Static Between Us (Echoing Aurora Series #1)

Prologue

Prologue

"The Galleon Trade, connecting the Philippines and Mexico under Spanish rule, brought wealth to Spain but exploited Filipino labor and resources, deepening social inequality."

Nakatingin ako kay Rylla habang kumukurap-kurap ang mga mata niya, parang ibong pagod sa mahaba at tuloy-tuloy na lipad. Kita sa mga mata niyang gusto na niyang sumuko sa talakayan, lulubog na sa antok sa gitna ng history class.

"Miss Trillanes! Stand up!"

Para siyang manikang biglang na-switch on. Napatalon siya sa gulat bago dahan-dahang tumayo, halatang hindi pa fully naka-connect ang utak sa katawan.

"S-sir?" Mahina at may kasamang panginginig ang boses niya.

"What were the major goods traded in the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade?" tanong ni Prof. Benitez, malamig at walang kahit anong emosyon, parang sanay nang may bumabagsak sa kanyang subject.

Napakamot si Rylla sa ulo, classic sign na wala siyang maisip. "H-hindi ko po alam…"

Prof sighed. "Anyone? Miss Trillanes, remain standing. Who wants to save her?"

Naramdaman ko ang mahinang siko ni Arthur sa braso ko. "Sinclair, tulungan mo naman. Kawawa, oh," bulong niya, sabay kindat kay Rylla.

Nasa gitna si Rylla, kami ni Arthur ay magkatabi. Ramdam ko ang kaba niya kahit di niya sabihin.

"T-teh," bulong ni Rylla, halos maiyak, "tulungan mo naman ako…"

The room fell silent,  then Prof's gaze landed on me.
He tilted his head, one eyebrow raised.

"Miss Fontanilla? Your answer."

Napilitan akong tumayo. Deep breath. Sana tama.

"The Philippines exported silk, porcelain, spices, and other goods to Mexico,".I began, steadying my tone, "while Mexico sent silver and textiles to the Philippines, Sir."

Prof Benitez nodded. "Good. Follow-up question: how did the exchange of goods contribute to the Philippines' economic development?"

Kinain ko ang buntong-hininga ko. Hindi ko inexpect na may Part Two.

"The Galleon Trade brought wealth to the colony," sagot ko ulit, "but it also weakened local industries due to heavy import competition."

Another nod, and finally a faint approval in his eyes. "Very good, Miss Fontanilla. Both of you may sit."

Pag-upo ko, agad akong siniko ni Rylla. "Grabe ka, teh," she whispered dramatically. "Can you lend me your brain? Kahit kalahati lang?"

"Kung nakinig ka sana," irap ko, pero natatawa rin, "edi sana di ka nag-panic. Nagpuyat ka na naman?”

Napahigang nakanguso si Rylla. "Blame the K-drama. Tinapos ko talaga. Tapos namatay din naman 'yung male lead. Stress ako."

Napatawa ako. Kahit ako, guilty rin doon. If I start a drama, tinatapos ko talaga. My brain refuses to rest unless I know the ending, kahit tragic.

“Pahiram ng utak, Sin,” singit bigla ni Arthur. May pa-nguso pa. Katok lang ang kulang.

Before we could argue back, Prof announced: