Queen Of Damn

CHAPTER 3 (San Lazarrus Jesuit Academia)

*Reina*

I stood staring at the huge, white grilled gate of my new school. I decided to walk in, checking all the areas I saw inside.

As expected, it was vast with greenery, perennial trees and fragrant shrubs, and scenic spectacles such as fountains in pristine white alabaster with figures of cherubs and faunas. There's a row of rose beds at the side and nice outdoor tables made of marble, park benches and some lining up shed.

On my right, there's the oval, track and field and soccer field separated by wired fences and trees. Then on my left, the wide layout of the quadrangle, with five corner poles for the building strands. Then the center stood as the main. I guess it was the admin's building.

Gaya ng nasa picture na nakita ko sa org nila nung ma-bored ako at naisipan kong bisitahin ang webpage nila. Impressive, mukhang maganda nga ang school na 'to.

Saglit kong tiningnan ang glossy pamphlet na hawak ko at hinagilap ang no-brainer map sa bandang gilid. Napaangat ang ulo ko sa harap at napansin ang malaking bulletin board. Hinanap ko na lang sa directory ng buong school at madali ko namang natunton ang hinahanap ko.

Kumatok ako sa pinto ng Headmaster's office at hinintay na may sumagot.

"Come in,"

Kaya binuksan ko at pumasok na.

Bumungad ang nakangiting lalaking nakaupo sa likod ng sturdy bureau desk, mukha siyang nasa mid-forties or late. May edad na pero mukhang sharp pa rin. At tiningnan niya ako nang mabuti.

"Good morning, you must be—"

"Montalvo, Reina Montalvo." pakilala ko sabay lapit nang bahagya.

"Yeah, you're the client of my college friend, Theresa Montecarlo. I'm Ishmael Jaronilla, the headmaster, you can have a seat,"

"No, I'm not gonna take long." pagtanggi ko na ikinagulat niya.

"Oh, alright." he smiled sideways then pulled out something from the drawer. "Here's your ID, keep wearing this all the time when you're here," at inilapag sa mesa ang PVC-type card na may mukha ko at nakatitik ang buong pangalan ko. May lace pang kasama na may tatak ng school.

"Mahigpit ang policy namin dito kaya," napahinto siya nang nag-tap tap ako ng paa ko at nakahalukipkip pa.

"You can take a seat if you want?"

Umiling ako sa pangalawang pagkakataon.

Napangiti na naman siya. Feeling ko, pinaglalaruan ako ng lalaking ito. "She told me about you, and to be honest, I'm quite surprised."

"Cut the banter please, where's my schedule paper and the rule book? I can read it, don't bother to explain anything."

Again, nagulat na naman siya. May nakakagulat ba sa sinabi ko?

"Wow, you left me baffled. I know now what Thess is telling me," at may kinuha mula sa gilid ng mesa niya. "Here, the school guidelines and the list of programs we annually celebrate. May listahin din ng mga club na pwede mong salihan. I'd read your papers, they said that in your former school, kasali ka sa varsity."