When Heaven Smiled

04

Chapter 04
Popular

Zed Salvacion sent you a friend request

Elmo Bernales sent you a friend request

Si Maxon, Adrian, Genesis, Lhaine, at iba pang classmate ko ang mutual friends namin. Napa-stalk tuloy ako sa kanilang profile, iniisip kung ia-accept ko ba. Obviously I had to accept Maxon's friend request before, naging magkagrupo kami sa debate e.

+63 *** *** ****
Good morning sana maganda ang umaga mo parang ikaw :)

I smirked when I read the text. Hindi ko na naman napigilan ang pag-ikot ng mata. This guy and his pickup lines. Hindi ba siya na co-cornyhan sa sarili niya?

I slid my phone back in my pocket.

Growing up, I have learned that people like to be with you when you're at your best. I saw what kind of treatment they give my older sister every time she makes mistakes. I can't have that for me. When you are the best in class, you are loved. When you participate in church and extracurricular activities, they handle you with care. They will tell you that they're proud to have you.

It feels rewarding receiving praise after doing something good. Laging may kapalit na maliit na regalo tuwing gagawa ka ng ikasasaya nila. May it be privileges like being allowed to buy more than one toy, or being allowed to play outside in the afternoon.

So despite the lack of freedom, I enjoyed my time in our household. Minsan pa nga noon ay naririnig ko ang mga boses ng batang naglalaro sa labas. Mula sa aking bintana, sinisilip ko sila. I can't help but smile when I hear their giggles. Pero tuwing napapatingin ako sa mga Barbie ko, napapaisip ako na wala akong dapat ikainggit dahil nasa harapan ko naman ang mga bagay na hinahangad ng iba.

Or so I thought.

Some people crave for valuable things. I'm craving some experience.

"Hi Alice!"

I turned my head to the person who called me. It was Jasmine, from section the other section. Nakangiti siya sa akin ngayon. Sumasayaw ang kanyang mahabang buhok na naka-ponytail.

"Hello." I gave her a small smile. Hindi ko alam kung paano mag initiate ng conversation kaya nag-iwas ako ng tingin.

Bakit niya ako pinapansin? Somehow, I feel anxious. Hindi ako sanay na binibigyang pansin o atensyon ng ibang tao. Receiving praises and compliments is different from having actual talks. And I'm not good at prolonging conversations.

"Sabay na tayo, magkatabi lang naman room natin." she offered.

Sa paglalakad namin ay napansin ko ang ilang mga mata ng mga estudyanteng nakatingin sa amin. Why are they staring at me? May nagawa ba ako? I hate how it feels like their eyes linger on my skin.

"Masanay ka na, girlfriend ka ni Maxon 'di ba?" she politely asked.

My eyes widened at her statement. Kalat na ba iyon sa school? Bakit hindi ko alam?!

"H-huh? Hindi 'no!"

"Ay ganoon ba? Sayang naman, bagay pa naman kayo..." she looked disappointed a bit.