Arrows of Vengeance

Chapter 4: Welcome to Shikari Academy

Chapter 4:  Welcome to Shikari Academy

SAMANTHA

LIfe's indeed full of surprises.

One night I was just walking home after fishing, then I saved this man from a bloodthirsty wendigo, and now I am going to the most pretigious school in the land. 

"Samantha, do not forget to bring your hairbrush," sabi ni Mama habang nag-aayos kami ng mga gamit ko. Nang malaman niyang naimbitahan ako para mag-aral sa Shikari, umabot hanggang langit ang tuwa niya. Mas aligaga pa siya sa aking mag-ayos ng mga gamit ko.

"Mama, what if ayaw kong tumuloy?" tanong ko habang nagtutupi ng ilang mga damit ko.

Natigil sa pag-aayos ng bag ko si Mama. "Bakit, anak? Ayaw mo bang tumuloy sa Shikari?" Nag-aalalang tanong niya sa akin. Tumabi siya sa akin at hinawakan ang mga kamay ko. 

"Hindi naman po sa ayaw, lalo na't pangarap po sa akin ni Papa na makapag-aral din sa Shikari pero paano naman po kayo ni Sigmund? Boarding school po iyon ma, at baka sa graduation pa po tayong magkitang muli," I answered. Gusto ko mang tumuloy para ipagpatuloy ang pangarap sa akin ng aking ama, kailangan ko rin namang isipin ang magiging kalagayan ng aking maiiwanang pamilya. 

"Samantha Annelise, you have nothing to worry about," my mother said as she embraced me. "Sigmund is growing up. I can teach him his father's ways. For once, please choose yourself over others, over us." 

"Pero, ma..."

"We'll be okay, anak," she kissed my cheek. "Your father would be so proud of you."

A beep from a car interrupted our moment. Binuhat ko na ang aking bag at ilan pang mga gamit bago lumabas ng bahay. I saw a black shiny car waiting, standing in front of it is Professor Percy with a big smile on his face. He is wearing a blue thinly-stripped polo and black slacks. Mas maayos kaysa sa itsura niya kagabi. Meron ding saklay na naka-alalay sa kaniya. "Sabrina, it is so nice to see you again. You're as beautiful as the first time I saw you in this village." Napakunot ang noo ko nang halikan ni Professor Percy ang likod ng kamay ng aking ina. 

"It is nice to see you too, Percy. How lovely of you to invite my daughter to Shikari," my mom said.

"Of course. Headmaster Winters tasked me to look for a student who we can give an exclusive scholarship sa Shikari. Sad to say that we cannot find the perfect individual to fit for the role. Fortunately, your brave daughter found me last night and did not hesitate to rescue me in the face of danger. A perfect candidate indeed," Professor Percy answered before smilingat me. "Let's go, Samantha? You've got some things to catch up."

I hugged my mother one last time before going inside the car. The driver started the engine right away and took us to the school. Hindi man buo ang loob ko na tumuloy, sisikapin ko na lang makatapos. Ilang taon lang naman ang gugugulin ko sa paaralang iyon. 

"Do not worry about your family, Samantha. They will be fine," Professor Percy said. I just smiled at him and looked through the window. Ang panibagong buhay ko ay magsisimula na sa pagtuntong ko sa paaralang 'yon.