Dying Embers

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine: Raindrops and Likes

The sky was gloomy, and I felt like it was going to rain at any moment. As I walked through the school's main gate, I suddenly realized I hadn't brought my umbrella. I was sure I had taken it out earlier so I wouldn't forget, but somehow, I still left it behind. I sighed and quickened my pace until I reached the hallway.

Nang makapasok ako sa first period namin ay wala pa si Ms. Agoncillo. Mabuti naman. Since, wala pa masyadong mga estudyante ay tumungo muna ako sa table ni Jilliana at naupo sa kaniyang tabi.

"Oh? Bakit ka nandito?" Tanong niya.

"No one to talk to at my table, so I figured I'd bother you instead." I leaned forward, resting my head on my arms on the table.

Bumuntong-hininga siya at ginaya rin ang aking pwesto. Pareho kaming nakatingin sa harap.

"I wish they'd suspend classes today. It's so dull to study in this weather. I just want to sleep," she muttered in a hoarse voice.

"Same." Sambit ko.

She didn't respond, so I glanced at her and saw that her eyes were closed, and her breathing had deepened. I shook my head and laughed quietly at how quickly she had dozed off. Muli akong tumingin sa harap at nag-stay doon ng ilang minuto nang marinig ko ang bahagyang pagtunog ng cellphone ko. Hindi ako gumalaw sa pwesto ko ngunit kinuha ko ang aking cellphone sa aking bulsa ng suot kong jeans gamit ang kanang kamay ko at sinagot ang tawag.

It was Chance calling.

"What?" I answered lifelessly.

Chance, being Chance, chuckled. "Good morning, Nieve. You're at school?"

"Hmm." I hummed in response.

"You're sleepy, aren't you?" He laughed.

I rolled my eyes, about to respond, when I saw Ms. Agoncillo walking into the classroom, her stilettos echoing on the cement floor, and her bag slung over her right arm. "Ms. Agoncillo's here. I have to hang up now," I whispered.

"Alright, I'll head in too. Takbuhin ko na lang. Miss na kita e, gusto na kitang makita. Kita na lang tayo." Halakhak niya bago nito pinatay ang tawag. Hindi ko rin namalayang may kumawalang ngiti sa aking labi habang tinititigan ang cellphone ko pagkatapos niyang tumawag. Nawala lang 'yon ng magsalita si Ms. Agoncillo.

"Good morning, class. Kindly take your seats. I have an important announcement. Where is everyone else?" she asked calmly, standing at the front of the class behind her desk.

"They're probably on their way, ma'am," one of my classmates answered.

"Chance Castiel will be here in five, ma'am. He's stuck in the car park because it's raining." Sagot naman ni Henry.

"Alright, we have an hour, so let's wait for them," Ms. Agoncillo said.

"I hate coming to school with weather like this," Nimbus mumbled. He, along with Henry, sat near Jilliana's table, so I could hear them clearly.

"Then why are you here, idiot?"

I ignored their conversation and turned my attention back to Jilliana, who was still asleep.

Mahinang niyugyog ko si Jilliana para gisingin ito. She groaned softly and slowly her eyes cracked open. She frowned at me.

"Why did you wake me u—" Mabilis na tinakpan ko ang bibig nito at sumenyas sa kaniya na manahimik siya dahil medyo napalakas ang boses nito.