Wasn't Meant To Be

Chapter 1

Errors ahead

New friend

It was a sunny Thursday and I still remember how I gained a new friend. Room 212 exactly 12:15 pm first period, science subject. Maam Mendoza went out for a while at iniwan kami ng isang task about force.

I was still a shy girl by that time and my silliness hasn't broken through the closet. Then, Cassius Ferrer, a total bulakbol initiated that he and John, my seatmate exchange seats.

"Hi Isla, can you also help me wid Science?

I was about to laugh because of his pronunciation of the word "with" but I stopped myself. "Don't be mean Isla." I told myself.

I politely nod and asked him which part of the activity does he not understand. We were closely observing the light car and heavy car and how does the weight of the car affects their acceleration. Pagkatapos ng paulit ulit na pag papagulong ng toy car I asked him what was his observations, then started helping him understanding the questions one by one. After few minutes of correcting his grammars and spellings I started showing him how the formula works sa isa pa naming activity until Mrs. Mendoza came without us noticing.

"Mr. Ferrer, wala ka na bang ibang alam gawin kundi mangopya?"

Our intimidating science teacher was standing right in front of us, arms crossed habang hawak ang kaniyang pulang pamaypay at ang kaniyang makakapal na kilay ay magkasalubong na habang ang eye glasses niya ay medyo nakababa. Napayuko si Cassius dahil sa kahihiyan nang isa isang nag 360 degress ang ulo ng mga kaklase namin patungo sa aming direksyon, hilaw naman akong ngumiti at dahan dahang itinikom ang aking bibig. Damn mas kakayanin ko pa sigurong madapa sa harapan ng mga ito kaysa mapahiya ng guro.

"Ikaw naman miss Galveo, bakit ka nag papakopya?"

Ako naman ngayon ang kaniyang tinanong. Nagpipigil na di mabastos ang aking guro pinakalma ko ang sarili na di nahahalata. I politely smiled and eye to eye I answered back sa kalmadong tono.

"Sorry ma'am, I think you misunderstood us. He's not trying to copy off my work. In fact, he is working hard and was asking me how to answer the activity properly. It seems like he can't bring himself to ask you instead kasi ang hilig niyo po mamahiya."

Medyo kabado sa magiging reaction ni ma'am Mendoza ay di ko maiwasan ang pagbigat ng aking paghinga at rinig ko na ang malakas na kalabog ng aking puso. Pero dahil alam ko sa sarili na may katootohanan ang ang aking mga sinabe ay nagdala ito ng confidence sa akin. Nanahimik muna si Mrs. Mendoza ng halos dalaawng minute bagp muling nagsalita. She cleared her throat at pumustura ng maayos.

"I'm sorry Mr. Ferrer for assuming na you were copying miss Galveo's work."

Matapos sabihin iyon ay bumaling siya sa iba pa naming kaklase.

"Sa sususnod I want you all to ask me no matter how intimidating I may be para nalalaman ko if may natututunan ba talaga kayo galling sa akin."

That was her last statement before leaving the class and instructed the class secretary to collect all the activity sheets. Worried of what was Cassius feeling I approached him and asked if he was okay.

"Sus sanay naman na ako na napapagalitan ng teacher."

He laughed habang kinakamot ang kaniyang ulo. But I was very sure he was embarassed especially that I heard from a friend that he likes Yasmen, our class vice president.

"Salamat nga pala kanina ah."

Nahihiya niyang sambit.

"Of course what are friends for."

My lips formed a sweet smile and smiled showing more of my chinita eyes.

author: Smile now tulo uhog later