A Burnt Flower's Ashes

Chapter Twelve

The scene before my eyes confused me big time.

I could only put up a nonplussed expression when most of my classmates shrieked upon my entrance at the classroom. I've been missing in action for days, but their reaction at my return is quite... exaggerated?

"Suna!" I was approached by the president of our class, whose name I don't remember. Niyugyog niya ako. "Mabuti naman at pumasok ka na!"

"Uhm," I felt dizzy due to her gesture. "What's the matter?"

"Our representative for the annual school pageant is busy shitting in the bathroom!" She explained the dire situation to me. They panicked once more. "Nagtatae talaga siya at hindi niya kayang sumali. Baka sumirit daw ang tae niya habang rumarampa!"

"That's so gross." Napangiwi ako. "What am I supposed to do about that, though? Wala akong gamot sa pagtatae. Bumili na lang kayo."

Okay, so everyone looked at me as if they couldn't handle my stupidity. It almost seemed like they wanted to strangle me to death. Galit ba sila dahil wala akong gamot para sa LBM?

"We want you to enter the contest in her place, you silly!"

"What?" Napanganga ako sa sinabi niya. "That's ridiculous."

"No, no. You can do this!" Our president cajoled as she brushed my hair using her fingers. "You look decent, not to mention that you're smart as well. Only you can replace her! Alam mo namang bobo ang mga kaklase natin at puro paganda lang ang alam nila!"

Tila marami namang tinamaan sa sinabi niya dahil nagprotesta ang mga kaklase kong magaganda pero zero palagi sa mga exam.

"Hindi ako marunong rumampa." pag-amin ko.

She clicked her tongue. "That's fine."

"I would probably look like a fractured horse."

"Bumawi ka na lang sa Q and A!" she insisted.

Natahimik naman ang buong klase at inabangan nila ang sagot ko. Our president glared at me, and I almost shrunk at the intensity of her stare. Is that supposed to pressure me? Well, it's working.

I blinked twice. "Okay."

"Okay?" President-with-no-name repeated.

"I can replace her in one condition." I replied.

She groaned. "Spill it. What do you want?"

"You have to buy me lunch for a week."

"Bitch," That seemed to fire her up. "I can buy you lunch for the whole month. All you need to do is to slay out there and win."

"Deal." Nagkamayan kami. "I'm sorry, but what's your name again?"

This time, I got whacked on the face. That's what you get when you've been classmates with someone for almost four years and you're still clueless as to what her name is. Oh, my bad.

Habang abala silang lahat na magdaldalan, nagtungo na ako sa upuan ko. My face brightened at the sight of my seatmate, Uriel, who was sleeping soundly on his seat. Nandito siya ngayon!

"Uriel." I whispered. "How have you been?"

I placed my palm on his head in an attempt to pet him, but I was taken aback when his hand caught mine in a swift. Sinilip ako ng mga mata niya at agad na nagsalubong ang kanyang mga kilay.

"Freak?"

"Hi." I greeted him again. "Did you miss me?"

"Don't give me that crap." He hissed. "Looks like classes are on-hold because of the fucking pageant. Uuwi na talaga ako!"