Sheʼs Temporary Teacher Of Section Gang

Chapter 17

I was left speechless after he spoke. I felt nervous. What if his prediction came true, just like Miguel had warned me?

I shook my head. No, that wonʼt happen. Heʼs just poisoning my mind! I believe my students had nothing to do with Nathanʼs death, because they had an alibi and I was the witness!

Nang ilibot ko ang paningin sa paligid, namalayan kong ako na lang mag-isa ang nakatayo roon. I hadnʼt noticed them leaving because Luciusʼs warning had left me so shaken; I tried to brush it off, but it really got to me.

Iʼm all alone here now, except for the janitor whoʼs sweeping and occasionally glancing at me, as well as the security guards on patrol. Since recess is over, classes have probably started already.

Nagsimula akong humakbang palayo mula roon. I walked fast, even though my mind was preoccupied.

When I entered the faculty office, I hurriedly approached the table, slammed down my backpack, and headed straight to the water dispenser because Iʼd been thirsty for a while.

I picked up the glass from the small table, pressed the ‘coldʼ button, and let it fill. Pagkainom ko, agad nanuot ang malamig na tubig sa aking lalamunan, nakailang ulit pa hanggang sa nahimasmasan. 

I took a deep breath. I could feel them looking at me but I didnʼt turn around to confirm it. My gaze is fixed on the empty glass in my hand, as if the answer can be found there.

“Ayos ka lang?” I heard Madeline ask.

I sighed again as I set the glass on the table before facing them. It wasnʼt surprising that their attention was on me, since the room fell silent as soon as I entered.

Tumango ako. “Iʼm fine.” 

I approached the table to avoid their questioning eyes. I opened my large black Hawk backpack and rummaged through its contents, pulling out my laptop, AC adapter, and charger.

“Where have you been?” Sofia demanded, folding her arms and raising her eyebrows as she confronted me.

“Diyan lang sa labas,” I said half-heartedly, not knowing what to say.

“You werenʼt answering our calls. I was about to come see you earlier,” Darwin said.

I pulled out my phone and waved it. “My batteryʼs dead,” I said, then plugged the charger into the outlet to charge my phone and laptop.

“Go ahead and eat, weʼve kept some food for you,” Kuya Roman said as he stapled papers. 

I went over to the sofa and sat down. The food was laid out on the coffee table. It didnʼt look like leftovers, since nothing was touched except for the Hawaiian Overload Pizza. 

“Did you hear the news about Nathan Guevarra?”

Muntik na akong masamid sa iniinom kong frappe. I cleared my throat and looked up at Sofia, who was now sitting on the sofa in front of me. She was sitting cross-legged while combing her short hair.

I nodded. “Iʼve been there.” Apparently, they already knew, so I had no reason to hide it anymore.

“Is it true the Section Gang killed him?” she asked, leaning in slightly and trying to lower her voice, but her naturally loud tone meant our colleagues likely overheard.