The Rare Ones

Kabanata 43

Kumurap-kurap siya, “G-Guys, ako 'to.” pagpapakilala niya.

Natahimik naman ang lima at napalingon sa kaniya ng dahan-dahan. Sinipat siya ng mga ito mula ulo hanggang paa. She awkwardly smiles at them.

“Heh! Don't joke on us Miss, It's a masquerade party. Huwag kang man—” Nahinto si Shamil nang mapansin niyang mariin siyang tinitigan ni Luna, thought hindi niya alam na si Luna pala ito. Her jaw dropped, “Seriously? Gianna?”

Hindi naman sumagot si Luna at umupo na lang sa pagitan ni Shamil at Olivia. May tatlo pang bakanteng upuan. Tig wawalo kasi ang upuan sa iisang table.

“Woah, Gianna. Hindi kita nakilala. Akala ko may kaharap akong isang prinsesa.” Namamangha salita ni Elleanor.

Nag-usap na sila pagkatapos no'n. Maya-maya pa ay may nagsalita na sa stage. Lahat ay napabaling doon.

It was the emcee, the Supreme President, Calvert.

“Good evening everyone, and welcome to our school's anniversary celebration! It is my great pleasure to introduce a very special guest tonight. This person has played a crucial role in the establishment and success of our school. Without their vision, dedication, and hard work, we would not be here today. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in giving a warm welcome to the founder of our school, Lyllian Syne!”

Nagpalakpakan naman lahat ng hurado. Doon unti-unting lumabas sa may backstage ang isang eleganteng babae na naka masquerade attire rin.

“Woah, look at her hand.” Anas ni Shamil.

Napadako naman ang tingin ni Luna roon. The one arm of that woman. It's an iron hand na pumukaw rin ng atensyon ng lahat ng mga hurado.

Sa loob ng sampung taon ay ngayon lang muli nagpakita ang founder ng paaralan nila. And now she revealed her name. No other than Lyllian Syne who's known as the mother of Lyka Syne.

The woman walks to the center of the stage. Lahat ay naging tahimik at naghihintay sa sasabihin ng eleganteng may bakal na kamay.

“Dear students, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests. Good evening! It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the Syne Attunement University anniversary celebration. Today, we come together to celebrate the rich history and achievements of our beloved school. I know my visit is kinda surprising.”

“As the founder of this institution, I am filled with pride and joy as I look back on the many years of hard work, dedication, and success that have brought us to this moment. From our humble beginnings to the thriving community of learners that we are today, Syne Attunement University has always been a place of growth, discovery, and excellence.” sabi pa nito.

Habang nagsasalita naman ang founder na si Lyllian ay hindi namalayan ni Luna na nasa likod na pala niya si Zyriex na nakahalukipkip pa ang kamay habang nakikinig rin sa sinasabi ng founder ng school nila.

“As we reflect on our past and look towards our future, let us take this opportunity to renew our commitment to providing the best education possible for our students. Let us continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, and let us never forget the values that have made SAU such a special place. Once again, welcome to the Syne Attunement University anniversary celebration. I hope you all have a wonderful time. Thank you.”

Nagsipalakpakan naman ang mga hurado at doon na muling lumiwanag ang paligid. Pinatay kasi ang ilaw kanina para ang spotlight lang ay doon nakatutok sa founder na si Lyllian.

Napapitlag naman si Luna nang makitang may nakatayo sa likod niya. Kanina niya pa iyon napansin ngunit isinawalang bahala lamang niya pero ngayon ay nilingon na niya ito. Kaagad niyang nakilala ito dahil sa asul nitong mga mata.