A Letter From Mr. A

CHAPTER 1: Seatmate

"Seatmate"
__________________________

Nagmamadali kong kinuha ang mga gamit ko sa loob ng locker. Hindi ko napansin ang oras.

'I'll be late! Chemistry pala ang subject ko ngayon. Bat naman kase kelangan pang magpagulo ng isip yang Mr. A na yan!'

Mabilis na rin akong tumakbo papunta sa laboratory and as I enter, nakita kong wala nang vacant seat except for the chair beside our classmate...'Aethan!'

'Bakit sa dinami-dami siya pa?!'

Aethan is known to be the most brainy student here. Maliban sa kaniyang looks and seriousness, he's also an active campus leader, journalist at siya lang naman ang pangalawang anak ng president or I must say, the owner of this school. These are the reasons why he's always been surrounded and admired by many girls here in the campus.

"Miss Madrigal? Why you're still standing there? Umupu ka na."

Agad naman akong nahimasmasan nang marinig ko nga si teacher Robert, A.K.A sir Robs, teacher namin sa Chemistry. "Ah.. gu-goodmorning sir, everyone. I'm so-sorry I'm late." Nauutal kong sabi sa lahat.

"Sit down." Aniya lang saka turo ng vacant seat.

'Pwede bang umatras?'

Napansin kong nakatuon lang ang paningin ni Aethan sa bintana, overlooking outside. In his face, I can see that he is thinking deeply.

'No wonder why nobody wants him to be their partner and even seatmate because he is so intimidating!'

"Miss Madrigal?" Tawag ulit sakin ni sir Robs.

Napansin kong hindi pa din pala ako nakakaupo.

'C'mon Arbie, wala ka nang magagawa.'

"Ah..ye-yes sir." Nagsimula akong maglakad papunta sa vacant chair and my heart started to beat for no reason. Lahat sila ay nakatingin sa akin, especially the girls.

'C'mon guys.. sorry kung makakatabi ko ang hinihiling niyong makatabi pero wala nakong magagawa. Di ko pa to ginusto noh! Tsk'

Napansin ko pa si Mika na gulat din habang papalapit ako.

'Di niya manlang ako nireserve ng upuan! Kasalanan to nung Mr. A na yun eh.... Ah basta, I'll think of trying next time na hindi ka na ma-late para hindi ko na ulit makakatabi si Aethan!'

I cleared my throat first. "Ca-can I sit here?" Nauutal nanamang tanong ko nang makarating ako sa katabi niyang upuan.

I captured his attention and without looking at me, he answered. "Okay."

Hindi ko alam kung maiinis ba ako o hinde sa naging sagot niya. Umupo lang ako and made myself busy. I tried not to be bothered by him but his presence really disturbs my peace of mind.

'Hayss.'

"Okay class, with your partners. Please do the activity 7.1 in your textbook. Be guided by the procedures and I'll get your output before dismissal okay?" Ani sir.

"Yes sir!" Sagot ng lahat.

Akmang tatayo na ang lahat para pumunta sa mga pili nilang partner, pati ako ay papunta na rin kay Mika nang bigla ulit magsalita si sir. "Everyone settle down. There's no need for you to stand, stay at your seats. Yung katabi niyo na mismo ang partner niyo."