Setting Into The Horizon (Painted Colors Series 1) ON HOLD

Chapter 11

Chapter 11
Setting Into the Horizon

The moment I've entered the music room, West opens the tune with an utterly distinctive and special guitar pattern. That was so good to hear! My mouth unconsciously made sounds of amusement, making West turn his attention to me. Kakarating ko lang para sa tutoring session namin. I was late for a few minutes kasi may kailangan pa akong ipapirma sa office ng principal namin. It was a letter for the upcoming retreat na supposedly Guro namin ang magdadala sa principal, but Miss Rafols was a bit busy, so she asked me for a favor.

Ibinaba ni West ang gitarang nakapatong sa hita niya. Nagkatitigan kami ng ilang segundo bago siya unang umiwas ng tingin sa akin. He dropped his head low, moments later, he looked up and smiled at me. Inaya nito akong maupo muna sa katabi nitong space sa couch, while he took my guitar from the room opposite to where the couch is. I placed my backpack first on the chair next to me, while I waited for West to return.

I've probably spent more than two weeks here already. Two weeks na rin akong tinuturuan ni West, and I could say that he's an effective teacher. Other than that, I'd like to commend his patience. I'd be lying if I said that I'm a fast learner because clearly, I'm not. West never once gave up on teaching me, kahit na minsan alam kong medyo naiirita na siya sa akin. He was so cute trying to conceal his irritation though. Speaking of, hindi ko alam kung okay lang ba kahit na hindi ako member ng music club at pabalik-balik ako dito sa music room. I mentioned that once to West but he said others will not mind since the music room is for everyone and it is not limited to only the members of the music club. Sinabi niya rin na kung gusto kong sumali ay ibibigyan niya ako ng membership form. Kaya agad akong humingi kay West.

West finally returned, holding my guitar carefully. Ibinaba niya muna ito sa sahig para buksan ang guitar case at kunin ang gitara sa loob. Naisipan ko na rin na kunin ang form sa loob ng bag ko. West gave me my guitar and in exchange, I gave the form back to him. West scanned it for a bit before he walked a few steps to reach the table and he placed the form on top of it. Pagkatapos ay bumalik na rin siya at naupo sa tabi ko. He placed his guitar back on his lap, holding it in place.

The entire moment, my gaze was fixated on West. I even saw how his chest rose to inhale a huge amount of air before he opened his mouth to speak. "Okay. Start na tayo?" West asked.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I blink and let out a heavy breath. Tumango ako bilang sagot kay West at agad nagiwas ng tingin para itago ang ngiting hindi ko mapigilan. I cleared my throat before my eyes went back to my tutor and tried my best to focus. This afternoon, West prepared only one song para ituro niya sa akin. Usually he teaches me two songs, pero okay lang naman sa akin baka pagod din siya.

I was supposed to ask if we are finally done with our session because I was planning on treating him to a cafe but I was caught up when West spoke. "May kanta ka bang gusto mong matutunan?"

Itinabi muna nito sandali ang hawak niyang gitara para humarap sa akin. West extended his arm over my shoulder and I just felt my heart leap out of my chest. Hindi nagtagal ay umayos na rin ng upo si West his arm now crossed over his chest. May kinuha lang pala siya sa likod ko. Tubig. Oo, yung water jug niya yung kinuha niya sa likod ko.

"Sorin," tawag ni West sa atensyon ko.

"Huh?" tanong ko sabay angat ng tingin kay West. Nakita ko pag angat ng dalawang kilay niya. "Ah... oo! Teka," nataranta man hindi ko na lang 'yon pinahalata. Ibinaba ko muna saglit ang gitara ko para kunin ang cellphone sa loob ng bag. I actually have a list of songs I wanted to learn how to play. I have ten on my list and seven of the songs were crossed out already. Hindi ko alam at yung mga nais kong kanta ay 'yun din ang tinuturo sa akin ni West. May lahi yata siyang manghuhula.