If they would file a case of physical injuries against us then I'd gladly accept and fight. Nga lang, si Manang Tes naman ang mapeperwisyo at mukhang wala namang balak si Aya na sumampa ng kaso. Maybe they just want to settle everything and let it slide. I am kind of pissed because of this.

I turned to her direction. She's been very quiet. Ano ba ang iniisip niya?

"Great timing! Mag-uumpisa na Ms. Durren and Ms. Cecilia. Go to your groups now."

Lumapit ako sa table kung saan nakatipon ang grupo ko. Aya did the same, however, it's obvious that she's keeping distance.

"How does it go?" Bulong sa akin ng isa kong ka-grupo. Lalaki, I remember him yesterday when I asked where Aya was.

"Louwell, right?"

Tumango siya. "Is she okay?"

Napatingin ako kay Aya. She's looking at us kaya iniwas ko agad ang tingin ko.

"Ask her." I rolled my eyes.

The activity started and I like how everything went. I mean, how Aya was silent and the whole group. Although, sobrang awkward ay nagpapasalamat ako na wala akong problemang makipag-interact masyado kanino. And Aya tried to help now, ilangan nga lang and I can hear the Patricia Carlson's irritating mumbles.

Then I noticed one thing. This Louwell guy constantly looks at Aya. His eyebrows are always furrowed and he keeps messing with his hair like an idiot. Something smells fishy and I am not dumb to trace what makes it smell. Wala nga lang akong pakialam sa kanila.

Right when the activity ended, a new subject began. I was just feeling right, calm and most of all everything is safe. Rocky's away now, Aya's silent, no conversation with Louhan again. I just hope I won't see him and that Jace.

Five P.M. at naabutan ko sa garahe si Ate Sari na nililinis ang kotse. It's not an old car like what I expected. It's a black Honda.

"Ang ganda!" bulalas ko at lumapit sa garahe.

Ate Sari was wearing a sleeveless black shirt and cotton shorts while wiping the windows of the car. When she heard me she immediately turned.