Richard's Standard

Chapter 2 - A New Comfort Zone

I am now taking my way to look for Mom's office. She just messaged me that it's at the center of the building with the school's logo and a placard of 'OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT' fixed on a wall.

I was busy looking for it when someone bumped into me. Napatingin ako sa kanya and she's so messy!

"Hala, pasayloa ko. Sorry kay nagdali ko."

After saying those words, dali-dali na siyang tumakbo without even looking back. Napaisip tuloy ako if I made her freeze dahil sa kagwapuhan ko.

Again, I heard those girls giggling and scrubbing to each other as I passed by them. May iba namang napanganga pa.

"Hala dzae, kagwapo oh. Transferee na?"

"Anak man guru na sa President nato, kadto nakita nako sa Facebook."

"Ayna, lamia niya oi."

Iyan ang mga pinagsasasabi nila na 'di ko naman maintindihan but based from their expressions, seems they found me so perfect as a guy.

I just shrugged and continued walking toward the center. Gusto ko nang makapag-relax at makapag-spray ng alcohol sa katawan dahil sa babaeng bumangga sa'kin kanina.

Napapailing ako everytime na maalala ang mukhang iyon. She looked like a witch dahil sa magulong buhok, parang 'di nagsusuklay! Babae ba talaga 'yun?!

So far, those girls who were giggling a while ago seemed okay to me. But I'm really into a perfect woman.

About the school? It's a large building composed of six floors, perhaps, it's divided into different divisions or a mix of many courses. The surrounding is as clean as a bone, talagang malinis and the floor is carefully polished. Every classroom is well-ventilated and an atmosphere that feels good can be overwhelming. As usual, there's a class and some of them looked my way, even those who were seriously reporting. I'd also noticed their uniform, and it's very nice. I think I can wear it next time. Also, just by the way they stand, I've met some college professors and instructors who took glances at me.

Finally, I found Mom's office and a notice was posted on the door stating 'Knock Before You Enter'. Okay, this time, I'm a good son so I knocked.

The door opened and Mom was there, really expecting my presence. She let me in and I followed her. It really feels awkward though she's my Mom 'cause it feels like we don't know each other.

I took a seat and made myself comfortable on a couch.

"I'm actually outside my natural surroundings. I'm already missing Pampanga and of course, Dad." I tried opening up about the issue she had never settled with Dad.

"I'm busy. I don't wanna have words with you."

"Did you even mourn for Dad?"

"Are you holding a grudge against me?" Mom asked as she looked at me straight to my eyes.

"You didn't answer my question." I sarcastically said.

"I just said I'm busy. You can take a nap in my room over there," she pointed to the room using her pen.

Base sa nakikita ko, Mom is not happy nor sad. So I guess, hindi siya natuwa o nalungkot sa pagkawala ni Dad. Parang she's between a maze na kung masaya siya, it's because someone is there to make her happy and kung malungkot naman, maybe because it's just the two of us now. Ito ang dapat kong alamin para malaman ang totoong dahilan kung bakit siya nakipaghiwalay kay Dad before his death.

Bago ko pala makalimutan, I picked my alcohol bottle and sprayed my body dahil bigla na namang sumagi sa isipan ko ang magulong mukha na iyon ng babae.

"Ewww..." sabi ko.