That High Maintenance Girl

Kabanata 24 — Love or Money

The crowd went wilder. Clementine faked a smile to cheer Frances who was starting to get everyone’s attention.

“Thank you, candidates!” sigaw ng emcee.

“We will now have an intermission number from the SLCC Dance Troupe!”

Clementine bit her lower lip because she knew that the next portion would be the swimsuit competition. Ang mgaa blockmates niya kanina at hindi naniniwala sa kakayanan ni Frances, tila nabaligtad ang bangka ngayon. They were all cheering for Frances and Vance to win.

‘That should be me.’

Hindi niya maiwasang isipin iyon. Alam man niya na sinadya niya ang mga nangyari. May kaunting kirot sa dibdib niya. She thought that if she’s the one competing, their praises and cheers for Frances would have been hers.

She felt a lump on her throat that’s making it hard to breathe or swallow. Lalo na at mukhang nakalimutan ng lahat na siya dapat iyon.

She looked at Quentin. Nakikipagusap ito sa isa pang lalaking professor. She bit her lower lip and tried to focus.

“Guys, Kumusta? Buhay pa ba kayo?” nakangising tanong ng emcee na nagpasigawan sa mga tao.

Nag-dim ang mga ilaw sa stage at tanging ang center stage kung saan naroon ang emcee ang may spotlight.

“Sino sa mga candidates natin ang gumulat sa inyong gabi? Kasi ako, mayroon talaga!” nakatawang sabi nito.

“Si number 7! Pucha! Ang ganda!” sigaw noong isang bading mula sa batch nina Frances.

Clementine sighed and plastered a fake smile.

“Oh! Tama na nga ito! Dahil gusto ko na i-present na sa inyo ang ating candidates wearing their swimsuit attire!” sigaw ng emcee at unti-unting nag simula ang music.

Lumabas si candidate number 1. Suot nito ang puting two piece bikini na may puting lace cape. Rumampa ito. Sa portion na ito lubos na papanoodin ng mga tao.

Tahimik na nagmamasid si Clementine. May kung ano sa loob niya ang nais na makitaan ng mali si Frances. Para bang nanalo na ang kasamaan sa kaniya at hiniling niya na mayroon itong malaking balat o hindi kaya ay sugat na makakaapekto sa kaniyang swimsuit performance.

At nang lumabas ito, wala siyang magawa kundi ang matulala. Even her body, was priceless. Hindi niya mawari kung bakit ganoon na lamang iyon at walang kapantasan .

“Waaaaaah! Frances! Tapakan mo ako!” sigaw ng isa sa crowd na pinagtawanan ng mga iba.

Even the guys were gazing at her. Automatic na tiningnan ni Clementine si Quentin. He’s not looking at her. May binubulong sa kaniya si Herlene na tinanguan nito.

Frances reached the front of the runway. Clementine watched her and waiting for her to have some mistakes but when Frances winked at the crowd, she grimaced.

It was a seductive wink. Kung hindi siya naiinis kay Frances sa ngayon, she would’ve been proud of how far she improved.

Nagtagal pa si Frances sa unahan. She gazed at the part where the faculty was sitting. Clementine’s eyes landed on Quentin again because she’s sure, siya ang taong tinititigan ni Frances.

Frances shamelessly blew a kiss. Laglag ang panga ni Clementine nang tumango si Quentin na para bang okay lang sa kaniya ang nga kantiyaw ng mga estudiyante.

He just laughed and let his coteachers tapped his shoulders like he won something. Hindi maiwasan ni Clementine na kumulo ang dugo roon.

She immediately stood up. Napatingin ang katabi niya sa kaniya.

“Okay ka lang? Saan ka pupunta?” tanong nito.

Clementine forced a smile.

“Sa comfort room lang,” she answered calmly.

Tumingin ito sa paa niya at umambang tatayo para tulungan siya.

“Ganoon ba? Sama—“

“No!” agarang pigil niya. “Don’t bother. Kaya ko naman. Mag-enjoy ka na lang dito. You might miss something.” she said.

Tumango ang kaklase niya.

“Sure ka ha? Ingat ka diyan baka madapa ka.” sabi nito at bumaling na muli sa stage.

Hindi na bumaling pa si Clementine kahit na si Vance na ang rumarampa roon. In an instant, nagsisisi siya sa ginawa niya. She should’ve stayed at home.

Nagpunta siya sa comfort room. She fixed her face. Ayaw niyang bumalik na roon. She did this to herself. Ginawa niya iyon para kay Frances in the first place kaya hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit ganito ang inaasal niya ngayon.

“Sh*t. Clementine,” bulong niya sa sarili at hinugasan ang kamay. “You should support Frances like what you are supposed to do.” sabi niya para kumbinsihin pa ang sarili.

Kinalma niya ang emosyon at lumabas na roon. She decided to go back there and support Frances like a friend when she saw Quentin leaning on the wall.

Saglit na dumaan ang gulat sa kaniya pero agad ‘din napalitan ng iritasyon para sa binata.

“Ano ang ginagawa mo rito?” tanong niya.

She stopped in front of him. Umayos ng pagkakatayo ang binata at ngumisi sa kaniya.

“Sabi ng kaklase mo nagpunta ka sa banyo.” sagot nito.

Kumunot ang noo niya.

“Eh, ano naman ngayon? I don’t need you.” sabi niya, nagmamatigas.

Hinawakan niya ang saklay at nag-umpisa nang maglakad pabalik. Bigla siyang nairita dahil parang ang haba ng hallway na lalakarin niya pabalik.

Nakasunod lang sa kaniya si Quentin. Hindi siya umuna sa dalaga at nanatiling nasa likuran nito kahit pa kayang-kay niya na unahan ito. Nakaalalay lang siya sa dalaga.

“Ano ba! Huwag ka nga sumunod!” sigaw niya nang nararamdaman na nakasunod pa rin si Quentin sa kaniya.

“Ibinilin ka ni Manang sa akin, Senyorita.” simpleng sagot nito.

Umirap si Clementine kahit hindi naman iyon nakikita ni Quentin. Gumapang ang kaba sa dibdib niya pero tinatakpan niya iyon ng mga irap.

“Kaya ko! Hindi naman ako baldado!” inis na sabi niya at hinarap na si Quentin.

“Talaga? Bakit nakasaklay ka kung kaya mo maglakad?” sacrastic na tanong ni Quentin.

“Would you just go enjoy your night by watching that stupid pageant?” tanong ni Clementine sa kaniya.

Kumunot ang noo ni Quentin.

“Are you jealous with Frances on the pageant?” tanong ni Quentin.

Clementine did not anticipate that question coming. Nakalimutan niya na matalinong tao si Quentin at napakatalas nito. Nanatili siyang nakatingin sa binata. But her chest was heaving so hard.

“Why would I?” tanong niya pabalik, medyo defensive. “Eh super cheap naman ng pageant na iyan!”

Quentin’s jaw tightened. Umiling siya at tumitig kay Clementine.

“You don’t have the right to feel jealous or insult that pageant, Clementine. Because we both know that you did sprain your ankle intentionally.”

Clementine froze.

Nilagay ni Quentin ang pareho niyang kamay sa bulsa ng kaniyang pantalon.

Hindi nakagalaw man lang o nakapagsalita si Clementine sa gulat niya.

‘Paano niya nalaman na sinadya ko iyon?’ tanong niya sa kaniyang isipan, ‘Was I too obvious?’

“Bumalik ka na roon sa gym. You put yourself on your situation. Learn how to deal with it.” sabi ni Quentin at iniwan siya.

It was like a slap to Clementine’s face. Kinuyom niya ang kaniyang palad dahil alam niyang tama si Quentin. She looked around. Thankfully, no one was there to hear them.

Inayos niya ang sarili at bumalik doon. Next was the evening gown competition. Ngumiti siya sa kaklase na katabi niya.

“Ang tagal mo! Natapos na ang sports attire,” sabi nito.

Ngumisi si Clementine at umupo.

“Ah! Ang haba kasi ng pila sa cr.” aniya at bumaling sa unahan.

Mas naging dramatic pa ang lighting ng stage para sa evening gown competition. The emcee introduced them again. Tumunog ang violin version ng sikat na kanta.

A student wearing a black tuxedo sang the lyrics. Maganda ang boses noon at ang pagkanta niya ng live ay mas nagbigay pa ng ganda sa stage.

The candidates started to walk. Magaganda ang mga gown na iyon. With the spotlight illuminating them, mas lalong nangningning ang mga suot nila.

Clementine cannot help but to be in awe when Frances and Vance walked out. Nakita na niya ang gown na iyon dahil iyon ay dapat sa kaniya pero hindi niya akalain na seeing that on Frances, can make her mesmerized.

The curves perfectly hugged Frances’ body. Tahimik ang lahat at hinayaan ang sole music na maghari. The judges looked very satisfied.

With this rate, Frances has a strong chance of winning.

Hindi rin sila binigo ni Vance. He’s so good with his black tuxedo paired with blue necktie that matches France’s gown.

The top 5 pairs were announced. Frances and Vance were the only representative by the Marketing Department remained. Mas lalo pang nagwala ang crowd dahil panghuli silang tinawag ng emcee.

The question and answer came, everyone was nervous because this portion is the biggest point on the score card.

One mistake from the candidate, can change the whole performance sheet. Clementine watched carefully. Frances is smart but she stutters when she’s scared or nervous.

Pumikit si Clementine nang tawagin si Frances. She got a ball containing the question on the fish bowl. The emcee smiled and opened it.

“Ang ating questioner for Miss Frances Beredo would be, Professor Quentin Blanco.” the guy emcee said.

Clementine’s heart skipped a beat. Tumapat ang spotlight kay Quentin. Frances were shocked for a moment but in the end put a smile on her face.

“She’s nervous…” bulong ni Clementine.

Tumayo si Quentin at kinuha ang mic na iniabot ng coordinator. He smiled and opened the cue card containing the question.

“Miss Beredo, how are you feeling tonight?” tanong ni Quentin.

May mga estudiyante ang nagsabi nang kanilang paghanga sa kakisigan at physical na anyo ng binata. Sinamahan pa nang malalim nitong boses.

“I am good, S-Sir.” medyo kabadong sinabi ni Frances.

Frances bit her lower lip.

“Here’s my question for you,” sabi ni Quentin at tiningnan ang cue card. “What would you rather throw away: Love or Money?”

Tumahimik ang crowd. Binigay ng emcee ang mic kay Frances.

“Go girl,” bulong ng mga ka-block mates niya na nahahalata ata ang kaba ni Frances.

“I would rather throw away, money.” simpleng sagot ni Frances. “I would want love to remain in my life because love fuels the greatest possibilities in life.”

Everyone fell silent.

Frances looked at Quentin and smiled,

“Love is power. It can goes through an eternity. If you would ask me, fifty years from now, when I am old and alone, I can say money cannot hug me or keep me warm. So, I choose love. Thank you.” she said.

“Oh my god!” sigaw ng mga tao.

“Thank you. Good to know we are sharing the same sentiments, Miss Beredo.” he said proudly.

Quentin nodded with a smile. Nagpalakpakan sila. Clementine cannot help but to feel bitter. If she would be given the same question, she would answer it differently.

She would choose money.

Love can get you killed. Iyon ang paniniwala ni Clementine. But with money, it gives you power… it gives you freedom.

Doon pa lang, ang laki ng pagkakaiba nila ni Frances.

But turned out she was clearly wrong as the announcing of winners did not even surprise her.

Frances won. She’s the new Miss San Lucas Community College of this year.

She watched her being crowned by the last year’s winner. Quentin handed her a bouquet and another guy professor gave her the trophy. Her block mates and co-department climbed the stage to have a picture with Frances.

Clementine chose to stay on her chair. Walang ibang nakapansin ng nararamdaman niya dahil valid ang rason niya. She’s having a hard time climbing the stairs. Vance went down. He finished first runner up because Korics won. Umupo ito sa tabihan niya. Ngumisi si Clementine rito.

“You did good,” sabi niya.

“Thanks,” sabi ni Vance.

Tumango si Vance at inalis ang kaniyang coat at tie. Everyone was busy with the photo ops with Frances. Quentin stayed at the stage dahil nag-pi-picture rin ang mga taga-faculty.

“Your friend did well, too.” sabi ni Vance habang pinapanood ang paa niya.

“Yes, I know.” aniya at bumaling na rin sa unahan.

She bet that Frances was having the best time of her life right now and she doesn't want to ruin it by feeling like that.

Tumango si Clementine. She cannot deny the fact na nakuha na niya ang gusto niya para kay Frances. She caught their attention. She will surely have some confidence after this pageant.

“Tell me, was that really your plan? Kaya mo ba sinadya iyang paa mo?” tanong ni Vance, seryoso na at nakatitig sa kaniya.

Clementine did not bother deny of fake any emotions.

“You’re sharp as I thought.” sabi niya kay Vance.

Vance laughed.

“But I gotta say she’s good but I think you’re still the best if you did continue joining,” he said.

“You know what, Vance?” tanong ni Clementine at pinagkrus ang kaniyang mga braso. “Iisipin ko na talaga na may crush ka sa akin.” she smirked.

Vance smirked back and bit his lower lip,

“I told you, you are not my type. Maybe on our next life, you’ll probably my type. But nah,”

Nilagay niya ang kamay sa likuran ng upuan ni Clementine na nakangiti na rin sa kaniya. They stayed that way hanggang sa matapos na ang photo-op sa stage.

“Ako lang ba o talagang makakapatay na ang tingin ni Quentin Blanco sa atin?” tanong ni Vance.

Tumaas ang kilay ni Clementine at binalingan si Quentin na seryosong nakatingin sa kanila.

“He’s probably saying in his mind that I am flirting a lot,” she said, shrugging the malicious ideas building on her mind.

“I don’t think, so.” Vance said and removed his arms on her chair, “I gotta go. Ayoko na bumagsak ulit sa subject niya.” sabi pa nito.

“Stop creating stupid lies in your head, Vance.” ani Clementine.

“Well, let’s have a bet?” tanong ni Vance, mas lumapad ang ngiti.

Clementine rolled her eyes.

“I would have to make it look like I would kiss you.” he said, “If he comes here, I win.”

Lumunok si Clementine. She felt something inside her was building rapidly. She’s getting nervous.

Vance put his arm on the back of her chair. He leaned down and made it look like he was about to kiss her.

But…

“Clementine Serra,” he called.

Vance smirked and whispered,

“Bingo.”

He confidently smiled and looked at Quentin. May kakaibang init na pumalit sa kaba ni Clementine. Tumingin siya kay Quentin na seryosong nakatayo na sa kanilang harapan.

“W-What?” tanong niya sa mataray na tono pero hindi niya maiwasang mautal.

“Let’s go home. It’s late. Your father would be mad,” may diin na sabi ni Quentin at walang emosyong tiningnan si Vance na nakangisi.