Losing Grounds [Davin & Ninaandrea]

Kabanata 13

Tumikhim si Davin. Humalukipkip at inalis ‘yong pag-dekuwatro ng paa na tila ba sobrang naiirita na siya.

“How about Ms. Zamora? She is from their class as well. And I’ve heard she used to participate in pageants and is a pro at it,” Davin suggested. “Ms. Zamora will undoubtedly nail it,” he added.

Napangiwi ako sa sinabi niya. Ano ba talaga ang gusto niyang palabasin? Kanina lang ay galit na galit siya kay Katelyn pero kung ipagpilitan naman niya siya ngayon ay kulang na lang na makipagtalo siya sa buong faculty!

“Doesn’t she still have the cheating issue? Plus, we are looking for a representative who embodies both beauty and brains. Nina is the ideal candidate. She is a total package,” puri pa ni Dean Esperanza sa akin.

“I couldn’t argue with that. She used to perfect my exams last semester,” the Microbiology professor commented.

“Still, there are far better choices,” Davin insisted. “I do not think Ms. Montessa is competitive enough,” he added.

“Tss,” Levin murmured beside me.

“It is still up to Ms. Montessa. She is the one to decide,” Dean Esperanza sighed, her voice full of hope that I would agree to this. Then, she looked at me again, smiling with a persuasive tone.

“Dean, kasi po, ano,” pag-aalangan ko.

“Hmm? What is it, hija? What is the problem? What is holding you back?” aniya.

“Alam naman po ninyo na working student lang ako, ‘di ba?” sabi ko.

“Yes. I am aware of that an  that adds to you being the perfect candidate. You are a good model to other students  Pero bakit? Maaapektuhan ba noon ang trabaho mo, hija?” usisa pa niya.

Umiling ako. Hindi naman kasi iyon ang talagang inaalala ko. Wala doon ang problema ko.

“Kasi po,” I hesitated once again.

“What is it? Tell me your concerns, hija.”

“Wala po akong panggastos, Dean,” pagtatapat ko.

“Iyon lang ba? Iyon ba ang inaalala mo?” tanong niya na tinanguhan ko. “You do not have to worry about the expenses. Mula sa make-up, gown, at swimwear na susuotin mo ay ang kami na ang bahala. Your cooperation is enough, hija. I just really want to establish a worthy competition this year. Ang gusto ko ay hindi lang puro ganda,” Dean Esperanza explained to me.

Sabay-sabay kaming napalingon kay Davin nang bigla siyang tumikhim.

“Swimwear?” he asked, as if it were some absurd notion.

Dean Esperanza chuckled at his reaction.

“Yes, Professor Herrera. It is a part of the pageant. Are you not familiar with these things?” Dean Esperanza replied.

Napahilot sa sintido niya si Davin na tila ba hirap na hirap iproseso ang narinig.

Ano na naman ba ang problema niya? Iniisip ba niya na wala akong magandang katawan para magsuot noon? Na hindi ako kaaya-aya sa swimwear?

“Well, now you know, Professor Herrera. Lalo na at kabilang ka pa naman sa mga panel of judges,” ani Dean Esperanza.

Davin ran his gaze down my body. Nangilabot naman ako sa ginawa niya at nainsulto nang makitang umiling-iling siya.