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"Tu abuelo está aquí." (Your grandfather is here.)
My eyes widened because of what she said, "You're kidding me?"
She sighed, "I wouldn't joke about it, hon." I swallowed, "And I'm here to fetch you, susunduin natin siya sa airport ngayon."
And once again I was shocked, "And you're just telling me that now?" I hold back my tone from raising.
"Well yeah, I was worried about your face and forgot about why I'm here in the first place." She said halting.
I turned my head at Miss Serrano's place, "Would they let me go?"
I heard her chuckled then whispered to my ear, "What's the point of being the owner of this school if you'll let them stop you?"
I rolled my eyes, "I don't owned it, Margo."
She smirked, "Yet."
I groaned, "You...argh whatever."
It's true that this university was under my name, but I'm not the one who manages it, unless after I graduate or whenever I'm ready, but still, I'm not taking that as an advantage to escape this mess, but then again, I have to go. Abuelo was never a fan of being late. Holy bloody hell, what to do?
I sighed as I walked to Miss Serrano and conpany, their attention was on me, waiting, "I...um..Miss Serrano, I'm sorry for the commotion, but I have to go. I can't attend my class, and I really have to go. I promise, I'll deal with it later, just not...now." I said convincing her.
I don't know why I looked at Anno, but to my surprise, she's already staring at me and there's something in her eyes that's telling me the hell I don't know. I saw her heaved a sigh before averting her gaze.
I stayed silent, realizing Anno was probably still mad at me because of what happened yesterday. But I can't deny that she looks so adorable again now while frowning madly, kailan ko kaya siya makikitang nakangiti or marunong ba siyang ngumiti manlang. She looks so soft yet so cold. I can't read her even if I wanted to. I honestly felt so annoyed with it, mostly because I never expected her to be like this and knowing we were in the same school since first grade was something I hadn't seen before. I actually didn't notice her before, all through those innocent years. Imagine we once shared the same room but never had a chance to talk, maybe a glance, but it wasn't like a long glance. Just a glanced out at many students I didn't know.
Miss Serrano spokes, "You're not allowed to go now, Ms. Perez. It's already 7:50."
I know that's why I'm asking for permission, Miss Professor. I wanted to say that but it's kinda rude so forget it.
"I'll talk to the Dean po." I insist.
Nangunot ang noo nilang tatlo at napansin kong wala na ang gagong sumapak sakin. Pero mabuti narin 'yon para makatakas ako. Nagsusukatan pa kami ng tingin hanggang sa bumuntong hininga si Kaye.
"I'll just inform him, you can go now." I smiled formally, "But make sure to attend your afternoon class. You'll be needed at Dean's office after."
I nodded as I bid my goodbye, "I will po. Maam, Sir una na po ako." Naramdaman ko ang kamay ni Margo sa likod ko kaya napaigta pa akong bahagya, wala talagang pinipiling lugar at oras ang babaeng 'to. Tumingin ako kay Anno pero nakatingin siya sa likod ko. Medyo nasa gilid ko kasi siya kaya malamang ay nakikita niya ang kamay ni Margo.
Hinintay ko siyang magangat ng tingin sakin bago magsalitan. And she lift her eyes up on me so I gave her sly smile na ikinataas ng kilay niya.
"Anno, 'wag mo 'ko masyadong mamiss ah." I whispered to her but I know na narinig ng kasama namin 'yon.
She rolled her eyes, "Dream on."
I chuckled, "Sweet dreams to me then."
Umirap lang ulit siya bago naunang umalis hindi na ata ako natagalan. 'Di niya kinaya ang beauty ko 'yun lang 'yon. Nagbalik ako ng tingin sa dalawang propesor pero nagtatanong ang mga mata nila. Ohh my bad, did I flirt?
"I'll go now po." Magalang kong paalam bago hilain si Margo at hindi na hinintay pa ang sagot nila.
She asked suspiciously, "What was that huh?"
I sneer, "Nothing. Let's go ayokong malagot kay Abuelo."
She rolled her eyes bago naunang sumakay sa sasakyan ko. Nagtaxi lang daw siya papunta dito kaya sasakyan ko ang gagamitin namin papuntang airport. Nagtataka ako bakit kailangan kami pa ang susundo pwede namang yung driver nalang or si Morph. May klase kaya ako duh pero kasi kinakabahan ako sa pagdating ni Abuelo last year pa ang huli namin kita at hindi pa maganda ang naging usapan namin 'non.
Sana naman limot na ni Lolo 'yon nakakatakot pa naman s'ya magalit. Palibhasa abogado ay nakakaintimidate ang aura niya lagi lalo na oag seryoso tindig palang ay halata ng respetadong tao. At ang nakakainis pa 'don ay tuwing nagaaway kami lagi akong binababaan ng Republic Act. Wala akong laban 'don tumitiklop agad ako pag binanggit niya na ang mahiwagan 'R.A' chuchuchu hanggang sa magwalkout nalang ako dahil hindi siya titigil hanggat hindi rin ako tumitigil kahit wala na sa mismong topic namin ang usapan.
Nasa lahi namin ang pagiging hardheaded. Indeed.
Pagkarating namin sa airport ay halos umatras ako dahil nagkalat ang media. Andaming camerang nakaabang kaya batid kong alam nila ang pagdating ni Lolo. Ngayon palang sumasakit na ulo ko. Si Abuelo ay sikat at pinakamagaling na abogado sa edad niyang 72 pero mukha parin siyang bata kung titignan.
He's also the famous founder of Achilleo Conglomerate Holding Company na kilala sa buong mundo. Sa sobrang dami niyang business ay hindi na magkanda ugaga si Mommy and Dad, Apollo at Morph sa pagmanage ng mga business namin kung pwede lang sana ibigay sa mga pinsan ko ang iba para hindi mahirapan sila Apollo ay hindi naman pwede dahil hindi sila Achilleo.
Buti pa ako chill lang kasi nagaaral pa pero pinapahawak na sakin nila Daddy ang Univ which was soo stressful, I don't have enough knowledge on how to manage the whole university pero minsan ay umaattend ako sa meeting ng boards pag kailangan ng pirma ko or approval even my plans though may alam naman na ako sa pagmanage dahil minsan narin akong natrain sa US bago ako bumalik dito at kahit ngayon ay umaattend ako sa mga seminars actually hindi talaga ako si Uncle ang halos nagpapatakbo ng university sa ngayon nagmemeeting lang kaming dalawa after ng seminar or meeting to inform me the current situation of the school.
Napatingin ako sa relo dahil hanggang ngayon wala parin akong makitang anino ni Abuelo. 8:45 ang arrival niya pero mag aalas nuebe na kanina pa rin ako hindi mapakali sa kinatatayuan ko kinakabahan akong makaharap si Lolo knowing na may alitan pa kami last year. Gosh Lord spare me.
"Sure ka bang ngayon ang dating nila?" I worriedly asked Margo.
She massaged her temple, "Can you please stop walking like a penguin? And yes ngayon ang dating ng Lolo mo."
I hissed, "It's almost 9 Margo! We're late for his arrival time."
"Relax, hon. We're not late kanina pa kaya tayo dito your Abuelo ang late." Natatawang kalma niya sakin.
Nakailang buntong hininga pa ako bago mapatingin ulit sa relo nang biglang para akong sinampal ng yelo ng maalala ang isang bagay.
Lolo doesn't like cameras!
I cursed, "Damn it."
Margo walked at me, "What is it?"
How can I forgot that, and bobo Dacini, "Hindi dito manggagaling si Lolo, he loathed media." Sagot ko sabay hila sakanya pabalik ng sasakyan.
Mabilis akong nagdrive sa airport apron na pagaari ng pamilyang Achilleo. Muntik pa kaming hindi papasukin pero ng magpakilala ako ay nataranta pa si Manong guard. Ang part ng airport na 'to ay pag-aari nila Lolo kaya kilala kami pero mukhang bago ang guard kaya 'di agad ako pinapasok.
Pagkarating namin sa apron ay saktong kakahinto ng puting may halong maroon na private plane ng Achilleo. Ito dapat ang sasakyan namin pauwi 'non kaso nakamaintenance 'tas yung kay Morph ay ayaw ipagamit dahil sayang daw sa gas masyado lang siyang kuripot 'kala mong namumulubi e.
Napatingin ako kay Margo na manghang pinagmamasdan ang eroplano may malaking nakasulat na Achilleo sa gilid na nagpapakita ng pagmamay-ari namin. Naagaw ng atensyon ko ang pagbukas ng aircraft door at pagbaba ng airstairs nagulat pa ako ng may lumatag na red carpet mula taas hanggang baba kung nasaan kami patungo sa daraan papunta sa sasakyan ko.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Margo at isa lang ang nasa isip namin.
"Typical Achilleo." We uttered simultaneously.
Achilleo loves a big entrance.
In the same way that I was delighted to see Abuelo again, I had no idea what to expect. I wasn't sure how he'd react once he saw me after a year away, but I was a little nervous. And I would want to praise myself because I had managed to dress pretty semi-presentable clothes, with my decent jeans, a simple black silk long sleeve, and my lucky charm ankle black boots, which led me to spend hours rummaging through my closet. And all I can say it was well worth it.
Margo and I laughed as we looked up at the door to see my grandfather walking down the stairs, with full of his highness and honor. That's my oldest man.
I lowered my head as he reached the ground with us. I waited for his blessing as he put his hand on the top of my head. After that, I met his gaze, which sent a flutter to my heart. I missed my oldest man. I smiled before I held his hand and put the back of it on my forehead as a sign of respect. I looked up at him and my heart almost jumped when I saw him smiling genuinely. Ohh crap, that's a huge relief. Margo did the same thing as I did.
Abuelo looks surprised at Margo because she's a new face. They didn't get the chance to meet each other back in the US, so technically this was their first. I almost burst into laughter watching Margo being pressured by my Lolo's appearance. While earlier she was the one who was calming my ass, but now oh my dear Margo, I've never seen her flustered face since I don't remember.
"This is Margo Tan, grandfather. She is a dear friend of mine." I formally introduced Margo since she was too tongue-tied in the presence of Abuelo.
She quickly composed herself, which caused me to chuckle softly, not wanting to attract Abuelo's attention.
She offered her hand, but Lolo Arch just stared at her. I stifled my smile as I leaned closer to him and whispered, "Por favor, sé amable, abuelo." (Please, be nice, grandfather.)
This was the very first time I pleaded, and it was for Margo. Very lucky ass.
Margo smiled shyly and was about to pull her hand when Grandfather accepted her hand. I saw how she flinched from their contact and I'm really enjoying the view of Margo. Sooo intimidated. She surprisingly lifted her eyes up to him and smiled wider, "Gladly to meet you, iha. You looked beautiful." Malumanay na puri pa ni Lolo.
"My oldest man." I uttered.
I immediately shut my mouth when he gazed at me quite coldly, "We still have business to deal with, Louise."
Pagdating sakin. Tss.
I pouted as I followed him, "It's been a year, Abuelo. I'm in my second year now." I whined.
He didn't respond, seriously here we go againnn, "We'll talk later now find me a good place to eat."
I boredly responded, "Roger that."
We got inside my car and fly away from the airport. Kidding. Wala palang pakpak sasakyan ko. Katahimik ang namayani samin buong byahe katabi ko sa likod si Lolo habang sa passenger seat si Margo at ang driver namin ay ang personal assistant ni Abuelo. At may nakasunod pala samin itim na sasakyan bodyguard ni Abuelo dahil nakita ko na 'yon kanina sa airport.
Dinala ko sila sa isang exclusive Chinese restaurant dahil mahirap maexpose si Abuelo paniguradong pagkakaguluhan. Minsan na kaming kumain ni Arki at nagustuhan namin ang foods and service dito kaya I'm confident na magugustuhan din ni Lolo dito. We have a same taste, btw.
Food buddy rin kami sa Espanya 'non kaya ako nanaba at kaya ayoko rin 'don masyadong buhay prinsesa kulang nalang sila na maghakbang ng paa ko para sakin. Paggising ay nakahanda na ang susuuotin pati ang liliguan minsan pa nga ang mga lady's maids ko ang nagbibihis sakin pero 'nong bata pa ako 'non nakakahiya na kung magpapabihis ako ngayon sa edad kong 'to. 'Ganon din sa pagkain gabi palang ay tatanungin na nila kung ano ang gusto kong agahan para maihanda na sa hapagkainan pagsapit ng agahan. Nakakabagot sobra buhay prinsesa nga hindi naman makalabas makalabas man e kailangan may kasamang body guard duh 'pano nalang ako makikipaglandian kung alam kong may nakatingin sakin at magrereport kay Abuelo. Masyadong mahigpit sa Espanya kahit gusto kong intindihin na para sa kaligtasan lang namin 'yon ay sobra parin.
Ang pamilyang Achilleo kasi ang pinakamakapangyarihan sa Espansya maski ang Prime Minister ng Spain ay kavibes ni Lolo. Choss. Kaibigan ng pamilya namin kaya 'ganon nalang kakilala ang Achilleo Family sa buong mundo.
At 'yon din ang dahilan kung bakit ako tinatago hanggang ngayon. Kahit 'san ako pumunta ay may nangyayareng hindi maganda pwera sa habulin ako ng lalake at babae ay habulin din ako ng disgrasya kaya hindi ako mapanatag na manatili sa isang bansa. Isa rin ito sa dahilan ng pagtatago ko at pagalis sa Pilipinas three years ago at ang pagbalik ko dito. Akala namin ay natakasan na namin ang kung sino man ang stalker ko pero akala lang namin 'yon dahil ang mga punyeta ay nasundan parin ako dito. Kung naaalala niyo ang nangyare 'non sa labas ng mall 'nong kasama ko si Anno na kamuntikan na siyang masagi ng sasakyan kung hindi ko lang siya nahigit. Wala silang sinasanto kahit inosenteng tao ay idadamay nila. Pero ayaw naman garud magpakita parang mga tanga puro sunod lang. Mga walang balls.
"Louise."
Paano nalang ang magandang si ako pag natunton nila, edi malaking kabawasan sa lahi namin nila Aphrodite 'yon. Gosh I can't imagine.
"Elouise Dacini."
"Yes, Abuelo?" I unconsciously stood up at his calls. Goodness masyado ata akong naging lutang.
Nahihiya akong tumungo pagkaupo, nakakahiya ka talaga Dacini, "Are you okay? I've been calling you for like how many times." I sighed, not knowing what to say, "Louise, what's bothering you?" He softly asked that made me looked at him.
I shook my head, "Nothing, Abuelo. I'm just happy to see you again, and I was thinking about how I would make things up with you." I sighed, "You know, Lolo, this was our longest fight, and I'm not used to it. I'm very disappointed that I followed my dreams, but in return I've lost your trust. I don't know if I should be grateful for what I've been pursuing now. I'm still thinking about you, Grandfather. I'm still waiting."
I can't help but break down my emotions. I've been wanting to talk to him, to tell him what I wanted, and I wanted to hear from him that I have his full support, so I won't be guilty for choosing my dream instead of his.
I hate it. I'm being vulnerable again and now in front of him and Margo. I shouldn't have let my emotions take control of me. I've been here before, dealing with my family about my issues, but now I'm facing my grandfather. I've been feeling weak again for a long time, it's not a big deal, but when I'm dealing with my family, I get really upset. I know I can't handle this kind of conversation with them, and all the time we argue about it, I'm still failing. How I wish I could just slam the door and never open it again so I could secure myself and my emotions from being controlled.
I felt my heart shift when I felt my grandfather's soft hand against mine under the table, "Louise apo, you're waiting is over." My eyes widened at his response.
"Abuelo." I almost whispered.
He smiled sweetly that made my heart fluttered, "Thank you, Grandfather." I overwhelmingly said.
"Cualquier cosa para mi nieta." I chuckled softly, ang corny namin gosh, pero ganto kami pag nagkakaayos, and finally tanggap na ni Abuelo ang course ko gusto niya kasi magbusiness ad ako pero ayoko kaya 'yon ang liit na bagay pinalaki lang namin, "Lo siento, cariño. Me llevó un año aceptar que ya eres una mujer adulta y puedes decidir por tu cuenta. Perdona a tu hombre mayor." We both chuckled as I leaned to hug him which he warmly returned. (Anything for my granddaughter)(I'm sorry, darling. It took me a year to accept that you're already a grown up woman and can decide on your own. Forgive your oldest man.)
There's no doubt that I am grandfather's favorite. Ako lang ang nakakatawag sakanya ng oldest man or nakakabiruan. Ang mga pinsan ko kasi ay takot sakanya habang si Apollo at Morph ay masyadong pormal makipagusap sakanya kaya ako ang naging kavibes ni Abuelo dagdag pa na bunso ako kaya spoiled talaga ako sa grandparents at parents namin.
Our breakfast was filled with laughter and teasing. Abuelo exposed all of my childhood silliness to Margo. I'm embarrassed right now, knowing Margo the hamster would probably tease me after this. Mukhang hindi magandang naging magkavibes sila ni Lolo dahil mula kaninang magkaayos kami ni Abuelo ay sila nalang ang nagusap. Tuwang tuwa si Lolo sa pagkajolly ni Margo at minsan lang ako nakakasali sa usapan nila tuwing nilalaglag ako ni Lolo syempre todo kontra ako kaya halos buong agahan nakabusangot ako.
Bakit kaya 'ganon ang mga matatanda lagi nilang binubunyag ang mga kalokohan ng anak nila noong bata sila. Akala ata nila nakakatuwa 'yon hah! Never para sakanila oo pero samin nakakahiya.
Pero nakakatuwang makitang nagkasundo sila pwera sakin ay may nakakabiruan na si Lolo.
My cousin would definitely be jealous of her.
I am now on my way back to school after my breakfast with Abuel, who's now at our house while Margo has to go to her work, so yeah. Here I am for my afternoon class, which is fine but so boring. I only have two classes for this afternoon and I bet they will pass painfully slowly.
But I'm honestly looking forward to seeing Anno in our first class because we're block mates, remember? I feel sad for her because I have the energy to annoy the shit of her today. And of course, I wouldn't forget my so-called detention later in class, which was something I didn't quite deserve. The scene was obviously taken outside of the school grounds, well, not exactly because it was taken in the school parking lot, but it was still insufficient to punish me. It was the guy's entire fault. He pissed the shit out of me, which is why I had to punch him. I'm not a saint after all.
I sighed before storming out of my car and proceed to my first class, habang naglalakad ako ay may mga napapatingin saking estudyante I can't blame them I'm too gorgeous to not be notice. But I'm well aware that it was because of what happened this morning and I don't give a damn about it. Malamang sa malamang ay kalat na sa buong campus ang ginawa ko which was I kissed someone's girl and I punched him pretty impressive. That's a divine punch actually he should be grateful bilang lang ang nakatanggap 'non.
"Here comes our punchy girl!" Amara exclaimed as I stepped inside our room.
They're absolutely waiting for me.
I frowned, "Seriously? Punchy girl? You could have named me better than that. " I said in dismay, "It sounds like pussy, Amara." I whispered to her, but I guess she was not the one who heard it. They all laughed because of what I said.
Nasabi ko na bang halos lahat ng block mates ko sa first subject ay halos kaklase ko sa lahat ng subjects ko kaya magkakaclose na kaming lahat.
Napatingin ako sa umakbay sakin, "Nice shot, Badass." Ohh the great kiss stealer.
Pinakita niya sakin ang phone na may video kong sinapak 'yung lalake. Grabe nakuhanan pa niya 'yon at hindi ko napansin 'andon pala siya. But nevertheless I looked sooo crackerjack in that video.
I smirked, "Thanks, Jass." Umalis din siya kaya binalingan ko ulit si Amara.
She chuckled, wiggling her brows, "Take it or leave it, Dane. It sounds catchy kaya."
I answered, "Definitely leave it. It's gross, bitch."
Napatingin ako sa pinto ng tila nagdilang anghel ang mga taong nagiingay lang kanina. At halos lumundag ang puso ko ng makita si Annong naglalakad patungong table ng prof with all her grace. Seryoso nanaman ang mukha niya kaya hindi na ako nagtatakang natahimik ang mga kaklase namin pwera kasi sa pinsan ni Anno ay takot din sila sakanya. May tawag nga sila sa magpinsan e. 'The Otzi twins' mga gago diba pangalanan ba namang Otzi e iceman kasi 'yon na mummy pero totoo naman kasi kung si Miss Serrano ay terror at strict sa pagtuturo 'ganon din ang pinsan niya sa pamumuno bilang SSC President akala ko laging nakikipagdebate pag nagsasalita.
"Attention everyone." Panimula niya habang tahimik na naghintay kami sa susunod niyang sasabihin, "Two months from now, we will be having our school foundation week. All the students have to participate in any club they choose. You will be given more than a month to prepare for and join your chosen club. So starting next week, you can start auditioning for the club you want, and each club will be having a booth to present for foundation week." Mahaba niyang paliwanag.
"What kind of booth, pres?" Tanong ni Amara.
Anno looked at her and nodded, "Commonly, wedding booths and horror booths are presented every foundation week. It's up to your club which booth you will build. Pwede kayong gumawa ng sarili niyo basta maaapproved ng Dean." Napatango tango kami hanggang sa dumapo ang tingin niya sakin.
"Perez." I quickly raised my eyebrows, "You're needed at the Dean's office."
Akala ko ba after class pero okay narin. Free cut.
I grin, "You're not gonna make me carry some boxes, aren't you?"
"It's about the mess you've caused." She coldly uttered.
Ang sunget talaga makamess akala mo namang gumawa akong delubyo.
I walked towards her, "Absolutely." She rolled her eyes, "Did you miss me?" I asked.
She respond, "Not even a bit."
I acted like I was hurt and even touched my chest, "You're so mean, Anno." She sighed as she started walking out of the room so I followed her, 'di manlang sumagot, "Sooo mean. Are you breaking up with me?"
Bigla siyang huminto kaya tumama ang mukha ko sa ulo niya. Ang sakit! Parang mismong bungo niya ang tumama sa ilong ko e mas matangkad pa mandin ako sakanya.
Napaatras ako ng bigla siyang humarap, napalunok ako ng mapansing sobrang seryoso ng mukha niya, "Perez, can I ask you about something?" She bluntly said, I can't even open my mouth I was stunned by her eyes it's so dark and glum again, "No, let me. Why are you doing this?" She asked again.
My brows furrowed, "What do you mean?"
She looked around and so I did, we are the only students in this busy hallway maybe because the afternoon class already started which I'm gladly about, I can talk or flirt with Anno freely.
"This..." She pointed her index finger at me then to her, "You're insensitive and selfish. You have a girl who cares for you so much, and you still go around flirting with others." She sighed, "And you know what's the worst part? You're flirting with me too." I felt my heart beat faster than it's supposed to be.
Her face become more darker and serious, crappy hell I don't know how to handle this conversation, swear, "Why are you like this? I've never seen or known you like this before. Your friends were right, you changed. It's either in good or bad way, but the fact that you've changed makes you a different person, Dane. It's not you...anymore."
I scoffed, very sarcastically, "What? Was that your part-time job now as a guidance counselor?"
She sighed in disappointment, shaking her head, "Stupid."
I frowned, as she started walking again kaya sinabayan ko siya maglakad, "Why are you so mad about me kissing other girls? Are you jealous? That's why you're breaking up with me?" Hindi siya sumagot kaya pinagpatuloy ko nalang ang kalokohan, "First, you know, we're not into serious relationships, right? Did you fall, Anno? Well sorry to say but I don't fall. So as a very kind and considerate person, I'm granting your wish. I'm brea-"
"What if I don't want to?"
"Then we're no—what?" I asked in shocked.
Did I heard it right? Well she almost whispered that line but she said she doesn't want to? But huh? Nagbibiro lang naman ako e. Omg aha! crush talaga ako ni Anno pakipot lang.
Napangisi ako sakanya, "So you've been eyeing me since high school?" I asked teasingly.
She walked faster so I did too, to keep our pace, "You are so full of yourself."
I shrugged, "I prefer to called it self-confidence, Anno. 'Wag mo 'ko gamitan ng discourteous word mo."
"Nonsense."
"But you didn't answer my question, Anno." I wiggled my brows kahit hindi niya nakikita dahil nakafocus lang siya sa daan.
"I've already told you before, hindi ka kapansin pansin. And about what I said about you changing into some kind of stupid selfish immoral person. I got it from your friend and how you acted in front of me."
I sighed, acting disappointed, "You're really breaking up with me."
"Oh come on, Perez. Cut the crap, you know I was just riding your stupid jokes." She hissed.
Pikon.
I smirked as I shoved her lightly which made her glared at me, "You ride huh. Then ride me, Rei." She looked at me in disbelief, "Opss, dirty mind dirty mind dirty mind of yours." Pakanta kong asar sakanya habang nangaasar ang tingin.
I chuckled when she rolled her eyes and answered, "Idiot." I poked her shoulder na ikinasama lalo ng tingin niya sakin, "And stop calling me Anno or even Rei. I have a name, you dum-dum." She hissed.
"Hey, that's foul." I grumbled.
She sighed, "Don't care."
I burst out of laughter, "Don't worry. We did break up but I'll make you mine again."
So funny teasing Anno. I'll never get tired of doing this.
Sumunod nalang ako sakanya dahil hindi niya na ako pinansin pa ulit kahit anong asar ko sakanya pakiramdam ko nga ay onti nalang masasapak niya na ako at ngayon ko lang napagtantong sumakay pala kami ng elevator. Naiiling akong humabol kay Anno dahil ang bilis niya biglang maglakad.
Binilisan ko ang lakad ko hanggang sa bigla nanamang siyang huminto kaya nauntog nanaman ako sa ulo niya, napadaing akong nakahawak sa ilong dahil sa lakas ng impak ng pagkakabunggo sakanya.
"Wag ka nga bigla biglang humihinto." Inis kong reklamo.
"Stop following me. 'Andon ang office ng Dean wala sakin." Seryoso niyang turo sa office ni Dean na nalagpasan na namin.
Kaya pala. Malaya ko bang 'don din siya papunta kaya sinusundan ko lang siya. Magsasalita pa sana ako ng naglakad nanaman siya malayo. Bastos talaga 'di manlang magpaalam. Hindi ko na nga tinuloy break up namin e ay wala palang kami pero sinabi kong I'll make her mine again. Crazy mind.
Natatawa akong pumasok sa office ni Dean habang iniisip parin ang kalokohan kong pangaasar kay Anno. Break up amputa ni hindi ko nga siya gusto tapos 'ganon pa ibibiro ko. So beyond reality and worth it because I pissed her off.
Ginala ko ang paningin at wala ang sexytary ni Uncle kaya malaya kong binuksan ng pagkalaki laki ang pinto ng office niya.
"Good to be back, old—brother and sister, godbless you all." I unconsciously bowed my head and I almost lost my breath when I noticed that Miss Serrano was here with Uncle. Hindi ko natuloy ang pagtawag kay Dean ng old man dahil sa masamang tingin ni Dean at nagtatakang gulat na mukha ni Miss Kaye. I'm doomed if I didn't notice her in just a second.
I'm really an Achilleo.
Napapikit ako ng mariin bago ngumiti ng alanganin. Tangina nakakahiya! Mapapahamak ako mismo sa sarili kong bunganga e. Dahan dahan akong lumapit sa mahabang table ni Dean at naupo sa harap ni Miss Serrano na seryoso nanaman ang mukha. Nakakapagtakang wala ang gagong sumapak sakin kaya bakit pa ako pinatawag. Wait don't tell me parurusahan nila ako? Bad Tuesday why naman 'ganon.
Uncle cleared his throat, "Great entrance, Ms. Perez. I hope that's the last time you would do that." I nodded as I remembered that I did that too before, so embarrassing, "I already heard about what happened and I already talked to Mr. Valdez." Oh that's the ugly guy's name, "He apologized for the intrude and the scene he started." He continued.
"Wait, he didn't apologized for what he did to my gor-face?" He stayed silent, eyeing me boredly, "I can't believe that guy. He hit me twice, Dean. My lips was busted and it's ruined. He should pay for this or just apologize. But I received nothing. Ha! The acidity." I frantically whined.
"The acidity what?" He curiously asked.
I chuckled, "Oh what I mean is the audacity but I'm a kind of a witty person so I made it acidity. Witty right?"
They respond in unison, "Corny."
"Ouch." I acted.
"Enough with your little jokes, Ms. Perez. Let us hear your side before we decide what to punish you." My jaw almost drop, punishment?!
"That's completely unfair, Dean." I appealed as I looked at the both of them in disbelief, "I know my fault and it was not knowing that the girl I...um.. I met at the bar had a boyfriend. I wouldn't do it if I knew, Dean. This is unreasonable biased."
Uncle spokes, "Explain."
I groaned and told them every detail that happened that night expect sa paghila sakin ni Anno dahil bagong istorya nanaman 'yon at ayokong malaman ni Miss Serrano baka kung ano nanaman ang isipin niya.
"I'm certain that I asked her first if she had a boyfriend." Pinaglalaban ko talaga 'yan dahil parang ayaw nilang maniwala lalo na si Uncle.
"You did what? you asked her if she's free from HIV?" He unbelievably asked, I gulped and chuckled awkwardly.
I make an awkward face, "Yeah, I believe it's better to be safe than regret later." I honestly said.
Totoo naman diba. Mahirap na 'no nagiingat lang atsaka hindi naman naoffend si Macey kaya okay lang.
Napahilot si Uncle sa ulo niya kaya napangiwi ako paniguradong sermon ang abot ko neto kako pa mandin magbebehave ako 'non. Napatingin ako kay Miss Serrano na disappointed ang mukha alam kong hindi niya nagustuhan ang ginawa ko dahil malayong malayo 'yon sa ako dati 'nong kami pa. But little did they know na ang pagbabagong sinasabi nila ay ang totoong ako. Dati pa man ay party girl na ako pero 'nong makilala ko sila ay nahawa ako sa pagiging inosente nila though puro kalokohan rin naman ang three idiots pero malayo sa kalokohan ko before. And that's the real me that they would never understand.
Palihim akong sinamaan ng tingin ni Uncle kaya napayuko ako bahagya. Lagot talaga ako neto saktong andito pa si Abuelo double kill malala sumbong ang abot ko. Wag naman sana.
Nagusap pa sila pero 'di ko na pinakinggan. Nakahalukipkip akong naghihintay sa hatol nila akala mo naman asa korte kami.
Miss Serrano spokes, "You can go now."
I divert my gaze to her, "That's it...po?"
She slightly nodded, "Personal issue ang problema niyo and you have to deal with it with the guy and his girlfriend. You should talk to them and fix it."
I'm not insane to do that. Absolutely not.
"Thank goodness." I sighed in relief, "I'll try to catch up with them po. Don't worry." I lied 'cause I have to.
I stood up so Miss Serrano did too, "I'll walk you out."
Nagtataka man ay tumango nalang ako, "I'll go now, Dean. Thank you po." I bid my goodbye at naunang lumabas ng office.
Naramdaman kong nakasunod si Miss Serrano kaya naiilang ako sa paglakad ko. Hindi ko alam kung hihinto ba ako at haharapin siya o hihintayin ko siyang tawagin ako.
"Dane." Ohh second choice.
I stopped and faced her, I asked, "What do you want to talk about po?"
"You're excused at your first class." Tumingin siya sa relo niya, "You still have an hour before your second. Let's talk at my office." Seryoso niyang anas kaya napatango nalang ako bago sumunod sakanya.
Why do I have this feeling na hindi magiging maganda ang usapan namin? It's either mauuwi sa sagutan o sa halikan just like what happened before but I'm not anticipating for that to happen. It's just felt so wrong.
Pagkarating namin sa office niya ay wala paring nagbalak magsalita. Nabibingi na ako sa katahimikan kaya ako na ang bumasag.
"Miss Serrano."
"Baby."
I firmly swallowed because of what she uttered, "Mis—"
"Stop calling me that." She softly said.
I looked up at her but I didn't met her eyes, I can't, "That's what I should address you, Maam. You're my professor."
"I'm not talking to you as your professor, Dane. Talk to me as me." She sounds pleading.
I mentally cursed because of it, "I'm afraid I cannot. I've never get the chance to address as you. Kahit 'nong tayo pa Miss Serrano ni hindi kita natawag sa pangalan mo." Malumanay kong sagot.
Totoong never ko siyang natawag sa pangalan niya, madalas ay maam o baby dahil hindi kami sanay na tawagin ko siya sa pangalan niya dahil narin sa teacher ko siya 'non at mas matanda siya ng ilang taon. Tsaka hindi naman big deal samin 'yon pero siya ay natatawag niya akong Dane at wala ring kaso 'yon dahil estudyante niya ako.
She walked towards me and stopped within a meter away from me, "I'm sorry." She whispered but I heard it clearly.
Halata sa boses niya na pinipigilan niya nanamang umiyak, this is why I can't hold a conversation with her, hindi ko kayang makita siyang umiiyak at nasasaktan lalo na ng dahil sakin, mas lalong sinasampal sakin ang ginawa kong pagiwan sakanya noon.
"Don't be sorry po." I sighed, "It's not your fault, Miss Serrano."
"I told you to stop, please just stop." Her voice cracked as a tear escaped from her eyes.
Damn it.
I looked down, playing my fingers just to avert my attention from her cries, "I don't know what to say." I mumbled.
"Hanggang kailan. Napapagod na akong maghintay, Dane." She paused, sniffing, "I've been waiting for you for three years and now that you're here standing hopelessly in front of me, with nothing to say, It's breaking me, baby, so please. Just tell me why you left."
I closed my fist, trying hard not to let my emotions take over me. I thought Abuelo was the last one I'd be dealing today, "How I wish I could just tell you everything." I mumbled and lifted my gaze to her, "It's too difficult for me." And believe me, I wanted to. I wanted to tell you everything that happened to me and the reason why I left you. It's just that something is holding me back and I know I can't battle it. " It's hard to speak when you're on the verge of crying.
It's eating me inside and I'm losing it.
"I still love you, Dane. And I never stop loving you."
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