CHAPTER 12

"Hey there, Fieldeans! This is your fellow student, Rinoa, here to brighten up your day with some words of wisdom and inspiration."

I heard the background music started playing softly.

"As we navigate through the hustle and bustle of school life, it's easy to get caught up in the stress and pressure of academics, extracurriculars, and social obligations. But let's take a moment to step back, breathe, and appreciate the little things that make life so beautiful."

The music swelled.

"From the warmth of the morning sun streaming through the classroom windows to the laughter shared with friends during lunch break, each moment is a gift to cherish and savor. Let's not forget to express gratitude for the support of our teachers, the guidance of our mentors, and the camaraderie of our classmates."

The music faded into the background

"Remember, Fieldeans, life isn't just about chasing after grades or achievements. It's about finding joy in the journey, embracing challenges with resilience, and nurturing meaningful connections with those around us."

The music became more uplifting.

"So, as we go about our day, let's spread positivity, kindness, and encouragement wherever we go. Let's make each day count by seizing every opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference in our school and community."

Then the music reached a crescendo

"Stay awesome, Fieldeans! And remember, no matter what challenges may come our way, we're in this together. This is Rinoa Isley, signing off from your school radio station. Enjoy your lunch!"

Nang matapos siyang mag-announce ay lumabas siya ng radio station. Umayos ako ng tayo nang makita siya. Maganda ang boses ni Rinoa dahil kumakanta siya kaya madalas din siyang ipatawag sa studio room.

"Wow, that was so motivating," I said sarcastically to her.

"Well, I was just told to do it," she replied and walked away.

Habang naglalakad kami ay nakita ko yung nerd na naglalakad papalapit sa amin. Nagkatinginan naman kami ni Rinoa at napahinto sa paglalakad. At ayan na naman ang mga tingin ng estudyante sa paligid.

"What?" Rinoa asked.

Tumingin sa kaniya yung nerd, "I just want to say thank you"

Nakita ko ang pagkurap ni Rinoa nang ilang beses. Well, I didn't expect that, too.

"What?"

"Salamat sa ginawa mo kahapon" aniya

Ah, that scene. Well, hindi naman ako kasama sa usapan nila kaya aalis na lang ako. I'm hungry na rin.

"I'll go ahead to the cafeteria," I said to Rinoa, and she simply nodded in response. I didn't bother to look at the nerd and started walking. I couldn't care less about what they were talking about. I also didn't want to be there because most likely, it would just be another topic of conversation among the students.

As I made my way through the bustling corridors of the school, I couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment from the gossip and drama that seemed to permeate every corner. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy a good rumor or juicy piece of gossip now and then, but there was something about the way they all flocked together like a flock of sheep that irked me.

I couldn't understand why they wasted their time discussing the trivialities of someone else's life when there were far more important things to focus on. Like acing that upcoming exam or securing a spot on the varsity team. But no, they would rather waste their breath on idle chatter and meaningless speculation.

Nang makarating ako sa cafeteria ay bigla kong nakita si Sheldon na nakaupo sa pinakagitnang lamesa. Sa harap na niya isang babae na mukhang binu-bully niya. Nang makita niya ako ay ngumisi siya.

"Hey there, sister. Wanna join us?" Nakangising sabi niya. Lumipat ang tingin ko sa babaeng nasa harap niya. Siya yung babaeng nakatapon sa akin ng juice.

"No, thanks" sabi ko sabay irap sa kaniya. Lalagpasan ko na sana ang lamesa nila nang bigla niyang inunat ang kamay niya na ikinahinto ko. May hawak siyang papel. "What's that?" Kunot noong tanong ko.

"See it yourself," aniya at iwinagayway ang papel. Hinablot ko iyon sa kaniya at saka naglakad sa lamesa nina Rinoa. Wala pa rin siya hanggang ngayon kaya ako lang ang mag-isa rito. Wala rin si Ariena dahil ipinatawag.

Binasa ko ang nakasulat sa papel na ibinigay ni Sheldon at nagulat ako nang makitang complaint iyon.

I am writing to inform you that Mr. Sheldon has decided to cancel the complaint he filed regarding an alleged assault incident.

I didn't bother reading the whole thing. The only part that caught my attention was the first paragraph. I suddenly glanced at Sheldon. So, he decided to cancel it? I looked back at the paper I was holding. I didn't know what got into his head to cancel it, but I guess it's fine. What matters is that I've already paid off my debt to that nerd.

Inilagay ko agad iyon sa bag at kumain na. Nasa kalagitnaan ako ng pagkain nang dumating si Rinoa.

"How was it?" I asked

"He just thanked me," aniya at umupo.

Hindi ko na tinanong pa ang buong nangyari. Pagkatapos kumain ay sa kaniya-kaniya kaming club dumiretso. Fine, so I had to play golf at school. Big deal. But I have to admit, it wasn't as terrible as I expected. I mean, I've played a few times with my mom at the country club, so I'm not a complete novice.

Dressing for the occasion was easy. I grabbed a cute golf outfit from my closet, making sure it looked effortless yet stylish. Tossing on a cap, I strutted to the courtyard with the rest of the class, secretly amused by their eagerness.

When I saw the makeshift course, I couldn't help but smirk. It was basic, but hey, at least they tried. As the teacher rambled on about grip and stance, I tuned out, already knowing what to do.

When it was my turn to tee off, I stepped up confidently, giving my best swing. The ball soared through the air, landing closer to the hole than I expected. Not bad, I thought, suppressing a smirk.

As the game went on, I found myself actually enjoying it. It was kind of fun, especially when I managed to outplay some of the guys in my class. I even gave a few tips to some of the girls, though I made sure to do it in a way that made me look good.

By the end of the activity, I had to admit, I had a good time. Who knew golf at school could be somewhat enjoyable? As I walked away from the makeshift course, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Maybe there's more to this golf thing than I thought. But don't expect me to become a regular on the fairway anytime soon.

Habang kumukuha ako ng damit sa locker ay bigla iyong sinara ng kung sino. Muntik pang maipit ang kamay ko sa ginawa niya. I controlled my temper bago ko siya hinarap.

"Ano na naman?" Tanong ko sa kaniya.

"I didn't know you knew anything about golf too, I thought all you knew was how to doll yourself up," Chanel said sabay alis ng kamay sa locker ko.

I glanced down at what she was wearing. So, she joined the golf course too? She really wants to always be following me, huh? What an annoying copycat.

"Yeah, I know a thing or two about golf. Unlike some people, I actually have interests beyond just looking pretty."

She rolled her eyes, "Oh please, like you're some kind of golf pro now. Just because you hit a ball a few times doesn't mean you're an expert."

I smirked, "Well, at least I can hold my own on the course. Can't say the same for everyone."

She narrowed her eyes,"Are you trying to start something? Because trust me, you won't win."

I laughed, "Relax, Chanel. I'm just stating facts. But hey, if you want to challenge me to a round of golf sometime, I'm game."

Tumawa rin siya pero kita ko ang pagkainis sa kaniyang mukha. "As if I'd waste my time playing golf with you. I have better things to do."

I just shrugged, "Suit yourself, then" sabi ko sabay lock ng locker at nilagpasan siya. Siya ang unang lumapit sa akin tapos siya itong mapipikon. Gustong-gusto niya talagang magpainsulto sa akin.

As I settled into my seat, the professor walked in, with Chanel trailing behind him. She shot me a disdainful look before taking her seat. Throughout the lecture, I pretended to pay attention, stealing glances at her from time to time.

Statistics was the subject, and it was the one I hated the most. Well, it seemed like everyone in the class shared that sentiment. But there I was, putting on my best act of attentiveness, despite my disdain for the subject.

Nang matapos ang maghapon namin klase ay agad kong inayos ang mga gamit ko. Nakita ko namang dumaan lang sa harap ko si Chanel at nagmamadaling umalis habang hawak ang cellphone niya. I'm glad na hindi siya nanggulo.

Habang naglalakad sa corridor ay inilabas ko ang cell phone at naghanap ng lesson namin sa Statistics kanina na aaralin ko mamaya. Hindi ako nakinig kanina dahil akala ko ay walang quiz ngunit nagulat kami nang mag-announce siya bago siya lumabas.

Napahinto ako sa paglalakad nang may makita akong tumayo sa harap ko. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakita ko si nerd. Inilibot ko muna ang tingin ko sa paligid sabay tingin uli sa kaniya.

"Hindi ko alam kung nasaan si Rinoa," sabi ko at akmang maglalakad na ulit nang humarang siya sa dinaraanan ko kaya kumunot ang noo ko nang tumingin sa kaniya.

"Hindi siya ang hinahanap ko" aniya at umiwas ng tingin.

"Then why are you here? Umuwi ka na" sabi ko at nilagpasan siya.

"Gusto ko lang magpasalamat," sabi niya na ikinatigil ko. Humarap ako sa kaniya at nakitang nakatingin siya sa akin.

"What did you say?"

"Salamat sa ginawa mo last time..." Umiwas siya ng tingin, "Yung kay Sheldon at doon sa babae sa cafeteria"

Tumagilid ang ulo ko at tumaas ang isa kong kilay, "May nakain ka ba?"

Tumingin siya sa akin nang natataka, "Ha?"

Tumawa ako, "I mean, hindi ka naman ganito sa akin. Did you hit your head somewhere?"

"Ah.." kinamot niya ang batok, "About that...I'm sorry pala"

I tsked, "Whatever" and speaking of pagpapasalamat. Hindi ko ang papel na ibinigay ni Sheldon sa akin kanina. I almost forgot kung hindi lang siya nagpakita ngayon. Ibinigay ko iyon sa kaniya na agad naman niyang kinuha. "Sheldon canceled it. Celebrate" sabi ko at umalis na roon dahil nandiyan na ang driver ko.

Agad kong nakita ang sasakyan ko at si Kuya Joberth na hawak ang nakabukas na pintuan para sa akin. Pumasok ako roon at isinara niya ang pintuan. Saktong pagkaalis ni Kuya Joberth sa pintuan ko ay nakita ko yung nerd na tumatakbo habang nakatingin sa sasakyan ko.

Napaangat ako sa pagkakasandal kaso ay biglang umandar ang kotse. Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya tumatakbo. Well, it doesn't matter to me naman. Umayos ako ng upo at tumingin sa labas. Napatingin ako sa side mirror at nakita kong nakatayo ang nerd habang nakatingin sa likod ng sasakyan ko.

I didn't expect Mommy to call me. And ngayong gabi pa talaga. Tamad akong bumangon sa higaan at naglakad papunta sa opisina niya. She has her own office here at home. She even has her own sewing room.

"What do you want? I need to sleep because I still have school tomorrow," I said as I entered her office. She was sitting in her swivel chair, leaning back.

"I heard you were involved in a fight outside of school."

I froze when I heard that.

"So, it's true,"she said and turned her open laptop towards me. The dean of our school emailed her and said she's being summoned because of our rule-breaking. "Didn't I tell you I don't want to be summoned to your school because of something you did again?" she scolded.

I wanted to roll my eyes, but she'd just keep talking, so I chose to stay silent and endure her scolding. It'll be over soon anyway.

"Nionahlie, hindi ka na bata. Ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sa'yo na huwag kang gagawa ng bagay na ikapapahiya ko."

My jaw clenched. Of course iisipin niya ang sarili niya.

She's so paranoid about her precious reputation being tarnished. Like, who even cares about what the media thinks? Oh right, she does. Because being in the spotlight is all she lives for. "Don't you have a brain?" she scolded again, her voice dripping with disdain. "Last time, you embarrassed me in front of the president too."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her melodramatic antics. As if a little school drama could even compare to her grandiose social circle. But of course, she had to make everything about herself.

I chose to remain silent, not because I was actually sorry for what I did, but because it amused me to see her get all worked up over something so trivial. Let her keep ranting and raving. It's not like her words could touch me anyway. I'm too lazy and sleepy to listen to her self-righteous lectures.

Nang makabalik ako sa kwarto ay nagpapadyak ako sa inis. Sa sobrang inis ay ginulo ko ang aking buhok. Humiga rin ako sa kama at nagpapadyak kaya nagulo ang bedsheet at kumot ko. Nalaglag din ang ibang unan.

Hingal na hingal ako matapos kong magdabog nang hindi naririnig. Tumayo ako at inayos ang kama. Pinulot ko rin ang mga unan na nalaglag. Inayos ko iyon sa dating pwesto at saka humiga nang maayos. Dahil sa pagod ay nakatulog agad ako.

Irritated, I walked into school because I forgot to review last night thanks to Mommy. Well, I never really feel like studying, and I never do, but I know my grades in statistics are low and all my scores are, so I need to pass the quiz and exam. However, I forgot about it. And when I do remember, I lose all motivation.

"Nionahlie," someone called from behind me, so I turned to face him.

"Yes?"

"About the cancellation of the complaint, thank you very much," he said, and I could see sincerity in his eyes.

"Don't thank me because I'm not the one who canceled it," I shrugged.

Kumurap siya, "P-pero...ang sabi mo ay ipapacancel mo kay Sheldon yung complaint bilang pasasalamat" aniya

I shrugged again. "Yeah, but sabi niya hindi niya raw gagawin, but he cancelled it" tamad kong sabi at tumalikod na.

"Ah, wait" pahabol niyang sabi, "A-ano...maraming salamat talaga. Hindi ko kasi alam kung paano ko masosolusyonan yung problema na 'yon kaya salamat."

Umirap ako sa hangin. "Whatever, just don't go near Sheldon again," I said and began to walk away.

"Wait," I stopped as he blocked my path. I closed my eyes in frustration.

He avoided eye contact, "I know you have everything, but if you need my help, just say so," he said without looking at me.

I took a deep breath before responding. "As if someone like you could be of any help to me," I said as I tried to pass him, but I also stopped when I thought of something.

I do need a tutor because my grades are low. I looked at him back, his head bowed. He's smart, so I'll need that.

"Uhm... I think there is," I said, which made him turn to me. I didn't want to admit it, but I really need it because Mommy will be embarrassed again if she finds out that the one she's taking care of has low grades.

Bumuka ang bibig ko pero walang lumabas na boses. Shit, how?

Tumikhim ako at umiwas ng tingin, "T-tutor me."

Hinawakan ko ang pisngi kong nag-iinit habang malalaki ang hakbang paalis sa harap niya. Tumalikod agad ako nang sabihin ko iyon. That was so embarrassing. Gosh, paano ko nasabi 'yon?

Dumiretso ako sa washroom at tiningnan ang sarili sa salamin. Impit akong tumili nang makitang namumula ang aking pisngi. As in super red. Pinaypayan ko ang sarili at ilang beses pang huminga nang malalim.

"T-tutor me"

Agad kong tinakpan ang tenga nang maalala ko ang sinabi ko kanina. Ginulo ko ang buhok sa sobrang pagkairita. Nagpapadyak pa ako dahilan para mag-ingay ang aking takong. Mabuti na lang at walang tao sa washroom dahil start na ng class.

"Oh my gosh." Napahinto ako sa pagpadyak nang mapagtantong late na pala ako sa first subject. "Oh shit." Mabilis kong inayos ang ginulong buhok at nagretouch kahit hindi pa naman nawawala ang makeup. Ngumiti ako sa harap ng salamin. "Perfect"

Pagkalabas ko ng washroom ay nakasalubong ko ang president ng school. Napahinto siya sa paglalakad nang makita akong kakalabas lang ng cr.

"Start na ng class, why are you still here?" Tanong niya. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa box na dala-dala niya at punong-puno iyon ng papel.

"Nag-cr lang" sabi ko nang mag-angat ng tingin sa kaniya.

Tumango naman si Nate. "Okay, go back to your room" utos niya at iniwan ako roon.

Inirapan ko siya nang malagpasan niya ako. Hindi niya iyon nakita at sinadya kong hindi ipakita. Ang lalaking 'yon, porket president ay feeling mataas na.

Gaya ng sabi niya ay pumunta ako sa room. Huminto ako sa tapat ng pinto at kumatok. Napahinto sa pagdi-discuss si prof at ang lahat ay tumingin sa akin.

"I overslept that's why I'm late" mabagal kong sabi.

Walang sinabi si prof at tumango lang kaya pumasok na ako at dumiretso sa upuan. Nakita ko pa ang nakangising labi ni Chanel pero hindi ko siya pinansin at inayos ang sarili pagkaupo.

I tried to focus pero paulit-ulit na nagre-replay sa utak ko yung nangyari kanina. Hindi ko nakita yung reaction niya. I don't want to see it! Gosh, nakakahiya 'yon.