Too Late, Ellie

CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1

"Congratulations, honors. Now, for the next section."

We're here at the auditorium of our school for our recognition. This is my last year as a senior student at masaya ako kasi kahit papano ay nakapag adjust ako agad at nakakahabol sa mga lessons, that's why I'm very happy when I got a chance to be still on top.

"Siguro si Ken na naman ang high honor sa klase nila." Salita nang kung sino.

I was busy taking pictures of my award together with my friends, when I heard some people mumbling. I've been hearing that name ever since I've entered this school and he's always on top.

"Sino ba yung Ken na 'yan? Matalino ba 'yon?" I couldn't wait but to ask Michelle.

"Oo kaya no. Hindi mo pa ba nakikita 'yon?" I shook my head to answer.

Wala pa akong masyadong kilala kahit matagal na ako dito dahil hindi naman ako ang taong nakikipaghalubilo sa kapwa estudyante ko dahil nga sa mahiyain ako and I don't think maaalala ko kung anong itsura niya. Siguro nakita ko na siya, hindi ko lang talaga makilala kung siya ba 'yon o hindi. But ever since I came here, I always hear his name every recognition and that he's always the highest honor of their section.

"Mamaya makikita mo."

I just nodded at nilibot ang tingin ko sa paligid. There, I saw Nathan, I am thrilled when I saw him taking photos for the students. Naging kaklase ko siya for two years only and had a crush on him when we both separated in our sections. Yeah, you heard the right thing. I don't know, ganun talaga ako, e. Always late. Huli na palagi nang marerealize kong may gusto pala ako sa isang tao kaya, ito ako, hanggang tingin nalang sa kanya mula sa malayo. Hindi katulad dati, kapag lumalapit siya sa akin naiinis ako kasi palipat lipat lang siya ng babaeng lalandiin.

"With high honor, Kendrick Luis Torres."

Bumalik ang tingin ko sa harapan nang marinig ang pangalan niya, ngunit natagalan pa bago siya umakyat sa stage kaya binalik ko ulit ang tingin kay Nathan.

"Ellie, he's here."

I shifted my eyes to a guy who's walking through the stairs. He's a bit chubby pero matangkad siya at maputi. His smile never faded on his face until he reached the center to get his award. They took a photo together with their adviser and he smiled very widely.

He looks innocent with that chubby face, but who knows, he might be naughty. I just shrugged at her and we headed back to our room after the program.

The next day, first sub namin ay dumiretso ako agad kahit maaga palang. Pagdating sa room, konti palang kami kaya naisip kong maglibot muna sa buong classroom.

The room is in a very good arrangement and it's very neat. Adviser kasi ng room na 'to ay science and math teacher kaya naman maganda ang pagkakaayos ng room. Mas lalong nakadagdag sa ganda ang mga projects ng mga students niya na may kinalaman sa subject nito.

I was busy roaming around the room. Ngayon ko lang napansin na ganito pala kaganda ang room ni sir, masyado kasing maraming gawain lately, kaya hindi kami nakakapag pahinga. I was still roaming my eyes when it suddenly stuck at the students profiles and some pictures on their bulletin.

Dito pala ang room niya. I was looking from it's sides at nakitang kasali rin pala siya sa room officers. He really is a smart and grade conscious. I am looking at their faces and to him.

"Hindi ko pa nakikita si Lea."

I was surprised when Ram quickly pops up behind my back. He was also looking at their class pictures.