Darting from Reality

Chapter 7: Motivated

Kinaumagahan ay tinanghali na ako ng gising. Ayos lang naman kasi walang pasok ngayon ang mga Wimps na sasali sa competition para bukas. Nanghihinayang lang ako dahil wala na si Eli pagkagising ko, pumasok na siguro, at hindi ko manlang siya nakausap para mag sorry.

I decided to do it later. I took a bath and fixed myself before going out to eat. I went to the cafeteria and ordered food. I sat there alone and I realized it's a bad idea to eat there with just myself. I saw so many pairs of eyes, staring and looking at my every action.

I immediately finish my lunch when I heeded that a group of girls is coming in the direction of the table I'm in. It seems like they want to sit with me. I feel uncomfortable so I left before they could even arrive. My guts made me do so.

Palabas na ako ng cafeteria nang may nabunggo ako. Everyone gasped. Tinignan ko kung sino iyon and there I saw Louis with his boyish smile.

Even though I want to, I stopped myself from rolling my eyes. He's a Jairo. Ako ang pagiinitan ng mga makakakita kapag ginawa ko iyon lalo na’t Wimp student lang ako.

Humingi ako ng tawad at lalagpasan na sana siya nang hilahin niya ang braso ko. Nagulat ang lahat at agad nagbulongan. Kinabahan ako bigla.

"Hinahanap mo ba si Theo?" He asked out loud. Everyone heard it for sure since the whole place is silent and they're all watching.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What are you doing?! Hindi ko siya hinahanap." Pabulong ngunit mariin kong sambit.

"Don't worry, he missed you, too!" He shouted. "He's just on a mission right now so." The last one he added is almost a whisper.

"Mission?"

"Oh, so you didn't know?" Mahina na ang boses niya ngayon at kami nalang ang nagkakarinigan.

I just stared at him, getting more confused. It's not like I'm obligated to know but what kind of mission is he talking about? I think I have a hunch. Moreover, why Mr. Arven didn't tell me what they're going to do about my sister, anyway? Akala ko ba babalitaan niya ako?

"To save your sister. He actually volunteered."

I froze. He left me there, astounded. It bothered me for a minute. I'm not surprised that Louis knew about my sister. After all, his ability is hearing things even from afar.

What surprised and made me wonder is, why did Theo volunteer? Is that even possible? I thought you weren't allowed because the committee is the one to decide who's capable of that specific mission?

And how about his trainees? Does that mean he's not there to show his support for tomorrow?

Natauhan lang ako nang napagtanto kong nakaharang ako sa daan at pinagtitinginan ako ng lahat. Nagmadali akong umalis at bumalik sa dorm.

Doon lang ako nanatili buong maghapon, nakaupo, at naglalakbay ang isip sa kung ano-ano.

Ang daming tumatakbong tanong sa isip ko pero alam kong hindi ko rin iyon masasagot. I'm totally anxious and thirsty for answers.

Hanggang sa maggabi at dumating na si Eli ay nandoon pa rin ako. Tumayo lang ako nang kakain na ng hapunan. Humingi na rin ako ng tawad kay Eli at gustohin ko mang itanong kung bakit gano’n na lang ang iniakto niya kahapon ay hindi ko na itinuloy. Mukhang ayaw niyang pag-usapan.

"Good luck bukas. I know you can do it," Eli muttered while laying on the bed.

"Yeah. I'm anxious," pag-amin ko.

"Hmm, I don't know what to say. Just please, stay alive."

Stay alive. That line struck me till I fell asleep. And although that made me more anxious, I didn't further think about it. Overthinking won't help.