Not Me

CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN

Roses are red
Violets are blue
As I lay in bed,
I still think of you

I started walking towards the hallway of petals of roses. Left, right, I see no one.

I was puzzled. Curious, lost - I don't know where to go or whether I should continue searching for something I don't even have a clue about.

But why did I receive this letter? How? Most importantly, who?

Then, a knock out of nowhere. I searched where it's coming from but I don't see anything. It seems like a total puzzle to me.

Then, another knock - louder. I rotated a complete 360 but I still don't see it.

Then, "Lij? Lij? Lij!"

I woke up catching my breath as if I did my cardio workout.

"Lij, pabukas." It was Tonton continuously knocking on our door.

Agad naman akong tumayo dahil baka kanina pa siya kumakatok. Pagbukas ko ng pinto, I saw him with his anxious face na mukhang nahihiya na sa mga kapitbahay namin.

"Shocks! Nakalimutan ko kasi key card ko." He explained while going in. "Sorry na. Nagising ba kita?"

"Don't worry. Mag-aaral din naman sana ako." I answered. Buti na lang din at nagising niya ako para makapagsimula na ako at marami-rami pa akong dapat aralin.

"By the way, may love letter ka sa pinto. Pinulot ko na." He handed me a letter.

Weird. Bakit parang hanggang sa totoong buhay, konektado sa panaginip ko?

I read the letter that he gave and I instantly felt the tiny hair from my arms stiffen.

Roses are red
Violets are blue
I'd go in the Freshmen Ball
if I'll do it with you

Please confirm if you'll go. I don't like to attend but if you would, I would.

"Kanino galing?" I asked curiously.

But then, I remembered - isang tao lang ang may alam ng unit namin.

"Aba'y malay ko." He answered while grabbing one of our junk foods. "Dami mong boys, 'no? 'Di ka na maka-catch up kung sino, e."

I was supposed to answer and defend myself but then realized he was right.

"Sira."

I chose to divert my attention to my books instead. Hindi ko naman hahayaang bumagsak ako dahil na-distract ako ng isang tao.

I sat at my study table and started reviewing. While reading, I remembered that my professor added something to the discussion but I can't recall what was it. Ang naaalala ko lang, he told us to remember that as it might appear on our exam but here I am, not remembering any of it kasi wala sa libro.

In my defense, I was zoning out - hearing things but not really absorbing any of it. I regret not taking note of it. Sana pala, nagsulat ako para nabalikan ko ngayon.

I gave up upon realizing that I really won't remember any of it but my mind just won't stop reminding me that I might need it for our exams.

I closed my book. By now, alam ko naman kung anong dapat kong gawin.