That Gangster is a Princess, for Real?

Chapter 9: Sprained

Shandra's POV

All students are called to the quadrangle for some kind of announcement. A month has passed without a thrill that happened in my life. I'm not the type who likes the monotonous kind of life and the peace it brings. It's kind of boring for me, maybe because since I was a child there's always something that happened around me. Blame it for the kind of family I have.

Feeling hopeful, I walked towards the quadrangle with my friends. Wishing that something may change my boring routine.

While we're taking our time walking, other students, mostly freshmen are rushing towards the quadrangle. I envy their energy and enthusiasm.

"Do you have any idea what's this about?" I asked to no one in particular.

"Nope," Haven answered. "Might be something about activities. Minsan kasi biglaan at kung anu-anong activity na lang ang maisipan ng Student Council na sinasang-ayunan naman ng faculties saka ng Directress."

Pagdating namin sa quadrangle marami ng tao kaya medyo nasa likuran na kami. Maya-maya lang nahawi ang mga tao, binigyan ng space ang gitna para makadaan ang sino mang Poncio Pilato.

We staggered many times, doing our hardest to keep our balance or else we will fall. Unfortunately, someone steps on me and it's a little bit painful. I didn't know who did since it's a mess in our front. I can't help but fall to the ground since I also sprained my ankle.

"Shan, are you okay? What happen?" nag-alalang tanong ni Yana

"Someone steps on me and seems like I also sprained my ankle. It hurts when I force myself to stand up," I grimace while explaining to her.

"Naku Shan, nadamay ka pala sa kaguluhan ng students. Dumating kasi ang DK, tingnan mo," nakatawang sabi ni Lei.

"Paano niya makikita? Hindi nga makatayo, ang utak Lei paganahin pwede?" pambabara ni Ember.

"Paano naman kasi ang mga students dito akala mo royalties ang dumating at talagang binigyan ng daan sa gitna, may nadisgrasya tuloy" naka-ismid naman na sabi ni Haven.

"Time out muna kayo, tulungan niyo nalang akong dalhin sa clinic itong si Shandra" saway ni Yana sa tatlo, mukhang magsisimula na naman kasi silang mag-asaran. I was thankful when Yana said that because I don't think I can stand up on my own.

Suddenly silence surrounded us and I noticed the students looking in our direction.

May dumaan bang anghel kaya biglang tumahimik? At bakit pinagtitingin ako ng mga kapwa ko estudyante? Are they wondering why I'm in the ground? Kasalan kaya nila kung bakit nakalupasay ako dito ngayon. Ang sakit kaya ng paa ko.

I saw a glimpse of the Dark Knights walking towards us. They might be the reason for the silence. Space where we are suddenly becoming a little wider. The students are stepping asides to give way to the Dark Knights.

They have a questioning look in their faces while looking down at me. Nagtataka siguro sila kung bakit nakalupasay ako sa lupa.

I glanced over the three girls and saw them gaping at the Dark Knights as if it's the first time that they saw them up close. It's different for Yana though because her eyes are set with Vash. While Haven on the hand is sneering on the side, not fazed by the Dark Knights presence.

Kinalabit ko si Yana at binulungan, naka-squat kasi siya sa tabi ko. "Yana, ang mata mo, mamaya wala ka ng makitang Vash kasi tunaw na sa titig mo. Saka, paki-punas nga ng laway mo, ayan tumutulo na."

Impit na napatawa si Haven, naulinigan ata ang binulong ko kay Yana. Pinunasan naman ni Yana ang ilalim ng bibig niya. Naniwala talaga ang bruha na tumulo ang laway niya, paano na kay Vash ang buong atensyon.

"Wala naman Shan ah," sabi ni Yana pagkatapos tiyakin kung may tumulo ngang laway mula sa bibig niya.

Hindi na namin napigilan ni Haven at tumawa na talaga kami, sa pagtataka ng lahat. Dahil sa tawa kami ng tawa ni Haven, ang atensyon ng lahat ay napunta sa main. Pati nina Ember at Lei na kanina lang ay naka-tulala sa Dark Knights na nasa harap namin.

"Oh! Nothing, right Haven?" I said when everyone gives me a questioning look. At dahil nagkatinginan kami, napabungisngis na naman kami ulit.

"Yeah, right," pigil ang tawang sagot ni Haven

"Ewan ko sa inyo, mukhang pinagkakaisahan niyo ako," naka-pout na sabi ni Yana.

"Uhm, sweetheart are you okay? Bakit nakalupasay ka dyan?" tanong ni Grey sa akin.

I heard the people around us gasp hearing Grey calling me sweetheart. He squatted on the other side of me, opposite of where Yana is.

"She's not okay Grey," Lei answered him for me. "She sprained her ankle and we're going to bring her to the clinic."

Before anybody else can say anything Chase butt in. "I'll bring her to the clinic Grey, just tell me later what's this announcement's about," he said.

Without another word and before I can protest he lifts me up, bridal style. Dahil nagulat ako sa biglang pagbuhat niya sa akin, napahawak ako leeg niya.

"Hey! Put me down," I complained nervously. Ang lapit ng mukha niya sa akin at ramdam ko ang malakas na kabog ng dibdib ko. The same thing I feel that time I bumped into him. I just hope he won't notice it.

We haven't formally introduced yet. I don't know why but out all Grey's friends he's the only one who didn't bother to know me. We haven't even had a conversation, even a quick one. He seems distant and aloof or maybe just a snob and who am I for him to take notice, right?

Still, he has a different effect on me. He's able to make me feel an unfamiliar emotion. Emotions I'm afraid to discover. Emotions I shouldn't feel.

"Why? Do you really think you can reach the clinic on your own?" He looks down at me. "Be still, it will be quicker this way," saway niya sa akin. He may be thinking that I'm just conscious of the situation and not something else. I'm thankful for that.

"Ayun o, dumdamoves na si Chase," nakangising asar ni Ash

"Shut up Ash," seryosong saway ni Chase sa nang-aasar na si Ash

"Take care of my sweetheart Chase," sabi ni Grey at tinapik ang balikat ni Chase.

"Is this the right time you're talking about, bro?" nakangiting sabi ni Xanthel na tinapik din ang balikat ni Chase.

"Treasure the moment bro, minsan lang ito darating," nakangisi ng nakaka-aasar na sabi ni Josh.

Chase's face is blank while looking at his friends but his eyes say otherwise. Disbelief and annoyance towards his friends cross his eyes.

I don't understand what they're talking about. Kaya sumingit ako sa usapan nila at nagtanong. "What are you talking about?"

"It's nothing. Don't mind them, they're just a bunch of idiots saying a crazy thing," sagot ni Chase at nagsimula ng maglakad papuntang direksyon ng clinic.

"Bro, good luck, wag kakabahan ha?" tumatawang pahabol na sigaw ni Vash. That's a first. It's my first time seeing him laugh. He seldom speaks much more laugh.

Wait a minute! My mind currently digesting what I've heard. I don't get it. Can someone please explain to me what just happened? For goodness sake! I can't understand what they're saying.

I look back at my friends while Chase slowly walking away with me in his arms. They just look at us while their mouths are wide open. I sigh in annoyance.

"Is there something wrong?" He asked. Ang kaninang blangko niyang mukha ay lumambot at nag-aalalang tiningna niya ako.

Umiling lang ako bilang sagot at sinalubong ang kanyang tingin. Tumango siya, binawi niya ang tingin at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad habang ako ay nananatiling nakatingin sa kanya. I just can't believe this is happening. 

Yeah, I asked something to happen because of boredom but this is not what I meant. I'm not ready for something like this, never will be. I don't have any right to be like this, to feel something towards a guy, how vague it may be. 

Haven's POV

Pagdating namin sa quadrangle marami ng estudyante kaya nasa may likuran na kami. Dumating ang Dark Knights kaya nagkagulo, may tilian dito, tulakan doon, para lang makita nila ang hinahangaan. At talagang binigyan nila ng madaanan ang DK, bigla kasing nagkaroon ng space sa pinaka-gitna.

Ang OA talaga ng mga students dito, akala mo mga royalties ang dumating. Katulad kasi sa scenes ng mga favorite kong Korean Period Drama, yung mga base on history. Na kapag dadaan ang hari o kung sino mang member ng royal family, talagang pupunta sa gilid ang lahat ng kanyang nasasakupan at yuyuko habang dumadaan sila sa gitna ng mga ito. That's what happening right now minus the yuyuko part, imbes kasi na yuyuko, nagtitilian lang naman ang mga babae.

My friends think I hate boys especially the Dark Knight but the truth is no. Ang totoong hindi ko gusto ay yung may mga taong parang baliw na nagkagusto sa mga taong wala namang pakialam sa kanila. Hindi ko kilala ang Dark Knights, of course I know them but not who they really are, kaya bakit ko sila huhusgahan? Meron pala akong hindi gusto sa Dark Knights, yung kasikatan nila. Dahil kasi dun kahit hindi nila sinasadya marami silang nasasaktan. Yung ibang babae naman kasi ang tatanga. Tapos na ako sa parteng yan ng buhay ko at ayoko ng balikan pa. Yung panahon kung saan humanga ako sa isang taong wala ni katiting na pakialam sa akin.

Dahil nga binigyan ng space ang Dark Knights para makadaan sa gitna, medyo nagkagulo sa likuran at may nagtulakan pa. Shandra becomes a victim of the mess created by the Dark Knights presence. Someone step on her and worst, she sprained her anke. Right now, she's sprawled on the ground. We are about to helo her when suddenly around us becomes silent.

When I look around, all eyes are now unto us. Dark Knights are now in front of us which is kind of unbelievable. What are they doing here? Why are looking at Shandra questioningly?

I look at my three friends which are obviously a fan of Dark Knights to see their reaction. I shook my head in disbelief seeing them gaping at the Dark Knights. They aren't even shy looking stupid in front of them. I was thinking something to say when I heard Shandra whispered to Yana.

I snickered, what Shandra said isn't actually true. Because Yana is way too distracted, she goes ahead and confirms if it's true. She hadn't realized that Shandra is just pulling a prank on her. My stomach hurts from refraining myself to laugh. When Shandra's eyes meet with mine, we burst into laughter. We got the other's attention because of laughing, much to everyone's wondering.

When we calm down, Grey asked Shandra and calling her sweetheart. What he did earn a loud gasp from the students that heard it. How sweet! Hindi ko alam kung ano talaga ang relasyon nilang dalawa. Yana won't say a thing and I can't bring myself to ask Shandra. I don't want to look like I'm prying.

The surprise didn't stop at Grey. Not just me but everyone was surprised when Chase said he will be the one bringing Shandra to the clinic. Why are we surprised? Chase is kind of aloof and distant. He never bothers to mind other's business if it's not about his friends. I've never even seen him talk to someone else and I've never seen him talked or even approach Shandra. Now, he took the extra mile and bring Shandra to the clinic? Just, why?

Binuhat niya si Shandra ng walang babala na ikinagulat nito. Agad naman itong nakahawak sa leeg ni Chase at nagprotesta na ibaba siya. Subalit hindi siya pinakinggan nito at pinagsabihan pa.

Sunud-sunod na nagsalita ang mga kaibigan ni Chase at inasar siya ng mga ito. Tanga na lang ang hindi makakaintindi sa takbo ng mga naging usapan nila. Does Chase like Shandra? Haba ng hair ni Shan pagnagkataon at nagawa niyang bihagin ang puso ng mailap na leader ng Dark Knights. What about Snow Flash though? There are rumors that Chase likes her that's why he's looking for her.

Nang makalayo na sina Chase at Shan bumalik na ang ingay. Kanya-kanya na ng usapan tungkol sa dalawang kakaalis lang. Merong nagtataka sa nangyari, may nabigla sa ginawa ni Chase at meron namang hindi natuwa.

Napanting ang tenga ko ng marinig ko ang sinabi ng isang babae malapit sa amin. Sinabi niya na nag-iinarte lang si Shan para mapansin ng Dark Knights at sinagot ito ng kasama na mas maganda pa daw ito kay Shandra.

Napataas ang kilay ko at tiningnan ang huling nagsalita. Tama nga siya, mas maganda nga siya kay Shan, mas magandang iburol. Akala mo kung sinong maganda, puno lang naman ng make-up ang mukha. Sinamaan ko sila ng tingin na sinagot naman nila ng pagtaas ng kilay. Hinayaan ko na lang muna sila ng may narinig na akong nagsalita sa harapan.

Pinasayaw muna ang Campus Ladies bago sabihin ang announcement. Nagreklamo pa nga si Ember na nakakasawa na daw ang Campus Ladies. Di pa man tapos ang sayaw may naramdaman na akong kakaiba. Ang pakiramdam na ganito ay naramdaman ko lang kapag malapit siya sa akin. 

And I'm not mistaken, I hear his voice from behind talking to the Dark Knights. Lumapit sila dito para alamin ang nangyayaring kaguluhan kanina. I stiffen upon hearing his voice. Bakit ganito pa rin ang epekto niya sa akin? Bakit kinakabahan pa din ako kapag nandiyan siya? Napa-ngiti ako ng mapakla, di na dapat ako maapektuhan ng presensiya niya. Ni hindi na nga ata niya ako kilala o baka talagang ni minsan hindi niya inisip na naging parte din ako ng buhay niya, nila.

Wala na dapat akong maramdaman. Pero boses pa lang niya ay bumalik na naman ang sakit. Matagal nang nangyari yun, dapat limot ko na pero bakit marinig ko lang ang boses niya nasasaktan na naman ako?

I composed myself, no one should knoe that I'm affected by his presence. Hindi pa ako handang sabihin sa kanila kung sakaling magtatanong sila. Ayoko ng balikan pa ang nangyari noon, matagal ko ng kinalimutan yun. Hindi ko naman kasi alam na dito din siya nag-aaral, sayang naman kung lilipat ako ng dahil lang sa nandito siya. Hinding-hindi ko hahayaang sabihin niyang duwag ako, kaya hindi ako lumipat kahit alam ko na isang araw magkakaharap din kami. Hindi ko bibitawan ang opportunity ko dito sa CAU para lang iwasan siya. CAU is the best school, with a very high standard. Mahirap makapasok dito tapos sasayangin ko sa sa isang walang kwentang bagay? No way! When the time comes, I know I need to face him. I think that the time is drawing near. Though I'm not sure if I'll be ready facing the past that I'm trying very hard to forget.