Oktofinitum

Chapter 10

Jenny Mae

"So, ano nangyari?" bungad sa akin ni Wendell.

"Huh?"

"Anong nangyari paghatid mo?" she asked again impatiently.

I shrugged, "Hinatid ko lang tapos umalis na rin agad ako," which made her groan in annoyance that I have nothing to tell her. Ever since that red-head girl came here, it's the third time the Headmaster asked one of us to accompany her around the school, so Wendell, the curious or more like a gossipmonger that she is, has been waiting for her turn. The headmaster usually calls us to give us tasks, within or outside the academy so this is not new, however, we usually escort high profile visitors, and I have no idea what's so high profile about that girl when she's nothing but a mortal who got thrusted up in the wrong world.

"Where are they?" Tanong ko dahil lang ang nasa room, "Headmaster's Office, tara na hinihintay lang talaga kita eh," saad niya sa akin.

"For what?" she just shrugged, "Prolly an announcement?"

Agad kaming nakarating sa bukana ng office ni headmaster at papasok na sana pero natigilan nang may isang malamig na pakiramdam ang gumapang sa aking balahibo. I immediately grabbed Wendell and urged her to stop, "What is this atrocious news I have heard General?" bungad ng isang boses. It was cold as the ice that's trailing her long bluish gown.

Nang matanto ni Wendell ay agad kaming tumabi at yumuko para magbigay galang. She however only walked straight into the headmaster's table without as much a glance at us. Nanatili kaming nakayuko sa hallway sa labas ng opisina ni Headmaster dahil maaari lamang kaming gumalaw kapag binigyan na ng pahintulot.

"A pleasant day to you, Lady Eleanor of Devonshire." Pormal bati ni Headmaster habang tumatayo sa kanyang cushioned chair upang salubungin ang hindi inaasahan niyang bisita subalit nanatiling madilim ang ekspresyon ng mukha ng ginang. She huffed at the headmaster's greeting without returning it. Bagamat masasabing may edad na ay taglay niya ang elepante at pinong kilos. She looks authoritative and stern which made me realize na dito nagmana si Jorgette, "Let's get to the point General. We both know very well why I decided to make a visit," may kahulugang saad ng ginang.

Elegante itong umupo sa guest lounge na nasa may bandang kaliwa ng office table niya. Sporting her purple turtle neck gown and her updo adorned with her jeweled headdress that looks like a tiara with a huge purple stone in the middle and intricate patterns of gold, "Lady Eleanor, I am well aware of your concerns but I also believe this matter is in my jurisdiction as–"

"As the school's Headmaster, Yes." Putol niya sa dapat niyang sasabihin, "But you do know that student you suddenly brought in is a human." Hindi maikakaila ang galit sa tinig ni Lady Eleanor bagamat pinipigilan niya ang sariling mag-labas ng emosyon, "It is the duty of the Circle to protect Mirkovia, and you," she gave him a pointed look, "have disregarded our law." Kalmado ang malamig niyang boses subalit hindi maikakaila ang kakatwang diin sa likod nito. Marahil sa galit at mga masasamang alaalang sumalakay sa kaniya matapos marinig ang balitang isang tao ang mag-aaral sa akademyang itinayo ng Circle.

"Mother," a voice from behind suddenly said, dahilan para mapalingon ang dalawang nag-uusap at panandaliang maputol ang matalim na titigan. It was Jorgette, and behind her were Jennifer and Yada. The three of them curtsied towards Lady Eleanor, she gave them a nod, and motioned for Jorgette to come inside. Jennifer and Yada, however, went to stand beside us.

"Akala ko nagbibiro lang si Yada nang sabihin niyang narito ka," saad ni Getty sa kanyang nanay nang maka-lapit, "Ano po ang inyong sadya sa pag-bisita, Ma?" tanong ni Jorgette sa ina bagamat may ideya na siya.