Fragmented Rhapsody

Fragment 04

04 
Gummy bears

"What precautionary measure is appropriate when feldspar is detected in the basement of your construction site?"

Ang buong klase ay tahimik na inilaan ang mata at tenga sa nakatayong professor sa harapan. If my memory serves me right, the class was so loud – but that was before Engr. Sy entered the room. I understand why the whole class suddenly turns mute during his time.

Naturally, he's the type of professor who never gets rid of his smile from sun up to sun down but that bright personality is the opposite when it comes to academics. Although he smiles a lot during lectures, the way he delivers his classes and asks challenging questions is too intense.

Kahit ako ay kinakabahan din minsan. I'm a quite confident student because I really never go to class unprepared, because I had to do good and be the best. Magagalit si Papa kung hindi ganoon ang mangyayari. 

So, if a student like me still feels like throwing up every time Engr. Sy teaches, that just means that he's a one hell of a terror.

I threw a glance around the classroom and saw horror from each and everyone's face. They all look terrified and clueless of the answer. But heck, I know so well that Caitlyn is aware of the answer because this is also just a piece of cake for her. She just doesn't want the attention of our teachers. 

Muling nagsalita si Engr. Sy at nasisiguro ko na kung ano ang susunod na mangyayari. Even the whole class knows what's going to happen next when that certain question is pulled out.

"Anyone who can give me an absolute answer? An answer that is specific and concise is better though," he said. "Perhaps, Ms. Dela Merced can answer it?" 

Nag-angat ako ng tingin at tinanguan naman ako ni Engr. Sy. I stood up immediately. Gusto kong matapos na ang klase na ito dahil kailangan ko pang mag-basa para sa long quiz mamaya.

"Since feldspar is a weak agent and is easily decomposed by any environmental factor –" I mumbled and tried to outline my answer mentally in the most concise way, "– the dissimilar area of the basement is removed and the foundation is rather placed in a firm-to-undeformed section."

"Very well, Ms. Dela Merced." 

Our professor seemed pleased with it. The whole class was relieved because we just passed through a recitation. Itinuloy na ni Engr. Sy ang lecture at hindi na muling nagtanong pa. I glared at Caitlyn beside me but she just gave me a grin.

The class ended quite okay at may dalawang oras pa ako para magbasa. I don't necessarily need to top that quiz because I've been doing well on the subject but...first things first. Papa's goal first. 

"Tara sa hideout," Caitlyn gushed and pulled me by the arm. I immediately shook my head upon realizing that she's planning to go to his place. Hindi pwede. Ayoko pa siyang makita.

Kailangan kong magbasa. Natulog ako agad kagabi dahil hindi maganda ang aking pakiramdam. I guess the weeks of training combats has finally taken a toll on my body.

"May long quiz. You know I can't afford to –"

"Mag-re-review tayo, 'kay? We just need to find a good place and that good place is there," she said, staring at me softly. Agad na kumunot ang kaniyang noo nang makita ang aking ekspresyon. "Did something happen? "

Mariin kong ipinikit ang aking mata bago tumango sa kaniya. "I lost last Saturday..."

I fucking lost the firing competition.

I don't need to elaborate it but the disappointment on my father's face was enough to bury me underground. Wala siyang imik nang matapos ang araw na 'yon. Heck, even now. Days have already passed by and he wasn't still okay about it.