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Chapter 9

An early walk at the university during the Foundation Week was always an exhilarating way to start the day. I stepped in the main gate in my black shirt, ash gray trousers, with white sneakers and my usual black backpack. Everybody was wearing their casual clothes today, excited to stroll around the campus. Well, who wouldn't be? It's a once-a-year celebration and a sanity break from all the stressful academic load we had to accomplish.

"Sigurado ka bang magpipintura ka ngayon?" Patricia kept on asking me that even before this day. "Dapat nagpaalam ka na lang sa officers niyo. Alam mo namang kagagaling mo lang ng ospital."

But I didn't want to miss this. Masyado na naman silang nag-aalala sa akin. Kaya ko na naman ang sarili ko at hindi ko kinakalimutan ang lahat ng bilin ng doktor sa akin.

"Hayaan mo na, kawawa naman at ngayon lang ulit makikita 'yung crush niya, eh," Iggy started teasing me again.

"Knock it off, dude," I swatted his hand away and glared at him when he started tickling my side.

Pat and Iggy headed to the auditorium to assist with the program of STEM Society, the organization they belong to. Me, on the other hand, need to help out with CAL's activity today.

Colorful flaglets and banners adorned the college buildings. Pop music were blaring from stereos. Every now and then, I would pass by the festive university grounds, with my eardrums almost bursting because of clamorous cheers and screams. Lively students were rushing to and fro, excited for their turn to play in different booths, while some were lining up in food stalls and souvenir shops.

Everyone was having their good time, but not yet for the club members. Clubs, orgs, and different student councils were still busy hosting programs, organizing events, and setting up booths for the week-long celebration.

Abala ang lahat kahit walang klase. Kasama na roon ang Campus Art League kaya puspusan na ang pagkilos ng members para matapos ang mural painting namin. Kung ang ibang club ay assigned para sa booths, ang CAL ay assigned para sa isang central artwork sa open grounds. It's like an art exhibit but only includes one huge mural. It's a great spot for photo-ops once it's done.

We had set up a wall out of plywood and primed it with white paint. Sa base ng wall ay may naka-attach na mga gulong para pwedeng ilipat kahit saan at tanggalin sa open grounds kapag tapos na ang Foundation Week. Mayroon na ring design para sa mural. Kailangan na lang pinturahan para matapos na.

Wearing my apron, I stood before the wall and stared at the mural. We're just merely halfway through. Portions of it were now painted with floral patterns and shapes in vibrant colors. Striking red, warm yellow, calming blue, and tinges of green never fail to captivate the sight of passerby. Kahit nga hindi pa tapos ay may mga nagpapa-picture na.

"Where have you been? Kanina pa namin hinihintay 'yang mga brush."

"Sorry, Pres! Sarado pa kasi 'yong hardware."

I breathed out a short sigh upon hearing the commotion. Mainit na ang ulo ni Dave. Nagkukulang na kami sa gamit at late na naman ang iba. Alas otso na ng umaga pero iilan pa lang kaming narito para magpintura.

"Hindi ba sabi ko maaga tayo ngayon?" he was getting impatient, pero mahinahon pa rin ang boses niya kahit ganoon. "Sean, where's Clary?"

Napa-pause ako sa pagpipintura at hinarap siya. My eyelids blinked. Bakit niya sa akin tinatanong?

"Hindi ko alam, Pres," I said, shrugging my shoulders. "I haven't seen her around."

Kahit si Guia ay hindi ko rin alam kung nasaan. Ang alam ko ay in-charge siya sa pagbili ng pintura at snacks para sa buong club kaya hindi na siya magpipintura. Kasama niya ang ibang officers, pero hindi pa sila dumarating.