Damgeen High School Musical (Tagalog)

Chapter 11

X3M Rhapsody

Tama nga ang sinabi ni Dante. Mababait ang Kaharayan maging ang iba pang bandang malalapit sa kanila.

They heard about what happened yesterday. Some of them sympathized for my unfortunate situation while some were in outrage.

"That Madrigal heiress is really something," naiiling na sambit ni Allen, miyembro din ng Kaharayan.

"Isama mo pa 'yung Virtuoso na iyon! Mayayabang!" segunda naman ng isa pa sa mga kaibigan nila.

Katatapos lang kasi ng jam session kanina kaya nagpapahinga muna habang hinahanda ng iba ang munting salusalo. Approximately, we're about twenty in their own hideout.

This place is exclusive for Kaharayan, one of the perks of being the MOTY. Since they are a reggae band, I assumed stereotypically again.

I thought their hideout would be a place filled with Rastafarian and Jamaican symbols. But I was wrong. The place is modern and the Kaharayan branding was the highlight of the room. It was a rastafari peace symbol and its creativity of making the letter "K" inside the circle of peace instead of its common form. Minimalistic and simple, taliwas sa inaasahan ko.

Malawak ang silid at kompleto rin ang kanilang mga instruments at gamit dito. Mayroong maliit na recording studio sa sulok at kompleto rin sa necessities tulad ng restroom, locker, small kitchen, at living room.

Ayon sa kanilang mga kaibigan na imbitado rin gaya ko, ang Kaharayan lang ang nagbubukas ng kanilang pinto sa ibang ordinaryong superstars. The other two were too snob and high-profile to even let others enter their own hideouts, that's what they say.

"One of the worsts of Damgeen," biglang sabat ng tahimik na lalaki sa dulo ng living area.

Lahat ay napatingin kay Ezra nang hindi inaasahan ang pakikihalubilo nito dahil lagi lang na tahimik.

He shifted from his weight. Nakasandal kasi ito sa sulok, nakatayo lang habang hawak ang isang bote ng energy drink. Tumuwid siya ng tayo at bahagyang bumaling ang tingin sa akin.

"There's always one or two shady businesses going on," he said meaningfully before he tore his gaze away from me, strutting his way towards the counter.

Napatikhim ako. Dumapo na lang ang mata ko sa sariling soft drinks na iniinom at inabot iyon.

To be honest, I didn't expect everyone to be in favor of me here. Mababait man ang Kaharayan at mga ally nila sa akin, kailanman ay hindi ko inaasahan na lahat ay magiging mabuti ang tungo sa akin.

For a couple of hours being with them, I managed to realize a few things. What they said maybe really true. That your enemy's enemy is your friend. That's probably what's going on here.

Dahil sa naging insidente kahapon, tingin nila'y kaaway ako ni Bridgette dahil mukhang ako raw ang target of the year nito. At ganoon din ako sa kanya.

Sa bagay, that's partly true. That's why they considered me a part of them. For some reason, I figured they are anti-Madrigals. I wasn't still certain about the context of their wrath for them, but their allegations are a no-brainer. Halata iyon base sa mga lumalabas sa kanilang argumento. Something about being unfair, injustice, and shady. Just like what Ezra has pointed out a while ago. But it includes me. Obviously.

Palagay ko ay wala pa itong tiwala sa akin. Posible ring iniisip nito na kabilang ako sa kahina-hinalang nangyayari sa Damgeen. Bagay na pinakasinusumpa ng kanilang panig.

But on top of that, I don't care. Isa pa, hindi ko naman plano na paluguran sila para makuha ang simpatya at pabor nila. They considered me their ally. But not their friend. Halata naman. Hinahayaan ko na lang at hindi na nagsasalita pa. I don't have any plans of committing into something anyway. Matagal nang ganoon... noon pa man.

After the small feast, they planned on having another session of jamming. Pinilit ulit nila akong tumugtog at pakantahin. Ngunit tulad ulit ng kanina, tumanggi ako.

"Ito si Michaela, nakaka-curious. Hmm!"

Tingin ko nagsisimula na silang magduda.

"Pakakantahin niyo kasi, e strings forte nyan?"

"Sige nga. Bigay mo gitara ni Eli! Nagba-bass ka?"

Umiling ako. Tumango. At napatikhim na lang kalaunan. I don't know what to say pero...

"Sorry. Wala akong gana, e. Alam niyo na..." palusot ko na lang.

Some of them playfully rolled their eyes but laughed at me eventually. Binagsak naman ni Dante ang sarili niya sa tabi ko at umakbay sa akin.

"Tigilan niyo na nga si Darna. Next time, she'll make you drop your jaws for sure. The best always come in perfect timing," aniya sabay silip sa akin. "Right?"

He winked. I rolled my eyes and just drank on my soft drink.

"Naku! Hihintayin namin 'yang perfect timing na iyan, Duran!"

"Sure! I'll trade my new fortuner for that!" biro pa nito na sinakyan naman ng mga kaibigan.

Lumipas ang ilan pang araw at ganoon pa rin ang tungo sa akin ng mga estudyante sa Damgeen. I became the outcast but I didn't dare to show I am affected. Buti pa nga iyon at kahit papaano, malaya kong nagagawa ang mga gusto ko mag-isa.

Nandyan si Dante. Kahit papaano ay nasasamahan din ako paminsan-minsan ngunit dahil abala rin sa sariling banda para sa iilang rehearsals kahit wala pa mang laban o gig dahil nakasanayan na rin ang vertical. Meaning, one week straight on the calendar of performing on stage.

It's the last day of adjustment week. Sumatutal, nagkaroon na rin ng dalawang klase sa acads na nagkaroon ng prof. Noong Miyerkules 'yon. Ayos naman. Kung hindi na isasama pa ang mga kaklaseng animo'y diring-diri sa akin.

I was almost done with my stuff when Natasha called me out of a sudden. Ilang segundo pa akong napatitig sa screen, iniisip kung sasagutin ba iyon, nang sa huli ay nilapat ko na rin sa tenga para batiin.

"Hey."

I heard a fraction of static from the other line.

"Mich..."

Malungkot ang boses ng kaibigan ngunit napangiti ako nang kaonti.

I missed being called by that name.

Kinuha ko na ang crossbody bag at lumabas na ng kuwarto para bumaba.

"What's the problem?" I asked, processing that she probably has one.

"About Emman... N-Nakita mo na rin ba?" Her voice croaked.

I was slightly taken aback by her remark. Bahagya akong napahinto sa hagdan at humigpit ang hawak sa barandilya.

"W-What about him?" I struggled.

Natasha heaved a deep breath. "May bago siyang girlfriend? Totoo ba?"

My heart pounded like a hammer.

"I-It's been months since he last seen with a girl. Puro lalaki noong nakaraan. So probably, h-he's serious by now?" dagdag pa nito.

Stop...

That's what I wanted to say. I closed my eyes when a series of fresh tears began clouding my vision.

Please, stop...

"He's with his cousin in the picture. So probably, t-the girl got the family's blessing? Alam mo ba iyon, Mich?"

Umiling ako at napaupo na sa hagdan nang magsimula na ang panlalambot ng mga tuhod. I cleared my throat and bit my lower lip firmly.

"N-No," tikhim ko. "Uh... saan makikita ang... post?"

"i********:, Mich. Naka-tag siya roon kasama ang pinsan niya."

"Okay... Thank you..."

"C-Can you figure it out, Mich? Uhm... Matatanong mo kaya kay... Emman?"

I lowered my head and gritted my teeth. "I don't know."

After that call, I hurriedly clicked the i********: icon and tapped the search button. Hindi na kailangan pang itipa ang username ni Emman na kahit nakapikit ay kabisado ko nang itipa. Nasa unahan na kasi iyon ng search history. Pinindot ko iyon at tumambad nga sa akin ang mga latest posts na ngayon ko lang nakita.

When we moved out, I know I already missed a lot of things. I failed to keep myself updated on my social media accounts. Para bang kasabay nang paglayo ko sa mga kaibigan at social life ay ang pagkawalan ko na rin ng gana sa iba pang bagay tulad nito.

I scrolled down a bit to check his tagged posts and a specific photo caught my attention. The photo was dark and only illuminated by colorful neon lights. The flash of the camera gave justice to its visual's aesthetics, just enough to capture this certain moment.

The group of people was candidly taken a shot. But my eyes remained looking at the man I missed the most right now. But... with a pretty girl hugging his waist and kissing him on the lips.

His lips were slightly open as if savoring the girl's lips as how his arms wrapped around her body possessively.

It slowly tore my heart into pieces.

I suddenly wondered how it feels to be the girl he's been with in this post. Siguro napakasarap noon sa pakiramdam. His warmth has always been so comfy to me. I found out that I seek refuge in his arms for years. Kaya ang makita itong larawan ay tila punyal sa puso ko.

Natasha's right. He's with his cousin and was tagged in this post as well.

Ghunter Ambrose Smith is one of the most sought after young business tycoon as far as I know. He's pretty private so seeing him with this party is new. He was holding a glass of whiskey beside Emman without any girls around, only his other paternal cousins na mukhang naging kaibigan na rin ni Emman.

I smiled bitterly. Buti pa ang pinsan mo, Manuel. Samantalang ikaw, ang lakas pa ng loob mong mag-message ng klase-klaseng mensahe pero may pinagkakaabalahan naman palang iba! Nagpapatawa ba siya?

My mood went sour in no time. I rolled my eyes. Mas binigyan niya lang ako ng rason para hindi siya pansinin! I f*****g hate you so much, Demetriou!

Paving my way to Damgeen High School Musical like a daredevil, I ignored all the gawks and criticisms I've been receiving since God knows when. Sa sobrang pait ata ng timpla ko para sa araw na ito, walang sinuman ang palalagpasin ko kapag nagkataon. Huwag lang nilang susubukin ang pasensiya ko ngayon! Damn that gay!

The school was pretty packed today. Since last day na ng adjustment period ay mas pinag-igihan ng mga club at organizations ang pagpo-promote ng kani-kanilang mga activity, booths, at mga pakulo.

Mayroon ding banda na natugtog sa malaking entablado sa likod ng auditorium base sa umaalingawngaw na musika sa buong paligid. At dahil wala akong klase ngayon ayon sa mga professor, hindi ko alam kung saan ako mamamalagi sa ngayon.

"Hoy, Dangerous! Paabot no'ng disco ball!" hiyaw sa akin ng isang senior high.

Nagtawanan ang grupo nila, may dala-dalang mga basket na panay decors ang laman. Binaba ko naman ang tingin sa sinasabi nilang disco ball na parang christmas ball ang liit, mukhang gumulong papunta sa akin.

"Dangerous na, bingi pa! Bilis, pasipa at nagmamadali na kami!" sigaw pa nila habang unti-unti na ring lumalapit sa puwesto ko.

I balled my fist and held my temper. Ayokong pumatol. Ayokong pumatol. I chanted like a magic on my head.

I was about to walk pass through that disco ball when I felt a bump on my back. Pagkakita, isa na namang bola ang gumulong sa paanan ko.

Natigilan ako at hindi makapaniwala sa nangyari. Did they just... hit me with that ball?

Huminga ako nang malalim at humarap sa kanila. Minsan talaga, may pagkakataon na pilyo ang tadhana, e. Kung kailan mo iniiwasan ang gulo, siya namang habol nito sayo. Just like this whole bullshit. I turned my back to music and now, Damgeen exactly happened to me!

"Ano na, hack artist?" tigil nila isang metro ang layo sa akin, nagkatinginan pa para pagtawanan ang panunukso sa akin sabay baling ulit gamit ang nanghahamong titig.

I dropped my eyes down to the balls on my feet and tore my fingers on my hair.

"I have a name," I uttered under my breath sinisterly.

"Ano nga ulit iyon? Darna ba?" muli nilang halakhakan.

Imbes na sumagot, humakbang ako patungo sa kabilang anggulo ng mga bola. Inangat ko ang paningin sa direksiyong inasinta ko at muli kong narinig ang panunukso nila.

Without anymore ado, I lifted my right foot backwards and kicked the two balls away. Lumipad iyon sa ere at gumulong na papalyo, lagpas pa sa entablado na mabilis din namang nawala sa paningin ko.

Awtomatiko akong pinaulanan ng mura ng mga seinor high. Binagsak nila ang mga basket na dala sa semento saka lumapit sa akin baon ang nagngingitngit sa galit sa hitsura.

"What the f**k?! Bakit mo sinipang bobo ka?!"

I glared at her. That's a f*****g foul word! Dinaluhan na rin ito ng iba pang kasama, handa na rin sa pagsugod.

"Pasipa, 'di ba?" I answered sarcastically but my eyes were lethal.

"Pilosopo ka, a?"

I clenched my jaw. "Sure. Dangerous, isn't?"

"You b***h! Kunin mo 'yon! Walang 'ya ka!"

"Okay," nagkibit-balikat ako at tumalikod na.

"Saan ka pupunta? Hindi pa tayo tapos!" inis na pahabol ng isa pa.

I waved my hand over my back and pointed at the diretion where I last seen the ball.

"Kukunin," I grimaced nonchalantly and showed them my middle finger.

Hindi ko na hinintay pa ang mga patutsada nila at lumiko na sa kabila, taliwas sa paalam ko. I don't want to stir a storm in a teacup. That's just a waste of time. Damn them! With all the crude names they called me, a bad finger is not enough but...

Tumigil ako nang nakarating sa lugar na wala masyadong tao. Napasabunot ako sa maikli kong buhok at sinigaw ang lahat ng inis ko sa mundo!

"Rot to hell, you f*****g unsound creatures!"

I screamed with all my heart when I suddenly heard a sound, as if someone stumbled because of my abrupt holler.

Binaba ko ang mga kamay at dahan-dahang nilingon ang likuran mula sa bandang balikat ko, takang sinuri ang nangyari doon.

There I saw a petite and butterfingered lady lying on the floor. Dahan-dahan itong umahon sa semento. I almost laughed but of course I contained it. What happened to her? Nagulat ko ba?

Nakakalat pa ang mga dalang libro at music sheets sa sahig habang pinapagpagan nito ang bestida. Dumapo roon ang tingin ko, napangiwi nang nakitang may gasgas ang parehong tuhod. Mukha pang napuruhan nang magsimula nang mamula iyon!

My lips slightly parted when I saw a line of tears dripping down her cheeks. Napakurap-kurap ako. Hindi naman ako ganoon kasuwail at kawalang puso para hindi makaramdam ng awa sa ganoong tanawin. Lalo na at... napagdaanan ko iyon.

"Are you okay?" I asked when I came nearer.

She flinched in surprise, as if she didn't see me walking towards her. Bumaba ulit ang tingin ko sa mga tuhod niya ngunit pansin ko ang bahagya niyang pagbababa ng laylayan ng bestida.

My forehead creased as I surveyed her face after that.

"Did I scare you?" mas marahan ko nang tanong.

The girl was very timid. Kaonting galaw ko lang ay napapabalikwas siya. Dahil doon, pumirmi ako sa kinatatayuan at pinagmasdan lang siya nang hindi gumagalaw. What's wrong with this girl?

"Are you... crying?" sa mas maliit kong boses.

She pursed her lips when a sob escaped from her mouth. My face pacified at ease. Umiiyak nga. Dahil ba sa akin? Gusto kong paniwalaan na hindi pero... bakit naman?

"Uh... I-I'm okay. I'm just shocked po," she answered awkwardly.

Po!

Halos tumirik ang mga mata ko nang i-po ako! Sinulyapan ko ang plarameter sa palapulsuhan niya at hindi inaasahang junior high pa lang! Blue! Grade 10?

Nagsimula na siyang magpulat ng mga nahulog niyang gamit. Hindi pa rin ako gumagalaw. Gusto ko sanang tulungan pero baka atakihin pa sa puso. Girl, she's too fragile for me.

Napailing ako. "Dahil ba sa akin kaya ka umiyak?"

I wanted to laugh at my own question. That sounds silly. Ano bang ginawa ko kung ganoon? Ang OA naman!

Para siyang naestatwa sa bigla-bigla kong pagsasalita. I rolled my eyes heavenwards. See?!

"N-No po. I was crying... uhm... b-before I even... went here," patigil-tigil niyang wika habang isa-isang kinokolekta ang mga gamit.

I angled my face on her direction as I crossed my arms. Bigla ko tuloy naisip ang puwesto naming dalawa.

If I were to witness a scene like this from afar, since I was a bit judgmental and stereotyping person, I'd assume that this timid girl kneeling on the ground, awkwardly picking up her stuffs, was being maltreated by the girl standing in front of her who happened to be me.

Sinundan ko ang pagtayo niya gamit ang mga mata at napatikhim.

"Are you sure it wasn't because of me?" I asked critically.

Napakurap-kurap siya saka tipid na ngumiti. I raised my brow when I saw her fenced set of teeth. But the brackets aren't colorful. Bakal na ang mga iyon at wire na lang. Mukhang patapos na. Hindi rin naman ganoon kahaba ang natural dark brown niyang buhok. Tama lang at lagpas balikat. May kaputian din. But above all, she's petite and looking very clumsy for me.

Napangisi ako sa munting obserbasyon na iyon. Napakatagal naman kasing sumagot!

"New student?" she asked shyly. But she's improved since she's not stuttering anymore.

Medyo natigilan ako. I realized, this is the first time someone asked me that with a different form and tone.

You can't blame me. People tend to ask me that question with a proud delivery, as if they're above me since I am new, and screw that term "rookie" they'd always use. So discriminating! O pwede rin namang hindi pa ako sanay sa jargons nila rito.

"Yeah. You don't know me, kid?" mangha kong tanong dahil nakakapanibagong ganito ang tungo niya sa akin as if she's shadier than me.

To my surprise, she giggled a bit. Her voice was croaked though. But there's something in her laugh that I was startled to see her smile that reaches her eyes as well.

"Sorry," she said apologetically as if she's sorry for not knowing me. "Hindi mo rin po siguro ako kilala dahil... hindi mo ako inaaway."

"Huh?" taka kong tanong.

Umiling siya nang marahan at naghanda na sa pag-alis. She smiled bitterly.

"Like them, for sure you'd bully me, too. In no time..."

Then she turned around to walk to the opposite direction. But her forlorn expression remained etched on my mind.

"Tss." Napatikhim ako at iling habang nilalagay ang mga kamay sa loob ng bulsa.

"Talk to yourself, kiddo. Baka ako pa ang kamuhian mo."

Dumaan ang weekend nang hindi ko na namamalayan. I was just inside my room almost the whole time, staring at Emman's last messages.

Simula kasi noong huli niyang mensahe ay hindi na rin siya nagparamdam sa akin. That made me think of corrupted thoughts and conclusions. Maybe he really has realized that pursuing me will only take him to nowhere. Ano nga bang mapapala niya sa akin? I was just a frustrated... solo artist before. Ano bang napala na niya sa akin? Kung hindi sakit sa ulo, puro kalokohan lang naman.

That's when I started to compare myself to that girl he's been with in that party. Just by the looks of her, minus the amorous position, she looked well-off and matured. Sure, I was irritated with her as I stared at their photo. But the bitterness inside me was taking over better.

It's our official first day today. Ngayong araw na rin magsisimula ang pakikipagpaligsahan ng kanya-kanyang plarameter.

"Haven't you registered your hallmark yet?" si Dante nang matapos niyang subukang buksan ang plarameter ko.

Nagkasalubong kasi kami sa parking lot. I've learned that he's driving his own fortuner, too. Edi sila na!

"What do you mean?" naguguluhan kong tanong.

Discriminating eyes never bothered me anymore. For the past week, I've come to get a grip on it anyway. Heck, I wouldn't cry over that. Tears won't stop them from making me an outcast. Mas inisip ko na lang ang benefit ko sa pagiging loner tulad ng bad girl image na meron ako ngayon.

That's silly I know. But it's kind of entertaining, too. I can indulge and spoil myself to be in my aggressive and malevolent version! Ano pa bang magagawa ko kung hindi ang panindigan at enjoy-in na lang?

Not that I have a reputation to take care of. Hindi pa naman ako kilala sa lugar na ito kaya para sa akin ay ayos lang. Isa pa, hindi rin naman ako magtatagal dito. Aalis din ako sa lalong madaling panahon.

"You might want to indicate your fingerprints for security and privacy purposes, perhaps?" replied Dante.

I rolled my eyes. "Your sarcasm isn't needed, shitface."

"Oh. The Grumpy Dumpy is back." He smirked.

Hindi ko na iyon pinansin at napatingin na lang ulit sa plarameter ko. "I didn't know about that."

"It's all over the pamphlet set on your first day, Darna. The instructions and basics," he stated problematically.

Napaawang ang bibig ko nang may naalala.

"Oh. I didn't take one," I gasped, chuckling.

"Let me guess, grumpiness?" taas niya ng kilay sa akin.

"No. It's rainbows and unicorns."

Dante laughed heartily. "Sarcastic Sammy and Grumpy Dumpy is back! Combined... Darna y'all!"

One thing I scarcely admire about Dante's personality is that... aside from being lenient on handling me, he's able to do anything without thinking about what other people might say.

He's pretty popular in Damgeen but he managed to act carefree. Maybe that's one of his aspects that the people accepted about him. To the extent that even if he's hanging out with a taboo like me, it wouldn't affect his image and reputation. How cool is that, huh?

Dahil tuloy sa natuklasan, abala ako sa pagse-set ng privacy mode ng plarameter. Ikinagulat kasi ni Dante na nabuksan niya pa nang walang kahirap-hirap kaya natalakay na ang tungkol doon. Gusto pa nga sanang ituro kung paano naman i-on and off ang vibration mode kaso nga lang ay magsisimula na raw ang klase nila.

All the way to my building and room, I tried exploring the device but it's too techy. Tulad ng pagbukas noon, mukhang puro special shortcuts lang ata ang daan para matuklasan pa ang ibang features.

"Hmm. I should get myself one of that pamphlet," dismayado kong bulong sa sarili.

Monday is academic day. Kung ikukumpara sa Tuesday and Thursday, patay na araw ang tatlong natitira.

According to the orientation, since academically inclined ang MWF, they refrained the management and faculty members to distribute excessive PLARA merits. They're afraid we'd be distracted and pressured musically during academic classes.

The first three-hour class ran smoothly. Nga lang, nasa dulong bahagi ako at iniiwasan ng karamihan na para bang host ng isang nakakahawang epidemya.

Noong break time naman, panay estudyante sa quadrangle at maingay, para bang may pinagkakaguluhan o inaabangan sa entrada. I pulled my brows into a crease as I narrowed my eyes.

Sinubukan kong lumapit para tignan. Ngunit ang bawat paglapit ko ay siya namang pag-iwas din ng mga estudyante.

Hmm. Anyone of you who thought I'd be offended? Mark yourself wrong because I enjoyed it. Result, I was able to make my way in front effortlessly.

I smirked. But the curve on my lips was slowly fading as I learned what's the real deal at the center of this attraction.

"Kuya Craig, I love you!"

"We miss you, Ate Tris! Saan po si Kuya Lim?!"

"Pa-autograph po, Kuya Craig!"

"Si Kuya Froy at Troy talaga ang visuals ng banda nila para sa akin. Haha! Ang cute!"

Namilog ang mga mata ko habang tinatanaw ang grupo na kinakausap ngayon ng Junior High Principal. Nasa tabi ng huli si Bridgette Madrigal, pormal at disiplinado habang nakangiting kinakausap ang lider ng grupo na si Kuya Craig.

I gulped. Seeing X3M Rhapsody right here, right now, is making my system palpitate like a mad machinery.

"Uy, nandyan si Dangerous, o?"

"Ginagawa nyan dito? Paalisin niyo nga!"

"Ew! Tabi! Palit tayo ng pwesto!"

The noisy clamors around me were just passing through from my left ear to the right. I was so astonished with this moment. Kilala pa kaya nila ako? Ngayong... hindi kami on stage?

Para bang narinig ang munting kuryosidad sa isip ko, sa pagbaling ng tingin ni Ate Beatrice sa paligid ay nasaktuhang nagtama ang aming mga mata.

Her face beamed in an instant. Nanlaki ang mga mata sa gulat at kumaway sa direksiyon ko.

Students beside me began to notice that and it stirred a little commotion. Hindi pa nakatulong na may binulong ito sa mga kasama roon, animo'y nagpapaalam sandali, bago tuluyang maglakad patungo rito.

My jaw almost dropped on the floor. I don't know what exactly to react! But I was too occupied with the crowd's collision and screams as they anticipated Ate Tris' approach to this area.

My lips parted. Nang napagtanto ang susunod na mangyayari, unti-unti na akong napaatras sa kinatatayuan.

Ate Tris seemed to notice that. Bakas ang pagtataka sa kanyang hitsura at bahagya nang tumakbo sa takot na mawala ako.

"Michaela! Hey! You study here?" she asked merrily as she successfully neared me.

Ngunit taliwas sa kaligayahan niya ang reaksiyon ng mga tao sa paligid. Nakagat ko ang labi at sa huli, wala nang nagawa kundi ang tumango at ngitian din si Ate. I don't want to be rude to this very kind and down-to-earth lady.

"Yes, Ate Tris. Uh... Dito rin pala kayo gr-um-aduate?" nag-aalinlangan kong sambit.

May pagdududa man sa hitsura nito dahil sa naging reaksiyon at pagkakatigalgal ko, napasulyap siya sa paligid bago nalilitong bumaling ulit sa akin.

She strained a chuckle. "Yes! Actually I was about to recommend you this school! I know very well that you fit here. So how is it? Awesome, right?"

Gulat man, nagawa pa ring makapagreak ng mga tao sa paligid. Saglit na lang ako napapikit. Pagak akong tumawa, takot na madismaya ang hinahangaan na siya pang lumapit mismo sa akin.

"Uh... yeah. Damgeen superstars are... welcoming and very friendly," I said, stressing the last four words.

"I know, right?" Ate Tris tapped my shoulder and proudly winked at me. "There's more to it, Mich. You'll see."

Taliwas sa pagiging sigurado at positibo ni Ate Beatrice ang disposisyon ko sa mga sandaling iyon.

Right. I think that's a not a really good idea. Sa huli, napaismid na lang ako, napilitan na lang tumawa.