Damgeen High School Musical (Tagalog)

Chapter 10

Darna

As we strode all the way to the parking lot, it felt like my head's in the damn clouds.

Not because I was living in a fantasy, but because we're too fast that I couldn't think of anything but my struggles coping up with his pacing.

"Can we walk a little cuter?" I protested.

And when I say cuter, you know? Smaller and gentler? Damn it!

Saglit siyang tumigil sa paglalakad at mariin akong sinulyapan. His eyes went down to my arm he's holding and just like a gut reaction, he flinched and threw my arm away. That's harsh!

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko habang tinatanaw siyang maglakad papalayo na sa akin. Is he serious?!

Napansin ko ang kuryosong mga mata sa amin, puno ng pagtataka at intriga ang mga hitsura kaya naglakad na lang din ako. As if I'd follow him, alright? Oras na rin naman ng uwian kaya balak ko na ring umuwi. Hindi ko lang alam kung anong pumasok sa kokote ng lalaking iyon at gumawa pa ng eksena pagkatapos ng eksena ko.

I rolled my eyes. Natanaw ko na ang driver namin. Binuksan na nito ang pinto sa backseat, naghahanda sa paglapit ko.

Hindi kalayuan sa SUV namin ay nakita ko rin ang pagbukas-sara ni Rave sa isang itim na kotse. It seems like he's driving on his own since he entered the driver's seat. So he's eighteen or more, huh? Hindi halata sa ugali.

I adjusted on my seat, looking for a comfortable spot to lay my body. Pakiramdam ko ay sobrang dami nang nangyari sa unang araw palang ng pagpasok ko sa paaralang 'yon. I closed my eyes as I recalled the incidents that happened to me.

To be honest, setting my pride aside, it's delightful to meet new friends today. A small curve crept into my lips as Dante's face flashed on my mind.

He's a tad irritating but I'd like to admit that he's not that bad. Una pa lang ay magaan na ang pakiramdam ko kahit na ba sabihin nating weird ang una naming pagkakakilala.

Naalala ko na naman kung paano niya ako naloko nang tumigil kami para panuorin iyong freshman na nagba-busking. The hell with him? Nauto niya ako roon! Natawa ako nang kaonti.

But on top of that, the so-called initiation dawn onto me. I pressed my nose and heaved a deep sigh, eyes still closed and kind of sleepy. I began reflecting for my actions a while ago.

Sure, I know my attitude's a bit rotten too but... I don't know. Self-reflecting after is a sort of a habit to me. Hmm. Might be one of the many customs Emman has handed me.

Okay, fine. I just acted rude against the daughter of the school's President and Senior High's Principal. Thinking I had dug my own grave sent chills all over my spine. Sa nangyaring iyon ay hindi malabong pagkaisahan ako ng mga alagad nito at pagdiskitahan sa mga araw na dadaan.

I bit my lower lip as I anticipate for it. For sure they'll do something about it. Worst case scenario is they'll make ways to kick me off the school, bullying me and inflicting pain in me... just like before.

But unlike when I was in primary school, thinking about it now would probably makes my life easier. Iyon din naman kasi ang balak sa huli. Ang gawin ang lahat para makawala sa eskuwelahang iyon. For sure I'll disappoint my foster parents. But I'm deeply sorry for them.

Napabuntong-hininga ako. Determinado akong talikdan na ang pag-awit pero pinipilit nila ako sa parteng iyon, bagay na hindi ko maintindihan. Dahil noon naman, para sa kanila ay masyado na akong nadi-distract sa pag-aaral kasi iyon lagi ang iniintindi dati. But now...

"Everything's starting to creep me out," I grimaced under my breath as I cupped my face stressfully.

Mayamaya, kumunot ang noo ko nang may panibagong sumagi sa isip.

Tss. Isa pa iyang Rave Jackson na 'yan! Ang lakas ng loob na kaladkarin ako kanina tapos kung makabato ng braso, parang ako pa ang dahilan kung bakit kami napunta sa ganoong sitwasyon? He grabbed it yet he threw it, too, as if it's the other way around!

Kaya naman nang umuwi at busangot ang mukha ay hindi na nakakapagtaka pa. It's past two o'clock in the afternoon but my parents were home earlier than I expected.

Naabutan ko ang mga ito sa dining room nang nagtungo ako sa kitchen.

"Anak! Umupo ka rito't kumain ka na rin," si Mommy.

As if my system was cooperating, my stomach growled a little. I groaned. Binuksan ko ang ref at kumuha roon ng malamig na malamig na tubig, bagay na hindi ako sanay dati.

"How's your first day?" Dad asked as soon as I entered the dining room.

Pinagsilbihan ako ng mga kasambahay. I watched the househelps pampering me with a straight face on my seat. Saka lang ako nakabawi para sagutin ang tanong ni Daddy.

"Disaster," tipid kong sagot bago damputin ang mga kubyertos.

"Disaster!" paghihisterya nito. "What happened? May problema ba sa school?"

Should I answer it honestly? Inangat ko ang tingin sa kanila na parehong naghihintay ng sagot ko.

Kung sa bagay, kanina pa man ay kuryoso na ako kung paano nangyaring nakapasok ako roon buhat nang lumalabag iyon sa reglamento ng Damgeen. Kaya sa huli, marahan kong tinango ang ulo at binalik ang kubyertos sa plato.

"Dad, how are you able to enroll me to that school?" I blurted out blandly.

Animo'y may napigtal na ugat sa katawan nang natigilan ito sa tanong ko. Just like everytime I confuses them with my remarks and actions, they looked at each other quizzically before answering me.

Dad gave out a strained laugh. "How do you think a transfer application is processed, honey? Of course we signed documents and paid your enrollment fees as well as your tuition."

Nanliit ang mga mata ko nang nahimigan ang pangangapa nito sa mga salita habang nagpapaliwanag.

"No business under the table?" makahulugan kong sambit.

"Ano bang ibig mong sabihin, anak?"

I sighed. "Naabisuhan ako, Dad. Na hindi na tumatanggap ang Damgeen ng transferees na lagpas sa Grade 8. Students are questioning my existence. Grade 12 na pero rook- I mean, transferee?" Nilunok ko ang salitang muntik nang lumabas sa aking bibig.

Hindi pa man ako tapos sa sinasabi ay kumukunot na ang noo ni Daddy. Samantalang si Mommy naman ay napapainom na ng tubig at halata rin namang nagtataka na.

"Wala kaming ideya na may ganoong patakaran, Michaela. Do you want me to complain about this?"

Sinubukan kong hanapan ang lihim na pagsisinungaling doon. Ngunit base sa hitsura at tono ng pananalita, mukhang tunay na wala silang alam tungkol sa parteng iyon.

Bigla akong naguluhan sa hinala. Seeing them genuinely perplexed with my concern was ruining my conspiracy theory. Like, about them having a manipulative scheme with regards my application for Damgeen.

I was thinking of money. However, when I asked them how much they paid for my tuition, it turned out to be just and compatible.

"Are the kids bullying you for that, Mich?" si Mom.

Umiling lang ako, malalim pa rin ang isip.

"Should you have any problems with your new school, don't hesitate to tell us. Okay?"

Walang gana akong tumango at nagpatuloy na lang sa pagkain.

Naguguluhan na ako. Noong una, akala ko malapit na ako sa tunay na konteksto ng kababalaghang iyon. Pero ngayong narinig na ang panig ng mga magulang, para bang biglang nabuhol ulit ang makakalas na sanang lubid. I was back to square one of raveling it out again.

"Miss Michaela, may naghahanap po sa inyo. Nasa sala po."

In the middle of an unproductive evenfall, I was lying on my bed supinely, like a starfish staring out the ceiling when I heard one of the househelps informed me about a visitor.

I peered at the clock and saw that it's past seven. Tamad akong bumangon mula sa higaan at hindi na inabala pang tignan ang hitsura.

I was wearing my ordinary undress. Pulling off my simple plain shirt and short shorts, I was caught off guard when I recognized the back of my "visitor" sitting comfortably on our living room!

I looked down at my clothes and gasped when I realized what tragedy is waiting for me out here. So without anymore ado, I turned around to go back to my room but when he called my name, I was stunned on my track!

"Maddison," said the all mighty Rave Jackson!

Mariin akong napapikit at labag sa loob na humarap ulit doon. His eyes immediately dropped down to my getup. Tumaas ang kanyang kilay at nanunuyang binalik sa akin ang mga mata.

I cleared my throat. Tumuwid ko sa pagkakatayo at kunwari'y wala lang sa akin ang sandaling ito. I even peeked at the large clock on our wall, pretending that I was never blown away with his presence just a while ago.

"It's late. What are you doing here?" I returned my gaze at him nonchalantly.

Ngunit imbes na sagutin iyon, isang ngisi ang kumawala sa kanyang mga labi.

"Nice outfit. Seems... comfortable and... fresh," he simpered.

Hindi ko na napigilang talasan ang titig sa kanya. Man, we really need to do something about his offensive pauses!

Tumigil na ako isang metro ang layo sa couch na kinauupuan niya kanina.

"Nasa study ata sina Dad. Tatawagin ko la-"

"I'm done talking to them. May importanteng tawag kaya umalis din agad."

Tumikhim ako. "Then why are you looking for me?"

"Can we talk properly by warming our asses with a material?"

"Huh?" Nagsalubong ang kilay ko sa pagtataka.

"This thing..." tapik niya sa backrest ng couch. "...is a couch. Ginagamit ito para upuan."

"Damn you," ismid ko na lang sa kalokohan niya at pumanhik na sa kabila.

I sat on a single couch perpendicular to the long couch he's using. He dominated the entire space meant to be sat by two people. Napatikhim ako at iling ng ulo.

"What's your agenda?" muli kong tanong para matapos na 'to.

Rave Jackson rested his right elbow on his knee as he reached for the glass of juice on the center table. Uminom siya roon, tila ba hawak ang buong oras at hindi abala sa kung ano kaya may ganang dramahan ang bawat galaw.

"What are you trying to do?"

My lips parted when he said those words nonchalantly, gracefully putting down the glass back to the table before turning to face me. But for some reasons, those words hit a bull's eye.

I eyed him with confusion and threat combined.

"What are you trying to insinuate?"

"Really?" he sarcastically fired back, dismayed with my response. "Are we playing hide and seek right now? I ain't in the mood."

"I ain't in the mood, too, when you ruined my slumber time."

That made him shut up.

Tama nga, Rave. Dapat alam mo kung saan ang lugar mo. Ikaw ang unang bumulabog sa oras ko kaya ikaw ang magpaubaya.

Not that I owe him a debt of gratitude. I regretted that I almost considered him a savior for bailing me out from those mentally unsound creatures. But with an attitude like that? He totally doesn't deserve my gratitude!

Just a moment ago, he left me just like that then now, he's here as if nothing happened with that capricious questions? Sounding like I am required to attend to his queries? What a rude asshole!

Nakita ko itong pinasadahan ng kamay ang buhok bago bumuntong-hininga, mukhang nagtitimpi at kinakalma ang sarili. Napairap naman ako sabay halukipkip.

"Earlier, you just picked the wrong person to mess with," aniya.

I grimaced, almost laughing.

"What does it have to do with you?"

"I'm your friend."

Hindi ko na napigilan ang tawa.

Friend! Oh, my god! Friend, he said? Is this some kind of joke or something? Ang sabihin niya kamo, girlfriend niya 'yon kaya ipagtatanggol!

He remained looking at me grimly. Tatawa-tawa pa akong bumaling ulit sa kanya, napautos pa ng tubig sa dumaang kasambahay.

"Anong sabi mo?" maloko kong untag.

"I'm your friend."

I laughed again real hard. At inulit pa nga! Pagkarating ng tubig ay mabilis ko iyong inabot at nilagok. Baon ko pa ang munting bungisngis habang nilalapag iyon sa lamesa.

I quipped. "That's your concept of friend? To normal people, Jackson, they call it foe."

He scoffed. "Look, I'm trying to be nice to you, Michaela. Can't you see?"

Sa gitna pa lang ng pagrarason niya ay umiiling na ako sa tawa. Heck, this is the funniest moment I ever had in my life! Can anybody blame me if I find this really hilarious?! He even had the guts to call me in first-name basis just so he could prove it!

Napailing ako.

"You know what? Just spare me with your niceties. We don't do that stuff, Rave. It's not our thing," suko ko na dahil takot na masuka pa kalaunan.

On the other hand, Rave Jackson looks like he's just holding onto the thinniest thread of his patience. Ipinagkibit ko iyon ng balikat at sumandal na sa aking upuan.

That's right, boy. No one can ever stand with my silly antics and nasty behavior. One should have every ounce of patience just to-

Natigilan ako sa sariling iniisip nang isang tao ang sumagi sa utak bigla. Napakurap-kurap ako, tila napahiya sa sarili.

Dahil doon, napansin iyon ng kausap kaya naman mukhang sinamantala na ang pagkakataon para magsalita.

"You might wanna save yourself from humiliation, Michaela. Bridgette is the least girl every students want to pick a fight with."

I wrinkled my nose and faced him skeptically. "Why are you backstabbing your own girlfriend to me?"

He sported a scowl on his face. "She's not my girlfriend."

"Babe?" paratang ko pa sa nang-aasar na tono.

Napailing siya, hindi makapaniwala. "We're straying far from the topic."

I nodded. I released my folded arms and clasped my hands to catch his hundred percent attention by leaning forward on my seat.

"Do you really think I'm the type of girl who cares, Jackson?" I blurted out critically.

He grinned, returning the arrogance I just displayed.

"Alright. Let's see what you got, Maddison," he challenged, stressing out the last word meaningfully.

Umahon na ako sa pagkakatungo at tumayo na.

"It's Michaela Singh, asshole."

"I know."

Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang patutsada niya at dumiretso na sa foyer. Tinanaw ko siyang nakaupo pa rin sa puwesto habang nakamasid sa akin. I c****d my head and extended my hand to the door, beckoning him what I want him to do.

Unbelievingly, he rose from his seat and strutted his way all the way here in a pompous manner. Nang nalagpasan na niya ay akmang isasarado ko na sana ang double doors ng entrada ngunit hinuli niya ang aking palapulsuhan.

"You should know how to send off your guest properly," he said sinisterly before pulling me outside.

Pagod nang makipagtalo, nagpatianod na lang ako at hinatid siya patungo sa tarangkahan ng mansiyon.

"Strings, huh?" He smirked out of a sudden.

Napatingin ako rito at doon ko lang napagtantong ganoon nga rin pala siya.

My lips twitched. Binalik ko na lang ang tingin sa daan. Hindi ko pa alam ngunit parang sinasadya niyang bagalan ang paglalakad.

"What's your instrument? I play guitar, bass, ukulele, and a bit of violin, too," he said suspiciously. "Well, those are only on strings section."

"Wow. What more? You play percussion, too, for sure," sarkastiko kong sambit para lamang sakyan ang kanyang kayabangan.

Sa sulok ng mga mata ko ay kita ko itong nagkibit-balikat.

"Oo. Drums, xylophone, piano, you can say that. Hmm. You know... I love piano."

I don't know why. But as soon as I heard the word piano, I unconsciously halted from my walk and I went haywire. Natulala ako pansamantala.

"Hmm?" Rave stopped on his track, too, and glanced at me. "What's the matter?" he asked mischievously.

Tinitigan ko siya. Ikiniling niya ang kanyang ulo para ilebel ang mga mata sa akin.

My heart trembled abruptly. Sa mga sandaling iyon, tila bahagyang nag-shut down ang sistema ko at hindi nakagalaw nang tuluyan.

Rave chuckled. "Are we playing the mannequin challenge? Hmm. Should we do that?"

Nang nakabawi na sa hindi inaasahang pagkakatigalgal, napakurap ako nang ilang beses. Kinailangan ko pang kuskusin ang mga mata bago makailing.

Why did I suddenly zone out?

"L-Let's just go..." was all I could utter.

Rave just grinned and followed me until to his car.

Hindi naging maganda ang gising ko kinabukasan. I woke up early because of a familiar mysterious dream again. About a faceless man... behind a white grand piano.

Because of that, I wasn't able to go back to sleep. Everytime I dream of that, it never fails to send me chills down to the marrow.

Maaga pa naman. Tuwing Martes ay alas otso pa ang pasok at malapit lang ang Damgeen sa Tres kaya nagawa ko pang mag-jog sa district namin.

Tinigil ko nga lang nang nakarinig ng tahol ng mga aso mula sa kabilang street. At nang nakita ang dalawang parehong aso na nakita kong dala-dala ni Rave noon, nangunguna sa pagtakbo at pagliko sa kantong pinaglalagian ko, agad na akong lumiko sa kabila bago pa man makita nang tuluyan ang dulo ng mga tali at bumalik na sa mansiyon.

Pagkabalik sa kuwarto upang maghanda na, hindi pa nakatulong na mayroong bagong mga mensahe si Emman na ngayon ko lang nakita.

They were sent in the middle of my midnight. Siguro sa mga oras na iyon, gising naman sila sa San Francisco.

Emmanuel:

How are you doing? I've been busy with both school and business. Hope you're doing fine, shortie.

I got a feeling that I have to remind you about your behavior. Don't be a pain in the ass, Michaela. No one can stand you. Now that I'm away.

Hey. I know this is too much to ask. And please don't creep out. But, can you send me your latest picture?

Hmmm. Just think of it like before. When you always ask about what photo to upload. In case you really have one, then bingo. I might upload it, too. Haha.

Pero ayos lang din naman na hindi, Michaela. I understand. Sorry for bothering. Just tell me and I'll stop this.

I wasn't in my usual self when I went to Damgeen.

After pondering about what's happening to me the past few weeks and reading Emman's long messages, I felt so down. I cried. But just enough before I could even swell my eyes off.

Noong una, hindi ko pa napapansin ang mga nasa paligid. I was too occupied and clouded with my own issues and thoughts. Kaya naman nang may tumamang nilamukos na papel sa likod ng ulo, saka lang ako natauhan.

I scanned the premise and caught the students gawking at me. Batid ko pa ang maririing titig ng ilan habang dismayado naman ang ekspresyon sa akin ng iba.

Ihahakbang ko na sana ang paa nang gumulong ang bilog na papel nang nasipa ko. Saka ko lang naalala na may tumama nga pala sa akin.

I scanned the surroundings again before crouching to pick up the crumpled paper.

Kung tutuusin, pwede ko naman isipin na basura lang iyon at maaaring aksidente lang na nahagis sa akin. Though, I know better. With those hawk-like eyes and whispers from the other students, it's easier to believe that someone really aimed this paper directly at me.

Kunot-noo ko iyong binuklat at tumambad sa akin ang larawan ng mismong mukha ko. There's a big mark of red x across my face. Sa baba noon, may serye naman ng mga salita ang nakalagay sa palibot ng mukha. Napatikhim ako.

Beware: "Dangerous Woman" Be Like

Illegal Passer!

Bona Fide < Mala Fide

Hack Artist

Pretty Face With No Talent

Grade 12 Rookie? WTF

Darna Wannabe!!

Audition Passer? More Like Trespasser!

Force Eviction! #OustMichaelaSingh

Hindi ko na natapos pang suriin nang buo ang tinitignan dahil may humablot na noon. I looked up to see who snatched it away, only to see Dante beside me.

Muli niyang binalik sa pagkakalamukos ang papel at initsa sa pinakamalapit na trash can. Because of that, I found out that the bin itself was filled with the same posters.

I heard Dante grunted. "Pasensiya ka na sa Damgeen, Michaela. Mayayaman kasi ang tao kaya minsan, 'di marunong magtapon."

I don't get the analogy but I was too lethargic to react. I can't feel myself anymore. Hinayaan ko na si Dante sa paglayo.

Nanatili lang ako sa kinatatayuan habang masugid na tinatanggal ni Dante ang mga nakapaskil na mukha ko sa basurahan saka na iyon tinapon nang maayos. Kung hindi niya pa lalapitan ang bench na malapit doon para tanggalan din, hindi ko na mapapansin pang meron din doon.

Slowly, I savored the iron taste in my mouth. Pakiramdam ko, nakatulong pa ang kawalan ko ng gana para sa araw na ito. I was indifferent with the people messing around me today. I was too indifferent that I became numb to even feel something about it.

"May klase ka na?" tanong ni Dante nang natapos na sa bulletin board na nadaanan din namin.

Meron din kasi roon. Siya lagi ang unang nakakapansin dahil sa sahig lang halos nakatutok ang paningin ko.

Bumuntong-hininga ako at umiling nang marahan.

"Wala pa."

"Tsk! Bakit ganito? Hindi ako sanay!" Dante forced his laugh to lighten up the mood.

Inangat ko ang ulo para bumaling sa kanya. Tipid akong ngumiti.

"Thank you... I really appreciate this, Dante."

After a while, he tilted his head and sighed with a faint smile.

"Wala 'yon. Tutal wala ka pang klase, gusto mong maki-jam muna? Kaharayan facilitated one. Baka gusto mo?"

"Ayos lang?"

He chuckled. "Oo naman! Mababait 'yon. Pero kung may umaway sayo, sigaw ka lang ng Darna. Sasaklolo si Ding."

I rolled my eyes but an inevitable smile was evident. Ikinurba ko ulit iyon pababa dahil napansin na niya.

"Perfect. Tarayan mo pa 'ko, please?" biro pa niya kaya hinampas ko na lang sa braso.

Habang papunta na sa hideout ng Kaharayan, kapansin-pansin ang mga mata at bulungan ng mga estudyanteng nadadaanan namin. Panay ang kuwento at biro ni Dante pero malakas ang kutob na nililibang niya lang ako para malihis ang atensiyon ko.

Sometimes, I couldn't help but to laugh. Dante has an impeccable sense of humor. I give him that. But still, I couldn't let go of the fact that I was indeed the hot topic of the campus.

Obviously, what happened yesterday during the rites spread fast like a wildfire in a forest. I became an instant celebrity to Damgeen. Lalo na at sa kalagitnaan pa ng paglalakad namin ni Dante, nakasalubong namin ang grupo nila Bridgette.

The Madrigal princess was already grinning even though they're still meters away from us. Napatigil si Dante sa pagsasalita nang nahuli akong sa iba na nakatutok.

He followed my line of vision. Then afterwards, he massaged his nose bridge, as if he's already stressed just by the sight of who's coming.

"I know you can deal with this, Michaela. But let me stall you away for now," seryoso nang sabi ni Dante.

Dahil matangkad, kinailangan ko pang tumingala para lang tanawin ang mukha niya.

I smiled weakly. Now I understand why Dante is the eye candy of the crowd. If he's able to treat me like this, it's not surprising anymore if he's done this before with other people in need. Especially with people who are more fragile and timid.

I was flattered for his kindness. But just like what I promised to myself, I don't wanna be a burden to others anymore.

"I got this," I sighed determinedly.

His brow shot up and looked down at me. "Are you sure?"

"Oo. Kaya 'wag ka nang mag-english."

His hand flew all the way to his chest and closed his eyes dramatically. "Aray ko po."

Natawa ako at napabaling na sa grupong tuluyan nang nakarating sa harap namin.

Bridgette crossed her arms and c****d her head mischievously. A designers bag was hanging on her forearm. While a crossbody bag was wrapped around my belly.

One thing Emman has taught me is that, a woman doesn't need a king to be a queen. Isa iyon sa mga prinsipyong pinanghawakan ko kung kaya't nagagawa kong tumayo nang mag-isa kahit wala sila sa tabi ko.

Samantalang ang prinsesa ng Madrigal sa harap ko, tinignan ang paligid sa paraang may pinapahiwatig.

"Where's the banners? Did a storm blow them away?" sabay baling niya sa lalaking kasama ko.

Dante gave out a harsh bark of laughter. "Ms. Genius, saang parte ka ba ng mundo nagmula at mukhang binagyo ka roon?"

Halos laglag ang panga kong tiningala ang katabi. He's the one to talk! Kung makasuot ng shades kahapon ay parang tirik na tirik ang araw sa loob ng auditorium!

"W-What did you say?!" histerikal na turan ni Bridgette.

Kaya bago pa man mabara ulit ni Dante, humakbang na ako nang isang beses, dahilan kung bakit nalipat sa akin ang kanilang atensiyon.

We're making a scene out of this ruckus. Bukod sa mga alipores ni Bridgette ay marami na ring ibang estudyante ang nakikihalo sa paligid.

"If you have an issue with me, say it direct to my face. I don't stan backstabbers."

She laughed sarcastically. "b***h, what's the point of backstabbing you? I don't need that. We're not even friends to start with."

"Why? Do we need to be friends first before you stab me at the back? Or maybe..." Bahagya kong ikiniling ang ulo para tanawin ang mga kaibigan niya sa likod. "That is only what friends are for you? Exclusive for your backstabbing?"

As if I just hit a very personal spot, even without planning, the girls behind her gasped and wavered unexpectedly.

Kaya naman, kung literal lang na tumatalim ang titig, marahil ay butas na ang aking bungo sa paraan ng pagtitig sa akin ni Bridgette.

The audience wanted to react but they could only suppressed it for now. Nagsimula na ang bulungan na lalong ikinagalit ng kausap.

"How dare you!" she roared.

She lifted her right hand and shifted her weight towards it, ready to sway it all over to my face. But when a large hand grabbed her wrist, marahas niyang ibinaling ang ulo roon at handa nang bugahan ng apoy ang sinumang pumigil sa kanya. But to her dismay, it was someone who she couldn't be mad at.

"B-Babe?!" She fidgeted.

Napakurap-kurap ako at bahagya pang nalaglag ang panga.

That was close! Napahawak ako sa pisngi, para bang ramdam ko na kasi kanina ang matinding kirot doon kahit paparating pa lang supalpal.

I felt Dante's palm behind my waist to ask if I'm okay but I was too startled to answer his worry. I just shook my head and eyed the couple before me.

Rave Jackson was in his usual arrogance when he put down his girlfriend's hand. He glanced at me furtively. There's a vestige of dismay on his face the moment his gaze drifted to the man beside me.

"Where's Bria?" he asked out of nowhere before sliding his eyes towards his girl.

"What?!" hindi makapaniwalang bulalas ni Bridgette. "Ano ba, Rave? Nasasaktan ako!"

Sinimulan na niyang hilahin paalis ang girlfriend niyang nagpupumiglas pa sa kanyang hawak.

I breathed heavily. Pinagmasdan ko ang mga estudyante na maririin ang titig sa akin at iiling-iling na nagsialisan. Maging ang mga alipores ng prinsesa, na kanina lang ay mukhang lumambot na, ay inirapan pa ako bago ako talikuran.

"Damn it, Michaela! I'm impressed!" puri ni Dante sa tabi ko.

Napatikhim ako at inilingan na lang siya.

"Nagsama ang Genius at Virtuoso. Buti na lang ang Maestro, kasama ang Darna," dagdag pa niya na ikinatawa ko na lang kalaunan.

I smiled weakly as I stared at Dante.

Emman, you don't need to worry anymore. I want you to know that someone can stand me, too. Just like the way you do.

April 18, 2020