"I have to go now, may klase pa ako," sabi ko sa nurse ng clinic.
"Sige, Ma'am Niona, ako na ang bahala rito" nakangiti niyang sabi. Tumango ako sa kaniya saka muling sumulyap sa nerd na natutulog na ngayon.
Bago ako pumasok sa room ay pumunta muna akong cr para mag-ayos. I need to pee first kaya pumasok ako sa isang pinto. I took a deep breath when I remembered what happened earlier. Hindi ko alam kung anong pumasok sa utak ko at nakialam ako roon. Wala naman akong pakialam sa mga taong katulad ng nerd na 'yon. Dapat nga ay nanood lang ako. Habang nagtataka sa sarili ay may narinig ako hagikgikan ng dalawang babaeng kakapasok lang sa comfort room. Natapos na ako at akmang pipindutin ko na ang flush nang marinig ko ang pinag-uusapan nila.
"Did you hear about what happened earlier?"
"No, what happened?"
"So, get this, the queen bitch actually saved that nerdy boy from getting bullied"
What?
"Wait, what? Are you serious?"
"Dead serious. I couldn't believe it myself. She swooped in like some kind of hero and guess what? Pinagtanggol niya yung nerd na 'yon kay Sheldon"
"Wow, I never would've thought she had it in her. I mean, she's usually too busy being, well, herself."
"Exactly! I thought she'd sooner push him into traffic than lift a finger to help him. But there she was, playing the role of the knight in shining armor."
"I guess there's more to her than meets the eye. Who knew she had a soft spot for nerds?"
"Yeah, it's kinda throwing me off. I mean, what's next? Is she gonna start handing out hugs and rainbows too?"
Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko sa narinig.
"Ha, I highly doubt it. But hey, stranger things have happened, right?"
"True that. But mark my words, this won't change anything. She's still the queen bitch, through and through."
"Whatever, let's go na. Baka may makarinig pa sa atin here"
Narinig ko ang tunog ng mga takong na papalayo kaya mabilis kong pinindot ang flush at saka lumabas. Dumiretso ako sa wash basin at nanggigigil na hinugasan ang aking kamay. Ang bilis talagang kumalat ng balita. And what? I swooped in like some kind of hero? What the heck is she talking about? Me? Saving that nerd? No f*cking way. Never.
A queen bee like myself would never stoop so low just to save a nerd like him. I mean, let's be real here. The only reason I even bothered to intervene was because if Sheldon gets himself into some kind of trouble, Mommy dearest won't hesitate to drag me down with him. And trust me, the last thing I need right now is to be caught up in his mess.
I'm well aware that Mommy is just waiting for the announcement of their engagement. Not that I particularly care about them, but I just can't stand the thought of being dragged into their drama. I have my own reputation to uphold, thank you very much, and I refuse to be associated with any kind of scandal or controversy.
So yeah, call me selfish if you want, but I'm just looking out for number one here. And if that means throwing a lifeline to a loser like him to keep myself out of trouble, then so be it. After all, in a world where it's every girl for herself, you gotta do what you gotta do to survive. And trust me, I'm not about to let anyone, not even Sheldon and his antics, get in the way of my plans for the future.
Pagkatapos ng boring na klase ay agad akong umalis. Naglalakad pa lang ako palabas nang makita ko na ang sasakyan ko. Naalala kong kailangan ko pa palang pumunta sa mall para bumili ng makeup dahil malapit nang maubos ang makeups ko. Papalitan ko na rin ang ring light ko dahil parang mapupundi na iyon. Kailan ko nga ba iyon binili? Last last month? Well, everyday ko naman siyang ginagamit pero parang ang bilis naman yatang masira?
Habang nakahinto ang sasakyan dahil sa stoplight ay bigla akong may naalala. This place. Ito ang lugar kung saan ko nakita ang nerd na iyon. Napatingin ako sa bandang kanan nang maalala ang uniform na suot nung nerd last time. Color red 'yon at may word na Chicken sa pangalan. Hindi ko iyon gaanong nabasa dahil umandar na ang kotse.
Pagkarating ko sa mall ay dumiretso agad ako sa cosmetics na nakita ko. I want to try something new. Medyo nangangati na rin kasi yung makeup na binibili ko sa dati kong pinagbibilhan.
Isang magandang ngiti ang bumungad sa akin nang makapasok ako.
"Good afternoon, Ma'am"
I nodded. Sinundan niya lang ako hanggang sa huminto ako sa foundation. Tumingin-tingin ako roon ng mga kulay na babagay sa akin. Well, bagay naman sa akin lahat.
"Hey, I'm interested in this foundation. Can you tell me more about it?" I asked her
"Of course, Ma'am. This foundation is one of our best-sellers. It's a medium-coverage formula with a matte finish, perfect for oily or combination skin types. It's also long-wearing, so you won't have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day."
"Hmm, sounds good. But I have sensitive skin. Will this foundation irritate it?"
"Not at all, Ma'am. This foundation is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, so it's gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types. Plus, it's free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, so you can feel confident using it daily."
Tumango-tango ako. Well, mukha namang maganda.
"That's reassuring to hear. And what about the shade range? I'm having trouble finding my perfect match." Since I can't buy this whole store because all of it will match.
"Don't worry, we have a wide range of shades to choose from, so you're sure to find one that suits your skin tone perfectly. We even have undertones labeled on the bottles to make it easier for you to find your match."
"That's great. I've been looking for a foundation that ticks all the boxes, and this seems to fit the bill. I'll take one in my shade" sabi ko sabay lakad dahil may hinahanap pa ako.
"Okay, Ma'am. Let me grab that for you. Is there anything else you'd like to try while you're here?" She asked
"Actually, yes," tumingin-tingin ako sa paligid "Do you have any recommendations for a long-lasting lipstick?"
"Of course, Ma'am. Let me show you our selection of lipsticks that will stay put all day" aniya at giniya ako sa kung saan. Ngayon lang ako bibili ng brand ng ito so I have to make sure na worth it 'tong bilhin.
After making my purchase, I decided to treat myself to a meal at a nearby restaurant. As I walked in, the place was abuzz with people, and the tantalizing smells of various dishes greeted me. It was clear that the food here was going to be a step up from the usual fare.
Feeling a bit adventurous today, I resolved to try some dishes I'd never tasted before. Sure, Manang Vicky's cooking at home is decent enough, but variety is the spice of life, right? Besides, I needed a change of scenery, especially since I knew Mommy would be busy with her work by now. She's probably already settled into her routine at home, leaving me to my own devices. We don't exactly have a tradition of dining together anyway. It's not like we can't stand each other's company; we just prefer our meals in solitude. The last time we ate together was when she insisted on introducing me to Sheldon's dad, who's set to become my stepdad.
But I digress. Back to the restaurant. As I perused the menu, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the thought of trying something new. After all, life's too short to stick to the same old routine, right? So I took a leap of faith and ordered a few dishes that caught my eye, eager to satisfy my curiosity and tantalize my taste buds.
As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me. Trying new things was definitely the way to go. Who knows? Maybe I'll discover a new favorite dish or two along the way. And hey, if nothing else, at least I'll have a good story to tell the next time someone asks me about my culinary adventures.
Pagkatapos kumain ay naglibot-libot pa ako sa mall. Ilang linggo na rin akong hindi nakakapunta rito. Despite the crowds of people milling about, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. There was something therapeutic about being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the mall, a welcome distraction from the stresses of everyday life.
I took my time browsing through the racks of clothing, occasionally stopping to admire a particularly stylish ensemble or eye-catching accessory. It felt liberating to indulge in a bit of retail therapy, treating myself to a few new additions to my wardrobe.
As I continued to explore, I couldn't shake the feeling of contentment that washed over me. There was a sense of freedom in being able to wander aimlessly, without a care in the world. For a brief moment, all my worries and responsibilities faded into the background, replaced by a feeling of pure bliss.
And as I made my way back towards the exit, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. It had been a while since I'd allowed myself to simply enjoy the simple pleasures of life, and I was grateful for the opportunity to do so. As I stepped out into the moonlight, I made a mental note to come back to the mall more often. After all, everyone deserves a little bit of retail therapy every now and then.
As soon as I stepped through the front door, a wave of discomfort washed over me. The atmosphere in the house seemed heavy, suffocating even. It was as if an invisible weight had settled upon my shoulders, making it hard to breathe. I glanced around the familiar surroundings, but instead of feeling a sense of warmth and belonging, I felt a growing sense of unease.
This wasn't the haven I longed for after a day spent navigating the chaotic world outside. Instead, it felt like a prison, trapping me in its suffocating embrace. The tension in the air was palpable, hanging like a thick fog that refused to dissipate.
With a heavy heart, I realized that I didn't belong here. This house, with its stifling atmosphere and oppressive silence, was not where I wanted to be. It was no wonder that I often found myself seeking solace elsewhere, yearning for the freedom and lightness that seemed to elude me within these walls.
And so, on days like this, when the weight of the world felt too heavy to bear, I would escape into the outside world, hoping to find respite from the stifling confines of home. It wasn't about running away from my problems; it was about seeking refuge in the places where I felt truly alive.
As usual, pinagtitinginan na naman ako ng mga students pagkatapak ko pa lang sa semento. Sa parking lot pa lang ay marami na ang nakatingin sa akin. Well, Sanay naman akong pinagtitinginan ako but may kakaiba sa tingin nila ngayon. Parang may kung ano na naman silang balitang nasagap.
Right. Kumalat na pala ang balitang nag-ala superhero ako para sa nerd na 'yon. Saktong pagkasara ko ng locker ay siyang pagtili ng kung sino sa gilid ko na ikinagulat ko.
"Niona! Ahhh!"
I covered my ears at the loud shriek from Rinoa. "What's wrong? Why are you screaming?" I asked irritably. Her scream was piercing, and my ear was too close to her mouth.
"Congratulations!" She said cheerfully, giving me a tight hug.
I looked at her with confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Hmm, you didn't tell me about this," she said, her smile widening. I became even more confused.
"About what?" Tanong ko "Is this about that nerd?" I asked, her smile fading.
"Why would the nerd be involved in this conversation?"
"Because I have no idea what you're talking about," I said, almost stomping my foot in frustration.
"You haven't seen it yet?"
"Seen what?" I asked irritably.
She opened her phone and tapped on something.
"This."
She showed me her phone, which displayed an article about my mom's engagement to Sheldon's dad. There were three pictures: one of my mom and Sheldon's dad, and the third one is our family dinner. I didn't know someone took a picture of us that day.
"I can't believe you're getting a stepdad. But Sheldon's dad? So does that mean he'll be your stepbrother?"
My puzzled expression turned emotionless.
"So..." she took her phone back. "Is it true?" she asked.
I avoided her gaze. "It's in the article, right?" I answered before leaving her in the locker room.
Hindi ko alam na may lumabas na palang announcement about sa engagement. It was two hours ago. Hindi ko ugaling magtingin ng phone at mag-open sa social media tuwing umaga. I'm busy with my morning routine.
I was completely out of it in class. My mind was elsewhere, still reeling from the announcement. I checked my phone earlier to make sure the news was true. After class, I immediately headed to the studio room to find Sheldon. I opened the door and saw him, along with Kent and Kenzie. They all turned to look at me simultaneously.
"Hey, sister," Sheldon greeted me with a grin. I approached him quickly.
"You saw it too, right?" I asked immediately.
Tumaas ang kilay niya "Saw what?"
I rolled my eyes, "Alam kong nakita mo 'yon. The news about our parents' engagement."
He just shrugged "Unfortunately, yes. Can't say I'm thrilled about it."
"Oh, come on, Sheldon, don't tell me you're not looking forward to becoming one big, dysfunctional family"
"Spare me the sarcasm, sister. We both know this is going to be a disaster." Aniya sabay galaw ng mixer.
"Disaster doesn't even begin to cover it. I'm already stocking up on earplugs for the inevitable screaming matches."
Humalakhak siya, "You'll need more than earplugs to survive living under the same roof as me"
"Trust me, I've already got a survival kit prepared. It includes noise-canceling headphones and a one-way ticket out of here."
"Smart move. I might need to borrow that ticket once in a while."
"Sorry, Sheldon, but I don't think there's room for two on my escape plan." Mataray kong sabi sa kaniya.
"Fair enough. Looks like we're stuck with each other, whether we like it or not."
Humalukipkip ako sa habang nakatayo sa harap niya "Well, congratulations, Sheldon. Looks like I'm stuck with you as a sibling now. Lucky me." I said, sarcastically.
"Don't worry, the feeling's mutual. Can't wait to spend my days pretending you don't exist." Sabi niya habang may pinaglalaruan na ballpen sa kamay at umiikot-ikot pa ang upuan.
I smirked "Likewise. I'll be sure to ignore your existence with the same level of enthusiasm."
"You might want to work on your people skills if you plan on surviving in this family."
Ang dalawang kaibigan niya ay may kung anong kinakalikot pero nakikinig pa rin sa amin.
"And you might want to work on your sense of humor if you plan on making any friends."
Nawala ang ngisi sa labi niya, "Touche. At least I won't have to worry about embarrassing myself in front of your nonexistent social circle."
"Ha! At least I won't have to worry about embarrassing myself by being related to you.
"Trust me, sis, the feeling's mutual"
I decided to leave because who knows what else we might say to each other. Seems like I hit a nerve with what I said. Well, he deserves it, considering the hurtful words she threw at me. We're just playing fair here. Whenever Sheldon and I see each other, things never end well between us, so it's better for one of us to step away. If I stay longer, we'll just end up arguing and insulting each other.
It's like a never-ending cycle of animosity whenever we're together. We both know how to push each other's buttons, and we're not afraid to do it. But sometimes, I'm getting sick of him. I'm done playing his game. I refuse to let him get under my skin anymore. If he wants to play dirty, he can do it without me.
Isang beses ko lang pinakialaman ang mga ginagawa niya but now? Bahala na siya sa buhay niya. Alam ko namang kaya lang siya nakikipagsagutan sa akin ay dahil ako lang ang may kakayahang uminsulto sa kaniya nang ganoon. Well, bukod sa kaibigan niyang umalis papuntang US. Balita ko ay magkaibigan na sila simula pagkabata so I assume na close sila.
Besides, it's not like I need him anyway. I'm perfectly capable of handling things on my own. I don't need a sibling to weigh me down or drag me into his mess. I've got bigger things to worry about than his petty insults and childish behavior.
So yeah, let him stew in his own bitterness. I'm moving on, and I'm not looking back. If he wants to act like a jerk, that's his problem, not mine. I'll be just fine without him.
After class, I quickly headed home. Mommy wasn't there yet, probably busy dealing with all the reporters bombarding her with questions. That's another reason why I hate lingering at school—the constant barrage of people wanting to know every detail about how Mommy and Sheldon's dad met, how they fell in love, and how I feel about gaining a sibling and a stepdad. I refuse to entertain them.
It's not like they really love each other, duh. All of that is just for business. Can't they see that?
Actually, I've never given any information to the media about my life. It's always Mommy who handles that, and she's the one who knows how to handle the reporters' questions. You never know how your words might get twisted once they're broadcasted on TV. They could be edited, embellished, or completely replaced, and I'm not about to let that happen to me.