When Heaven Smiled

10

Chapter 10
Stares and stolen glances

Silence was the best weapon I had. This is a dangerous message to myself because I hadn't spoken of the injustice I faced. But as problems arose along the way, hindi ko na kaya pang magsalita at dagdagan ito. It was my way of moving on and gaining my self-esteem back.

Basta ang sabi ko sa sarili ko, hindi na mauulit uli. I can't be the bigger person all the time.

"Hindi maganda ang kalahati, masyadong malalim." Sinipat ni Maxon ang aking laptop.

"Of course malalim 'yan, lumang panahon nga 'di ba?" buwelta ko sa kanya. His unreasonable takes were getting on my nerves. Kinalikot ko ang laptop at hinanap ang mga gusto niyang baguhin.

"Ibahin mo, edit it out."

"Kalahati?" I scoffed. "Ngarag na tayo. Come on, Maxon. Huwag mo akong i-power trip. Okay ang gawa ng team ko. Gusto mo bang pakialaman ko ang pagdi-direct mo? Hinahayaan mo nga lang ang boys magkalat minsan kapag shoot! Nauubusan tayo ng oras."

"Tss, gawin mo ang gusto mo. Okay na 'yan kung okay." Matamlay niyang sabi.

"I'll do what I want then." I rolled my eyes and closed my laptop.

Iyon na ang huling project na magkasama kami.

Section 1 became the most hated section of our batch. Lumala kasi ang mga issue. The guidance office investigated us one by one. Maraming nabantaan na maapektuhan ang honors. Galit din sa amin si Ma'am Castillo. Ang daming nagsabi na naturingang matatalino, pero barumbado naman pala.

I raised my concerns in the guidance office. Tutal nakarating din sa kanila ang tsismis na naghalikan kami ni Maxon sa library. I denied every issue they've thrown. Inamin ko ang totoo. It was my words against Earvin. He didn't have any evidence. The Discipline Office let it slide. Tapos na ang ilang Sabado na power trip experience ni Maxon. I didn't tell him that. He was too mad at me while I was clearing his name.

♪♪♪

"Aalis tayo mamaya, bibili tayo gown n'yo." Mommy said without making an eye contact. She's too focused on her plate for some reason. She's spacing out, sumubo siya ng ulam pero halos hindi niya pa nagagalaw ang kanin niya.

"Yay! Finally! Ako na lang kasi ang walang prom dress sa aming magkakaibigan." Ate Ari clasped her hands.

"Why is prom so important?" Kristoff asked.

Lahat kami bumaling sa kanya. He looked curious, pero paglingon ko kay Ate parang binigyan niya ng ibang kahulugan iyon dahil sa paraan ng pagtingin niya sa kapatid.

"Uh, kasi prom is one of the highlights ng High School. It's a party before the school year ends, and students can wear fancy dresses." Sumingit na agad ako sa usapan. I am fully aware that sometimes Ate has her petty side. Kaya alam kong papatulan niya si Kristoff.

"Oh, like a farewell party..." He whispered to himself. "Pwede po ba akong sumama sa pagpili n'yo ng dress?" His eyes looked hopeful.

"Of course!" I smiled at him. Tiningnan niya muna ako saka ngumiti at tumango. Hmm, ano kaya iniisip ng batang ito?

"Uh, Ate can we have the same color? But, different design siyempre. You know, parang dati lang... Terno lagi?" I awkwardly chuckled, sana pumayag siya. I played with my fingers while waiting for her answer. It was my way of reaching out.

"What are we? Twins?" She let out a sarcastic chuckle then she shook her head. She hardly chewed her food.

"Oh, okay..." Pilit akong ngumiti sa kanya.