A Thousand Wounds

Wound 5

Wound 5

"Our new Miss Intramurals for this year is no other than..." the emcee exclaimed and hanged for a moment.

The same charming smile never left my lips as we waited for the heartrending announcement.

"Contestant number one, Maribelle Pacheco of the Yellow Tigers!"

Dumagundong ang malakas na hiyawan ng aking mga kamag-aral. Nang maipasa sa akin ang korona ay hindi mapatid ang malawak na ngiti sa aking labi.

I took a deep breath and uttered my appreciation when the reigning queen minutes ago congratulated me.

"Congratulations," said the female judge who awarded my sash and trophy. Even my class adviser, who handed my certificate, greeted me.

"Thank you po," I thanked them all and smiled gradually, taking in the idea that I am once again holding the title and the crown.

Lubos na kagalakan ang pumuno sa aking puso lalo na nang lumapit sa akin ang aking mga kaibigan na di magkamayaw sa pagbati sa akin. They proudly smiled when we took our class picture.

"Oh my gosh! Congratulations, bakla!" magiliw na bati ni Sky.

Napaigik ako nang balutin nila akong tatlo sa isang mahigpit na yakap. "Hey! I can't breathe," reklamo ko sa kanila.

"Basta congrats sa'yo, gaga!" Reese uttered and hugged me more.

"We're so proud of you, bakla!" si Mara.

Napailing na lamang ako sa kanilang tatlo na sinundan ng aming mabining halakhakan.

Winning the crown for the second time around, I became extra popular than ever. As a result, the pressure of becoming a role model to the students of Linavio became heavier. I am the face of Linavio, as told by my teachers, and with that, I'm afraid that I won't be able to stand up with this title.

As the aftermath of my winning streak, Lia, the feature editor of The Voice of Linavio, asked me again for a one-on-one interview. Compared to the last time, I seem more confident in answering her questions.

"Congratulations on your triumph, Belle," she smiled at me when we took our own seats.

"Thank you," I answered back and smiled inwardly.

She darted her questions to me, which I gladly answered. She asked for my inspiration, preparation process, and the key points behind my road to the crown until she ended with a yet malicious question.

"Sorry for being too nosy, but how has it been Belle?" she teasingly winked at me.

Napanguso ako. "Huh? What do you mean, Lia?"

She chuckled. "How was your quest for your king? Don't worry, I won't include this in the article."

Umiiling na sumabay ako sa kaniyang paghalakhak. I don't know but ever since the first interview session we had, we grew closer.

"Ano na? Nahanap mo na ba?" she asked eagerly.

I acted like as if I'm thinking thoroughly while pursing my lips. "What? Tell me.. Tell me.." she pleaded.

I stifled a smile and shook my head fervently. Napatahimik na lamang kami ni Lia nang may maglapag ng libro sa ibabaw ng aming mesa. Tumikhim ito kaya naman sabay kaming napatingala ni Lia.

"Could you lower down your voices? We're having an orientation there," turo niya sa kabilang table na kaharap namin.

I was inaudibly caught off guard. Nang maalala ang kagagahan isang lingo ang nakalilipas, uminit ang aking magkabilang pisngi.