Owing to Bulletin

Kabanata 6

"Make sure that you two will comply after this, okay?" our cranky Physical Science teacher said.

"Yes Ma'am."

We are currently making her sign our excuse letter for the training of upcoming Press Conference. Siya na ang huling pipirma.

Sinadya talaga namin ni Kaz, knowing that she's our the most terror teacher.

"Matagal-tagal din kayo mawawala. Siguraduhin niyo lang ha," she said while signing.

We nodded and waited for her to be done.

We breathed heavily in convenience when we finally got outside of their faculty. Sa wakas, tapos na rin kami ni Kaz maghagilap para magpapirma ng excuse letter.

"Grabe parang araw-araw may regla si Ma'am Mendoza," pabulong na sabi ni Kaz, nag-iingat na baka may makarinig sa kaniya.

"She's always like that. Buti nalang mae-excuse na tayo."

Bukas na ang examination namin. Next week will be the start of our training. Even I'd do this yearly, I'm still excited.

A day in a training is like heaven. You'll just write all day long. It's kinda challenging even though I'm a writer for years. Especially when my laziness would attack me. Just procastinating and ending the day with zero article that needed to be done.

Natawa ako sa isip nang may maalala. Halos lahat kami ay ganoon kapag training. Isang araw kada article pero kapag laban kinakaya namin sa isang oras lang.

Madalas wala ang mga coach namin kaya nangyayari iyon. Pupunta lang sila sa umaga para bigyan kami ng topic then they will comeback in the afternoon to criticize our finished article. May klase pa rin kasi sila kaya ganoon lang ang nangyayari.

"Atat na talaga ako mag-training," Kaz said while we're heading our way to our building.

"Likewise."

"Oh? Araw-araw mo makikita niyan si Vren, bwisit ka ro'n diba? Tapos atat ka na ngayon?" she asked like accusing me or something.

"He's not the reason why I am. I'm not like you, atat dahil sa bakla," I said mocking her.

Or maybe he's the main reason? When he stole my article, it gave me a strong gut to retrieve it on the other way. And I think it's the main reason why I want to train harder then prove him wrong.

"Of course not! May crush akong babae ngayon no!" Kaz exclaimed, I can sense her guiltiness.

"Noong bata pa tayo, babaeng babae ka. Ngayon babaero ka na."

I let out a laugh, mocking Kaz.

She raised her middle finger to me. Hanggang ngayon naman babaeng babae pa rin ang physical appearance ni Kaz. Naka-liptint siya at sakto ang haba ng itim na buhok. Yung kilos niya sakto lang pero ang pabango niya ay panlalaki. Leuxia and Kaz got the same taste when it comes to perfumes.

"Hindi ah. Sila kaya lumalapit sa'kin. Pinagbibigyan ko lang sila," she said while laughing.

Kaz had pointed nose, fair skin, thin lips, then monolid eyes. Chinita girl, the reason why we almost thought that she have a Chinese or Korean blood but she's pure Filipino. Hindi nakapagtataka kaya habulin, hindi lang ng lalaki pati ng mga babae.

"If you said so," I shrugged.

Malapit na kami sa building ng HUMSS nang biglang may humarang sa 'ming babae. Hindi siya pamilyar. Makapal ang make up at pulang-pula ang lipstick.

"Totoo ba? Siya ang pinalit mo? Hindi naman siya, ano..." Naputol ang sasabihin niya dapat nang napatingin siya sa 'kin at napatitig. Nakaduro at medyo naka-awang ang bibig.

"Wait, sino ka ba?" naguguluhang tanong ni Kaz.

Sa dami ng babae niya hindi na matandaan. O baka naman hindi niya naging bebe 'yan. Her standards won't ever fall.

Ilang beses na rin kami na-issue nito ni Kaz dito sa Gorostiza. Minsan nga kumalat na kaming lima nina Heira ay ex niya, tss.

"Siya na ang girlfriend mo?" the girl asked again.

"What the f**k? I'm not, ew," I said while trying hard to stop myself from laughing.

Magsasalita palang sana si Kaz pero biglang may lumapit na isa pang babae. She slightly pulled the girl who's talking to us.

"Ano ka ba? Hindi mo kilala sila Alexia, tara na! Ang kulit mo, magtropa nga sila!" pabalang na bulong noon tsaka hinila nang tuluyan ang kaibigan.

Maybe that girl is a newbie here. Our circle of friends was known here in GNHS. Some of Kaz's girls used her to be part of us. But, well, we know how to criticize and choose people.

"Who's that?" I asked Kaz.

"I don't really remember her," Kaz stopped thinking.

"Perhaps, she's having a crush on you."

She laughed. "Pwede rin na sayo na ngayon."

I shrugged. Pumanhik na kami papunta sa classroom namin. Gladly, there's no teacher yet. Baka hindi na naman papasok. Halos kasunod lang din namin pumasok ang presidente ng klase.

"Guys wala ulit si Ma'am Calison. Kaso may iniwan siyang group report, next week after exam agad ang presentation," Janna said, our class president.

"Kasali pa rin ba kami ni Lexi, Janna? Wala na kasi kami next week," Kaz spat.

"Sana lahat excuse!" one of our classmates shouted.

"Oo Kaz, kasama kasi yung grade nito sa performance ngayong sem. Nahuli lang kaya ihahabol kasi nga laging wala si Ma'am," Janna explained to us.

"Okay," I nodded.

"Gagamitin natin ang time ni Ma'am para mag-meeting. Kung maagang matatapos ang group, pwede na mag-early lunch."

We immediately head to our respective groups. Hinati ng leader namin ang kani-kaniyang parte sa group. Pauline is a good leader, matalino sa lahat. Well, she's from Special Science Class back when we're junior highschool.

"Let's finish this report already. Mamaya sa library after class, sana pumunta lahat at tumulong," Pauline said after giving our part.

"Si Julius lang naman ang laging chill dito. Walang ambag," Sam said, one of my groupmates.

"Bigat!" they mocked Julius, but this s**t is unbothered. He's laughing too.

"Julius, ikaw nalang ang mag-report para may ambag ka," I said in a monotone.

He quickly nodded at me.

They knew that I'm a writer so automatic, my part is the narrative report. It's okay for me though, easy.

"After class, library. Wala tatakas ha," Pauline said with finality in her voice.

We all nodded before leaving our group. Halos kasabay lang din namin ang group nila Kaz na matapos. Kaya naman inaya ko na siya bumaba para mag-lunch na.

"Kailan magsisimula ang group niyo?"

"Later, after class. Gusto agad ni Pau na tapusin na." I answered her while walking downstairs.

"Buti pa sa inyo," iritadong aniya. "Sabi ba naman ni Rizza sa gc nalang ulit namin pag-usapan pati yung hatian ng parts!"

I laughed at her. Buti nalang si Pauline ang leader namin. We stopped when we reached 3rd floor. Bahagyang sumilip si Kaz sa classroom ni Heira.

"Wala na, baka nandoon na," she said while waving her hand.

Nagpatuloy kami sa paglalakad papuntang cafeteria. Agad na kumaway sa 'min si Aldrin nang makita kaming pumasok. Tatlo palang sila nina Heira at Vance.

"Mga bakla!" malakas na sigaw niya na kumuha sa atensyon ng marami.

Hindi na talaga nahihiya 'to.

"Si Tanya bakla?" I asked Vance.

He chuckled.

"Sis hindi ata sasabay. Sinundo yung bruha ng gwapo nating Photojournalist kanina sa room! Ang lola niyo palong-palo!"

I nodded on his answer. Maybe it's Zairo. Napaisip ako na baka hindi na kumakain si Tanya dahil pagmo-model niya at pati lunch siya ang kasama? Yari sa 'kin si Zairo kapag nagkataon.

"Si Zairo?" Kaz asked for confirmation. "Mas gwapo naman ako ro'n."

I looked at her in disbelief.

"Konti nalang Kaz, ganap na tomboy ka na."

"Ano ka ba bakla! Sayang ka 'no! Kung pwede lang makipagpalit, akin na 'yang keps mo!" sigaw sa kaniya ni Aldrin.

Napailing ako at naglibot ng tingin. Kung mag-usap ang mga'to ay parang wala sa public place. Tss.

Napalingon ako sa isang gilid nang may marinig na pamilyar na boses. I saw Thalia with a girl. Nakaakbay siya rito habang naglalakad papunta sa 'min.

"There's another one," Heira whispered while chuckling.

Naka-angat lahat ang tingin namin sa kanila nang makarating sila sa tapar ng table. Nakangiti siya sa 'min pati ang kasama niya. She introduced her companion to us.

"This is Lara, a friend," Lara smiled to us. "I bet kilala mo na rin sila?"

Tumango lang yung Lara habang natingin sa 'min. May binulong pa siya kay Thalia bago lumakad paalis. Kakapakilala palang umalis agad?

"Hoy Thalyra Nian! Sino 'yon?" pang-iintriga agad ni Aldrin.

"Are you deaf? A friend nga," she said while pulling a chair.

"Huwag kami Thalia, wala ka nang ibang kaibigan bukod sa 'min," I said in a monotone.

"Fine, a fling? I don't know."

"Ang sakit mo naman Thalia. Friend zone sa harap namin yung chick," Kaz said then shook her head before laughing.

"I won't be shocked if the next day, si Lexi naman ang may dalang babae," Heira said while laughing.

I laughed at her. Napaisip ako sa sinabi niya. I'm having a girl crush although I'm not that attractive to them. I just find them pretty. Well, hindi ako sure.

Binati namin si Xeya nang sunod na dumating kay Thalia. She's always with us the whole week. She's not that uptight so it's okay. At alam din namin na totoo siya sa 'min, hindi gaya ng iba.

I can read her.

"Von texted me, hindi raw sila sasabay ni Jethro," Thalia said while waving her phone. Lahat kami ay napatingin kay Xeya at tumawa.

"Ano ba kasi 'yon bakla?" Aldrin asked Xeya.

"Secret, bawal ibulong."

We ordered our food and started eating. I just watched them sharing gossips to each other. That's how we trust each other. Maraming napapatingin sa 'min sa biglang tawa nila Aldrin ng malakas dahil sa tsismis na nakalap.

"Shet ang gwapo talaga nilang dalawa. Omg! Tumingin rito, oh my!"

Napalingon ako sa dalawang Junior na nakatayo sa gilid ng table sa lakas ng boses nila. And they have the guts to fangirl beside us. Sinundan ko ng tingin sulok na tinitingnan nila. I instantly looked again to my food when I saw Vren looking at my direction.

He's with Pricus, who's looking on our table too. And of course it's because of these two girls who's fangirling beside our table. They are too loud.

"Junior high, what is it? Gwapo? Where?" Pakisasali ni Thalia na kaharap ko sa dulo ng mesa.

Napalingon siya sa tinitingnan ng mga Junior. Lumingon din ako at nakitang nakatingin pa rin silang dalawa sa banda namin. Thalia immediately turned her head again to face the food. Malutong siyang nagmura habang nakatingin sa pagkain.

I faced them. "Malapit na ang klase niyo. Bumalik na siguro kayo sa classroom niyo."

"Sige po ate Lexi hehe."

It didn't surprise me when she knew my name.

Tumango lang ako bago sila umalis. I continued eating even it feels awkward. Knowing that someone is staring at your every move. I winced on the thought, why would I feel it by the way?

"Let's go back to our rooms na," Heira said.

"You're r-right. Tara na," ani Thalia.

It's like a music to my ears, finally. Naglakad na kami palabas ng cafeteria para bumalik sa kani-kaniyang building. Nagpaalam na kami kila Aldrin na nauna habang hinihintay si Kaz na may sinasabi pa kay Xeya.

Napatingin ako sa likod nila Kaz nang makita si Vren na naglalakad na rin pabalik. I almost shout at Kaz because of her long chitchat but then she turned to us. Xeya waved a goodbye.

Halos magkasunod na naglalakad si Kaz at Vren kaya tumalikod na rin ako. Later on I saw Heira following me, also Kaz. I wanted to curse them when they walked faster than me on stairs. Nauna silang naglakad sa 'kin.

I didn't look at my back but I know it's Vren. I can sense his strong aura even though I can't see him. But why the hell am I paying so much attention? The f**k.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang makarating kami sa 3rd floor. Kung saan ang room nila ni Heira. Sumenyas kami kay Heira bago siya pumasok. I thought Vren would follow her?

I stopped on the first step of stairs going to 4th floor. I looked at him, wishing that I didn't do that. I composed myself and raised a brow. And hell, he only raised his brow too and stared at me. I turned my back to walk again.

Bakit hindi ko man lang naisip na baka may pupuntahan siya sa floor namin. I cursed myself for thinking that he's following us. What the f**k Alexia.

Nang makarating sa tapat ng classroom namin at napatingin ulit ako sa kaniya. His brooding eyes bore into me before walking again downstairs. My brows furrowed, that fast?

"La? Abno," Kaz said with her face perplexed.

I pursed my lips then shrugged. I walked towards my armchair. Baka may nakalimutan kaya gano'n. He won't waste his time just for that stupid action.

I tried to focus myself for the afternoon class but ended up being absentminded for nothing. Gladly it goes smooth, since our teachers only gave pointers to review for tomorrow.

"Sa library!" Pauline shouted.

I was typing on my phone while following my groupmates to the library. I texted kuya Norbert to pick me up later. Nagpaalam din ako kila Kaz na hindi ako sasabay dahil sa group report.

"Let's start na. Alam kong magre-review din kayo para bukas," Pauline said while putting her things on the table.

"Review? Ano 'yon? Nabibili ba 'yon?" Chris said while laughing.

"Kung sino pa ang inutil, siya yung hindi nagre-review," Sam said, mocking him.

"Kaya pala hindi ka nagre-review, inutil," balik na asar ni Chris.

"Stop it, both of you." I said in a monotone.

Tumigil din naman sila at nanahimik na.

We started searching and doing our part for the group report. Naririnig ko pa ang bahagyang asaran nina Sam. Hinayaan ko nalang, kusa pang magkakasundo ang dalawang 'yan.

We quickly finished our report. Thanks to the cooperative members and especially, to the gifted leader. She's good and effective. She's the classmate that you'll wish to be your groupmate in every group activity.

"Ayusin mo yung report Julius," I said while arranging my things.

"Don't worry kapag may tinanong na hindi mo alam, sasaluhin kita," ani Pauline pero double meaning sa mga ka-grupo ko.

"Sus sabi na e!" pang-aasar nila.

I noticed their thing also. Kaya siguro kahit walang ambag 'to si Julius may grade pa rin? Kapit sa leader, magaling.

"Ingat kayo!" nagpaalam na kami isa't isa bago maghiwalay sa gate.

Medyo madilim na rin at wala na masyadong tao. Kuya Norbert texted me earlier that he's already here. I head to the street where he usually parks the car. Kung sa tabi mismo kasi ng school ay masikip at lilikha lang ng trapiko.

Nagpatuloy lang ako sa paglalakad kahit na pakiramdam ko'y may sumusunod sa 'kin. I remained myself calm and didn't bother to look at the back. Bago pa makarating sa kanto ay may humarang sa 'kin na lalaki. Wala siyang kahit anong dala pero halatang basagulero.

"Ikaw yung isang Levesque?" tanong niya.

I put on my cold expression then nodded at him. Dapat siya yung matakot sa 'kin, hindi ako.

"Sumama k-ka sa 'min!" pilit na sigaw niya.

"Sa amin?" I looked at my back and saw another man too. He got a thin water tube on his hand. "Why would I?"

"Nakakatangina na 'yang kapatid mo. Sumama ka n-nalang kung hindi!" pananakot niya.

"Lugmok na ba kayo sa kapatid ko kaya ako ngayon ang binabalikan niyo? What a weakshit man! Pityful pride and ego," I smirked.

"Gago ka ah!" sabi nung nasa likod ko.

"Alam ko," I said.

The man suddenly grabbed my arm. I extended my other arm, preparing to punch him. But someone did the honor. Napalingon ako sa likod ko para tingnan yung isa na bagsak na rin. Nabalik ang tingin ko sa kaniya, hawak na niya ang tubo at mabilis ang paghinga. Tumayo ang humawak sa 'kin tsaka pinuntahan ang kasama at inaya na paalis.

"Why did you do that?" I asked him calmly.

"He's touching you," Vren answered while panting because of rage and looking at me.

"Alam ko, but I don't need your help. I can handle myself, I'm not a f*****g damsel in distress," I said in a cold tone.

"Hell yeah, but he's touching you and I don't like it," He said while biting his lower lip.

My brows furrowed.

"Ako rin ayoko kaya sana ako nalang ang nakasapak."

"Can't you just say thank you in a jolly way than being cold while complaining for helping you?" he stepped closer while staring at me.

And that's what I hated the most. Kaya ayokong nagkaka-utang na loob maliban sa mga kabigan ko at pamilya. Pipilitin kang magpasalamat sa bagay na hindi mo naman hininging gawin nila.

"Well, this is how I say 'thank you'," My last words before punching him harder than what he did.

I smiled while looking at my fist because of contentment. It's like a dream come true. That's for stealing my article and meddling with my thing bastard.

I looked down and my smile faded when I saw him unconcious lying on the floor. I squat to see him near. I stared at his face. Even he's just sleeping, he looked alluring. He's like the counterpart of sleeping beauty.

"Hoy Vren," I said while tapping his face.

At first, I was hesitant to touched his face because it's like a sin. My filthy hands touching his beautiful face, but I needed to wake him up. After several taps, hindi pa rin siya nagising kaya pinilit ko siyang itinayo.

I almost curse him because of his heavy weight but his hypnotizing scent soothes me. I put his arm on my shoulder then snaked my arms around his waist to support him. I maintained myself even though I can smell his seductive masculine scent.

Nang malapit na sa kotse ay nakita ko si kuya Norbert na nakatayo sa tabi noon. Agad siyang dumalo at tinulungan ako nang makita ang akay ko.

"Ano pong nangyari Ma'am?" He asked while helping.

"I punched him," I answered kuya, not sure if he'll believe it.

"Saan ang diretso natin nyan Ma'am?"

He turned to me while opening the backseat door.

I looked at Vren when he's finally sitting. Hindi naman masyadong malala para dalhin sa hospital, although medyo nagvi-violet na ang gilid ng mata niya. I don't know too where he lives.

Kura Norbert opened the door of shotgun seat for me. I seated and looked again upon Vren who's peacefully sleeping. I turned to kuya Norbert that just got into driver's seat.

"Sa mansion pa rin kuya," I said and looked outside.

Without a word, he started driving. Tumingin lang ako sa bintana. Minsan ay tinitingnan si Vren at baka gising na. Lola is gone for a week, she's in one of the islands here in Philippines. And it's good, there's none who'll interview me because of this s**t.

When we finally arrived at the mansion, kuya Norbert held Vren. Inalalayan ko sila habang naglalakad papasok ng mansion. Agad siyang ibinaba sa sofa ni kuya. Napalingon ako sa engrandeng hagdan at nakitang pababa si Leuxia.

"Who's that? Ngayon ka lang nag-uwi ng lalaki ah?" Leuxia asked, mocking me. "Wait, siya yung nasa food park diba? Yung crush mo?"

"What? Shut up, Leuxia," I said and glared at her.

"What happened?" she asked, not minding my glare.

"Oh anong nangyari kay Vren?" tanong din ni Mako na galing sa kusina.

"Sinuntok ko," I casually answered. "Mako, nasaan si Mariana?"

"Ewan ko, bakit?" he answered, not looking to me.

"Call her, magdala ng gamot."

"Siya ang maggagamot kay Vren? Huwag na, ako nalang. Nag-aaral 'yon sure ako," sunod-sunod na sabi ni Mako, tinanguan ko siya

"Sinuntok mo nga?" Leuxia asked again so I nodded.

Gusto ko sana sabihin na siya ang puno't dulo niyo, na ang katarantaduhan niya. Kaso ayokong magalit siya at balikan niya ang mga 'yon ngayon din. Siguradong lulumpuhin niya ang mga 'yon, tss.

Well, ako naman talaga ang may kasalanan. If I didn't punch him, maybe I'm just resting right now.

"You're so cruel ate. Ganiyan ka ba magpakita ng pagkagusto? Manhid ba kaya sinapak mo?" she asked.

I don't know if she's mocking me or what.

"What the f**k are you saying?" I glared at her.

"Lessen your brutality. How can he crushback you if you're like that ate Lexi?" she lectured me like a pro.

My brows furrowed at her.

"At kailan ka pa naging maalam sa ganiyan?"

Leuxia didn't say a thing and just continue smiling at me like a dumb. I raised my brow to her. I stiffened when I heard a familiar chuckle on my back. I turned my back to confirm and see him.

"Crush pala ah." Vren said while grinning mischievously.

I gave him a death glare. Wala na akong ginawa ngayon kundi tumitig ng masama. f**k this day. I turned again to Leuxia who's trying hard to stop herself from laughing.

"Keys?" I asked her.

Hinagis siya 'yon at agad kong sinalo.

"Don't get it scratch."

I nodded and turned again to Vren wearing my cold expression. He's still smirking like a dumb s**t. I gestured him to stand up and follow me.

"Teka, sinapak mo 'ko kaya dapat alalayan mo 'ko," he demanded like a kid.

I raised my brow.

"Sinapak lang kita hindi binugbog. Hindi ka baldado."

"But-"

"Make it fast!" I exclaimed and continued walking outside our mansion.

Hindi ko siya naramdaman na sumunod pero nagpatuloy ako sa paglalakad. I walked straight on our garage. Pinatunog ko ang motor ni Leuxia. It's good that we are on PE uniform today so it's not hassle riding Leuxia's huge motor.

Pinaharurot ko 'yon papunta sa b****a ng mansion. Saktong paglabas niya ang pagdating ko. Napatingin siya sa'kin na naka-awang ang bibig.

"Sakay," I said with authority.

"Saan?" He asked and raised his brow.

"Malamang sa 'kin," huli nang narealize ko dahil ngumisi siya sa 'kin. "What the f**k? I mean sa 'kin, sa motor na sinasakyan ko."

I heard Leuxia and Mako laughing at his back. These two is enjoying this s**t huh. I gave them a death glare.

"Wala naman akong sinasabi," he said and chuckled.

I stiffened when I felt him on my back. Why the hell am I doing this s**t. Well, of course it's my mistake, I'm at fault. Hindi dapat ako nang-aabala ng iba.

Pinaharurot ko 'yon hanggang sa gate. I stopped when the guard is still opening it. I was about to go again but I heard him.

"Wait," he spat.

Tatanungin ko sana siya kung bakit pero natigil ako nang naramdaman ko ang kamay niya sa batok. Kinalibutan ako, tingin ko'y tinayuan ako ng balahibo. It sent shivers down to my spine even though it's just a graze.

"I'm not yet hungry. Huwag mo 'ko pakainin ng buhok mo," aniya habang tinatali ang buhok ko.

May naramdaman akong kapiraso ng tela a batok. Maybe, it's his handkerchief. I winced and continued driving. I drive it as fast as I can. I stopped in instant when I realized something. Halos masubsob siya sa 'kin sa preno ko.

"Point the way to your house," I said in a monotone.

"Okay," he whispered on my ear. "Can you slow down a bit? You're so fast. Kaskasera."

"Para mabilis, humawak ka nalang sa likod," I said. "Sa likod ng motor." Dagdag ko agad, bago pa iba ang isipin.

He chuckled seductively on my ear. Napatingin ako sa side mirror at nakitang nakatitig siya sa'kin. I raised my brow before turning my attention to the road again.

I focused on the road while driving. When we reached the intersection I looked at him again on the side mirror. He's gazing at me too.

"Saan na?" I asked.

"Ikaw bahala," he said and smirked.

My brows furrowed. Matalim ko siyang tiningnan.

"What? Sagutin mo ng maayos."

"Ikaw nga bahala."

I scratched my brow in annoyance.

"Darn it. Kapag hindi ka sumagot ng matino ihuhulog kita rito sa gitna ng daan."

"No need to do that. I have fallen already and it's hard, damn hard Levior," he said while staring at me intently.

#