Morning Blushes

chapter forty-six

The next day, I've decided to go to school. It feels nostalgic to walk my way there again. This morning, everything felt different but same as well. It's in between. It's new yet old. Kuya Adriane insisted na ihahatid niya ako but the morning is great. Morningtide is the only time the wind is cool. Mamaya it will be scorching hot.

I don't know how it feels to walk down the hall going to the principal's office nang may makasalubong akong ibang mukhang gulat na nandito ako. That made my heart beat faster so I hugged the documents tighter. Well, the known nerd has been gone for three months. No one knows why. I wonder what they might think or who started a rumor once again. But they remained to stare and nothing more. 

Pagdating ko sa principal's office, the principal smiled at me sweetly.

"Welcome back, Miss Avy Santos. Please take a seat."

"Thank you, ma'am." I smiled too. 

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling pretty good now. Rather improving."

"That's great to hear. I'm always your observer, Avy, do you know that?"

Napatagilid ang ulo ko. "Observer?"

"You are the perfect student every principal would dream of. Your determination and dedication to studying just amazed me. You are a fine woman. That time I was in your classroom for assessment, everyone's expecting you in recitations. You have an oriented mind and belief."

I nodded. "Thank you, ma'am." I guess that was me in a distant month of three. "I brought the records of my classes, by the way."

"Thank you. You may go now, Miss Santos. The valedictorian can't miss her graduation photoshoot."

Napakunot ang noo ko. Based on their policy, I know I won't be able to run for that anymore since I drew off from the school and took them all out but... how?

"Valedictorian?"

"Yes, Miss Santos. We had a meeting and evaluation with your teachers. So, go ahead. Mags-start na yung picture-taking niyo in a few minutes."

I thanked her and exited the room. My mind is floating like crazy. Parang lalabas na yung puso ko habang naglalakad na ako papunta sa classroom. Pagdating ko sa harap ng pintuan, napasilip ako. Right. They're having their own makeups on. 

Pagbukas ko ng pinto, napatingin silang lahat sa'kin. The entire room got silent. As in nakakahiyang pumasok dahil tumahimik silang lahat.

"Welcome back, Avy!" It was Lily who led the roar. "Good morning!"

Napaatras ako when they all greeted me in unison. Para akong pumasok sa giyera bigla. They're all cheering and looking at me with smiles like everyone's my friend. Maybe they're all like that. Especially the people from the play! They're all looking at me. I was expecting to see them murmuring to each other but they didn't.

Hinila na ako ni Lily pabalik sa seat namin. Saka ko lang naalala si Navi. He's not on his seat. Maybe he's gonna be late or he's just freerunning outside? I  don't know. I haven't seen him freerunning for a long time. 

I just let Lily put on some makeup habang dinadaldal kami nina Jace and Calvin. They have endless stories from yesterday and even when I was away. 

When it's time for our photoshoot, pinagtatawanan namin sina Calvin and Jace para masaya sila sa picture. Since sila ang una, sila ang magdusa. And it worked out really well. Pagtapos na pagtapos nila, Jace kept on cursing us.

"Hayaan mo na, bro. Magagantihan natin 'yan," sabi ni Calvin. 

Siniko siko na ako ni Lily nung si Navi ang sumunod. Busy sina Jace kakaasar sa kanya kaya hindi kami napapansin dito ni Lily e.