After All Else

One

Start the school year right.

I breathed deeply as I looked around the campus. Kakaunti pa ang mga estudyante, maaga din pa kasi. I never liked being late since I was taught that my presence is just as important as anyone else's. I looked for my name sa class list kung nasaan makikita ang sections for this school year. Of course, star section.

I trudged towards my room, exchanging pleasantries with anyone who greeted me. Friendly naman ako, hindi nga lang yung tipong mauunang mag-approach sa mga tao. I was taught that I am an important person at hindi ako dapat maghabol sa mga tao. My mother said it would be useful pag naging CEO na raw ako.

I plugged in my AirPods at hinintay na lamang na mapuno ang classroom. My friends picked seats near me. Sino naman bang hindi ganon sa tuwing kaklase ang kaibigan nila?

I woke up from a nap dahil kay Sienna, my best friend. "Man, wake up. Nag first bell na, hihintayin mo pa ba ang third bell bago ka gumising diyan? Tutulugan mo flag ceremony ganon?" She said, her arms crossed. Napakaraming sinabi, sus.

"Sorry naman aba. Inantok lang. Bawal na?" I grinned at her. We joined our other friends outside the room at pumila na. After the flag ceremony, we went back inside and I went back to my own little bubble. I just escaped the trance I was in nang may marinig na hindi pamilyar na boses.

"Hello, good morning! Perseus Kalev Silvestre. Just call me Kalev." Prenteng pagpapakilala ng bago naming classmate.

"Thank you Kalev. Doon ka na lang maupo sa likod ni Ms. Aguirran. I'm sure she can help you if ever you need it." Our adviser answered as he gestured to the seat behind me.

New guy didn't even thank Mr. Castillo. As he was making his way towards the seat assigned to him, I did a quick sweep of his features. Of course, I needed to be acquainted with him too. We're classmates, after all. It's not like I wanted any other business with him. I don't have time to fool around.

He was tall, siguro more than 5'5" but less than 6'. By the looks of his body, pwede sigurong player. Basketball player, ha. He was lean too, his built was good for his age. His dark hair was styled, naka-wax ata. Ewan ko, I don't pay attention to boys too much unless kaibigan ko. His brown eyes looked like mawawala na kung ngingiti siya. Bagay din sa kanya ang dimples niya sa tuwing nagkakaroon ng ngiti sa mukha niya. Other than that, he looked like a serious guy, but the type of serious na alam mong madaming kalokohan up his sleeve.

Natigilan siya nang makarating sa pwesto ko, napansin na tinitigan ko siya ng sandali. He winked at me.

"Ms. Aguirran, right?" He asked playfully.

I nodded at inirapan siya. Player nga.

Napagdesisyunan kong makinig na lang sa adviser para hindi guluhin ni new guy. I just feel like he's trouble and I don't wanna get mixed up in that. I was silently taking notes dahil unang araw pa lang, nag lesson na tong si Sir. I didn't like it but it's not as if I have a choice naman.

"Pst. Ms. Aguirran." Bulong nung nasa likod ko. Di ko siya pinansin. Hell no.

"Ms. Aguirran, uy. Wag ka na snob please." Paulit ulit na kulbit niya pa sakin. Hindi na ko nakatiis sa mga pang-iinis niya.

"It's Eliese, okay? Now stop bugging me at makinig ka sa lesson." Iritado kong sagot sa kanya. Natawa lang siya sa sinabi ko.

"Yes Maam, lips are zipped." Sabi niya with matching actions. Medyo natawa ako pero pinigilan ko. Ayokong makita niyang nabawasan irita ko sa kanya. When the bell signaling recess finally rang, agad kong kinuha ang bag ko at tumayo.