Taming the Waves (College Series #2)

Chapter 20

Slowly, I get used to my life. Papasok ako nang maaga at uuwi nang late. My breakdowns and panic attacks lessen. Hindi ko na nga maalala ang huli. Pakiramdam ko ay unti-unti akong nagiging ayos.

"Congratulations, Ms. Elora Chin Valencia! Ikaw ang top student ng buong department natin!" Sir Will informed us. "First time na sa psychology nanggaling!"

A lot of people congratulated me. Pinigilan ko ang sarili na umiyak. Vina was so happy for me she could even throw a party. I only met her this college but her support is always overflowing. Kahit ang mga kaklase ko ay masaya para sa akin. I worked so hard for this... I want my mother to be proud of me... even though I know she will never be.

I've learned that when a person you want to impress isn't proud of you, you should be fucking proud of yourself. And I only realize it now. Habang nakatingin sa mga kaklase kong malalaki ang ngiti sa akin, napagtanto kong marami ang naniniwala sa kakayanan ko. Maraming palihim na sumusuporta sa akin. It's more than enough.

The day before Troy's battery exam, he went to my apartment, almost 8 in the evening. He's wearing a lazy outfit but he still looks magnificently handsome. His eyes were tired but when he saw me, walking towards him, his eyes beamed with joy.

"Good luck bukas," I uttered softly.

Huminga siya nang malalim at tumingala. I reached for his hand and play with his long and slender fingers. I missed him. Naramdaman ko ang pagbaling niya sa akin pero hindi ko na siya tiningnan dahil nasa kamay niya ang atensyon ko.

"Dapat nagpapahinga ka na ngayon. Maaga pa ang exam niyo bukas," I whispered.

The night is tranquil and quiet. Nasa labas lang kami ng apartment at walang ibang tao kaya malaya kong gawin ang simpleng paghawak sa kanya.

He leaned closer to me kaya napatingala ako sa kanya. His face is close to me but I didn't move an inch. I like him this close.

"Top student ka ng CAS?" he asked softly.

I smiled and nodded happily. Siguro ay ngayon niya lang narinig ang balita. Bihira na kasi talaga kaming magkita o magka-usap. Ayokong abalahin siya sa pagre-review niya.

Nagulat ako ng lumapit siya sa noo ko at pinatakan niya iyon ng halik. Parang tumigil ang mundo ko. He extended his arms and embraced me. Ang mukha ko ay nasa dibdib niya kaya rinig na rinig ko ang mabilis na pintig nito... halos kasabay lang noong akin.

"Ipapasa ko ang battery exam..." he whispered.

Dahan-dahan kong iniangat ang braso ko at ipinulupot iyon sa bewang niya. Narinig ko ang mahina niyang pagbuntong-hininga. This feels like... home. I know I haven't felt that ever since... but it feels familiar... so nostalgic.

"Makakapasa ka," I assured him. "Kung hindi... KFC na lang tayo," mahinang tawa ko.

"Pag nakapasa?"

I leaned to his chest more. "KFC pa rin."

Mahina siyang tumawa at mas lalong hinigpitan ang yakap sa akin. Sa kabilang parte ng utak ko ay naririnig ko ang pang-aasar ni Vina kaya lalo akong napapangiti.

"I will pass it... my baby is a top student... I should be a man who deserves you."

I'm not a religious person but that night, I cried and prayed for hours. I hope He'll guide Troy because this exam means so much to him.

We didn't see each other again for the next weeks. I was busy with my work while he's making new memories with his friends. Sabi niya ay marami ang mahuhulog sa exam kaya sinusulit na nila ang mga panahong magkakasama sila. I let him enjoy. He also told me some things about Sol. He's very worried of her. Ito kasi ang pinakamalapit niyang babaeng kaibigan. Isa pa, ito rin ang madalas nagbibigay ng pastries kay Troy. And it's delicious! She would make a name someday!