Losing Grounds [Davin & Ninaandrea]

Kabanata 13

“Sure, Dean,” Levin quickly responded, shrugging nonchalantly.

“Good to hear that, hijo. And what about you, hija?” Dean Esperanza redirected the question to me.

Napakurap ako sa sa kaniya. Sigurado ba siya? Ako? Bakit ako? Ang dami namang iba na maaari nilang pagpilian!

“Hija, maaari ka ba?” muling tanong sa akin ni Dean Esperanza noong hindi ako sumagot, siya na matamis na nakangiti habang hinihikayat ako.

Davin coughed loudly.

“Yes, Professor Herrera? Do you have something you like to share?” tanong ni Dean Esperanza sa kaniya.

Bago ibigay ‘yong tingin kay Dean Esperanza ay muling pinasadahan ng tingin ni Davin iyong mga kamay namin ni Levin at kitang-kita ko pa ‘yong mas paghigpit ng panga niya.

“Ms. Montessa is a fourth-year student attending only few subject, correct? Technically, she is not part of their class,” he objected, his voice carrying a note of protest. “Moreover, there are far more suitable choices within their class to consider.”

Hindi ko alam kung bakit nasaktan ako sa mga sinabi niya. Not that I wanted to join the pageant, wala naman talaga akong balak, but because it felt sickening to hear this from him. His words and tone of voice made me feel unwanted and unattractive.

Sandaling napaisip si Dean Esperanza. Ipinagsalikop niya sa ibabaw ng mesa niya ang mga daliri habang tila ba may pinoproseso roon sa mga sinabi ni Davin sa kaniya.

“I do not see any issue, Professor Herrera,” a sudden opinion of a Microbiology professor.

“Exactly! We really need to finalize the official list of candidates now. We only have a week to prepare, and they still need to practice for their talent,” another professor from the Healthcare department agreed.

“Why her?” Davin insisted.

I clenched my jaw.

Why not me, Davin?

At ano na naman ang problema niya? Ano na naman ang ikinagagalit niya?

Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya nagkakaganito. Hindi ba siya masaya na na-aappreciate ako ng ibang tao? Na nakikita nila ang potensyal ko?

“Come on, Davin! Why not her? Tingnan mo sila ni Mr. Esguerra, they look good together. Sigurado akong malaki ang chance nilang manalong dalawa,” singit ni Miss Samantha. “Bagay nga sila, e.,” mahinhing tawa pa niya at sabay bahagyang pisil sa braso ni Davin.

“Kaya nga sila ang napili ko to represent the Seniors. Balita ko rin ay nililigawan nitong si Mr. Esguerra itong si Ms. Montessa.” panunukso pa ni Dean Esperanza sa aming dalawa ni Levin.

“Is that so? Well, they seem to be a better fit then! Their chemistry would naturally shine on stage,” Miss Samantha exclaimed.

“But this is a pageant, not a search for a new loveteam,” Davin commented again, still irritated.

“I understand your point, Professor Herrera. Okay, ganito, may suggestion ka ba na maaaring isali natin?” tanong sa kaniya ni Dean Esperanza.