Chapter 18: Council Board
It is now Monday and Solo was back to school. She’s obviously not in the good mood right now because she slept late last night. What Hunter said to her during their conversation bothers the hell out of her.
“Didn’t you miss them?”
“Do I?” tanong niya sa sarili. “Do I missed them?” She squeezed her eyes shut and sighed heavily.
Kakaparada pa lang niya ng motorsiklo niya sa parking lot ng school nila kaya naman kaagad siyang bumaba. Saglit pa muna niyang inayos ang sarili niya saka siya naglakad papuntang elevator ng building nila.
Alam niyang hindi rin magiging maganda ang araw niya ngayon — she’s not sure but she can tell.
“Good morning, Solo! I miss you!” Asla greeted her who’s now inside the open elevator.
She nodded and went inside as well. “Hmn,” she hummed.
Asla was stunned because of that cold treatment. But despite of that, she still manage to open an conversation.
“How are you these days?” Hindi ito sumagot kaya muli siyang nagsalita. “Hmn, nagpatawag ng council board si Minrod ngayon kaya dapat daw kompleto tayong lahat.”
“Okay.”
Gun showed up, “sawasdee khrap!” He greeted them with a smile on his face. “Good morning!”
“Good morning, Gun!” Masiglang bati rin naman ni Asla sa kaibigan.
Binalingan naman ni Gun si Solo. Babatiin na sana niya ito pero kaagad siyang natigilan nang makitang walang emosyon ang mukha nito.
“H-hi,” he was awkward when he say that. “Good morning?” he said, unsure of what he should say.
“Come inside and let’s go.” Was all Solo say to him. She didn’t even greeted him.
Aligaga naman itong pumasok sa loob, saka pinindot ni Solo ang button. The three of them were silent inside the elevator. Magkatabi sina Gun at Asla sa likuran habang na sa harapan naman nila si Solo.
“What happened to her?” Gun asked. It’s supposed to be a whisper but Solo can still overheard them.
Asla shrugged her shoulders. “Neither do I know. She was like this when she came. I’m afraid of emotionless Solo, Gun.”
“Likewise.”
“I assume she’s not in the mood right now. Maybe someone spill her morning.” Napahawak sa magkabilang pisngi si Asla. “Oh my god! What should we do?!” That’s half whisper, half scream.
“You’re aware that I can hear you, right?” Solo asked them using her monotone voice. “Tsk.”
“Ey sat — she’s mad.”
“I’m not mad. Just don’t talk to me — well,” she rolled her eyes without looking at them. “For now.”
Asla and Gun sighed. Hanggang sa makarating sila sa palapag ng classroom nila ay tahimik lang din sila. Nang makapasok sila sa loob ng classroom nila ay naroroon na rin ang iilan sa mga kaklase nila.
“Good thing and you’re already here.” Bumangad ni Minrod kay Asla. “Give me the list.”
“Hmn, okay.” Kaagad namang tumalima si Asla. Kinuha niya ang notebook niya kung saan niya nilista ang mga pangalan ng mga nag-comment noong nakaraan. “Here.”
Kinuha iyon ni Minrod saka siya humarap kay Solo. “I love your bravery, keep it up.” Tinapik pa niya ito saglit saka siya lumabas ng classroom nila.
“Did he just mentioned the word ‘love’?” Napapakurap na tanong ni Gun. “Love? Your bravery? What does he mean by that?”
“The comment, I guess? Oh yeah,” Asla nodded, agreeing to herself. “The comment, that’s what he mean.”
“Hey, good morning.” Dumating si Techno na ngayon ay kaagad namang umakbay kay Asla. “Hey, Gun. You’re overacting.” He leaned to whisper on Gun’s ear. “I know you like her, take it slow.”
“Ey sat — yah!” singhal niya rito na ngayon ay tinatawanan lang siya. “It’s not like that!”
“Yeah? But you’re turning red.”
Kaagad namang napahawak si Gun sa tenga niya saka inambaan ng suntok si Techno. “Techno, stop! It’s not funny!”
“It’s because I’m not playing around.” Umalis sa pagkaka-akbay si Techno kay Asla saka umayos ng tayo. “Ang oa mo, tsk.”
“Shut up, Alvarez!”
“Fine, fine. I’m not talking anymore. Psh.” Umirap pa ito saka naupo na sa pwesto niya. “But I know I’m right—”
“—saraleo!” singhal niya kay Techno pero tinawanan lang siya nito’t umiling.
“Why are you so noisy, Gun?” Solo asked. Ni hindi man lang nila napansing nakaupo na pala ito sa pwesto niya.
“It’s just, uhm . . . I’m sorry.”
Hindi na lang umimik pa si Solo at dumukdok sa desk niya. Habang sina Gun at Asla naman ay naupo na rin sa kaniya-kaniya nilang upuan. Their classroom was covered of full silence, not until that moment, they heard a voice from the intercom inside their classroom.
“Ehem, ehem.” The voice behind that cleared its throat. “Good morning Linusians. This is student personnel Minrod Jiv Cameo.”
“What is he doing?” it was Solo.
“I got the list of names right here in my hands right now — if you got puzzled — I’m actually talking about the fucking people who commented on that post.”
“Did he just cussed over the microphone?” Asla asked, stunned. “Oh my god! The Director surely heard that!”
“Sure, he did.”
Everyone shut their mouth when he started reading the names on the list. Kahit ang mga pangalan ng mga kaklase niyang nagkomento rin doon ay binasa niya. Of course — including him.
“Now, if you don’t want me to do something worse than this, go pick your fucking selves and go to the damn school gym for council board. Now!”
Kaagad na tumayo si Gun saka sumilip mula sa bintana ng classroom nila. Kitang-kita niya sa ibaba ang mga estudyanteng nagtatakbuhan papunta sa school gym ng Linus.
“Let’s go.” Aya sa kanilang lahat ni Newt na ngayon ay nakatayo na sa may pintuan.
Kumunot ang noo ng kakambal nitong si Luna. “Ha? You’re going? Why?”
Newt sighed, “we all should go.” Pinasadahan nito ng tingin ang mga kaklase niya. “Some of you here obviously commented on that post and some are not. But despite of that, we all should go. This is a council board and we’re students committee afterall.”
“We better hurry before that bastard do something else.” Anang Jade. “He’s sometimes crazy, yeah?”
Hindi na lang umimik pa ang iba saka sila nagmamadaling lumabas ng classroom nila. They all know that Minrod was sometimes crazy so before he could do anything, they should be there by now.
Nang bumukas ang elevator ay kaagad naman silang lumabas. At imbes na si Newt ang manguna sa kanila ay si Solo pa ang naglalakad sa harapan. Kung noon, naiirita si Jade sa tuwing pinagtitinginan sila, ngayon ay natutuwa pa siya — at hindi niya alam kung bakit.
Maybe because of Solo who’s walking without any hint of emotion on her face, makes her more scary, it even makes their group more powerful while they were walking.
“Oh my gosh, I love it here.” Tuwang-tuwang sabi ni Meen na halos tumili pa. “Damn.”
Students used to make fun of them since Solo came. But now, what’s happening was the total opposite. Students can’t look at them while they were walking on the hallway thru the school gym.
“Damn, we look so powerful.” Proud na proud iyong sinabi ni Gun habang inaayos ang scarf niya. “Indeed, I love it here as well.”
“I believe in our class’ supremacy.”
*****
Minrod keep glaring while he was inside the school’s gym together with his noisy schoolmates na siyang nasa listahan niya. He really made sure that everyone was here, even that dimwit Gabo Asukal. And now, he’s just waiting for his classmates.
“Fuck,” he cussed while looking on his wrist watch. “Where the fuck are they? What took them so long? Tsk.” Oh yes, he was irritated. “Waiting is fucking boring.” Then he blows a loud breath.
His eardrums were about to explode because of the noise pollution around him, not until a sudden silence filled the whole gym. He immediately looked on the entrance, only to see his classmates who just entered the gym.
Everyone was looking at them. Solo was still expressionless while leading the whole pack. She once gathered her eyes to them, until their eyes meet. And there, that feeling attacked Minrod at it’s finest.
“Fuck,” he cussed again as his breathing became uneven. “Fuck.”
He composed himself and stared at Solo — but he can’t. What the hell is wrong with him today? Dati naman natatagalan niya ang mga titig ng dalaga, ah? Minsan nga ay siya pa ang unang tumititig dito kapag hindi ito nakatingin sa kaniya. But now? He can’t, and he don’t fucking know why! What the hell? Dahil ba iyon sa parang iba ang presensiya niya ngayong araw?
He cleared his throat on the megaphone he was holding. “What took you so damn long? Come here!”
Napailing na lang ang iilan sa kanila saka kaagad na tumalima. Nang maka-akyat ang lahat sa stage ay saka lang hinarap ni Minrod ang mga nasa ibaba. He was about to talk when he noticed someone beside him. Kaagad niya itong binalingan ng tingin — but was stunned seeing Solo beside him, who’s brows met.
“Why are you standing beside me? Go line up with them.” He commanded.
Hindi ito umimik at sa halip ay inagaw ang megaphone mula kay Minrod. “Good and all of you showed up.” Anito.
Hindi alam ng mga kaklase ni Solo kung ano ang binabalak nitong gawin. But instead of halting her, Minrod line up with his classmates and let the latter do her thing. Fine. He will leave it to her. Besides, he want to see what she’ll do to them.
“Any ideas about what she’ll do to them?” Minrod asked his classmates without eyeing them.
Newt shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know either. She was silent the whole time as if she’s not in the mood.”
“Damn, this will going to be exciting.” He even cracked his finger bones and composed himself. “I’m rooting for her.”
“This council board was supposed to lighten up your fucking brains but I don’t know if it’ll end that way.” Solo muttered.
From behind, Gun was amazed. “Damn, she just cussed them. This is what I mean if I say she’s my bet.” Nilingon nito si Jade. “Yah, Cordova. Get yourself together because she was about to prove you that she got guts too.”
“I’m on it, Gun.” Umayos ng tayo si Jade saka pinatunog ang mga buto niya sa daliri. “I’m rooting for her too.” Then Jade, smiled.
Tahimik lang silang nakatayo roon sa likuran ni Solo habang hinihintay nilang magsalita ito — as if they got her back if ever something happens. It’s like she’s having a conference while her classmates are her bodyguards.
“Did you know how a single word you commented on that damn post offended someone? Did you know how your nonsense comments irritates me? Because really, I would say you’re all stupid. How could you say those words onto someone without even bothering yourselves to do some research first? I know you’re all smart but you didn’t know anything yet. Yeah? Dimwits.”
“Damn, I love how she insults them, and the way she cussed them.” Mapupuso ang mga matang sabi ni Meen. “Ackkkkkk.”
Nilibot niya ng tingin ang lahat hanggang sa tumigil ito sa isang lalaki. “Hey, Luis Richo. Why the hell did you posted that photo by the way? You wanted to gain audience? If yes, then no wonder why you’re from the lowest section. I didn’t mean to offend you, but 8/8, huh? You want to be popular? If yes, then come here and let’s make you one — I’ll give you the fucking spotlight your craving.”
“Fuck, stop me. I wanted to scream in satisfaction and clap my hands for her.” Anang Meen.
“Hold that, she’s not done yet.”
“How did she know the thing about that fucking Luis Richo, by the way?” Tanong ni Jade sa lahat.
“She message me last night. Maybe she did some research about him, and then here she is right now, doing her thing.” Brandon answered with a serious voice.
“Yes, she admitted that sin. And do you even have the slightest idea why she did that? Of course, you don’t. Ano bang alam niyo? Ano nga bang aasahan ko sa inyo?” Napasinghal ito. “She was compared to her brother with her own parents. Of course, they lift one, and dragged one — I didn’t experienced that shit but I know that’s how it works. You may say that it’s not enough for her to do that — no. You’re not on her shoes so don’t say anything and shut the fuck up instead.”
Hindi alam ni Jade kung bakit nanginginig siya. Her fist was clenching out of nowhere, her hands were trembling and her breathing became uneven. Good thing Newt and Minrod was there for her who always got her back.
“You have to trust her.” Boses iyon ni Minrod. “She’s not standing their for no reason. I don’t either know what she’s doing, but I know that it’ll be worth it.”
“Yes, Minrod’s right. We have to trust her. Neither do I know how her mind works — but she’s Solo, the first girl who ever perfect the Linus’ exam.”
“I do trust her.” Jade answered the boys firmly. “She’s Solo, and I trust her.”
“I admit it, I once judged her before. Inaamin kong pinagdasal ko ring kumalat sa buong campus ang tungkol sa kanilang dalawa, so she could at least taste the karma. At first, it was fun to see. It’s really satisfying seeing her suffered just like what her brother experienced. But you know what I can’t handle? It’s the pain on her eyes. I know she’d regret doing those things. I witness how she wanted to say sorry and start somewhere else but doesn’t know what thing she’ll do first.”
“This is what I’m actually trying to point. That the satisfying thing you’re feeling can ruin someones feelings. Iyong tuwang-tuwa ka pa pero hindi ka aware na nakakasakit ka na pala. Aminado na siya sa mali niya. Nag-usap na sila at ngayon ay okay na. Bumalik na sa rati ang lahat. But because of that single photo — it ruined them again. That shouldn’t happened in the first place.”
Ilang segundong katahimikan ang dumaan sa buong gym bago nagsalitang muli si Solo.
Tumingin ito kay Luis, sunod ay sa mga tao sa harapan niya. “Aren’t you embarassed of yourselves at all? How does it feel ruining their relationship? In behalf of Jade Allison Cordova, I wanted to ask you all a question. Why do you all hate her when she’s not doing anything to you in the first place?”
“Did you just take sides without hearing the whole story? Did you—”
“Why are you doing this?” That question from the crowd halt her from talking. “Ha? Bakit mo ba ‘to ginagawa?”
“Because I want you to feel the same thing — regret.” Solo heaved a breath. “Gusto kong after nito, bawiin niyo iyong mga salitang binitawan niyo sa kaniya. I know it’s already too late. But who knows? It might be worth it.”
Another voice from the crowd caught her attention. “Sa totoo lang, hindi ko maintindihan ang pinupunto mo.”
“I’m actually trying to point that learn to know the story first before leaving a comment. I’m proving you wrong. Gusto kong ipamukha at isampal sa inyo ang katotohanan kung gaano kamali ang mga pinagsasabi niyo laban sa kaniya.” Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay. “Tagalog na ‘yon, hindi mo pa rin ba maintindihan?”
Rin chuckled. “What the fuck? That bitch got guts. Tch.”
“It’s not actually about the mistake that she committed, but what she learned from that mistake. Kay huwag kayong magmalinis dahil alam kong may mga mali rin kayong nagawa. Kung kayo kaya sa posisyon niya? Kung buhay niyo kaya iyong pakialaman ko? Kung sirain ko rin kaya iyong buhay niyo — would you be fucking happy?”
Her face became more serious. “What matters is that she regret doing those shit. They’re totally fine now and settled. Justine even forgave her.” She tsk-ed. “I know you’re all embarassed right now, I know — because I’ve been there as well. She didn’t owe you an explanation in the first place — but I’m doing this to clean everything and eliminate this fucking issue. I’m so done with this, damn.”
Bumaling ang tingin niya sa entrance ng gym. And there — he was there — Justine. Bumalik ang tingin niya sa harapan, “Hindi ba pwedeng huwag na lang natin silang pakialaman? Hayaan na lang natin sila pwede? Ang problema kasi, tuwang-tuwa tayong makialam sa buhay ng iba without knowing na pwede nila iyong ikasira.”
“Kinokonsensiya ba niya sila?” Bulong ni Gun kay Asla. “Sana naman gano’n ang mangyari.”
“May isang bagay kayong hindi alam — well, baka alam niyo na, pero hindi niyo inintindi. Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others do onto you. Tuwang-tuwa pa kayo ngayon dahil nakasira kayo ng buhay ng iba.” Tumawa ito. “Hintayin niyo lang, darating din iyong panahong buhay niyo rin naman iyong masisira.”
Tinalikuran niya ang mga ito. Inabot niya kay Gun ang megaphone, nang kunin niya ito ay saka siya bumaba ng stage at naglakad palabas ng gym. Everyone was looking at her as she started walking away — away from them. Kahit si Justine na nakatingin sa kaniya ay nilagpasan lang niya.
She’s still not in the fucking mood. That family thingy still bothers the fuck out of her!
“Solo, wait!” It was Justine.
But she didn’t listened. She didn’t bother herself to look or stop, instead, she continued walking.
“Solo!” he yelled.
She immediately stop walking, squeezed her eyes shut and face him. “What?” She’s trying to sound nice, alright.
“Can we talk? Just — for a couple of minutes. Please?” He weep.
“About what?”
“Let’s have it on the cafeteria? Hmn, is it okay?”
“Hmn,” she hummed.
Both were silent as they’re heading thru the school’s cafeteria. Fifteen more minutes before the class start, so the cafeteria is a little bit crowded.
“We can sit there.” Anang Justine habang nakaturo sa isang bakanteng pwesto malapit sa glass wall ng cafeteria.
Tahimik namang tumalima si Solo. Umupo ito at gano’n din naman si Justine na naupo sa tapat niya.
“Uhm, I just want to say thank you for standing there and proving them wrong and guilty because of their wrong doings. I admit I don’t really have the courage to deal with them because I know that it won’t end well, so, thank you.”
Solo nodded but didn’t say anything.
“Uhm, anything you’ll ask in exchange? Don’t worry, I’ll give it to you — whatever you want.”
“I don’t need anything in return. But I want to ask you a question.”
They both stared at each other. Solo was looking in his eyes intently as if she was looking for something. She’s really desperate to gather some information regarding her mission. She don’t know who to ask — but she have to start somewhere. Doing nothing won’t do her any good.
“Maliban kay Dean, alam mo ba kung sino-sino pa ang ibang stockholders ng school na ‘to?”
“Dean Cameo? Tito ni Minrod?”
“Hmn,” she nodded.
“Tatlo lang iyong alam ko, eh.” Umakto itong nag-iisip. While Justine was thinking, Solo keeps glancing on her phone on the tables surface. “Una, si Mr. Vandholp Slovakzxi. Tapos si Mr. Kenero Lemico, at Mrs. Soleńia Galvozo.”
“Hmn, may mga lahi ba ‘yang mga ‘yan?” Tanong niya rito.
“Hmn, may pure, may half. But I heard there where ten of them on the board, including Mr. Derrick Cameo. If you really want to know the rest, you can ask any of the three student personnel — iyong grupo nina President Imperial to be exact. But if you really want it detailed, you can ask Minrod since his a nephew of the Dean. For sure he know some.”
“Bakit konti lang iyong mga alam mo?” May kuryosidad niyang tanong dito. Nakakapagtaka lang kasing konti lang ang alam nito — unless na lang kung—
“—I heard this somewhere na tago raw iyong mga personality ng iba. Alam mo iyon? Kumbaga, confidential.” He almost whisper.
Confidential? Hindi ba’t dapat kilala sila ng mga estudyante? She didn’t have the slightest idea how a private, international school works since she came from a public school.
She don’t know where this mission will lead her but she has to keep going. For her Boss Hannah’s justice and peace, for Boss Jiex — and formost, for Hunter.
If this mission means risking everything, then so be it. She’ll willingly do everything, even if this means sacrificing.
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