I'm Dreaming for a Fairy Tale

Fairy Tale 2

All those days watching from the windows
All those years outside looking in
All that time never even knowing
Just how blind I've been

"Enough with your dramas. Papasok ka na nga sa crowded school, e. Lumabas ka na nga sa kulungan, right? Ano ka ba?"

I glanced at my cousin sitting beside me, but droplets from her wet hair as she combs it made me grimace and look away.

"I'm simply singing," giit ko, pero sobrang nahalata naman sa boses ko ang panginginig.

"Nine-nerbiyos ka ba dahil takot kang baka may kumuha na naman sa'yo, o dahil kinakabahan ka sa papasukan mo?"

I heaved a sigh. "Both," I expressed. Wala akong makapang sasabihin. I'm nervous to the superlative degree.

It's been six years since the last time I saw a lot of people. I badly want to see street lights again, crossing the highways, walking in footbridges, buying fried ice creams in mega malls, and even taking picture in front of a billboard. I miss them all. They were taken away from me by chance. But now, I have the opportunity to do them again! I think it's normal for me to feel excited and nervous.

"Manong, pakibilisan. Fifteen minutes na lang magsisimula na ang klase," pakiusap ni Ivy sa driver.

Nabaling ang tingin ko sa kanya. I couldn't help to raise my eyebrows as I looked at her. "You're wearing a simple shirt and pants. What took you so long fixing yourself?"

"Ylona, late akong nagising, okay? E halos sampung minuto na nga lang ang itinagal ko sa kuwarto kasi busina na nang busina itong si manong. Sana lahat may driver at kotse, ano? Ayokong minamadali. At saka, hindi naman ako katulad mong super excited na pumasok. Anak ng tokwa, cousin! Sabi ni mama, alas-sais pa lang ng umaga ay nasa tapat na kayo ng bahay namin. Balak mo bang ikaw ang magbukas ng gate ng school?"

Napangiti ako pagkatapos ng mahaba niyang litanya at sa naiirita niyang hitsura. "Being early is always better than being late," I reasoned out. "And sorry if my mom asked you to accompany me. Wala siyang tiwala sa akin at sa paligid. I hope hindi matatapos ang buwan na ito na palagi akong may kasama."

Ivy gave me an understanding look. "Lol. Dude, I understand. Besides, pinsan kita. Hindi naman tayo others. Wala akong problema rito. Naloka lang ako dahil sobrang aga mo at sobrang lakas ng busina n'yo."

Tuluyan na nga akong natawa sa sinabi niya. "Salamat, Ivy. Kaya ikaw ang favorite pinsan ko, e." But now that I think about it, I was really early. I wonder why, though.

"Sus," sinipat ako ni Ivy, nakita kong dumaan-daan ang mata niya sa aking mga suto. "Walang anuman. Maliit na baga—" natigilan siya, "what the hell is in your head? Bakit naka-ganyan ka? Mag-aaral ka ba o magko-cosplay? Ylona, don't embarass me."

Tinignan ko rin ang suot kong damit, mula dibdib hanggang paa. Wala naman akong makitang mali sa suot ko.

I innocently shrugged my shoulders. "It's a normal outfit, anyway." Of course it's not. Sadyang gusto ko lang magsuot ng kakaiba. I did not collect these outfits for nothing. I will use them so they won't go to waste.

"Normal but inappropriate. Ylona naman!" Her eyes drew up at my hair. "What the hell is in your head? Glitters?" Bumaba ang mata niya sa mga paa ko. "Plus, why are you wearing boots?! And can you please remove your shimmering glimmering gloves? Iyang nasa ulo mo na clip na may pagkalaki-laking ribbon, tanggalin mo. Para kang ewan! Dear me, you are not cosplaying! You are not performing some disney stage play! Nakakahiya naman ito."