Opposites Collide

Chapter 16

"WHAT???"

"Where is he? Kakausapin ko lang."

"Harold," mabilis pa sa segundo kong hinawakan si Harold sa braso para pigilan siya sa gusto niyang gawin. "Hayaan mo na."

"Hayaan? Girl, what he did was wrong!" Kristy couldn't hide the irritation in her voice.

"Maling-mali talaga. Sino ba siya para magdesisyon para sa'yo? I'm sure this was his plan all along."

Nagtataka kong tiningnan si Harold, hindi maunawaan ang kanyang sinabi. "Anong ibig mong sabihin?"

Harold clicked his tongue in annoyance, pausing before answering my question. "I'm sure he did that on purpose para siya lang ang mag-shine. So that if he wins, he'll be the best in everyone's eyes."

Hindi ako nakasagot agad. Hindi naman siguro totoo 'yon.

Right?

"Pero ang sabi niya sa'kin, tinulungan niya lang ako para mabawasan ang mga iniisip ko at pressure.." Mahina kong sagot ngunit sapat iyon para marinig nila.

"Dottie," kinuha ni Harold ang kamay ko dahilan para mapaangat ako ng tingin sa kanya. "Everyone feels pressure, and I understand how you feel. I know it's not easy to manage everything on your plate. But you have people around you who care and want to support you, lalo na ako. I know you're strong, but you don't have to be strong alone. We're in this together, at nandito ako palagi para sa'yo."

Napakurap ako. "Harold.."

He smiled softly at me, then gently held my cheek. "The pressure you're feeling can be a chance to grow. Embrace it, let it drive your determination, and don't let anyone hold you back from what you truly want to achieve."

I couldn't help but smile as well. "Thank you, Harold." Kailangan na kailangan ko 'to ngayon.

Napatingin ako sa unahan nang makita si Jules na pumasok sa pinto. Napatingin agad siya sa direksyon namin at agad akong lumayo kay Harold. Balak ko sana siyang tawagin ngunit mabilis siyang umiwas ng tingin saka nakipag-usap sa ibang literary club members.

Hindi niya pa rin ako kinakausap.

"Gosh, I didn't know you were feeling this way, Dottie." Nabaling agad ang atensyon ko kay Kristy at nagitla pa nang bigla niya akong yakapin.

"Kristy-"

"Harold is right. Just let us know, okay? We're friends after all. We're always here to remind you that you're stronger than the self-doubt you're feeling." She continued, and I was left speechless.

Sobrang laki talaga ng tiwala nila sa talino at kakayahan na mayroon ako.

But this time, it feels different.

Though the fear of disappointing them lingers, their words resonate deeply with me. Knowing they are there for me and supporting me means I don't have to be afraid of showing my vulnerabilities.

Oo, posibleng sa isang pagkakamali ko ay bumagsak ako.

But what’s important is that I faced it with courage.