What Comes After The Rain

WCATR 3: Rays of Hope

CHAPTER 3 - RAYS OF HOPE

The next month came, and it became busier than the usual September.

"Vash... I can't go."

Vash looked at me with disappointment written all over her face. "Kailangang kailangan ka namin doon, Rayne. You are one of our editors. Kailangang kumpleto tayo."

We are currently in TVOA's office. Katatapos ko lamang mag-cover ng event para sa gender and development. Inaayos ko ang ilang mga file na nasa shelf for editing nang lapitan ako ni Vash.

I heaved a deep sigh and shook my head at her.

"Wala kasing maiiwan kay Papa, Vash. Alam mo naman ang sitwasyon sa bahay," I said with a pleading voice. Kamuntik ko na ring paniwalaan ang aking sarili na iyon nga ang dahilan kaya hindi ako makakasama sa OSSEI. OSSEI stands for Organization of Student Services Educators, Inc. They organize national conference on campus journalism every year. Isa ang TVOA sa naimbitahang lumahok.

"I suggest, bring Tiffany. Siya ang pinakamalaki ang potensyal sa lahat ng trainee," I added. Tiffany was one of my trainees. "Ako na lang ang magko-cover ng department week ng BSIT para makabawi naman."

Vash's expression softened as she understood the situation. "Oh, I see. Well, family always comes first, Rayne," she said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Pero kung magbago ang isip mo, sabihan mo lang kaagad ako. Ipagre-register pa rin kita ng slot," anito.

Tumango lang ako kahit alam ko namang hindi talaga ako makakasama. "Pasensya talaga, Vash."

Vash smiled at me even though it was forced. Vash always wanted us to be compete as a whole team. Ayaw na ayaw nitong may naiiwan sa 'min kaya hindi ko pa rin maiwasang makonsensya.

Naihilamos ko na lang ang aking palad sa mukha dala ng prustrasyon. Kung magpapakatotoo ako, gusto ko naman talagang dumalo sa national conference na iyon. I also wanted to participate, but if it means I have to be with them, surrounded by them all the time, huwag na lang.

I know myself better than anyone. I get too attached to people fast. Knowing TVOA, especially Vash, they are good people. They have the same vibes I was looking for in a friend. Kaya't hangga't kaya ko, pipiliin kong huwag mapalapit sa kanila. Scholarship ang ipinunta ko rito at hindi ang pakikipagkaibigan.

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I stepped behind the counter of the coffee shop and began to prepare the drink the customer had ordered. It was a busy morning, and the sound of the coffee grinder and milk steamer was almost deafening.

After a few minutes, I handed the customer their drink with a smile. "Here's your caramel latte," I said cheerfully.

"Thank you," the customer replied, handing me some cash.

I nearly cringe because of my high pitch, sweet voice. Nang tuluyan nang makalabas sa coffee shop na pinatatrabahuhan ko ang pinakahuling customer namin ngayong araw ay nakahinga ako nang maluwag.

Sa wakas ay natapos na rin ang napakahaba kong shift. Tinulak ko ang upuan na inalisan noong makatipan kanina saka ipinasok sa ilalim ng table. Naglakad ako papunta sa glass door at pinalitan iyon ng karatula na, 'sorry we're closed.' Inayos ko ang lavatory, niligpit ang mga maruming kagamitan at saka naglampaso ng sahig. Gabi-gabi ay ito na ang nakaugalian kong gawin.

Pagkatapos ng eight to five kong klase sa school ay diresto na kaagad ako rito sa Gaiah's Cafe na pagmamay-ari ng mga Escajeda. Proyekto ito ni Mayor Ynares para mabigyan ng trabaho ang mga kagaya kong working student dito sa Mystown. Hindi sana ako makakasama ngunit dahil dating nakakasama ni Tatay si Mayor sa sabungan ay nagawan niya ng paraan. Kahit papaano ay nakatulong ito sa panggastos at baon ko sa school.