Note: For a more immersive reading experience during the scene where Vivien and Freyja sing, consider playing the song on Spotify as you read.
This way, you can truly feel the emotions
in the moment.
-
We arrived back home, and I spent the day resting while my parents attended to me. Time seemed to slip away, and before I knew it, the much-anticipated school event was underway. When I woke up, my chest pain was gone. In my bed, nakita ko sila mom and dad, half of their bodies sprawled out as if they had been watching over me around the clock.
"Mom, dad," I gently roused them from their slumber. Nagising si mom sa magagaan kong tapik sa kanya.
"Frey..." She mumbles. Antok na antok pa siyang tiningnan ako at hindi ko mapigilang maawa sa kanila.
"You need to sleep na muna mom. You and dad. Ako na ang mag-aasikaso." I said, smiling at mom.
"No. Let me help yo-
"No need mom maayos na ang lagay ko, kayo po magpahinga muna." I insisted.
I glance at my father sleeping peacefully, he is tired and I can see it in his slumber face. Inayos ni mom ang higa ni dad at iniwan ko na sila sa kwarto para magluto ng agahan. Ayaw kong makitang sila pa ang mag-aasikaso sakin besides hindi naman na masakit ang dibdib ko, few rest is enough.
Nasa kitchen ako at nagluto ng fried rice, sunny side up egg, and I've also prepare a salad for me. Maybe I should eat more veggies for now so hindi na ulit sumakit ang dibdib ko. Magtitimpla na sana ako ng kape pero biglang pinigilan ako ni dad, gising na pala at nakababa na.
"Sweetie, you're not allowed to drink coffee muna..." Malumanay na sambit ni dad sa likod.
Mabilis akong humarap sa kanya at nakita kong may bitbit siyang gamot. "Gising ka na pala dad." I uttered.
"How are you? Hindi na ba masakit?" my dad inquired.
Tumango ako, "Yes dad," sagot ko. Lumapit siya sakin at inayos ang buhok ko, pagkakuway hinalikan ako sa noo.
He gently caress my face, "We'll take you to the hospital if the pain returns. We have no other option but to get it checked out," Dad reassured me, withdrawing his hand from my face and forcing a smile. It was a facade, an attempt to conceal whatever was weighing on his mind.
Tumango ako sa kanya, bahagya akong natakot, kinakabahan sa kung ano ba talaga ang meron sa pagsakit ng dibdib ko.
Bumaba si mom at kumain na kami. They insisted na mag-stay muna sa bahay pero may big event sa SU ngayon, need kong pumunta. Labag man sa loob nila ay pinayagan pa rin ako. I can't missed this event.
I'm on my way to SU nang tumawag si Charlotte sa phone. Hindi na sa messenger, sa number ko na talaga. Driving, I picked it up and placed it on my ear.
"Yes?" sagot ko.
"We will wait you here, Frey. Nasa entrance kami ng university." Sabi nito sa kabilang linya.
"Bakit and'yan kayo?" balik ko.
"Of course, we have a big event. Tsaka baddies and I were so worried about you." A worry was heard in her voice.
"Hey bitc-
Panigurado akong si Sav ʼyon.
"Savannah!?"
Putol ni Cat kay Sav sa kabilang linya kaya hindi na natuloy ang sasabihin ni Sav.
"Hello Freyy! We're waiting here!" Sigaw ni Raya.
Bahagya akong natawa sa kanila. Truth be told, Savannah, Soraiya, and Charlotte possess undeniable beauty, wealth, and sophistication. They have the ability to capture anyone's attention if they do desire. Pero, may childish personality talaga sila that sets them apart from the conventional view. Pag sa ibang tao, they exhibit seriousness, they reveal a more playful side when they're around me, as if reliving their carefree youth. I'm thankful I became their friend, thanks to Charlotte.
Siya kasi ang nagdala sakin to them.
Malayo pa ako sa gate pero tanaw ko na sila na nakatayo sa entrance. Kumakaway si Charlotte at Raya sakin tapos hawak naman ni Cat sa kamay si Savannah.
Under pala ʼto. Bait bait bata.
Nakarating na ako sa entrance sabay hinto sa kanila pero nagsipasok ang dalawang bruha.
"Pasok na! Broomm broomm!" sigaw ni Charlotte nang sumakay kasama si Raya.
"Ngiinngg! Let's go!" dagdag naman ni Raya habang natatawa.
Hindi ko mapigilang hindi matawa sa childish behavior nila, samantalang si Sav nasa labas lang kasama si Cat.
"Tumigil nga kayo! Pagsisipain ko kayo d'yan e." Sabi ko sa kanila na agad naman din nilang ikinatawa.
"Ang KJ mo ngayon sis ha. Mag-enjoy tayo kasi this is the day!" excited na sagot ni Charlotte.
"You have a point. One point for Charlotte!" sabi ni Raya sabay nag appear kay Charlotte.
I shakes my head, "Hindi ako nainform nasa kotse ko pala ang event."
Naunang pumasok sila Sav sa entrance sumunod kami na sakay ng sasakyan. Ang ingay ng dalawa. Pagpasok ko ay bungad ang napakaraming banderas sa labas ng school. Marami ring mga student na may pinta ang mga mukha at katawan na naglalakad palibot sa campus.
Nang makarating kami sa parking lot ay agad na bumaba sila Raya at Charlotte tapos kinuyog nila agad ako papunta sa loob talaga ng SU kung saan gaganapin ang sport fest at music festival.
While walking along them, I felt a buzz of excitement coursing through me. We're making our way to the venue of the highly anticipated music and sports festival. Ang daming tao sa labas pa lang ng arena ng school, and I couldn't help but be in awe of the colorful banners swaying in the breeze.
"Malapit na tayo sa entrance!" Soraiya exclaimed, pointing towards the entrance gate. "Get ready for an unforgettable day!"
Tumingin ako sa entrance, my heart racing with anticipation. The air was filled with beat of music, the cheers, and laughter of students echoed all around us. Nang pumasok kami, the vibrant atmosphere enveloped us, and I couldn't contain my excitement.
Savannah grinned at me, her face painted in bold colors and Cat also, "Ready to immerse yourself in this epic experience?"
"Hoy! Saan kayo nagpapinta? Sabi ko sabay lang tayo tapos nauna kayo, ano FO na ba?" maktol ni Charlotte.
I laughed, "Hayaan mo na, kasama mo naman kami ni Raya."
Napangiwi si Charlotte, "Ikaw tsaka ikaw," sabay na turo niya kina Cat at Sav, "Nakakainggit kayo! Tse!"
Sabay kaming apat na natawa at nagmamaktol pa rin si Charlotte. Pumunta kagad kami sa painting section kung saan pwede kang magpapinta sa katawan mo kung ano ang gusto mo.
Sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari ay nakita ko si Ma'am Rhea, she's observing the student. Maybe she's also helping them.
With all the student na nasa section siguro namang hindi niya ako mapapansin, at wala din naman akong balak.
Tuloy-tuloy na pumasok si Charlotte at ang gaga imbes na sa kabila kami magpapinta ay parang sinadya pang kay Ma'am Rhea ang balak.
Sarap talaga saksakin ng brush nito.
Nakita ni Ma'am Rhea si Charlotte na pangisi-ngisi tapos tumingin ito samin na sumunod naman. I quickly moved my gaze away, not glancing at her.
"Good morning, Miss Rhea." Rinig kong bati ni Charlotte sa kanya. Tumingin nalang ako sa ibang section na nagpipinta rin.
Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong lumayo para hindi niya makita o hindi ko talaga gusto na makita siya.
Earlier before I quickly moved my gaze, she was dressed in a blue long sleeve shirt neatly tucked into a white skirt that accentuated her smooth and fair legs. Her hair cascaded gracefully, complementing her overall appearance.
But I can't be marupok.
Akala ko nag-oobserve lang siya pero ngayon may hawak ng brush. Nagpapinta na si Charlotte sa kanya, pinintahan nito kung saan banda ang gusto ni Charlotte. Sumunod si Raya at nagpapinta sa mukha nito. Natapos ang pagpinta niya kay Raya at tumingin ito sakin, with her neutral and icy gaze. Lalapit na sana ako nang,
"Frey!!" sigaw ni Ma'am Vivien sa likod. Tumingin ako dito at nasa ibang painting section pala siya, she's waving at me, "Come here!"
Thank God
Mabilis akong umalis sa section niya at pumunta kay Ma'am Vivien, not glancing at her again. Well, ayaw niya sakin so wish granted.
"Hey, how are you?" agad na salubong sakin ni Ma'am Vivien, she then gently fixes my hair. Nakatabon yata sa mukha ko.
"Okay na ako ma'am," I answered, smiling.
"Really?" she inquired.
Tumango ako sa kanya sabay ngiti pa rin, "Opo."
Ma'am Vivien gently held my wrist and guided me in her painting section. Binigay niya sakin ang upuan that is meant for her, I guess?
May limang student din na nag-assist sa kanya. Siguro mga art student pero hindi ko colleagues.
"You want me to put paint on your face?" tanong ni Ma'am Vivien.
"If that's okay, ma'am." Sagot sabay tango ko.
"Sure," she retorted quickly, "Wait here and I'll get the paint." Sabay iwan niya sakin.
Tumingin ako sa painting section ng isa at andun pa rin siya, hindi nga lang maipinta ang mukha.
Lumapit sakin sila Charlotte habang palihim na natatawa.
"Sino ang pipiliin ko," pakanta-kanta ni Charlotte, "Ikaw ba na pangarap ko.."
"Oh siya bang kumakatok sa puso ko.." Dagdag ni Raya.
"Ohhh! Anong paiiralin ko isip ba o ang puso ko ohhh," kanta ulit ni Charlotte.
Hindi ko mapigilang hindi sila sipain dahil sa trip nila.
"Nalilitong, litong, litoo ohhh!" patuloy na kanta ni Charlotte kahit sinipa ko na ito.
"Sinong pipiliin ko... Aray!" hindi na natapos ni Raya dahil binatukan ko na siya.
"Mga tarantado! Magsitigil nga kayo, mahiya naman kayo kay Cat at sa ibang student dito.
Tawang-tawa naman si Savannah sa katarantaduhan ng dalawa, pati na rin si Cat. I just rolled my eyes at them pero bahagya rin naman akong natawa. Pabalik na si Ma'am Vivien na may dala na. Agad namang napahinto sa pagtawa ang apat pagkarating ni Ma'am Vivien.
"Good morning, Ma'am Suarez." Sabay na bati ng apat.
"Good day, Miss Savannah, Smith, Harrison, and Samonte." Malumanay na bati ni Ma'am Vivien sa kanila.
"Ah ma'am s-sayo na po si Freyja," banggit ni Charlotte, "Este, pintahan niyo na po siya." Bawi nito, natatawa pa rin.
Tumingin ako nang masama sa kaniya pero ngumisi lang ito.
"Ma'am 10+10+10+10+10 equals 50, ibebenta nalang po namin ʼyan si Frey sa halagang 50 pesos." Hindi ko alam kung saan napulot ni Raya ang biro niyang ʼyan basta naiirita na ako sa kagagohan nila.
Bahagyang natawa si Ma'am Vivien sa kanila. I clench my fist on them para tumigil na, nagsitigil naman pero naghahagikhikan pa rin.
"Which side should I paint on your face?" Ma'am Vivien inquired.
"Dito ma'am," I gestured to my cheek, "A flower and three strokes of blue and yellow paint."
"Alright, stay still," Ma'am Vivien instructed, her hand cradling my face as she began to apply the paint. The brush was chilly against my skin, while her touch was warm. With meticulous care, she brushed the colors onto my face. "I'm not good with paints," she said.
"No problem, ma'am." I mumbles.
As Ma'am Vivien carried on with her task, Raya and Charlotte playfully mimicked us behind Ma'am Vivien's back, sharing secret laughs. Ginagaya ni Raya ang ginagawa ni Ma'am Vivien while si Charlotte ay ang kunyaring pinipintahan niya.
I mentally sighed.
Mga siraulo talaga.
Nanonood lang din sa kanila si Sav na natatawa while Cat is watching Ma'am Vivien on how she strokes the brush on my face.
Amidst the lightheartedness, I couldn't help but sense an intense gaze fixed on us from a distance. It felt like someone was observing Ma'am Vivien and me, though I couldn't determine who it was. A feeling of being watched lingered in the air. It was intense and makes me feel uncomfortable.
"Done," sambit ni Ma'am Vivien at binitawan na ang mukha ko.
"Salamat ma'am," I replied, showing my gratitude.
"Halik daw po ang ibabayad ni Fre - Aray ko!" hindi na natapos ni Charlotte kasi kinurot ko na siya.
"You're welcome. I'm so sorry, I'm not really good with paintings." Sabi nito ulit.
"Okay lang po ma'am, no worries. This is the best." I gracefully smiled at her.
Umalis si Ma'am Vivien saglit para ibalik ang pinta at natawa naman sakin ulit si Charlotte.
"HAHAHAHAHAAHA ano ʼyan lantang bulaklak?" sabay turo nito sa mukha ko.
"Last mo na ʼyan ha!" I groaned at her tsaka pinatid siya.
Bumalik naman agad si Ma'am Vivien na may dalang isang bottle ng tubig. "Take this," sabay bigay nito sakin. "To avoid you from dehydration."
Nahihiya kong tinanggap ang tubig, "Salamat po."
"Ma'am wala po bang samin? Kay Frey lang? How about us naman," sambit ni Charlotte.
"You can get this there," sagot ni Ma'am Vivien sabay turo sa stall. Tumawa naman si Charlotte.
"Iiwan ko na kayo dito. I'll excuse myself, I still have to assist the students." Paalam nito samin. Tumango kami at nagpasalamat pagkatapos ay umalis na kami sa painting section. Umalis naman doon si Ma'am Vivien na dumaan sa kabilang daan.
Madadaanan namin ang section ni Ma'am Rhea, nandun pa rin siya, this time she's not looking at us. Not even a quick glance from her. Parang tinatago niya ang mata niya.
Dumaan kaming lima sa harap niya. I didn't even greeted her earlier. Pero ayuko naman maging tanga ulit.
"Tara na at manood ng basketball, I've heard maglalaro si Steff ngayon para sa Silverthorne against Javier from Blizstre." Na-eexcite na sabi ni Charlotte.
"Oo nga, the two best varsity player in Silvestre. Tara na?" Dagdag ni Raya sabay tingin samin.
I nodded enthusiastically, my own face adorned with playful streaks of paint. "Tara!"
We strolled further, taking in the lively crowd, the stages set for performances, and the basketball
happening. Charlotte playfully bumped into me, her energy infectious. "Can you feel the adrenaline, Frey?"
Natawa ako, caught up in the contagious enthusiasm. "Definitely! This is even more amazing than I imagined."
Nakahanap kami ng spot at nanood kami. Cheer nang cheer sila Charlotte and Raya pati na rin si Sav while me and Cat are silently watching them playfully shouting.
I hope they will stay. No one should leave.
Natapos ang laro at nanalo ang Team Silverthorne 132-130 dalawa lang ang lamang. Grabe rin ang performance ng dalawang ace ng group pero isa lang talaga ang magwawagi, just like the painting contest.
Umalis kami dahil ibang sport na naman ang magaganap, hinanap namin ang performance ng mga band. The music pulsed through my veins kahit malayo medyo malayo pa kami, and I couldn't resist dancing along with my friends, walking excitedly. It was a moment of pure exhilaration, surrounded by friends who were equally immersed in the festivities. Pero natapos rin agad ang band at mamaya-maya pa ang susunod kaya we decided na lumibot muna.
We explored different areas of the festival - from sports competitions to food stalls. Along the way, we interacted with other students, exchanging smiles and laughter, united by the spirit of the event.
"This is what school life is all about," Soraiya mused, taking in the joyful chaos around us.
"Absolutely," Savannah agreed, her eyes shining. "And it's even better when we experience it together."
Bumalik kami sa may stage at doon ay nilaanan kami ng spot ng mga ibang student. Maya-maya pa ay lumabas na ang sumunod na banda at nag perform, sayaw kami nang sayaw habang sumasabay sa kanta. I can't help but to laugh, smile, and feel the joy I've been having with my friends.
Natapos ang performance ng isang banda. We waited for another band to perform. Nakita namin na lumabas ang ibang gagamit ng instrument. We waited for the vocalist to come out at nagulat nalang kaming si Ma'am Vivien ang lumabas.
Sabay na palakpakan at hiyawan ng mga student ang maririnig, nagche-cheer rin sila kay ma'am, pati ang mga kasama ko ay nagulat.
"Woooohh! Go ma'am!" sigaw ni Charlotte.
Tumingin samin si Ma'am Vivien, but her eyes fixed on me. Ako talaga ang punterya ng mga mata niya.
"I will now perform a song called 'Kisame,' by Rhodessa, dedicated to a special someone in the audience," Ma'am Vivien declared. The crowd erupted in excitement.
The instrument starts to play.
She had an air of confidence as she held the microphone, preparing to sing. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and I could feel my heart racing in sync with the excited murmurs around me.
Gustong tumingin
Sa iyong mga mata
Na nagniningning
Kahit nasaan ka pa
As the music started and her voice began to fill the space, I couldn't help but be drawn into the song. The crowd goes wild, shouting. Her angelic voice filled thr entire stage.
Pero bakit ba
Ang layo mo
Laging magkabilang mundo
Her voice was mesmerizing, carrying a mix of emotions that seemed to resonate deep within me.
Nakatitig sa kisame
Kakaisip kung pa'no sasabihin sa iyo
Na gusto
Gustong-gusto kita
Hindi na kita
Maalis sa isip ko
'Di maikaila
Na ikaw ang tahanan ko
It was as if the lyrics were speaking directly to my soul, capturing my attention completely.
Pero bakit ba
Lumalayo
Palagi na lang ba ganito
Pero bakit ba
Ayaw mo
Pwedeng sa 'yo na lang ako
Then, unexpectedly, her gaze met mine. I felt a jolt of surprise, wondering why she was looking at me so intently.
Nakatitig sa kisame
Kakaisip kung pa'no sasabihin sa iyo
Na gusto
Gustong-gusto kita
The intensity of her stare made my heart skip a beat, and for a moment, it was as if we were the only two people in the room.
Okay lang kahit hindi mo ako gustuhin
Kaya ko naman damhin lahat ng sakit
Basta ikaw
This was her way of expressing her feelings, and it was a beautiful and unexpected gesture. Whoever that is, that person is so lucky.
Nakatitig sa kisame
Kakaisip kung pa'no sasabihin sa iyo
Na gusto
Gustong-gusto kita
As the song continued, I found myself captivated by her performance, each word and note carrying a depth of meaning that resonated on a profound level.
Nakatitig sa kisame
Kakaisip kung pa'no sasabihin sa iyo
Na gusto
Gustong-gusto kita
It was a moment I would never forget, a connection forged through music and unspoken emotions. Natapos ang pagkanta niya at lahat ng nanonood ay humiyaw nang humiyaw pati ang mga kaibigan ko.
"Can't believe she has that kind of voice, really good!" bulalas ni Sav.
"Oo nga, mala Moira kung kumanta!" sigaw ni Charlotte.
Sabay kaming natawa at humiyaw rin. Tumingin sakin si Ma'am Vivien at ngumiti, pagkatapos ay bumalik na sa backstage. Nag-antay kami sa susunod na mag perform pero ang lumabas ay ang MC.
"The organizers are looking for a volunteer to sing in front of the audience. Anyone who's interested, don't hesitate and step up!" The MC exclaimed.
Marami ang gustong pumunta sa stage pero mabilis akong tinulak ng mga piste kong kaibigan sa harap dahil malapit lang din naman kami sa stage. Tiningnan ko silang apat at sabay silang nag thumbs up at ngumisi.
"Amazingly quick response!" MC exclaimed, glancing in my direction. "Let's welcome Freyja Elie Mercedez, everyone! The pride painter of Silvestre!" cheers and laughter erupted from the audience.
With a hesitant smile, I made my way to the stage, my steps filled with nervous anticipation as the crowd's cheers echoed around me. Kinuha ko ang mic at tumayo sa gitna. Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago nagbitiw ng mga salita.
"I'll be performing this song, not for an individual, but for someone who loves with limitless devotion. This song is a tribute to all of you listening, let the music be a form of art itself."
With a confident grip on the microphone, I declared, "The title of this song is 'An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You' by Mrld."
The instruments intensifies. The sea of students and professors in front of me seemed like an ocean of eyes, all fixed on me.
Darling, don't move too much
'Cause you might break the things that you have touched
But let me tell you, don't go too far
And just enjoy this artistic room of ours
The crowd goes while, again. Some of them were shouting at me, even professors too.
This empty canvas, that they misunderstood
I wanna paint you in it, but I'm not good
'Cause I wanna look at you when we are apart
'Cause you're not just a human being, you are art
So darling, darling don't be scared
'Cause even if I look everywhere
Your colors caught my eye
And you're my favorite sight to see
The song was a canvas of emotions, each note a stroke of color painting a picture of unbounded love and devotion. I sang with all my heart, pouring my feelings into every word.
It's from the way that you move
And everything that you do
And after that it's when I realize
That I love you
Amidst the crowd, I saw her standing alone in the dark corner. Watching me, her arms crossed.
You told me to look everywhere else
But I said no, 'cause when I look at you
My heart always melts
So I stayed even though you're a mess
'Cause you're like drugs and with you
Yeah, I'm obsessed
Midway through the performance, her eyes met - mine. My heart skipped a beat as I caught her gaze, and for a moment, the world around us seemed to fade away.
So, darling, darling, don't be scared
'Cause even if I look everywhere
Your colors caught my eye
And you're my favorite sight to see
But then, I noticed another presence - Ma'am Vivien, standing on the other side, her smile a beacon of encouragement and pride.
It's from the way that you move
And everything that you do
And after that it's when I realize
That I love you
Darling, darling, don't be scared
'Cause even if I look everywhere
Your colors caught my eye
And you're my favorite sight to see
I returned my focus to the song, and as it end, I couldn't help but steal another glance at Ma'am Rhea. But this time, my heart sank. Her face was etched with a mixture of pain, sadness, and guilt.
As our eyes met, I noticed the water trail on her cheek - a tear that spoke volumes.
My heart sank again. My initial hope that I might have misread her expression faded as she wiped the tear away with her hand. I know she's crying, her movements carrying an air of sadness.
She turned and walked away, leaving me with a heaviness in my chest.
Amidst the cheers and applause of the crowd, my attention remained fixed on her retreating figure. The noise around me seemed to blur into the background as I grappled with the sight I had just witnessed.
Why was she crying?
Why doest it concerned me?
-
Note: I also changed 'pansinin' to 'gustuhin' as per Vivien's preference.
Lovelots.🌱