Igniting Chances

Chapter 30

Scared

We were on the way to school when I open a topic.

"Do you have girlfriend?" Mabilis kong tanong. Hindi pa sya nakasagot agad kaya tiningnan ko sya, napanhinto sya at tila nagiisip.

"Girlfriend?" Tanong nya pa.

"Yeah." Umiwas ako ng tingin, I know this topic is uncomfortable.

"Underage." Sagot nya lang. Napatingin ako sa kanya.

Underage? Bakit tinawag ni Athena na ate si Stephanie then?

"Do you know someone who's name is Stephanie?" Pasimpleng tanong ko habang iniikot ang tingin sa daan. Kunot ang noo nya nang bumaling ako sa kanya.

"Stephanie is not my girlfr--" I cut him off. I'm getting pissed off.

"Its not my question Gad!" Tumingin sya sa akin pero ibinalik din ang tingin sa daan papasok sa school.

"Look here." Pinarada nya sa parking lot ng school ang sasakyan nya at hinarap ako. "I told you I like you, isn't obvious Ahonoama? I'm showing it to you, always." Natahimik ako.

My heart is beating faster and faster, and faster-- more faster!

Oh my gosh Gad!

"And I can't make you my girlfriend yet 'cause you're too young." Part of me was sad and happy.I dont know why. "I told you, I'll wait."

Lumapit sya sa akin.

"And I'm sorry that sometimes I crossed the boundaries, you think of me as an older brother but when the right time comes I'll change that mindset of yours."

Hindi ako nakapagsalita at umiwas lang tingin.

"Give me chance when the right time comes okay?" Wala sa sariling napatango ako. I saw him smiled in the side of my eyes. Lumapit sya sa akin at hinalikan ang gilid ng noo ko. "Good girl." Saad nya at lumabas na para pagbuksan ako ng pinto.

Buong klase akong tulala, thinking of something.

Gad likes mature relationship that's why he can't make me his girlfriend yet.

Gosh, I suddenly felt like I want to grow up fast so I can be with Gad. You know I feel safe with him around.

Napangiti ako.

I'll keep Gad no matter what.

With a smile I walk down the stairs to go to the gym and watch Gad play basketball, hindi pa pala tapos ang District meet.

Papalapit na sana ako sa gym ng harangin ako ni Athena with her squad smirking at me.

"Nasa loob talaga ang kulo." Ngisi nya. Kinunutan ko sya ng noo. "Where are you going baby girl?" Hindi ako umimik.

"Sinong pupuntahan mo, si kuya Van ba o si kuya Gad?" Tanong naman nung isa nyang kasama. From afar I saw Nadia watching us with her bloodshot eyes.

Umiwas ako ng tingin, still scared of her.

"Really?" Tawa ni Athena sabay tingin sa trash bin sa tabi ko. "Bagay ata sayo to." Mabilis nyang kinuha ito at itataob na sana sa akin pero im not gonna let that happen. Umiwas ako at tinulak iyon kaya sa kanya tumapos, mabilis kumalat ang amoy.

Napatili sila.

"Oh my gosh! What have you done?!" Inis na tanong nya.

"Serves you right." Ngumisi ako. I cant be damsel in distress with this kind of attitude that my mom and dad gave me.

Napangisi ako. I ain't bitch. I'm not just weakling.

Inis na tumalikod sila Athena, nakasalubong nya pa si Nadia at huminto, may binulong sya dito.

"Pathethic." Saad nya kay Nadia.

Napapikit ako ng mariin at umiwas nang daan.

I should avoid Nadia. I'm really scared, lalo na at wala si Gad. Nadia's rage gave me anxiety.