SINCE NINE Book 2: Reunited

Awkward

CHAPTER 24

“You’re here.” Victoria was astonished to see Ramcel standing infront of her. She dropped what she was doing and thankfully she remembered someone was with her in the room or else she might have kissed her. They both stepped out of the room and talked on the hallway instead. “I thought you have a breakfast meeting with Olivia?”

“Yes, I have. I met her at the office for rendezvous because we are on our way here,” Ramcel answered looking pleased with herself for surprising Victoria.

Kaya pala hindi na ito nagpumilit ihatid sya ngayon dahil alam nitong magkikita sila. Kaya pala masaya ito pagkatapos makausap si Olivia ay dahil may dahilan na itong makasama sya ngayon. Victoria was about to embrace Ramcel when she saw her father and Abby approaching behind.

“Iha, you didn’t tell me you are friends with Ms. San Victores,” her father said. Kasabay rin nito ang nakangiting si Olivia, who was wearing a blue collared shirt indentical to Ramcel’s that had The 11 Foundation printed infront. Its the Studio 11 Network’s charitable institution.

“Hi, Vi,” bati ni Olivia at bumeso sa kanya.

“Hi Liv,” bati rin nya. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Starting this year, The 11 Foundation decided to participate in Brigada Eskuwela. Napagdesisyunan na iyon at the beginning of the year. We will provide help and assistance on selected public school on each city or town around the country. In case of Batangas, San Vicente National High School was chosen.”

Nasa 3rd floor sina Victoria at kita nya mula sa kinatatayuan nila ang isang malaking bus na may logo ng Studio 11 Network at The 11 Foundation sa gilid. Nagsi-set up na rin ang ilang mga volunteers ng foundation, na nakasuot din ng kaparehong collared shirt, ng water/refreshment station. May mga boxes ring nilalabas mula sa compartment ng bus na sa tingin nya’y naglalaman ng mga pagkain at inumin.

May ibang taga-foundation naman ang nagkalat na sa school at nagsimula ng tumulong. Ilan sa mga ito ay nagt-trim na ng mga damo sa quadrangle kasama ng mga ibang volunteers. May ilang nagwawalis at ang iba nama’y pumapasok na sa mga classrooms.

“And we are very thankful for your help, Ms. San Victores,” her father said. Olivia smiled at him. Bumaling naman ang Dad nya kay Ramcel, na noo’y tahimik lang na nakikinig sa mga ito. “Ms. Villarances here said you are bestfriends since grade school?”

Napatingin muna sya kay Abby, who was poker faced bago tumugon sa Dad nya. “Yes, Dad.” Did he recognize her? Kilala ba nito kung sino talaga si Ramcel? Bakit ba sya paranoid? Kung malaman nito ang tungkol sa gender preference ni Ramcel, hindi naman ibig sabihin paghihinalaan sya nitong may relasyon sila.

“Ikaw na ang bahala sa kaibigan mo, iha. Ililibot ko muna si Olivia around the school,” sabi nito sa kanya. Tumango na lamang si Victoria. “Shall we?” Baling nito kay Olivia. Hinintay muna ni Victoria na makalayo ang tatlo bago harapin ulit si Ramcel.

“Did my father recognize who you are?” Agad nyang tanong rito.

Tila nasaktan ito sa tanong nya. Victoria knew she was being unreasonable but she had to know. Kinakabahan talaga sya. “You mean if he recognized that I’m that lesbian director?” Ramcel asked icily. “Obviously, you haven’t told him about us yet. Kelan mo ba balak sabihin sa kanya?”

“Let’s not talk here. Baka may makarinig satin.” Victoria lowered her voice. Napatingin sya sa bintana ng room pero abala ang mga estudyante at maging ang teacher sa kani-kaniyang ginagawa ng mga ito.

Ramcel sighed heavily. She seemed to be calming herself. Sinisikap nitong huwag magalit sa kanya. “I came here to volunteer dahil gusto kong magbonding tayo at gusto ko ring makilala ang Dad mo. Don’t worry, I only told him I’m your bestfriend. And for your peace of mind, hindi nya ako nakilala. I guess, your Dad is too busy to watch showbiz news.” Mukha na itong malungkot. “Kung hindi ka kumportableng makita kang kasama ako, sa ibang room na lang ako tutulong.”