Conquering the Barriers

Kabanata 18

Miss

My eyes accidentally flew to the reflection of my face on the glass window of the classroom. 

My mouth then faintly opened in awe. It may be not as clear as what one normally see on usual mirrors but for my eyes, everything was nearly just as vivid.

Tumagal ang tingin ko roon habang inoobserbahan ang nakikita. My dilligence in taking medicine seems to be showing off some progress by now. The constant cleansing and application of skin care products look like they are starting to pay off little by little too. 

My acnes are decreasing in number. The pimple marks are also not as visible as before. If anything, they are actually fading already. Even some blemishes are almost nowhere to be found anymore. I stared at it in astonishment. I can't help but get stuck in awe because of the noticeable changes.

Bukod din kasi sa pagtitiyagang sundin ang medication at routine, nakapagpapahinga rin ako nang sapat. Nakukumpleto ko ang tamang oras ng tulog dahil hindi ako napupuyat nitong mga nagdaang gabi. I oddly find it easy to sleep these days. I can't even remember the last time I woke up in the middle of the night, gasping for air because of a bad dream. 

My mind and heart have been at peace lately. And it shows. At least in my eyes.

"Isabelle," 

I stiffened when I heard the voice from beside me.

"Tulala ka na naman," River innofensively remarked.

I sighed as I turned at his curious and inquisitive face. Pangatlong araw na niya ngayon bilang kaklase namin. Pangatlong araw na rin matapos nang piliin niya 'ko para samahan siyang kumuha ng libro sa IBS. 

That moment was one heck of an awkward one for me. To walk in silence with someone you barely know is discomforting for someone like me. It didn't look like it was the same in his case though. He was just laid-back. And even pretty casual. Oh how good it is to be normal. I wish I could be one.

I don't even know why he keeps on calling me Isabelle. Tinignan niya lang ang I.D. ko nung araw na iyon at nagdesisyon siyang yun na ang itawag sa akin. Kahit pa sinabi 'kong Yara na lang ay wala siyang pake.

Umangat ang kilay niya sa tingin ko. Marahil naghihintay ng sasabihin ko. Muli akong bumuntong-hininga.

"Hindi naman ako nakatulala.." I stated in a small voice.

His lips slightly lifted in amusement. It doesn't look like he believe what I just said.

Umayos ako ng upo. 

"May tinitignan lang ako," I added to reason out.

Mukha pa rin siyang hindi naniniwala. He lazily stood up instead. "Bili na lang tayo," 

Umangat ang tingin ko sa kanya at bumaling naman siya sakin.