Hold You Accountable (Published) | ✓

Kabanata 28

"Matulog ka na pagkauwi, okay? You can review tomorrow. Don't force yourself too much. Please." Sath's voice was laced with concern.

"Yup!" I nodded at him.

Even when I was already at home, I still reviewed some notes I have for the subjects I'll take tomorrow. Hindi ako nakatulog at pinilit ang sarili na matapos lahat ng binabasa ko.

I just didn't want to fail. Ayoko magkaroon ng pagkakataon na bumagsak kaya naman nag-review pa rin ako kahit pagod na ang mga mata ko.

It was a freaking wrong move.

Kinabukasan, during the exam itself I was dazed and sleepy. I took coffee before going to school but it failed me.

Wala akong tulog.

Wala akong pahinga.

"Zafi?" Gio gently shakes my shoulder.

"Huh?" tumingin ako sa kanya. The exam is about to end. Unti-unting pumipikit ang mga mata ko kahit na pilit ko itong dinidilat.

"Are you okay?" he murmured, his eyes scanned me. "You just seem.."

"Yes? Yes. Bakit?" My head's spinning. I can't focus on anything.

"Tapos na ang exams," Gio said.

"Okay." I was still not in my proper state.

I sighed lethargically as I rested my head on the my desk. Umiikot talaga amg paningin ko.

At least I answered my exams well, right? The all nighters was worth it.

Not at all.

The results were out. Halos lahat ay may ngiti sa kanilang labi. I even saw Ria thanking someone because she got some answers from that person.

Bakit gano'n?

"Shit shit shit." I wanted to crumbled my paper into pieces.

Ang dami kong mali! The thing was, iba ang nakuha nilang mga sagot sa sagot ko! Lahat sila naka-balance pero saakin hindi!

"Napagpalit mo ba 'yung accounts?" mahinahon na tanong ni Gio.

"Hindi ko alam!" my breathing hitched, I can't breath. Shit. I can't breath properly.

I was shaking vigoriously. I can't hold my papers well. Nanginginig pa rin ako sa sobrang takot. Takot na baka hindi na talaga makakapasa.

A sense of panic was taking over my body.

My head's hurting. Napakagat ako ng labi ko. This was a major exam. This determines what we learned during the 1st grading and I freaking failed?!

Ria strode towards me and peek on my paper, when she saw my scores — a grin immediately appeared on her lips. She pretended to cover it with her hand but I could see the mockery on her eyes.

"Tanga, sinong bobo kaya makakakuha ng 16 out of 50? Ang bobo lang." Ria laughs.

My lips parted and immediately look at her. She mockingly smirked at me while flaunting her score. It was 45 out of 50.

I was okay. I am okay.

I'm sweating so I decided to get my towel but someone got my attention.

"Si Zafirah, ang baba sa FABM. Top 1 'yon?" someone laughs.

I...

"Hindi kaya kumopya lang siya nung grade 11?"

I didn't...

"Kagrupo ko 'yan dati nung grade 11. Mayabang 'yan tapos di naman pala talaga matalino."

I'm not...

"Tumatawa siguro ngayon si Stacy. Totoo nga 'yung sinabi niya, puro yabang lang si Zafirah."