The sun's rays from my slightly opened window woke me up the next day. I checked the wall clock and it was almost 9 in the morning so even how bad I still wanted to be in my bed, I needed to get up and prepare myself to meet some people from Karringstyn University.
Habang naliligo ay naalala ko ang mga nangyari kagabi. Did I just talk to the SCB President of Heartfilia again? Well I guess it was not just a dream because I could clearly remember that he said he would give me a slip para makalabas sa campus. Nagkibit-balikat na lang ako dahil dito.
After taking a bath, I put my clothes on and do my own stuffs. Ilang minuto lang ay tumunog ang cellphone ko and it was Iana telling me that they would be here in 15 minutes.
Lumabas na ako ng dorm and before I forgot, tiningan ko ang doorpost ko, and even the floor but there was no sign of slip here. Uhm? Okay? Did the president trick me last night?
"Okay, I'll just leave it on your doorpost and you better get inside your dorm. It's almost 10 pm at may curfew din dito and in case you do not know, it's a minor offense."
I could clearly remember what he said. And then the scenery when I first saw him hit me. How he scold one section and how the freshmen pleaded to him but he just remained as a cold-hearted and self-centered SCB president.
Ugh! Bakit nga ba ako naniwala kaagad sa sinabi niya without considering that first encounter with him?
I shrugged all those thoughts off and was about to knock at his door when it suddenly opened. Bumungad sa akin ang mukha ng lalaking ito na halatang puyat but why is it that he is still this handsome? Oh wait! Did I just say handsome?
"What do you need again this time, newbie?"
Ang litanya niyang ito ang nagpabalik sa akin sa realidad.
"Last night you said you'll leave the slip on my doorpost? Uhm..." I paused for a while because of the stare he was giving me, "I-I need it right now." Gladly, I was able to finish what I was going to say.
"What made you think that I would give it to you that easy? Aren't you aware about the rules and regulations?"
Napanganga ako dahil sa mga sinabi niya. Is this serious? Is he serious?
"Stay in your dorm or better go to the library, Lowrie," he said as he vanishes in the hallway.
Agad na napakuyom ang kamao ko at sinundan ko siya. How dare he? This is not righteous! Nagpalinga-linga ako but there was no more sign of him. How could he disappear that fast?
Tuluyan na akong nakalabas ng dormitory building at hindi ko na nga nakita ang self-centered na presidenteng iyon. So, is that how Louise define this term called "kind"? This is so unbelievable.
Paano ako ngayon aalis dito? My phone then rang and I answered the call without having any second thought.
"Hey, we're here. Where are you?"
It was Iana on the other line at agad na kumunot ang noo ko.
"I don't have a slip. Curse the president," mahinahon pero bakas ang pagkainis na sagot ko and I heard chuckles on the other line.
"I guess we can't do anything about it, Leigh," Iana said like she have already accepted the fact that I cannot be with them today, "Anyway, I guess it is not unlawful if you drop by at the main gate and see us for just a matter of minute?"
A curve then formed on my lips. Dire-diretso akong naglakad papuntang gate at ilang hakbang pa ang layo ko ay agad na pumwesto ang guwardiya na tila hinaharangan ako.
This is so insane. Why do we have six guards here?
"Miss, no one's allowed to leave the premises today. Atleast not now and tomorrow and the three following weeks," the guard stated at bahagyang tumaas ang kilay ko.
Ganito ba talaga ka-prestigious itong Heartfilia Academy? I mean, pati guard english speaking? But he's cool tho. This is my first time to encounter such security guard. Humakbang pa ako palapit sa kanilang anim na nakaharang na sa gate bago nagsalita.
"Hi Kuya guards," bati ko sa kanila, "Alam ko pong bawal lumabas ngayon dahil wala akong slip but I just want to talk with my friends outside. May I?" magalang kong tanong sa kanila at nagtitigan lang silang anim.
From here ay naaaninag ko na ang Bugatti Veyron ni Lester. Bakit ba ganoon kalayo itong campus sa main gate? One needs to pass by the long path surrounded by flowers, more like a garden, before reaching the exit? On the other hand, the long path adds a beautiful spot to the school. Pero hindi pa nga ako nakakalabas sa gate na ito may anim na guwardiya nang nakaharang, what more sa main gate?
"Sir please? Ayon na sila oh" turo ko sa mga kaibigan ko na nakalabas na sa sasakyan ni Lester at napalingon naman ang anim na guwardiya.
"Okay. Just three minutes. Sandoval, escort her," aniya atsaka bumaling sa kasama niyang si Sandoval.
We started walking toward the gate and I realized one thing kaya agad akong napalingon sa guard, whom I guess is the head since he commands this Sandoval to escrot me.
"Sir, do three minutes include walking from here to there?" tanong ko and gladly ay umiling siya. Nagpasalamat naman ako to my relief at muling naglakad habang sinusundan si Guard Sandoval.
Bumulong siya sa kasamahan niya nang makarating kami sa main gate at tumingin ito saglit sa akin bago tumango.
"Three minutes," paalala ni Guard Sandoval and I thought they were going to open the gate so I just stood there until the other guard said, "Time is running."
Naglakad na ako papalapit sa main gate at agad ding lumapit sina Iana, Lester and his bestfriend, Mart.
"Hey babes, how's your stay there?"
"I have less than three minutes Mart, stop with your nonsense."
"Oh, easy there, lady. Aren't you gonna say, I missed you too, babes? Rude as ever, Aleighna Lowrie."
Sa halip na mainis sa lalaking ito ay ibinaling ko na lang ang tingin ko kay Iana na ngayon ay may suot suot nang mapang-asar na ngiti.
"Hey guys, will you please stop ruining my day any further," saad ko na parang nagmamaktol. Bigla kong naalala na dapat ay nasa paborito namin kaming tambayan ngayon instead of being here in this gate talking like imprisoners. The nerve of that man!
"Leigh, I guess I know why no one's allowed to leave the Heartfilia,"saad ng nag-iisang tinuturing kong SCB president, si Lester. Tiningnan ko naman siya ng may pagtataka.
Bahagya silang tumabi kahit na nasa pinakagilid na sila nang magbukas ang main gate at nagsisipasukan ang ilang mga sasakyan at lulan ng mga ito ay mga estudyante. I even saw Joseph at napatingin din siya sa gawi ko at pinasadahan niya rin ng tingin ang mga kasama ko. I thougt he is out for some thing this weekend? Bakit andito na siya kaagad?
"Heartfilia Academy is one of the schools to take the University Attainment Examination," nabawi ni Lester ang atensyon ko mula sa papalayong sasakyan nina Joseph.
"The UNATEX?" pagkompirma ko sinabi niya.
"Yes babes and I guess we're going to be rivals," singit ni Mart.
"But it will happen next month, right?" naguguluhang tanong ko sa kanila dahil ayon nga sa guard kanina ay hindi kami pwedeng umalis ng academy for the three following weeks.
"Yes Leigh and UNATEX is not just an examination," sagot ni Iana.
"How about in Karrinsgtyn, are you also starting to review?" tanong kong muli sa kanila.
"As usual, Leigh, maglalaan ulit kami ng two hours per day for the review which will happen thrice a week wherein we are going to adjust the number of hours per subject to make this effective," paliwanag ni Lester.
"That's way better than having students stay for the whole week for almost a month. Les, take me back please. Bakit ba kasi ako nandito? Caillen was supposed to be the one who's here and not me."
Hindi na nakasagot pa si Lester dahil sumingit na ang guard kailangan ko na raw bumalik sa loob.
"Go ahead girl. You need to review. Ganito kahigpit ang HA. Better study than sorry," pagkikibit-balikat na sambit ni Iana at nagpaalam na sila.
"See you next time, babes!" pahabol na sigaw ni Mart.
Nagpasalamat ako sa anim na guard bago sila tuluyang iwan.
"Stay in your dorm or better go to the library, Lowrie."
Bigla kong naalala ang sinabi ni Nazaire kanina. Is the UNATEX what he was talking about? That was why he wanted me to stay in my dorm or proceed to the library to study?
UNATEX is one of the most important examination for the universities and being chosen is a great opportunity. It's one of the ways to keep the school's image and rank. And for years, Karringstyn and Heartfilia are the ones who are competing for the first rank. These two schools are indeed rivals.
So I guess what Mart said a while ago about I, being their rivals, is that KU was chosen, too. Well, nothing's new with that anyway.
Oh wait, I am still a student of Karringstyn and I was just transferred here as an exchange student but I am also temporarily enrolled here in Heartfilia, so which school will I take the exam for?
"You are supposed to be holding your books and not your phone, Lowrie."
Natinag ang mga iniisip ko dahil sa tinig na bigla na lang sumulpot. Well, it is none other than the president's.
"Yeah I know but can I just take my breakfast first because you just ruined it by not giving me the slip," I said and walk pass on him, "By the way," pahabol ko bago tuluyang maglakad patungong cafeteria, "What university will I take the exam for?"
I just want to be clear here. There's nothing wrong in asking yet he is giving me this blank expression.
"You are under the premises," that was the only thing that he said before walking pass by me.
Nakarating ako sa cafeteria and the scenery surprised me a bit. People are having their meals while notes, pens and books are with them. UNATEX is really that important.
Tinapos ko na ang breakfast ko at agad na lumabas ng cafeteria. People are sick! Lumanghap ako ng sariwang hangin nang makalabas ako. Where can Louise be? She is probably studying just like the other students.
Unfortunately and fortunately, studying is not really my thing. Hindi sa pagmamayabang but I still excel in our class. Simple lang, I answer the recitation, quizzes and the exams based on what I have learned. Ayaw kong magsunog ng kilay just like what they are doing. It's a stressful thing to do. I do review pero hindi naman lahat ng nasa notes or books ay kailangang kabisaduhin.
Now, what will I do in this boring weekend?
Sa halip na magtungo sa library ay naglakad na lang ako pabalik sa dorm ko. Sa isang linggo ko nang pananatili rito, ngayon ko lang napansin na may tatlong magkakahiwalay na dormitory building pala rito. Nasa magkabilang gilid, hindi kalayuan sa isa't isa, ang dalawang silver-colored door five-storey dormitory building at nasa gitna nito ang golden-door three-storey dormitory, kung saan naroon ang dorm ko.
"I bet you are supposed to be studying by this time instead of changing glances with these three buildings?" napukaw ang atensyon ko ng pamilyar na boses na iyon at nang lingunin ko siya...
"Justine?" saad ko nang maalala siya na kasama namin ni Louise kagabi.
"Ako nga Leigh," nakangiting saad niya, "Good thing that you remember names easily. Why are you here anyway?"
"I'm planning to spend this whole boring weekend inside my room because unfortunately you have this talkshit SCB president," walang gana kong sagot sa kaniya.
"Hey, hey. Watch your mouth. It is not just about the president, it is also about my best pal, you know," Justine said defending his bestfriend.
"I'm pissed with people promising me things only to end up with giving me false hopes."
"He did?" tila naguguluhang tanong ni Justine.
Tiningnan ko siya bago muling nagsalita, "This bestfriend of yours told me last night that he would give me a slip only to wake up earlier this morning with him telling me, What made you think that I would give it to you that easy?" I said while mocking him and Justine just laughed.
Isang malakas na pag-apak sa right foot niya ang ginawa ko na nagpatigil sa pagtawa niya. Ugh!
"Why do I even have to be in this academy at the first place?" iritable kong bulong sa sarili at tuluyan ko nang iniwan si Justine sa labas.
Narating ko ang receiving area ng dorm and there are students studying all over. I pushed the glass door and Louise's face surprised me.
"Hey Leigh!" masiglang bati niya na nakaagaw sa atensyon ng mga taong nag-aaral sa receiving area and she mouthed 'sorry'.
"I've been knocking at your door for like, fifteen minutes," mahinang saad niya at pumasok rin sa dorm pagkabukas ko nito, "Seriously Leigh, where had you been?"
Not minding her question, should I still continue calling this room a dorm? Because it is more like of it. Anyway this place, I mean this whole campus, is for rich people, so what should I expect?
"Earth to Aleighna Lowrie," ani Louise at iwinasiwas pa ang dalawang kamay sa harapan ko.
"I met my friends at the gate, I ate at the cafeteria, I encountered your friend, Justine, on my way here. Happy now?" iritable kong litanya dahil naiinis talaga ako sa taong iyon.
"You look so annoyed, what is it?" pang-uusisa niya at sinuri pa ako.
"Your self-centered president," walang gana kong saad at umupo ako sa couch malapit sa bintana at tinitingnan ang paparating na mga sasakyan.
Silence filled the room and I turned around to see Louise and... wait, tama ba tong nakikita ko? Pain in her eyes?
"H-hey. Did I say something wrong?"
Sa halip na sagutin ako ay pagak siyang ngumiti at naglakad patungong balkonahe.
Speaking of which, natatanaw ko mula rito ang imahe niya. Agad na uminit na naman ang ulo ko.
"He told me that he would give me a slip but he did not. How could he?" saad ko sa sarili ko and I did not expect that Louise would hear it.
"Leigh, you are from Karringstyn and I know you know how important UNATEX is," she said while facing me.
"Yeah. The image. The rank. Whatever. By the way Louise," I said just to diverse the topic, that guys is not worth talking about, "I've seen Joseph. Why is he back that sudden? I thought he was out for family matter."
Muli siyang lumingon sa ibaba at tinatanaw ang dumating na naman na sasakyan.
"Lahat ng estudyante ng Heartfilia ay kailangang manatili dito for the UNATEX, even the dean herself who was at the middle of her journey went back to secure everything."
"Anyway Leigh, pa-review dito ha? Ang ganda ng ambiance ng balkonahe mo eh," saad niya at agad na sumalampak sa sahig.
That was the only time I noticed that she has her books with her.
Minutes later and I heard cusses from the outside, kaya nagpasya akong samahan sa balkonahe si Louise dahil baka masobrahan pa ang isang 'to sa pag-aaral.
"The hell with Differential Equations. It is pissing the hell out of me!"
First time on that day na narinig ko ang sarili kong tumawa. Louise looked like my little brother. Nakapalibot na ngayon ang mga crumpled papers sa kaniya and I could not just stop laughing!
"Can't you just help me here instead of laughing out loud there?"
Umupo na lang din ako sa sahig kagaya ng ginagawa niya habang pilit na pinipigil ang tawa ko.
"Is that one of the reasons why you decided to be here?" pang-aasar ko sa kaniya at inagaw ang libro ng Differential Equations na kanina niya pa pinoproblema.
"Unfortunately yes," she stated.
We spent the rest of the morning just like that and good thing dahil nakukuha niya naman kaagad ang mga itinuturo ko, if teaching is what you call this. Lunch came and we headed to the cafeteria at dahil tinuruan ko siya, I asked for a little payment at iyon ay ang ilibre niya ako.
I thought I would be having a boring weekend but Louise did not let it happen. She stayed here during the weekend at dahil sa mga librong dala-dala niya ay nahikayat na rin akong mag-review. Napag-isip-isip ko rin kasi kung gaano kahalaga ang UNATEX sa isang university. Whether I'm taking the exam for this academy or for Karringstyn, I am still carrying Karringstyn University's name.
Homeroom class namin ngayon at may activity kami kung saan naghanda si Fiarrah, ang aming class president, ng isang jar.
"Okay, III-B, as what is flashed here in the projector, " she said as she pointed the TV projector, "Theia will distribute those colored papers and in accordance with the direction, we will write on those paper all the things that we did during our college days. 'Yong mga nakakahiyang moments, 'yong mga katangahan natin, 'yong mga kalokohan. Lahat guys. Lahat nang gusto nating isulat d'yan na nangyari during our college days. Theia, as the vice president of this class, will keep the jar and it will be opened when we meet again."
Samu't-saring reaksyon ang narinig ko. There were some of my classmates who I think, loves this activity and some do not.
"Fiarrah, don't you think that's corny and a little bit childish?" tanong ni Kacie.
"Okay guys, settle down," pagpapakalma ni Fiarrah sa mga kaklase namin bago muling nagsalita, "Yes, for some, this activity is corny and cliché, but trust me, when we all meet again, and open and read what we wrote, we will just laugh at ourselves and come up with the thought of, What the hell? Did I really do this before?"
Mahinang tawanan ang namayani sa apat na sulok na kwarto namin and I think I will enjoy this activity. Kacie was right. This is a bit childish. Pero tama rin si Fiarrah this little piece of paper can give us laughter one day.
Bago matapos ang aming homeroom ay nilapitan ako ni Fiarrah.
"Aleighna, pwede bang humingi ng favor?"
"Sure, ano ba 'yon?" tanong ko sa kaniya.
"Uhm... III-B class officers will be having a meeting later after class for the upcoming activity. It happened na nagpatawag din pala ng meeting si President Nazaire and all class presidents are required to come," aniya na parang nag-aalangan pa, "I've seen how you participate in our class kaya... Can you be my substitution?"
"But you said that class presidents are required."
"Yes, but please??? May kailangan lang talaga kaming ayusin sa klase natin and besides wala na silang magagawa once you're there," aniya.
Wala naman sigurong masama kung ako ang pupunta diba? Even though I'm new here...
"Okay fine," pagsang-ayon ko sa kaniya and she suddenly hugged me.
"Thank you Leigh! It will be at the meeting room, second floor of Building B. I know you can do it! I trust you," saad niya at muli akong niyakap bago siya bumalik sa kaniyang upuan.
Weird.