Stay with me

3

8 years ago...

We were on our 3rd year in high school when I first met Althea. I've known her since we were freshmen (who wouldnt?) but this is the first time that we were on the same class.

She's our school's rockstar. Doesn't amount to much in academics but when her band, synthesis, play, everyone goes head over heels for her. Very talented and a good looking butch. A total gender bender. That's probably why despite the attitude, the strict nuns in our all-girls school wouldn't kick her out. She's our school's gem when it comes to the battle of the bands where all prestigious schools participate in every year. St. Marys has won the battle for 2 years in a row. thanks to synthesis.

Thats how she gets away with her crap. She miss class once in a while. and when she bothers to show up, she just stays at the back of our class room and sleep. Sometimes when shes awake, she trips on some of our classmates and flirts with the prettier ones. Theres also talks that she drinks and smokes. In the petty 15 year old minds, thats badass. A total iskul-bukol. I often wondered how and why our teachers just let her be.

Monday morning, we were being scolded by our homeroom adviser, Ms. Mateo. It was something about the room being a mess when we left friday afternoon. She was so pissed I can see her veins popping out her temples. everyone was quiet with our heads bowed down when Althea, being Althea, walks confidently alone inside our classroom. like a boss.

Althea (looking at us and to Ms. Matteo): Oh, bakit?

Ms. Matteo glared like her eyes was going to pop out of its sockets, grabbed her stuff and went storming out of the classroom.

suddenly, everyone couldn't help their laughter. some trying to keep a poker face was not successful.

Althea: Anong problema non?

she walked to the back of the room giving high-fives to our laughing classmates.

Batchi (her bandmate and bestfriend): siraulo ka kasi!

everyone was laughing when I stood up from my seat and walk towards them at the back.

Jade: (in my most angelic voice) batch, diba grupo nyo yung cleaners nung friday?

the noise died down a bit. some made some urging remarks.

batchi: sorry jade, ito kasi si althea may kasalanan. pinilit kami umalis agad.

Jade: ah ganun ba. next time paki ayos na lang. thank you.

althea was staring at me while I was talking to her best friend. I just smiled at her and went back straight to my seat.

As i sat on my chair, the room came to life. everyone got busy chit chatting. Ms. Matteo walked out earlier so it was an hour of free time for us.

I was reading when suddenly Sally, my ever loyal best friend stood up from her chair next to mine.

without looking up, I asked, "san ka punta"

Althea: hi!

shes now seated where sally was.

Jade: hello?

Sally: sige lang go! dun muna ko chichika sa likod.

Althea nooded and thank Sally.

I faced her and she was already looking at me. I got surprised when her face was 2 inches away from me.

I backed off a little and went back to what I was reading.

A: malayo na siguro yung magiging salutatorian natin.

I smiled and showed her the cover of my book.

J: it's a novel.

I wonder where her sudden interest is coming from. I know she flirts with a lot of girls in our school so I have to keep my distance.

A: miss president, badtrip ka ba?

J: why would I be?

silence.

i looked up and saw her staring again.

J: ok ka lang?

she just smiled and nodded.

I went back to my book but I feel very concious with her very beautiful smiling face being so close to me. And her scent! Jesus her scent! she smells like sweet coffee vanilla.

I don't know how else I can hide my face blushing like a big ripe tomato, I can feel my cheeks warming up.

A: ikaw ba, ok lang?

i lost it there. I removed my defences. I closed the book that I was reading and faced her.

J: ok, what is it?

we were smiling at each other and for the first time in my life, I felt what I've read about a dozen times in novels.

there were indeed like actual butterflies in my stomach.

who would have thought.

****

I went out from our bedroom to the living room.

She was still there.

I stood at her side in silence while drying my hair with a towel. I was looking at her for a few minutes. Angelic paawa face. She's really good at this.

A: love...
J: I saw you.

to be continued...