All that Matters (Absinthe Series 3)

Kabanata 10

Kabanata 10

All That Matters

I was not surprised to see Marlah outside of our classroom later that day. Ang aking ikinagulat lang ay dahil nandoon din si Nile kasama niya at hinihintay akong lumabas sa classroom. Kung hindi pa ako sinundot ni Muriel sa tagiliran, hindi ko pa malalaman.

I glared at Nile when I approached them. He had a smug look on his face that made me create a conclusion of what was happening. When my eyes landed back on Marlah, she had a victory smile plastered on her lips.

" Marlah told me about their upcoming article." sabi ni Nile at tumabi sa akin. From his first position, I see everyone from their classroom taking a peek of what's happening. Nandoon sa pinto ang kaniyang mga kaibigan kasama na si Trance.

Kumunot ang aking noo. " So? I don't care about their article." sabi ko nang harapan. I sounded like a bitch today. Naiinis lang kasi ako dahil ayaw ko talaga ng ganitong mga bagay, especially now that Nile is involved.

Nile chuckled lowly. Masuyo niyang hinawakan ang aking braso at inilapit ang sarili sa akin. He leaned towards my ear to whisper. " Please, Sweet pea? Do me a favor."

Pinigilan ko ang umirap. Marlah was waiting for my decision and everyone, including those passers by were waiting for my decision. Teka lang! Alam ba nila kung ano ang pinag-uusapan dito?!

Nile's friends and classmates were waiting. From the corner of my eye, I see the curious glances of my classmates too, including those of my two friends.

" What's in it for me, Nile? And please spare me from the popularity reasons. We both know you're already in it." sabi ko sa kaniya.

I did not wait for his answer because I already nodded to Marlah. Sumeryoso agad ang aking mukha sa kaniya upang manakot.

" I already warned you, Marlah. There's nothing interesting about us. He's not even courting me and I am not his girlfriend." sabi ko.

" Yet. Not my girlfriend yet." Nile interjected. I let out an exasperated sigh. Ewan ko sa'yo

Napapalakpak si Marlah doon. " Cool! Can I see you both after class?"

" I-

" Sige. Come swing by at the SSG office later." Nile cut me off. Sinamaan ko ito ng tingin at hinila na ang aking braso mula sa kaniyang hawak. Hindi niya naman inalintana iyon kasi ngumiti siya nang nakakaloko.

Ugh! Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako pumayag! Nakakainis na palagi na lang akong pinangungunahan sa mga desisyon ko. Clearly, Nile knows how to annoy me to the nth level.

Umalis na si Marlah at naiwan kaming dalawa ni Nile na nakatayo. His friends on the next building began to chatter pero naroon pa rin ang mga tingin nila sa amin. Tuloy pa rin naman ang kuwentuhan sa classroom namin at mukhang kaunti na lang ang balak na gumawa ng chismis.

" You are so annoying!" inis kong sabi kay Nile.

He chuckled. " What? It's a great opportunity, Sweet pea. "

" Paanong naging great opportunity iyon? Their article is going to be a trash! Who in their right mind would write articles about campus couples?" I gritted my teeth. " We're not even a couple!" I whisper-yelled.

To my surprise, Nile just stared at me with amusement. " Kaya ka ba naiinis kasi hindi pa tayo couple?"

" Of course not!" Hinampas ko siya sa balikat dahil sa inis. It's not even that painful but I saw him grimace. Ang arte! Sarap sabunutan!