She's Dating The Teacher

Chapter 16: The Coming Out Monologue

"I made a new friend." Nakaupo sa sala si Rachel at Kelsey.

Katatapos lang nilang gawin ang mga assignments nito at nililigpit na ni Kelsey ang gamit niya.

"You did?" Inabot sa kanya ni Rachel ang laptop.

"Yeah."

"Is she nice?"

Tumigil si Kelsey sa pagpapasok ng binder at textbook sa duffel bag para tingnan si Rachel.

"Hmmm," Tumingin si Kelsey sa kisame.

"I don't think it's easy to categorize Flo."

"Flo?"

"Her real name is Florence."

"Saan mo naman siya nakilala?"

"It's kind of a funny story actually."

"Tell me."

Sumandal si Kelsey sa sofa at kinuwento kay Rachel ang chance encounter nila ni Flo.

"Buti hindi siya nagalit sa'yo." Natatawang sabi ni Rachel.

"Hindi naman. In a way, I'm glad it happened or else we wouldn't have met."

"Sabi mo, bestfriends sila dati ni Tessa?"

"Oo. I can't believe kasi they are polar opposites."

"What do you mean?"

"Si Tessa kasi, glamorous." Paliwanag ni Kelsey.

"Not a hair out of place, malinis sa katawan and if I'm being honest, vain."

Tahimik na nakikinig si Rachel.

"While Flo, she doesn't care about her looks or her clothes. Siya iyong tipo ng tao na walang time to focus on the aesthetic. I think she showers and uses deodorant at nagtotoothbrush din naman kasi hindi naman siya mabaho or anything. Yun nga lang, kahit gusot yung damit niya or madumi yung shoes na suot niya, wala siyang pakialam."

Natawa si Rachel.

"One thing I like about her is she's very smart. She helps me with my lessons lalo na yung PolSci kasi she has the same subject as mine."

"Dapat ba akong magselos?" Hinila ni Rachel ang kuwelyo ng black polo shirt niya.

"No. But I think I found a good friend in Flo. I hope one day you get to meet her."

"I am excited to meet her. Kung gusto mo, invite mo siya sa Saturday."

"What's happening on Saturday?"

"Robbie's birthday. He invited you. That is if you want to go."

"Why wouldn't I go? It will give me a chance to spend more time with you."

"Alam mo na. Nandun ang mga co-teachers namin."

"I see." Inakbayan siya ni Kelsey.

"Don't worry. I will behave." Hinalikan niya sa ilong si Rachel.

"Is that what you call behaving?"

"I'm just kidding. By the way, do you know what Sir Manalastas likes?"

"Men."

"Okay. How many should I order in a big red box?" Seryosong tanong ni Kelsey.

Nanliit ang mata ni Rachel dahil mukhang seryoso si Kelsey sa sinabi.

Nang bumunghalit ito ng tawa, saka lang nakahinga si Rachel.

"Ikaw talaga." Hinataw niya ito sa braso, "Puro ka biro."