Midnight's Sunshine (GxG)

Chapter Three

I just realized na hindi ko manlang siya nginitian pabalik nong nginitian niya ako.

I turned back to look at her. Kauasap niya si Ma'am Tine, may sinasabi siya sakaniya at puro tango lang ang sagot sakaniya ni Ligaya.

I hope she's not thinking na dinededma ko siya.

Napabuntong hininga na lang din ako at nag-ayos na ng gamit para makakakain na ng lunch. Kailangan ko pang magbasa about our topic in the feature article, na ipapasa namin mamaya.

Hindi na ako sumabay sa iba kong kaklase, sa labas daw kasi sila kakain e wala akong dalang extra money.

Mag-isa akong lumabas sa Gabaldon, palakad-lakad lang ako sa gilid, and doing some research about Santa Maria Bridge, napatigil lang ako nang may narinig akong tumatakbo papalapit sa puwesto ko.

Naramdaman kong huminto, 'yung kaninang tumatakbo sa likod ko. I removed the other earphones on my right ear and turned around.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil nakita ko si Ligaya, hingal na hingal ito at nakahawak pa sa dibdib niya.

"Hey, you."

I blinked and looked around. "Who?"

"You," turo nito sa'kin.

"Me?" paninigurado ko.

Tumawa siya ng mahina. "Yes, you're AJ, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

What is happening? Babawian niya ba ako sa ginawa ko kagabi?

"Great. Well, hi AJ. Ikaw ba ang feature writer ng juniors in Filipino?" Hindi mawala-wala ang ngiti sa mga labi niya.

Ikalma mo, please.

"Ako nga, why?" I smiled back.

I think I am doing a good job of acting cool. Okay, AJ, let's keep it cool.

"Ma'am Roxy mentioned you to me. After this workshop, they'll group each one of us in our assigned position. For us to have a one-on-one review, I am going to be the feature writer in English. I just wanted to update you agad para makilala na rin kita and para hindi ka mahiya sa'kin."

Nahihiya akong tumango-tango at ngumiti. The fact that she approached me makes my heart explode.

"Okay. I can't wait to work with you."

Nakangiti lang siya habang nakatingin sa'kin.

"Same here. Anyways, I'll go now. I apologize for interrupting you."

"No biggies, thank you," I said, smiling.

She waved at me at tuluyan ng lumabas ng gate.

"Yes, yes, yes!" sa sobrang tuwa ko ay pinagsusuntok ko ang hangin.

Grabeng Ligaya 'to.

***

"Ladies and gentlemen, gather around!"

Sabay-sabay kaming nagsitayuan at nagpalakpakan. Sir Patrick later thanked us and told us to sit down again.

He cleared his throat. "I am thrilled to stand before you today to announce the award in this outstanding field. As we all know, journalism plays a crucial role in our society, shedding light on important stories, holding power accountable, and giving voice to the voiceless.

"Before we unveil the name of the deserving winner, let us take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work and dedication by all the participants.

"Now, without further ado, let us turn our attention to the individual who has risen above the rest, capturing our attention with their exceptional storytelling, investigative prowess, and unwavering dedication to truth."