CHAPTER TWO
Life is like a constant battle, full of ups and downs. Every day brings its own set of challenges in our careers, relationships, and health. It's a journey through joy and sorrow, a rollercoaster of emotions. We discover our strength and resilience as we face these challenges. Sometimes it feels like we're struggling to achieve our goals amidst obstacles that weigh us down.
But even in the toughest times, there's opportunity for growth and personal development. By confronting challenges and seeking support when we need it, we can turn adversity into a chance for positive change. In life's vast tapestry of challenges, we find not only hardship but also the potential for growth and perseverance.
"Hoy, babaita!” Kuya Carlos almost shouted at me, “Baka gusto mong gumising d'yan!"
Pagkarinig na pagkarinig sa boses niya at bigla ako nagising. “Kuya naman, eh! Antok pa ang tao, respeto naman,”
Sobrang antok pa ako. Walang hiyang, lalaking naka-black kahapon pinuyat ako kaka-search Facebook niya. Sarap kausapin ng matino sabay takbo. Hanggang ngayon, bibit ko pa ang sinabi niyang, aso ako. Putangina niya!
"Hoy, Ano na?! Baka gusto mong tumayo ka d'yan kung ayaw mong habang buhay kang matulog,” pagbabanta niya sa 'kin.
Si Kuya talaga hindi naging sweet sa akin.
"Kuya naman! Ba't gan'yan ka kasi manggising. Nakakasama ng timpla. Kainis ka!" Inis kong saad.
"Paano dapat?" tanong naman nito.
Nagkunot-noo ako sa kaniya sa inis, “Wala. Tatanda ka sanang binata!”
Excited and ready for the first day of school, I quickly dressed, hoping to make a good impression. As I went through my morning routine, I kept the anticipation of a fresh start in my mind. Choosing an outfit that balanced style with school pride, I felt confident in a maroon striped skirt paired with a blouse adorned with the school logo.
Checking myself in the mirror, I felt a surge of determination. Today wasn't just about academics; it was a chance to connect and leave my mark. Grabbing my backpack filled with books and the potential for new friendships, I stepped out the door, eager to embrace the challenges and adventures of the day.
Wala naman mas'yado naganap kahapon pero may sumira nu'n. Sino pa ba, eh 'di 'yong lalaking tinawag akong aso. Bwisit kasi nu'n, eh! Hanggang ngayon nasa isip ko pa rin ang sinabi n'ya! Sarap batukan, gigil na gigil na ako sa kaniya, h’wag lang siya papakita sa akin, kala niya!
Tapos isa pa si wala hiyang Kenzo pagkalabas ba na’min kahapon, tawang tawa si gago! Sa sobrang tawa niya, napaluha na siya. Sarap supalpalin ng tubo sa ngala-ngala!
Pagkatapos ko lahat ng ginagawa ko ay bumaba na ako para kumain ng almusal. Pagkababa ko ay nakita ko si Tita na nagluluto ng almusal.
"Buti gising ka na," biglang sambit ni tita, hinihintay kumulo ang tubig.
"Ginising ako ng kampon ng kadilim tita," referring to Kuya Carlos, panganay sa sa amin magkakapatid.
Nagtaka na lang siya pero hindi na nagtanong dahil nagaya na siyang kumain. Pagkatapos na’min kumain ay umaalis na ‘ko kaagad. Maaga pa naman kaya sigurado ako na hindi ako mala-late. Naghintay na lang ako ng jeep sa kanto. Sasakyan ko naman ay Hensonville, Check-Point, para tuloy tuloy ako ibaba sa harapan ng school.
After regaining my composure, I approached the entrance of Holy Angel University, taking in the grand sign that proudly displayed its name. The sprawling campus was impressive, known as the largest in Angeles City, Pampanga. Before entering, I presented my ID to the monitor to confirm my status as a student. Once inside, I admired the impressive architecture and vastness of the campus. Each building stood as a symbol of knowledge and learning, though their names were unfamiliar to me since my recent transfer. Lost in thought, my cellphone suddenly rang, prompting me to answer and see who was calling.
"Hello, saan na kayo!" bungad ko kaagad sa call.
[Bobo! maghintay ka, gago! Malapit na ako. Nasa JenraMall na.] sabi ng mabait kong kaibigan na si Lyzza.
"Bilisan mo, naghihintay ako," mataray kong sabi.
Feeling somewhat preoccupied, I decided to cut the call with Lyzza short, not giving her the chance to speak further. I quickly ended the call and proceeded to dial Erica's number, intending to inquire about her whereabouts. However, before I could even hit the dial button, to my surprise, Erica suddenly materialized right in front of me, catching me off guard and leaving me momentarily stunned.
“Shain!” she called with her soft voice. “Traffic sa bandang Villa,”
"Ulol! H'wag ako. Kilala kita, anong O.T.W ka r’yan,” sagot ko naman at binigyan siya nang nakakalokong ngisi. “On the water, ganoon?”
Kailan kaya papangit ang mga kaibigan ko?
"Hay si gago, dumating pa." sabi ni Erica kay Lyzza.
"Gago, tara na nga. Tama na 'yong datdat” she rolled her eyes.
"Si Kenzo, nasaan na?" tanong nila sa akin.
"Ewan ko sa kaniya, hindi man siya nagchat sa 'kin, eh. Feel ko nauna na yun," saad ko.
"Sabagay, malaki na 'yon, kaya na niya ang sarili niya," sagot naman ni Erica.
"Hanapin na na’tin ang mga section. Sana magkaklase tayo, mga bhie," tugon ni Lyzza.
We went to the covered court for a meeting, eager to get some important information. After a couple of hours, the students scattered to find their respective sections. Lyzza, Erica, and I joined the crowd, heading towards the Sta. Clara Building (SC).
For a moment, we split up to search the bulletin boards, looking for our names. It didn't take me long to find mine among the list of students. Excited to share the news, I quickly called my friends.
"Lyzza! Erica! come closer, hurry up!" I called out, waving them over. "Don't bother searching for your names because I already found them. . ."
Sabay silang lumapit sa akin. "Ito na naman tayo sa pabitin,”
"Tangina talaga ne’to! Ikaw kaya ang ibitin ko patiwarik, tignan na ‘tin kung 'di ka mauubusan ng dugo," Lyzza said jokingly.
"Magkaklase tayo mga shunga!" masaya kong sigaw sa kanila kaya sabay sabay kaming napatalon sa tuwa.
I can't believe it! Pinagdasal ko talaga ito.
Lord, ang lakas ko talaga sa’yo!
"Tara hanapin na nat’in ang room natin, ayaw ko ma-late, 'no," sabi ko naman sa kanila.
"Nagbabagong buhay ka na ba? O, may sumapi lang ng mabuting elemento sa’yo, Shain?" Erica said jokingly.
Reflecting on our previous conversations, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of students crowding the campus, exacerbated by the sweltering heat of the day. Eager to find refuge from the sun, I yearned to enter the cool confines of the building.
However, our journey was far from easy as we navigated through the maze of buildings, inquiring about the whereabouts of our destination. The sheer size of the campus made the task daunting, and with each step, fatigue began to set in.
"Too big, isn't it?" I remarked to my companions, echoing their sentiments.
The enormity of the campus stretched out before us, leaving us feeling exhausted and daunted by the prospect of finding our way around.
"Sha, Lyzza, he’to na yung classroom!" tawag na sa 'min ni Erica at tinuro niya ang magiging silid-aralan na’min. Kaya dali dali kaming nagsilapitan sa pinto.
"Buksan n'yo na kasi." bored kong sabi dahil nagtatalo pa sila kung sino magbubukas. Kaya napagdesisyon ko na, ako na lang magbukas ng pinto.
"Magsitabi nga kayo mga feeling may hiya baka masubsob ko kayo d'yan!" lakas loob kong sabi.
At dahil wala akong hiya at makapal ang aking mukha, binuksan ko naman. Pagkabukas ay med'yo maingay at tinignan nila kami, ang ending, kaming tatlo nahiya kahit wala naman kami nu'n. Naglakad kaming nakayuko at kunwari mabait at tahimik.
Entering the classroom on the first day of school, I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty that surrounded me. The atmosphere was inviting, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the 3D display above the blackboard, adding a touch of modernity to the room. The vibrant colors and intricate details of the display hinted at a year full of creativity and learning.
A cream-colored curtain adorned the windows, casting a soft, diffused light across the room and creating a calm and focused environment. It seemed like a perfect backdrop for the upcoming lessons and discussions.
On the teacher's table, a simple yet elegant flower vase added a touch of nature, bringing life and freshness to the learning space. It was a subtle reminder that education is a growing, evolving process.
Walang teacher pumasok sa amin dahil nasa meeting sila. After the bell, we planned to eat at the Angel Food Court, but the long lines changed our minds. Instead, we explored the campus, with my friends acting as impromptu guides. While walking, I noticed a guy in a black cap, which made me uneasy. I tried to shake off the feeling, but when our eyes met, there was a hint of recognition, though Lyzza didn't seem to notice.
We ended up in the parking lot for some quiet. Suddenly, a car honked loudly, startling us. We quickly moved aside, looking surprised. As the car drove away, my friend and I exchanged glances, wondering if we should apologize. We waited for the car to acknowledge the incident. Just as it was about to leave, I stepped in front of it, signaling it to stop.
"Bumaba ka r'yan kung ayaw mong sumabog sa loob!" Kinakalampag ko ang harapan nang kotse niya para bumaba at magpakita sa akin.
"Tangina! Action star na pala ang kaibigan na’min!" bulong ni Lyzza, lumakas ang tawa ni Erica.
“Shut up, Lyzza!” I gave her a single glance, rolling my eyes.
“Ibang klase ang kaibigan na’min, nage-english na.” bulong naman ni Erica.
As I rushed towards the car, intent on confronting the man resembling the one I had spotted earlier, a sudden wave of apprehension gripped me, halting my movements. My eyes remained fixed on the figure emerging from the vehicle, confirming my suspicions.
Summoning my resolve, I closed the distance, my pace quickening with determination. Meeting his gaze, a surge of indignation surged through me.
"Hey! You know how to ask for forgiveness from someone who is inferior to you," I demanded, my voice trembling with anger.
His expression soured as he recognized me. "You again?! Shit, I'm having a bad day!" he muttered, his hand reaching up to massage his furrowed brows. "And again, no pets are allowed inside the campus, do you understand?"
Frustration bubbling to the surface, I retorted sharply, my annoyance evident in my rising voice. "Hey! First of all, I'm not a dog. I'm a human being, capable of speech and emotion! And second, Gusto mong makatikim na sapak galing sa ibang planeta?”
Sinabihan ba naman akong aso. Kainis!
"Should I be scared?" he sarcastically said, shaking his head and smirking.
Tumalikod na siya, iniwan kaming nakatulala sa inasta niya. Napakayabang niya! Gusto kong manapak, promise, isa lang! Butasan ko ang tagiliran nito, eh!
As the car came to an abrupt stop, the window rolled down, and the driver had the audacity to address us. I shot him a raised eyebrow, my irritation palpable.
The audacious man, shamelessly and seemingly humbled, posed a question,
"Are you friends with it?"
My friends, usually so talkative, fell silent and nodded in disbelief. Their stunned expressions made them look like fools. The absurdity of the situation tempted me to lash out at this shameless character, but I managed to keep my cool. With a sarcastic smile, I chose to respond with words rather than actions.
As the man rolled up his car window, he couldn't resist delivering one last request or, perhaps, a parting shot.
"If it's possible. . . stop your Chihuahua dog from peeing here." he remarked with a tone that bordered on annoyance. With that, he raised the window, and his departure was as swift as his comment.
“Nice meeting you, Miss! You’re my dog now.”
Kinuyom ko ang kamao para itago ang inis ko. “Tangina mo! Dogstyle-in kita, gago!”
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