Ruling The Last Section (Season 3- Final)

Kabanata 240

Kabanata 240:
Hug

I am looking at the tiled wall of the comfort room as I feel the water cascade down my body. I let it run through my hair and slowly move down to my neck and shoulder. I caress my neck and scrub my bare skin with my palm. Pumikit ako ng bahagya at ninamnam ang katahimikan sa isip at paligid.

It's so rare to have this silent and peaceful moment. I wish my mind is this calm and peaceful always. It's always full of clouded thoughts nowadays. Hindi ako matigil sa pag-iisip, hindi ako mapakali at hindi ako matatahimik. At ayaw na ayaw ko ng ganoong pakiramdam. I hate overthinking. I hate it so much.

Ang tanging hinahangad ko na lang ngayon sa buhay na makamit ay kapayapaan at katahimikan. I want peace of mind. I've been craving for it for a long time now.

Iniisip ko, bakit sobra sobra maghangad ang tao. Ang iba hindi pa makontento kahit nasa mataas na posisyon na. Kahit na naangkin at natamo na ang pinaka hahangad nilang bagay, ngunit may mga pagkakataon pa rin na hindi iyon sapat. They still seek for more.

Then I wonder if it's really a material thing they seek. Is it another achievement, a higher rank, or a trophy? Or it's just a simple thing, like peace of mind.

Kasi ako, wala na akong pinapangarap pa kundi mamuhay sa tahimik at payapang paraan. At hindi ko alam kung kailan ko ba makakamit ang ganoong klaseng buhay.

I open my eyes as I run my fingers through my wet long hair. The water is warm and it's soothing my tired body. A thin fog from the water embraces my naked body. Ilang minuto na hinayaan ko ang sarili na nakababad sa tapat ng shower bago magdedesisyon na umalis na roon. I wrapped my body with a towel and reached for my clothes that were hanging in the corner of the cubicle.

Gumaan ang pakiramdam ko sa pagligo. I feel like a stone lifted up from my shoulder. I feel lighter now. Pumikit ako saglit at dinama muna ang kagaanan ng pakiramdam.

"Oh, I don't know the comfort room is currently occupied."

I was drying my wet hair with the towel when Winona step inside the comfort room. Agad akong natigil sa ginagawa nang marinig ang tinig niya.

I lazily look at her in the reflection of the mirror. Doon kami nagkatinginan. I'm wearing my undergarments now. Ang extra na damit ay nasa loob pa ng bag.

My peace suddenly vanish in air. Ganoon kabilis naglaho ang kapayapaan sa akin sa pagdating niya.

"Why you really love chasing me?" I ask her. Bahagya akong kalmado ngayon pero nanatili pa rin ang iritasyon sa akin dahil sa ginawa niya kanina. Hindi ko alam kung pati ba ang mga admin at facilitator ng school ay nabibilog niya na rin ang ulo, kaya pinapaboran siya.

"I'd rather chase a frog than you." sagot niya pero hindi ako naniniwala roon. Pagak akong tumawa. Her eyes rake down my body.

"Don't try me now Winona, or you'll lay on this cold floor once again." banta ko. I am not really in the mood anymore to have a catfight with her.

"I'm here to shower, Raiven." pagpapalusot niya at bahagya akong inismiran.

She lifted her shirt to remove it from her body. Inabot ko naman ang bag para kuhanin na ang gamit. I look for my new shirt now. Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay naka panty at bra na lang rin si Winona.

I look at her black-laced brassiere. She smirks.

"Realized that I am too hot than you?" nagtaas siya ng kilay sa akin. Muntik na akong matawa roon.

"No, I realized it's a good thing that I wear only plain white underwear today because if I choose lace, I don't know if you could even look straight at my eyes," I said and her smirk faded. I smiled widely as I turn my back to her.