That High Maintenance Girl

Kabanata 15 — Professor Quentin

Nag-di-discuss ngayon si Quentin sa unahan tungkol sa subject na ito. He was holding a copy of the syllabus.

He’s comfortable. Halata na hindi ito ang unang beses na nagsalita siya sa harapan ng karamihan.

“Unbelievable,” bulong ni Clementine sa ilalim ng kaniyang mga malalalim na paghinga.

“As I know almost everyone in this class, I still want you to tell me your expectations in this subject.” he said.

Tinuro niya ang isa sa mga nakaupo sa unahan.

“Starting with you,” aniya pa.

Tumayo ang babaeng iyon at ngumiti.

“I know it will be an exciting subject, Sir.” iyon lang ang sinabi niya pero hindi nakatakas sa pansin ni Clementine ang kaunting kilig at kaba ng babae.

Clementine grimaced at what the girl said.

'Exciting my ass!’ panghahamak niya sa kaniyang isipan.

Ngumiti si Quentin at hinayaan na sumagot ang mag susunod. Halos generic at cliché ang mga sinagot ng mga ito. Everyone expected positive things with this subject unlike her. She kept her cool until it was her turn but she did not stand up.

"Miss Diogracia," pagtawag ni Quentin.

Nilingon siya ng mga kaklase niya. Angela was looking at her nervously the same way every time she knew that she and her brother will clash.

She rolled her eyes and groaned. Tamad siyang tumayo at tumingin kay Quentin. He equaled the stare she's giving him.

"What's your expectation with my class?" Quentin asked her, again.

She crossed her arms and smiled sarcastically at him.

"Boring," she admitted.

Halos malaglag ang panga ng mga nakikinig. Clementine did not budge. This was not the first time she clashed with Quentin. Nagbulungan ang mga estudiyante. Quentin remained a straight-face like he expected her to be rude.

"I told everyone from the start to be in their best behavior, Miss Diogracia." seryosong sabi nito.

Clementine bit her lower lip and uttered,

"And I heard that clearly, Mr. Blanco."

Para bang pangalawang kasalanan iyon sa pandinig ng mga estudiyante. May ilang halos hindi na ibulong ang disgusto nila para sa dalaga. Angela gasped in frustration.

"Clementine, ano ba!" sigaw ni Angela mula sa kaniyang upuan.

She's mad that her brother is being disrespected in front of others. Clementine raised her brows.

'Now, the little perfect Angela's starting to show her fangs.' she thought and smirked at her.

Pinigilan ng mga kaibigan niya si Angela na sana ay tatayo para puntahan siya. Quentin looked at his sister and shook his head. Bumalik ang mga seryoso at malalamig nitong titig kay Clementine.

"What? You asked me what's my expectation and I just answered honestly." she repeated.

Tumango si Quentin.

"Okay. I respect your answer, Miss Diogracia." he said.

"Welcome, Mr. Blanco." she confidently replied and attempted to sit again but Quentin was quick to ask her a question.

"Then, can you tell me what are the four P's in marketing?" he asked.

Clementine raised her brows.

"Excuse me?" she asked back.

May ilang kaklase niya ang napatawa sa reaksyon niya. Quentin looked at him and the side of his lips rose. He shook his head.

"Nothing. You may be seated." he said, facing the direction of the blackboard.

Umiling si Clementine.

"I never expected you to ask such simple question, Mr. Blanco," she mockingly said and crossed her arms, "Product, Price, Place, and Promotion." she stated.

Natahimik ang mga kaklase niya.

"Actually there are seven P's in marketing which that includes also Process, People and Physical Evidence. Is that enough answer or do you want me to explain one by one?" mayabang na sabi niya.

Quentin faced her again and nodded. He looked surprised mixed with unmasked satisfaction.

"No need. That's enough for now, Miss Diogracia," he acknowledged her answer and pointed at her chair. "Everything you mentioned are right. Now, be seated." he finished.

Umirap si Clementine at umupo sa kaniyang upuan. May ilang mga kaklase niya ang nanatiling nakatingin sa kaniya but she doesn't care anymore.

Everyone did not expect that she can answer Quentin's question. But they were wrong to judge her. She may be a spoiled brat and rude but she's sure that she's not just a pretty face. She's beauty and brains.

She sat and looked outside. Wala siyang pakialam sa mga sinasabi ni Quentin about the activities and exams they will have in the future. She already knows that it will be easy to pass all of them.

All she can do in this place is to study.

The class was disturbed when someone opened the door.

Seryoso ang lalaking dumungaw sa pintuan. Quentin looked at him.

"Yes, Mr. Decerna?" he politely asked Vance who's standing on the door.

"Is this Strategic Management Class?" he asked.

"Yes," sagot ni Quentin at tiningnan ang schedule na hawak ni Vance. "You are enrolled here. You may find a seat."

Nagbulungan na naman ang mga bubuyog niyang kaklase. May ilang natuwa at halos mangisay dahil sa pagkaka-rinig na kaklase nila si Vance Decerna.

Nilingon ni Vance ang classroom at sinuri ang mga vacant seats. He immediately stopped scanning when he saw Clementine. Ngumuso si Clementine. She's now sure that he will sit on her row as she's the only one there. And one thing's for sure Vance hated to be associated with people.

"I saw you again, Senyorita," Vance playfully greeted her.

"You're late, Vance." she pointed out,

"I am not. I already know what's he gonna discuss." he sighed and looked at Quentin who's now discussing about some field study they will have.

Nilingon siya ni Clementine. Nakuha noon ang atensyon niya.

"What do you mean?" she asked Vance.

"I am not proud of it but I don't deny when asked Clementine. I failed this class," he answered casually.

Hindi maitago ni Clementine ang kaniyang gulat sa nalaman.

'Vance failed this class last year?' isip niya at tiningnan si Quentin.

"Really? Mahirap ba na professor si Quentin Blanco?" she curiously asked.

Nagkibit-balikat si Vance at nilagay ang kaniyang palad sa kaniyang baba.

"I don't know. All I know is he's fair. He doesn't consider even if you are a close friend or what." he shrugged, "You fail, if you fail."

Clementine nodded. She felt a slight nervousness on the pit of her stomach but she did not show it. She really needed to pass and graduate this school so she can handle their hacienda and get rid of the arrogant Quentin Blanco as soon as possible. But to make it possible, she needed him to pass her.

Seryoso lamang siyang nanood sa bawat galaw ni Quentin. She witnessed some of the time he really stood for what he believed is right.

She swallowed because she knew she pushed some button of him earlier. If Vance is telling the truth right now, she wanted to slap her face but what's done is already done. Kailangan niyang panindigan iyon. She will not ask for forgiveness.

She really needed to study hard in this subject and pass with all she might.

"That's all," Quentin said as he wrapped up the introduction, "Class dismissed."

Nanatili si Quentin sa unahan at binubura ang ilang sulat na nilagay niya sa blackboard. Nagsialisan na ang karamihan sa mga estudiyante. Vance put the strap of his back on his shoulder and looked at Clementine.

"I need to go. I will meet with Vilhelm. See you around." he said.

“See you around, Vance!” aniya at hinayaan itong umalis.

She put back her things on her back pack and made herself ready to go out when Quentin talked again.

“Miss Diogracia,” seryosong tawag nito.

Nilingon siya ni Clementine.

She maintained a straight face.

“What?” she asked in an irritating tone.

“Do you still have class after this?” tanong ni Quentin na walang hirap na niligpit ang kaniyang gamit sa mesa kahit hindi nito inaalis ang tingin sa kaniya.

She cannot help but to raise her eyebrow.

“Ano’ng pakialam mo?” she asked.

Quentin sighed and looked at his watch.

“Uuwi na kami ni Angela pagkalagay ko ng gamit sa faculty. You should join us as your father instructed,” aniya.

Umirap si Clementine. Mabuti na lamang at wala na siyang kaklase na natira doon. Malaya na niyang masusupalpal ang respetadong si Quentin Blanco.

“After you left me this morning? Ugh!” she said and acted disgusted with the thought, “No, thanks.”

Naglakad siya para tanggihan ang binata.

There’s no way na sasabay siya sa buwisit na magkapatid pauwi. She will prefer to walk back to the mansion kaysa sumakay sa sasakyan ni Quentin.

“Nakakainis! Ano’ng pinagmamalaki niya? Bulok naman ang pick up niya!” aniya sa galit habang bumaba ng hagdanan.

Mahigpit ang hawak niya sa strap ng kaniyang bag. Malalaki at mabibilis ang hakbang niya papalabas ng gate. May ilang kaklase ang nakatingin sa kaniya.

“Mga bakya,” bulong niya.

She rolled her eyes and started to walk away from the school. Ayaw niyang makita siya ng mga ito na sumasakay sa tricycle. Ang ilang naglalakad din pauwi ay napapalingon sa kaniya at para siyang may sakit na nakakahawa dahil automatic humahawi ang mga ito para bigyan siya ng daan.

She was almost stomping her feet sa sobrang inis kaya hindi pa man ganoong nakakalayo sa gate ng school ay nagsisimula na agad sumakit ang kaniyang paa.

Napamura siya sa suot na Christian Louboutin.

Ang hapdi na nararamdaman niya sa kaniyang sakong ay tumitindi lalo sa pagtagal ng kaniyang lakad.

‘At bakit parang hindi nauubos ang layo na nilalakbay niya mula sa school? At bakit madaming naglalakad na mga pesteng estudiyante pauwi?’ tanong niya sa isipan niya.

Ayaw niyang ipaalam sa mga ito na sobrang sakit na ng kaniyang mga paa. Baka kumalat pa at mapag chismisan siya kasi mukhang uso iyon sa lugar na ito. Vance was totally right. Mukhang unang araw pa lang niya sa SLCC ay sikat na siya sa dami nang nangyari sa kaniya. She shamed one of the star players of the school, she had a heated discussion with a respected professor and now, she’s seen walking on the streets with students whispering behind her.

It was very clear.

No one liked her.

Sa bawat tingin pa lamang nila. Halata mo na ang indifference.

But it’s okay. She did not need them.

All she needs is to go back to New York and pretend this bad dream never happened.

Pero mukhang hindi siya nananaginip.

Sa lakas pa lamang ng busina mula sa sasakyan na nasa tabihan niya, ay tila magigising siya. Inis niyang nilingon iyon.

It was a blue sedan car. Bukas ang bintana noon at nag-da-drive nito ay ang lalaking tinatawag nilang Korics kanina. Sakay nito ang ilan sa mga kaibigan niya. Nakangisi ito habang nakatingin kay Clementine.

The car matched her pace.

“Senyorita, bakit ka naglalakad?” he mocked.

Nagtawanan ang ilan sa mga kaibigan nito.

“Nasaan ang driver niyo? Gusto mo ihatid ka na namin?” he asked again.

Tumaas ang kilay ni Clementine at umirap.

“What did I tell you earlier? I think I said get lost.” she said.

Nag-umpisa na ulit siyang maglakad at hindi na pinansin ang lalaki. Obviously, napahiya ang isang iyon dahil ipinahiya niya. And that’s not even surprising.

Tinuring ni Clementine na parang hangin itong ‘di nakikita kahit pa panay ang busina at halakhakan ng mga kaibigan ni Korics.

“Napakasungit mo talaga!” ngumisi si Korics, “Halika na, ihahatid lang naman kita. Huwag ka na maarte,oh? Malayo pa ang hacienda ninyo.”

Hindi nagsalita si Clementine at taas noo pa na naglakad.

She wanted to shout dahil mas naging triple pa ata ang sakit na dulot ng kaniyang sapatos.

‘God! Kapag hindi ito tumigil huhubadin niya ang heels niya at ihahampas niya iyon sa tuktok ng ulo ng buwisit na lalaking ito.’ she thought and rolled her eyes.

Hindi niya maiwasang isipin na kung totoo bang nakakainis ang mga lalaki rito.

But she’s ready to spit when they heard a loud horn from a car coming from their behind.

“Si Quentin... Korics,” sabi noong isa.

Quentin pulled over and went down. Inis na umiling si Korics at nilingon si Quentin nang katukin nito ang bintana niya.

Quentin looked serious. Mabigat ang intesidad ng mga mata nito nang tingnan siya ni Clementine.

“S-Sir.” bati noong isang kaibigan ni Korics.

Tumikhim si Quentin.

“Ano ang nangyayari rito?” tanong niya, “Iniistorbo ka ba nila, Clementine?” tinanong siya nito.

“Hindi. Nag-uusap lang kami ni Clementine kasi—“ sabat ni Korics.

Tumaas ang kilay ni Clementine.

“Yes, iniistorbo nila ako.” she said, “I don’t even know him. Where can I report him?” agarang tanong niya.

Namutla si Korics sa sinabi niya.

“Binastos ka ba?” tanong ni Quentin.

“Is stalking counts as that? Because if yes, then he is.” kibit- balikat niya.

Nilingon ni Quentin si Korics.

“I will report this incident tomorrow at the Disciplinarian Office, Mr. Reyes.” he said.

“Pero—“

“Umuwi ka na before I report you to Don Wilfredo, too.” dagdag pa nito.

Mabilis na tumango si Korics at sinara ang bintana ng sedan at pinaharurot iyon. Pinanood nilang mawala ang mga ito.

“Okay ka lang?” tanong ni Quentin at namulsa, “Umuwi na tayo.” anyaya pa nito.

Umirap si Clementine.

“Alam mo napaka-pakialamero mo talaga!” she shouted.

Walang reaksiyon si Quentin sa pagsigaw ng dalaga.

“Muntikan ka na mapahamak, Clementine! Puwede ba? Sumabay ka na sa amin ni Angela pauwi.” pag-uulit niya.

Tiningnan ni Clementine ang lumang truck nito.

“No!” she shouted again.

Nawalan ng pagtitimpi si Quentin at mabilis na hinablot ang palapulsuhan ng dalaga para puwersahin itong sumakay sa kaniyang truck.

He would be a dead meat to Don Wilfredo if something happens to his daughter kaya iuuwi niya si Clementine sa ayaw man niya o sa gusto.

“Aray!” sigaw ni Clementine dahil gumuhit ang hapdi sa sakong niya.

Nilingon siya ni Quentin at kumunot ang noo. Binawi ni Clementine ang kaniyang kamay at chineck ang kaniyang sakong. She has blisters and her sole is already red.

Yumuko si Quentin para i-check iyon.

Walang imik niyang binuhat na parang sako si Clementine.

“Ano ba? Ibaba mo nga ako!” sigaw ni Clementine at sinuntok suntok ang likuran ng binata.

Umikot ito sa passenger seat.

Nakita ni Clementine na nakaupo doon si Angela.

“Angela,” tawag ni Quentin, “Can you sit at the back?” tanong nito.

“Ha?” tila hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Angela.

Clementine cannot believe it too like Angela.

“Masakit ang paa ni Senyorita. Siya ang uupo sa tabi ko.” seryosong paliwanag ni Quentin.