Against the Tides

Kabanata 8

Explain

"You have my number. You can text or call me anytime."

Iyon ang sinabi ni Axel habang naglalakad kami palabas ng high school building.

I buried my face in my pillow, still embarrassed about what had happened earlier.

Para akong magkakasakit kakaisip sa kahihiyang inabot ko. Paano na ko haharap sa kaniya sa tuesday? Sana nakalimutan na niya yung sinabi ko!

Tama! Busy siya! His mind is directed to his dissertation!

"Ugh! Pinahiya ko pa rin sarili ko!" Pinagsisipa ko ang kumot ko sa kahihiyan.

Para akong uod na binudburan ng asin. Hindi ako mapakali. Hindi rin ako makatulog kakaisip sa naging interaksyon namin.

What happened to the innocent Aenna Gale, who is only inclined with her science investigation and biology?

Tama! Tapusin ko na lang ang research namin.

Buong weekend, iyon lamang ang ginawa ko--ang mag research. It helped me divert my mind from worldly things like Sir Axel. Nakatulog din ako sa pagod.

Tuesday came, and we had our usual tutoring session and biology class with Sir Axel.

As usual, he walked inside the room, looking manly and fresh. His strong perfume left a trail inside the room. Lahat kami'y sininghot ang kaniyang pabango.

"Ang bango talaga ni Sir!" My classmate in front of me said.

However, I've noticed a slight change in his scent. This is not his usual perfume. His usual scent is really musky and strong, with a hint of vanilla. This time, it's mixed with citrus scent. Bergamot, perhaps?

The class went well. We had our quiz, and I aced it again.

“Manlibre naman diyan yung naka perfect sa quiz, oh?” Pagpaparinig ni Lala.

Sinimangutan ko siya. “Akala mo namang nakapasa ako ng board exam para ma libre kayo.”

“Hayaan mo na ‘yang si Lala, Ae. Inggit lang yan sa'yo kasi naka seven out of twenty siya.” Pang-aasar ni Andeng sa pinsan.

Lala made faces, mocking Andeng. There they go again.

“Tara na sa canteen. Maabutan pa tayo ng Angelus.”

Nagmadali kami sa pag-aayos pero natigil ako nang tinawag ako ni Mrs. del Tuazon.

“Miss Calipayan. May ipapagawa ako sa'yo.”

“Po?”

Lumabas ako para makausap ako ng aking adviser. Naupo kami sa isang bench, tapat lang ng room namin.

“Inutos lang din ito sa akin ng principal. Since you're going out to compete for our school, kailangan mong magpa medical ng advance. Kailangan ng pirma ng adviser at ng mentor mo. Then, you have to give this letter to the principal to notify the school physician. Okay?”

“Yes po.”

“Okay. Eat your lunch first.”

Tumango ako isang beses bago sumali kina Lala na ngayo'y nasa lamesa na.

As usual, they asked questions as to why Mrs. del Tuazon called me.

“Maaga akong magpapa-medical. Need ng pirma ni Sir Ortillano.” Tumango-tango sila at naintindihan ang pakay ko.

So after eating my lunch and a few 'tsismis' from Charlene, dumiretso akong faculty para puntahan si Sir Ortillano. It's located on the second floor.

Habang naakyat ako, hindi ko mapigilang isipin ang nalalapit naming interaksyon.