Hindi ko alam kung paano ko siya haharapin. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa kaniya kung saan kami magkikita at kung saan kami mag-aaral. Imagine, a nerd tutoring a queen bee. Gosh, what nonsense is that? It's so embarrassing! If people find out about it, it's going to be humiliating. I can't believe I even considered asking for his help. But then again, desperate times call for desperate measures. I'll just have to make sure no one ever finds out about this.
Nakita kong naglalakad palabas ng school yung nerd. Oo nga pala, nasira yung bike niya last time. Pero, lagi naman siyang naglalakad palabas ng school. Saan niya pina-park yung bike niya?
I shooke my head at inalis sa isipan iyon. Hindi naman iyon importante sa akin. Wala akong pakialam doon. Binuksan ko ang cell phone ko para libangin ang sarili habang hinihintay si kuya Joberth. Habang nags-scroll ay biglang pumasok sa isip ko ang bagay na iyon.
I should've asked for his number.
Kumunot ang noo ko sa naisip. It's off to ask someone's number. Especially if it is a guy. I'm glad I didn't ask for his number. Pero paano ko siya maco-contact? Hindi ko naman masingit ang pagkikita namin dahil ayaw kong may makakita sa aming magkasama.
Kinagat ko ang kuko sa hintuturong daliri habang nag-iisip ng paraan. Then a realization hit me. Why am I thinking about it too much? It's not like he's someone important.
Saktong dumating si Kuya Joberth at mabilis na lumabas ng kotse para pagbuksan ako. Pumasok ako sa loob at inilapag ang bag sa tabi.
"Ma'am, pinapatawag ho kayo ni sir Sheldon" sabi niya pagkapasok.
Kumunot agad ang noo ko sa sinabi niya.
"Why? Where is he?"
Tiningnan niya ako sa reaview mirror. "Nasa bahay niyo po, Ma'am"
I stilled.
Why would Sheldon come to our house? What does he need from me? What is he doing there? What is he planning now? Various questions raced through my mind. When it comes to Sheldon, I tend to overthink things, especially if I know I might be involved in his schemes. I took a deep breath and looked outside, wondering what he was up to in our house and what he and Mommy were discussing.
Suddenly, I spotted the nerd walking by the side of the road. "Stop the car by the side," I quickly instructed the driver, who promptly complied.
I rolled down the car window and called out to him, "Hey, Nerdy!"
He immediately turned towards me, looking surprised to see me. As he approached the window of my car, my tongue seemed to recoil. Actually, I didn't know what to say to him.
"Why?" he asked. I moistened my lips before looking at him.
But when our eyes met, I looked away. Instead of speaking, I opened my bag and took out a piece of paper and a pen. I wrote down the location where we would study tomorrow. I handed it to him. He immediately took it and read it.
"Go there tomorrow after class," I said, intending to close the window when he blocked it with his hand. "What?"
He removed his hand from the window. "Uh, I need to go home first dahil kailangan ko munang pakainin ang mga kapatid ko," he said.
Oh, I didn't know he had siblings.
"Alright, just come when you're available," I said, and finally closed the window.
When I arrived home, Manang Vicky greeted me.
"Hija, mabuti at dumating ka na dahil kanina ka pa nila hinihintay" bungad niya sa akin.
"Where are they?" Tanong ko sabay lapag ng bag sa sofa.
She led me to the kitchen where Mommy and Sheldon were. As I entered, I saw them talking. I glanced at Sheldon's face, which had a smirk on it. They paused when they saw me.
"Hey, sister, you're here," he tapped the chair next to him, "Sit here," he ordered me.
I gave him a dirty look, but he just smirked again. He raised his eyebrows and stared me in the eyes. It felt like we were having a conversation through our eyes. I rolled my eyes at him and sat in front of him instead of beside him, before Mommy could notice.
"What are you two talking about?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as I sat down. I didn't bother getting food yet; my mind was too preoccupied to eat.
"Nothing much, just Sheldon checking in on me," Mommy replied with a smile. I wanted to laugh at her act right now.
This is how she is in front of other people. She portrays herself as a kind mother, but it's the complete opposite when people aren't looking.
"Well, it's good that Sheldon checked on me now because I've been stressed out these past few days," she said, glancing at me. It's like she's implying that I'm the reason why she's stressed.
I rolled my eyes, barely concealing my annoyance. "Of course, blame it on me," I muttered under my breath, loud enough for her to hear. Mommy shot me a warning look, but I just smirked in response. She thinks she can manipulate everyone with her fake smiles and sweet words, but not me. I know her true colors.
Ignoring her, I excused myself from the table and headed upstairs to my room. There, I could finally relax and forget about Mommy's facade for a while. Nawalan ako ng gana kumain. Well, wala naman talaga akong ganang kumain lalo na't sila ang makakasabay ko. Wala akong balak kumain kasabay nila.
Nanood lang ako ng TV at gumawa ng kung ano-ano. Inayos ko ang vanity table at closet ko dahil medyo nagulo dahil sa pagmamadali ko kapag late ako sa school. Maya-maya ay naramdaman ko ang pag-ingay ng alaga ko sa tiyan.
Ghad, I'm hungry.
Siguro naman ay nakauwi na si Sheldon at wala na si Mommy sa sala. Alas diyes na ng gabi. Ganitong oras ay sarado na ang ilaw sa ibaba at wala nang tao. Pagkatapos kong magligpit at maligo ay bumaba ako para kumain. Binuksan ko ang ref at tiningnan ng pwedeng makakain. Nang makita ko ang tirang ulam ay agad ko iyong ininit. Habang nasa microwave ay kumuha ako ng kanin at nagtimpla rin ako ng gatas para mabilis akong makatulog.
I hurriedly finished my meal, fearing that Mommy or Manang Vicky might catch me here. I washed my dishes thoroughly to leave no trace behind. Once upstairs in my room, I turned on the TV. They say you shouldn't lie down or sleep immediately after eating. I glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was already midnight. I checked in with myself, but I didn't feel sleepy at all.
Restlessly, I flipped through the channels, searching for something to distract me from my racing thoughts. The quiet hum of the television filled the room, but it did little to ease the tension coiled tight in my chest. Despite the late hour, my mind buzzed with a whirlwind of emotions and concerns.
How could anyone be fooled by such transparent deception?
With a sigh, I turned off the TV and retreated to my bed, hoping that sleep would offer me some semblance of peace. But as I lay there in the darkness, the silence of the night whispered secrets I wasn't ready to confront. So I closed my eyes and willed myself to drift away, if only for a few precious hours.
The first class had ended, so I stepped out to grab some juice from the cafeteria. As I descended the stairs, I noticed a group of students gathering in front of the sliding door of our building. They cheered as it opened, revealing three guys entering. Since I was standing on the stairs, I could clearly see who they were.
I scoffed as I saw them together, all late like clockwork. Sheldon led the pack, followed by Kent and Kenzie trailing behind. The students parted to let them through as they walked in. Everyone's chatter halted as Sheldon stopped and glanced at a guy beside him. His eyes held no emotion as he scanned him up and down.
"Three seconds," he said to the guy.
The guy looked puzzled as he lifted his gaze to Sheldon.
"What?"
Nagsimulang magbilang si Sheldon ngunit hindi pa rin siya maintindihan ng lalaki. Tumingin si Sheldon sa katabi nitong lalaki at bumaba ang tingin sa hawak na juice. Nilahad niya ang kamay na parang nanghihingi. Nakayuko naman iyong binigay sa kaniya ng lalaki.
Bumalik ang tingin ni Sheldon sa lalaking nasa harap niya at hinawan ito sa kwelyo. Dahan-dahan niyang ibinuhos sa bandang dibdib ng lalaki ang juice. Puti ang polo namin kaya malamang ay magmamantsa ang damit niya.
"You never change, do you? You still can't stand being outshined by others," someone suddenly remarked, catching everyone's attention, including mine. Tumingin kami sa taong kakapasok lang. He's late too? Magkakaibigan nga sila.
Sheldon chuckled, then glanced at Aelle.
Sheldon smirked at Aelle's comment, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, come on, Aelle. You know I thrive on competition. Keeps things interesting," he retorted, his tone confident.
Aelle shook his head with a playful grin. "Yeah. It's just like you're always playing a game, even when there's no scoreboard," he said. "Aren't you tired of constantly seeing everyone as competition? Then again, you're obsessed with winning that you'll throw anyone under the bus to get ahead," he shot, his tone laced with contempt.
Sheldon's jaw clenched, his fists balling at his sides. "Funny, coming from the guy who's always looking out for number one," he spat, his words laced with venom.
Ngumisi lang si Aelle at naglakad palapit sa lalaking tinapunan ni Sheldon ng juice. Gamit ang ilang daliri ay hinawakan niya ang kwelyo nito.
"Nice style. Fits you perfectly," he said.
Ngayon ko lang napansin na pareho pala ng pagkakasuot ng uniform yung lalaki at si Sheldon. He even noticed that? Si Sheldon lang ang tanging nagsusuot ng uniform nang hindi nakabutones ang dalawa sa may bandang dibdib niya kaya kita ay heavage niya.
Sinulyapan niya si Sheldon bago maglakad paalis. Malamig naman ang tingin ni Sheldon sa lalaking nasa harapan niya.
"The next time I see you dressed like that in your uniform, it won't just be words you'll get from me," he threatened before storming off. Sinundan naman siya ng dalawa niyang buntot.
Speaking of Kent and Kenzie, hindi ko alam kung kasundo nila si Aelle dahil mukhang kay Sheldon lang sila nabuntot. Nang umalis ang apat ay unti-unti na ring nagsi-alisan ang mga estudyante.
"Wow, grabe ang sama ng ugali ng lalaking 'yon."
Napukaw ng babaeng nagsalita ang atensyon ko. Nakatingin siya kina Sheldon na naglalakad palayo.
"And what's wrong with everybody? Talagang nakatayo lang sila at nanonood" narinig ko pa siyang tumawa. "Wow, hanep talaga ang school na 'to"
Sakto namang dumaan si Chanel sa likod niya at narinig ang sinabi niya.
"What did you say?" Maarte niyang sabi sa likod nito kaya hinarap siya ng babae.
"Ang sabi ko hanep talaga ang school na 'to" sagot sa kaniya nito. Tumaas ang kilay ko habang pinapanood silang dalawa.
Don't tell me they're going to create a new scene?"
Pinagpatuloy ko ang pagbaba sa hagdan at nilagpasan sila. I'm too thirsty to listen to them. Alam kong napansin ako ni Chanel pero hindi na ako nag-abala pang tumingin sa kaniya. Walang tao sa cafeteria nang pumasok ako.
"Good morning, Miss Davies," bati sa akin ng isang caterer.
"Can I get some juice?" I asked and he nodded. Kumuha siya ng isang basong juice at ibinigay sa akin. Kinuha ko iyon at umupo sa lamesa nina Rinoa.
Dahil glass wall ang cafeteria namin ay kita ang malaking swimming pool sa labas. Katabi lang nito ang cafeteria. May mga lounges din sa gilid pero walang madalas gumamit ng swimming pool.
"Pwede ho bang kumuha ng isang rice ball?" Rinig kong sabi ng isang lalaki. Hindi ako tumingin dahil nakuha ng swimming pool ang aking atensyon. The sight of the sunrise reflecting in the swimming pool caught my attention, and I couldn't help but pause for a moment.
"Pasensya na sir, hindi pa kasi oras ng lunch kaya hindi ho kayo pwedeng kumuha"
"Ganoon ho ba? K-kahit tubig na lang po. Nakalimutan ko ho kasing magdala"
This is actually kind of stunning. The way the colors blend and dance on the water's surface, it's like a scene straight out of a movie. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction knowing that I get to witness this beauty. I feel subversive.
I take a moment to snap a quick picture, already thinking about how great it's going to look on my Instagram feed.
"Hindi ho talaga pwede sir"
Tumingin ako sa caterer na kinakausap ang isang lalaki. Lumipat ang aking mata sa lalaking kausap niya na nakatalikod sa akin. That back. Tumayo ako sa lumapit sa kanila.
"What's happening here?" Tanong ko. Sabay naman silang tumingin sa akin. "Nerdy?" Tanong ko nang makita siya.
"Ah...Nionahlie"
I looked at the caterer. "What did he want?"
"Ah, Ma'am, kasi...bawal pong kumuha ng pagkain kapag hindi pa oras ng lunch" mabagal niyang paliwanag.
Kusang lumingon ang aking ulo sa lamesa nina Rinoa kung saan iniwan ko ang basong pinag-inuman ko ng juice. I guess the likes of me are exempted.
Kumibot ang aking labi at dahan-dahang lumingon sa caterer. Binasa ko ang labi at saka nagsalita.
"Can I get a bottle of water?"
Nagtaka naman siya sabay tingin sa basong naiwan sa lamesa nina Rinoa saka tumingin sa akin.
"Uh...I used to drink water after the juice" paliwanag ko.
Sumulyap siya sa nerd na nakatingin din pala sa kaniya bago tumango at umalis. Nakita ko sa peripheral vision ko ang hindi makapaniwalang mukha nung nerd habang nakatingin sa akin.
The caterer came back with a bottle of water, and I took it from him without saying anything. As I walked out of the cafeteria, I found myself staring at the bottle of water in my hand. What should I do with it now? Seriously, why did I even bother asking for water? It's not like I drink water after I drink juice. It's just not my thing. But here I am, holding this stupid bottle of water like it's some kind of fashion accessory or whatever. Ugh, sometimes I wonder why I even bother with these things.
"Ganoon ho ba? K-kahit tubig na lang po. Nakalimutan ko ho kasing magdala"
Pumalatak ako at akmang babalik sa loob ng cafeteria nang makita kong lumabas ang nerd. Bahagya pa siyang nagulat nang makitang babalik ako. Tumingin siya sa loob at sa akin sabay lakad paalis.
"Wait" pagpapatigil ko sa kaniya. Huminto naman siya ngunit hindi lumingon sa akin. Naglakad ako papunta sa harap niya at ibinigay ang bottled water. "Sa'yo na lang" sabi ko.
Bumaba ang tingin niya roon sabay angat ng tingin sa akin. Umiwas ako ng tingin 'cause this is so uncomfortable.
"Huwag na, ayos lang," aniya at naglakad ngunit makulit ako at humarang sa dinaraan niya. He did the same thing to me too.
"I'm not thirsty so it's okay," kinuha ko ang kamay niya at inilapag doon ang bottled water. "That's yours na" sabi ko at umalis na bago pa siya makapagsalita.
I'm late for another class. If Nate catches me wandering around here again, I might end up in the detention room. I hurriedly walked towards the room, not bothering to look back.
Why do I always end up helping that nerd?
"Take Fermat's Last Theorem, for example. This theorem, proposed by Pierre de Fermat in the seventeenth century, states that there are no three positive integers a, b, and c that satisfy the equation A raised to n plus B raised to n is equal to C raised to n for any integer value of n greater than 2. It took over three hundred fifty years for mathematicians to finally prove this theorem, showcasing the depth and complexity of number theory..."
Maybe it's because I agreed to tutor me. But honestly, that doesn't change anything. Sure, he might have reluctantly agreed to help me with my studies, but it doesn't mean I suddenly have to like him or treat him any differently.
The truth is, that nerd just seems to have a knack for getting himself into trouble. And somehow, I always get dragged into his mess. It's like he's got some sort of magnetic pull that just sucks me in whenever he's around.
I shook my head and write something on my notebook. I've got my reputation to think about. I can't afford to be seen as too soft or too friendly, especially when it comes to someone like him. I'll keep my distance and stick to my usual attitude.
"Miss Sullivan" rinig kong tawag ni prof kaya napaangat ako ng tingin at lumingon sa likod.
Nakita kong nakayuko si Chanel at mukhang natutulog.
"Miss Sullivan" tawag muli ni prof ngunit wala siyang naririnig. Ngumisi ako at pumilas ng isang papel sa notebook ko. Nilukot ko iyon at ginawanb bilog saka binato sa ulo ni Chanel.
"Miss Davies" tawag ni prof sa akin kaya nilingon ko siya.
"Hmm?"
"Why did you do that?" Kunot ang noo niyang tanong.
Bumalik ang tingin ko kay Chanel na mukhang nagising na.
"To wake her up. See? She's waking up now"
Gumalaw si Chanel at inangat ang ulo. Bumaba ang tingin niya sa papel na nasa sahig. Pinulot niya iyon at tumingin sa paligid.
"Sinong bumato nito?" Tanong niya habang ginagala ang mata. Nang magtama ang mga mata namin ay mas lalong lumaki ang ngiti ko na ikinakunot ng noo niya. "Did you throw this?"
Imbis na sumagot ang nginitian ko lang siya.
"Good morning" I said
Tumawa siya at matalim ang tumalim ang kaniyang mata habang nakatingin sa akin, "Don't you have any manners?"
Nawala ang ngiti ko at kunwaring nagtaka sa sinabi niya, "Are you asking me? Or yourself?"
Her jaw clenched. Kumuyom ang kamao niya kaya mas lalong napipit ang papel sa kamay niya sabay bato no'n sa akin. Tumama iyon sa dibdib ko at dumulas pababa hanggang sa mahulog ito sa sahig. Hindi naputol ang pagtititigan namin.
"Miss Sullivan and Miss Davies, that's enough," Prof said. "Otherwise, I'll be forced to have you called to the guidance office."
I gave Chanel a teasing smile before straightening my posture and faced the blackboard.