The Vampire's Kiss

Chapter 5

Blood

Napapaisip pa rin ako sa tanong na 'yon ni Sir A. Kumain ako nang iyon pa rin ang iniisip. But then I decided to stop thinking about it. It is weird but not something to be a big deal. Baka halata lang sa mukha ko na maraming iniisip o ano.

Sa mga sumunod na araw naman ay balik sa normal. He never asked me again. Ang tanging naging interaksyon namin ay kapag may recitation o reporting sa classroom.

"December na, malapit na ang Christmas. May plano na ba ang pamilya ni Halsey?" tanong sa akin ni Ysmael. We are on our classroom. Lumabas saglit si Maam Melendez.

"Hindi ko pa alam. Wala pa silang nababanggit," saad ko.

"Hmm, last time ay sa Ilocos kayo pumunta. Maganda ba roon?" he asked.

I immediately nodded when I remembered our trip there. I enjoyed the view of the sunset on Sand Dunes, the thrilling Kapurpurawan Rock Formations and the white fine sand of the beaches there.

"Kayo ba ng family mo, may plano?" tanong ko. 

"Yes, we are thinking na pumunta sa Ilocos at doon ispend ang Christmas. But we're also thinking about another place. Naisip ni Mom, why not sumama sa inyo kung may plano kayo. The more, the merrier 'di ba? I'll tell it to Halsey, and maybe, I'll visit Tita Julianna and Tito Harry to talk about it. Kumusta na pala si Tita Julianna?" he asked. I slightly shrugged.

"Wala akong masyadong alam lalo na minsan ko lang siya nakikita. But still, no changes. Hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita," saad ko. 

Nakabalik na ang teacher namin. She scanned the whole room and smiled when she saw me. Bahagya man nabigla ay ngumiti na rin ako.

"Class dismiss. Miss Therese, please come with me," saad niya. Agad naman akong tumango at inayos ang mga gamit.

"Anong meron?" Ysmael whispered. Umiling ako dahil hindi ko rin alam kung bakit ako pinapasama.

Napatingin ako sa iba kong kaklaseng babae na nakataas ang kilay habang nakatingin sa akin. Napayuko ako at nagpaalam kay Ysmael bago sumunod kay Maam Melendez. She brought me to the faculty room. Lahat ng narito ay HUMSS teacher. Inilibot ko ang tingin sa kwarto. Naroon halos lahat ng teachers. I saw Sir A busy reading. Bahagya pang kunot ang noo niya. Umiwas ako ng tingin at sumunod lang kay Maam na patungo sa kumpol ng mga teacher.

"Here she is!" Maam Melendez cheerfully announced. Napatingin naman lahat ng naroon. Agad akong tinignan mula ulo hanggang paa. Pakiramdam ko naman ay uminit ang aking pisngi dahil sa atensyon na natatanggap. 

"Oh, right!" saad ng isa sa medyo batang teacher doon. Tumayo siya at lumapit sa akin. She scanned me from head to toe. Hinawakan niya ako sa aking baba at pinalingon sa kaliwa't kanan at napatango-tango. "She's perfect!" saad niya kapagkuwan. Napakurap-kurap ako, naguguluhan sa nangyayari.

"Sabi ko naman sa inyo. Estudyante ko 'yan si Miss Laurelia Therese last year. She's beauty and brain. Palaging panlaban ng grade 11 sa quiz bee, battle of the brain and such," sabi ng dati kong teacher na si Maam Padua. 

"That's why she's very familiar, pati na rin pangalan niya. So it is settled then, she'll be our representative," pumapalakpak na saad ng isa sa teacher.

"Wait, marami ding gustong sumali na student sa HUMSS department. Let's give them a chance," Maam Alyza said.

"Of course. Magkakaroon ng assessment but Miss Therese doesn't need to undergo. Para lamang sa iba na gusto pa," saad ni Maam Melendez.

"Isn't that kind of unfair?" tumaas na ang kilay ni Maam Alyza. Napaatras ako nang bahagya nang masama ang tingin niya sa akin.

"Oh, come on, Alyza!" bahagya akong napaigtad nang may humawak sa magkabila kong balikat mula sa likod. I swallowed hard when I realized it is a man. "We all know that Miss Therese has everything we need. She have the brain and beauty. Kung isali pa natin siya sa screening, magiging mataas ang standard nila. Mas lalong hindi mabibigyan ng chance ang ibang HUMSS student. Right?" said the familiar voice. Bahagya ko itong nilingon ngunit napayuko ako nang makita na nakatitig pala sa akin si Sir Sanchez mula sa likod.

Pag-angat ko ng tingin ay nakita ko si Sir A na nakatingin sa pwesto namin. 

"Pero—" magsasalita pa sana si Maam Alyza ngunit humalakhak si Sir Sanchez. Humigpit ang hawak niya sa balikat ko at mas napalapit ako sa kaniya. Gusto kong umalis mula sa hawak niya.

"Alyza, what are you doubting about. Can't you see that she's our perfect representative. Katawan pa lang niya!" natatawang dagdag ni Sir Sanchez.

I saw Sir A's movement. Ngayon ay seryoso ang mukha niya at lumapit sa gawi namin. He stared at me and I don't know if he noticed that I am uncomfortable. Sa hawak ni Sir Sanchez at pati na rin sa huli niyang sinabi. Nasa harap ko na siya ngayon, katabi ni Maam Alyza.

"What do you think, Sir A?" saad ni Maam Alyza.

Lahat ng teacher ay napatingin kay Sir A, inaabangan ang sasabihin. Tila ba pinakamahalaga ang kaniyang opinyon. 

"First, atleast inform her kung ano ba ang pinag-uusapan niyo," saad niya. I saw his eyes staring at Sir Sanchez hands on my shoulder.

I blinked, and after a second, Sir Sanchez let go of my shoulder.

"Aw! That hurts. Parang biglang may pumisil sa kamay ko," pagkatapos ay humalakhak siya.

"Oh, my bad! Hija, I'm sorry I forgot," Maam Melendez said. 

"Po?" tanong ko. Humakbang ako palayo kay Sir Sanchez and I was very thankful when Maam Melendez pulled me closer to her.

"Mayroon kasing contest ang school natin kung saan maglalaban-laban ang lahat ng strand. Parang noong Miss Intrams, kaso noon ay mas simple iyon. But now, this contest is the most prestigious beauty and brain contest on this school. Kaso pang senior high school lang. Ile-level up sana na kahit college ay magiging kalaban niyo rin pero umalma ang ibang strand na masyadong mataas ang level noon," she said and smiled at me.

"Isasali niyo po ako?" tanong ko.

"Yes. And I really hope that you will not reject it. You had enough showing what kind of brain you have. You brought many honors for this school already. Now, I want you to upgrade yourself and use all that you have. Hindi lang 'to para sa department natin, na gusto ko kasi manalo tayo kaya pipilitin kita. You have the potential. Hindi lang utak ang meron ka. And I want you to gain more confidence and get out of your comfort zone," saad niya.

I look at her, then to other teachers. I saw how hopeful they are. Maam Alyza look away and rolled her eyes. Nagkatinginan kami ni Sir A and he just stared back. Muli akong tumingin kay Maam Melendez.

"Let's give her time to think, until tomorrow. Is that enough, Therese?" Maam Padua asked while smiling.

Ngayon ay hindi ko talaga maisip kung papayag ba ako o hindi. I confidently joined many contests ngunit lagi itong mga quiz bee, battle of the brains and other academic contest. Hindi sumagi sa isip ko na makasasali ako sa ganito. Ang grupo nila Allison ang mahilig sa ganito at ako naman ay walang interest. Though I already saw the questioning eyes of my teachers but they never really asked me dahil na rin active naman ako ngunit sa ibang aspect lamang. Ngayon lang ako naaproach tungkol dito.

"S-sige po. Salamat," tanging sagot ko.

Maam Melendez nodded and hugged me. I smiled a little on her sweetness.

"So for sure sasali 'yan si Miss Therese," one of the teachers teased me. Natawa sila at sinaway ito. She laughed then look at the teachers, "Pero ano ang desisyon natin? Sasali talaga siya pero iuundergo ba natin siya sa screening? Three representative per strand pa naman," saad niya.

"I told you guys, Miss Therese does not need to undergo," saad ni Sir Sanchez. He winked at me. I akwardly smiled. Nagkatinginan kami ni Sir A na ngayon ay kunot ang noo.

"Let her undergo the screening then. If you think she's the perfect representative of our department, no need to worry. Let them assess her. Para na rin alam ng mga estudyante na magta-try kung deserving siya, iwas gulo. Baka kwestiyunin pa kung biglang kasali na lang siya at hindi naman nag-undergo. It's easy for Miss Laurelia, walang magiging problema," litanya ni Sir A. Napaisip naman ang mga teachers.

"Sabi ko sa inyo eh. Kung sa tingin niyong panlaban talaga 'yan, then let her be. Isama niyo sa screening. Kasi kung hindi, parang natatakot tayo niyan na hindi siya makapasok, screening pa lang," saad ni Maam Alyza. She smirked at me.

"Okay then, get ready for it Miss Therese, after you make up your mind. The officials from our talent center ang magiging judge sa mini-screening per strand. So what you need to get ready from are, question and answer portion, your walk, your appearance and such. Aalamin ko ang details at iaanounce na lang ito as soon as possible," saad ni Maam Melendez. 

Ilang mga impormasyon pa ang sinabi nila sa akin bago ako umalis. They shared some things that usually happen on screening para daw kung makapagdecide na ako at pumayag ay ready na ako.

Dumiretso ako sa canteen at nakitang magkasama si Ysmael, Ysabel, at Halsey. I joined them and I think Ysmael told them that Maam Melendez called me earlier.

"So, what happened?" tanong ni Halsey.

"Uh, they are inviting me to join the upcoming contest."

"Oh, wow! Then what happened? You accepted it, right?" Halsey excitedly asked. Bahagya akong umiling. 

"What!?" tanong niya. She looks so disappointed.

"Halsey, lower down your voice. Don't be exaggerated," bulong ni Ysmael nang mapansin na marami ang napatingin sa amin.

"Didn't you hear her? She just—"

"Halsey, wala pa akong sagot. Chill," I gently said as I hold her arms. Nagliwanag ang mukha niya. 

"Ayon naman pala eh," saad ni Ysabel.

"Anyway," pumilantik ang daliri niya nang hawiin niya ang buhok. "grab it. Ako na ang bahala sayo. Sa make up mo, sa damit mo, and everything!" she giggled.

"Hindi ka ba nasali?" tanong ko. She shook her head and sipped on her drinks.

"Nope. I rejected it. Rest muna ako sa contests, and gusto kong panindigan ang pagiging overall president ng Performing Arts. We were assigned to prepare for that event. Kami ang magdedesign, sa amin manggagaling ang host, ang mga performances and such. Though we have representatives, too," saad niya.

"Kaming bahala sayo," Ysabel giggled. Napangiti ako.

"Di ba dapat ka-strand niyo ang susuportahan niyo," tumaas ang kilay ni Ysmael. Halsey rolled her eyes.

"Duh, of course I'll support them. Pero mas mangunguna ang sa bestfriend ko. Lalo na, this is her first ever contest na sasalihan na she'll use her beauty! I'm so excited!" Halsey giggled again. 

"Gusto mo ba?" he asked and stared at me seriously. "Without the pressure from your teachers and anyone, gusto mo sumali?" dagdag niya. Bumuntong-hininga ako.

"Magastos ba 'yon?" .

"No! And as I've said, ako ang bahala sayo—" Halsey was cut of by Ysmael. She pouted.

"Don't worry sa gastos kasi surely, our department will provide mostly of your needs. Ang kakailanganin mo lang ay ang sarili mo. And like what Halsey said, we will support you. Kahit tayo-tayo lang magtulungan kayang-kaya na," saad ni Ysmael. Ysabel smiled widely and nodded.

"Kinakabahan ako na baka hindi ko kaya. Baka—"

"Remember when you sali sa mga quiz bee? Parang gano'n lang din naman 'yon. Many people will watch you, expect something from you, and in the end, you didn't disappoint them. Therese, with your beauty and brain, you can easily win it! May confidence ka na para sa utak mo. Now, what you need is confidence for your physical self. And you have nothing to be ashamed of, because look at you!" litanya ni Ysabel.

"Yes, and to gain that kind of confidence, I'll train you. Tignan mo ako, kahit flat-chested ako, I'm not ashamed because I believe that beauty isn't based here. It is on your confidence. And geez, you're beautiful and a total package, go home na lang sila," Halsey said.

"Thank you, sobra-sobra naman pagpuri niyo," nahihiya kong saad. Halsey hugged me then giggled. She touch my face then pinched my cheeks.

"Oh, we need to put contour here. Natatago ang mataas mong cheekbone dahil sa chubby cheeks mo. So cutie," Halsey teased me. Kinurot na rin ni Ysmael ang pisngi ko kaya napanguso ako.

"So?" Ysabel asked. The three of them stared at me. Ang dalawang babae ay puno ng pag-asa ang mukha. Si Ysmael naman ay seryoso lang na nakatitig, tila matatanggap kahit anong desisyon ko.

I smiled and nodded. The two girls clapped their hands. Napangiti ako lalo. Maraming what if's sa utak ko pero matapos marinig at malaman na susuportahan ako ng tatlo kong kaibigan, wala na yatang dahilan para humindi pa ako. Lahat ng kakailanganin ko, it will be provided. I already have my confidence for my mind. Physical aspect na lang. And I know Halsey and Ysabel can help me on that matter. I also want to experience it. Para wala akong pagsisihan. As long as I can, I will try things that kindA scare me Because based on what I read, some things that you're scared to experience will give you the best feeling.

I told them that there will be screening. Kaya naman si Ysmael at Ysabel ay sasama sa mansyon mamaya pag-uwi para panoorin ang pagtrain sa akin ni Halsey. Gusto na agad niya matuto ako magkaroon ng tiwala sa sarili para mas mabilis ako matuto sa mga detalye sa beauty contest lalo na at first time ko ito.

Pagkatapos ng klase ay nagpaalam ako saglit sa kanila na pupunta muna sa faculty. Nauna na sila sa kotse sa may gate. I'll inform Maam Melendez about my decision.

I knocked on the door twice before opening the door. Ang kalahati lang ng katawan ko ang ipinasok para makita sila. And I saw no one. Napaatras ako nang walang makita at akmang aalis na ngunit may pumigil sa akin mula sa likod. Napalingon agad ako at nakaramdam ng kaba nang makita si Sir Sanchez. 

"What are you doing here, Miss Therese?" he asked, smiling. Humakbang siya palapit sa akin kaya awtomatiko akong napaatras. Tuluyan na akong nasa loob ng faculty room.

"Ah, kakausapin ko lang po sana si Maam Melendez k-kaso wala po pala siya," saad ko. Napatingin ako sa pinto nang sumarado ito. I swallowed hard and looked away when I felt him staring at my face.

"May meeting kasi ang teachers kaya wala kami. But I left since I have no interest about the agenda," saad niya at humakbang pa muli kaya umatras ako. Suddenly, the atmosphere feels heavy for me. 

"Gano'n po ba? S-sige po, bukas ko na lang siya kakausapin," saad ko.

Hinawakan niya ako sa braso. He smiled, "Why not wait for her? Saglit na lang iyon," saad niya.

Umiling ako. "Hindi na po. Hinihintay na rin ako ng mga kaibigan ko at...at kailangan ko na p-po umuwi," saad ko at sinubukan bawiin ang braso ngunit humigpit lang iyon. He saw how I tried to get out of his grip. Napangiti siya.

"Hintayin mo na lang," saad niya.

"Uuwi na po ako. Excuse me, Sir," saad ko at akmang aalis ngunit hawak pa rin niya ako kahit humakbang na ako palayo.

And it was a blessing when the door swung open. He immediately let go of my arm. Sir A's knotted forehead is noticeable. His lips are on grimline, he looks so upset. Tumitig siya sa akin, sunod ay kay Sir Sanchez na nasa likod ko.

"Sir A, tapos na meeting?" natatawang tanong ni Sir Sanchez.

Sir A didn't answer. His eyes wandered on me and it stopped on my arm. His jaw clenched and look at my eyes. He looks mad, but in a second, he's already emotionless.

"Anong ginawa niya sayo?" Sir A asked that shocked me. 

"W-what do you mean, Sir A?" Sir Sanchez chuckled nervously. "She is looking for Maam Melendez and I told her to wait. Right, Miss Therese?" dagdag niya.

Dahan-dahan akong tumango dahil tama naman iyong sinabi niya. Sir A stared on my arm. I felt my phone vibrated and I remember that my friends are waiting for me. I slightly panicked. Lalo pa dahil sa titig ni Sir A. Nakakatakot iyon kahit wala siyang emosyon.

"Uuwi na po ako. Thank you po. Excuse me," saad ko at halos tumakbo paalis. I looked back and saw a glimpse of them. Nakatalikod si Sir A, nakatitig kay Sir Sanchez. Sir Sanchez just smiled and turned his back. Halos mapatalon ako nang sumulyap si Sir A sa pwesto ko. Tumakbo na ako nang tuluyan.

Nang makalayo ay tinignan ko ang tinititigan ni Sir A kanina. Ang parte kung saan ako hinawakan ni Sir Sanchez ay pulang-pula. Tila magiging pasa na at halatang-halata iyon dahil napakaputi at putla ng balat ko. I slightly carressed it. Ano kaya ang nasa isip ni Sir A ngayon?

Pagdating sa mansion ay nagbihis muna ako. Kumain din muna kami. Dinala ko si Maella sa living room. The two tried to talk to her but she has no response. Alam na rin naman nila ang sitwasyon ng pinsan ko dahil ilang beses na nilang narinig ang kwento mula kay Halsey.

"So first, let's train your catwalk. Watch me muna," saad ni Halsey.

Naglakad siya nang diretso sa living room. I was amazed the way her hips sway while she's walking sexily.

"Madalas ang mga Miss Universe ay may signature walk. Si Catriona, Pia, and such. Iyon ang nagiging trademark nila kumbaga. But you don't need it naman as in. Ang mahalaga, you'll walk with a good posture, poise, and gracefulness," ani Ysabel.

I have no idea how I'll do that. Ang una nilang pinagawa ay pinatungan ako ng libro sa ulo. Then they let me walk in my normal way, as long as the book will not fall. Ilang beses itong nahulog ngunit matapos ang ilang try ay nagawa ko na.

"Very good! Now, walk with slight kembot naman," saad ni Halsey.

Huminga ako nang malalim at ginawa nga iyon. Hindi ko sinubukan gayahin ang lakad ni Halsey. Ang tanging nasa isip ko ay lagyan ng kaunting arte ang paglakad while staying in a good posture. Nang matapos ay tinignan ko sila.

"Wow, that was a graceful one! I like it!" tumitiling saad ni Halsey. "Saw that Ysmael? What can you say, since you're an audience here?" she asked. Ysmael smiled and signaled a thumbs up.

"Ayusin mo naman comment mo," saad ni Ysabel.

"It was nice. Okay na 'yon," saad ni Ysmael. Halsey made a face.

"No, it's not okay. That was really nice but I know she can do better than that. Right, Laurese?" saad ni Halsey. I nodded and smiled.

"We will put something on her walk. She's known na sa pagiging elegant at graceful niya. Demure and reserved. Why not make everyone shock 'di ba?" Halsey clapped her hands.

"Ano na naman ipapagawa mo?" tanong ni Ysmael. 

"Laurese, it's time to use your alluring eyes and sexy lips!"

"H-huh?" tanong ko, biglang kinabahan.

"I'm so excited. I like that idea," saad ni Ysabel. Nag-apir sila, tila nagkakaintindihan.

So that what happened for almost one hour.They trained my facial expression. At hindi ako sanay sa mga pinagawa nilang expression but they said iyon ang pinakamaganda kong gawin.

For screening, they said that I can have that graceful walk. That's already enough na raw to be chosen. For talent portion, kakanta na lang ako. Bukas daw kami magpapractice para doon and I don't know if I can do that. Hindi ko alam kung maganda ba pakinggan ang boses ko but Halsey said that she's sure that I have a good voice since I talk softly and it is pleasant to ears. Ako na raw bahala sa question and answer portion sa screening. Sabi ni Ysabel na malaki ang tsansa na bibigyan lamang kami ng isang salita at i-eelaborate namin iyon. .

Kinabukasan, nakarating na sa mga estudyante ang balita. And the screening will happen later, on the afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Most of the girls that love joining that kind of contest are very excited. Mukha nga silang hindi kinakabahan eh.

Kanina ay naisip ko na unfair ata na nauna kong malaman na may mangyayaring screening. Though I didn't know when, ngunit nalaman ko kaya nakapaghanda ako. But it seems like they are always ready.

"Are you ready today?" Ysmael whispered.

"Hindi ako sure," sagot ko at pinagmasdan ang mga kaklase ko na pinagsasama-sama na ang mga make up na meron sila para mamaya.

"Sa talent portion, mamayang gabi pa dapat practice niyo 'di ba?" he asked. Tila nag-aalala. 

"Halsey said na magpapractice kami mamayang break. Sakto rin dahil maaga nagpapalabas si Sir A 'di ba?" saad ko. He nodded in relief. "Mas kinakabahan ka pa yata sa akin," I chuckled.

"It is just that, nag-aalala ako dahil alam kong first time mo," saad niya. 

Sir A entered the classroom. His eyes found me before scanning the whole room. Nagturo siya at katulad ng dati ay maaga nagpapalunch. Dali-dali akong nag-ayos ng gamit pati na rin si Ysmael dahil may usapan pa kami ni Halsey. Kinakabahan talaga ako sa talent portion. I stood and was about to bid goodbye to Sir A out of respect, but he's busy reading. Bigla akong nag-alangan.

Naisip ko na lalagpasan na lamang siya ngunit nag-aalangan pa rin.

"Goodluck," sa gitna ng pag-iisip ay nagsalita siya. Tinignan ko siya at abala pa rin siya sa pagbabasa. Sigurado naman ako na para sa akin iyon dahil kami na lang ni Ysmael ang narito. I slowly walked and stopped in front of him.

"Thank you, Sir. Goodbye po," sinabi ko na lang. Ysmael bid his goodbye too.

Dali-dali namin hinanap si Halsey. Hindi kami sa canteen dahil maingay roon. Sa may garden kami para payapa.

"Here's your food, I know mawawalan ka ng oras because after this may saglit ka pang class," she said.

"You're so thoughtful. Thank you so much, Halsey," saad ko.

"Ako? Para sa akin?" tanong ni Ysmael, tukoy sa pagkain.

"Wait mo si Ysabel," Halsey rolled her eyes.

Dumating na rin si Ysabel na may dalang pagkain para sa kapatid. Bago kumain ay pinakanta muna niya ako ng alam ko. Hindi ako pamilyar sa mga latest na kanta kaya iyon na lang na alam ko mula noon. So I sang Migraine. They stared at me as I sing. When I already finish the song, Ysabel and Halsey clapped their hands.

"I never heard you sing. Nasabi ko na maganda because you speak softly. Pero I didn't expect this. It is so beautiful!" Halsey exclaimed.

"It's like a disney princess' voice," saad ni Ysmael.

"Right! You're right, Mael. So why not let her sing a song that really suit her voice," saad ni Ysabel.

"Part of your world. Iyon lang ang pamilyar ako dahil narinig ko na noon. Pero hindi ko kabisado," saad ko.

"That's fine. Mamaya naman hindi kailangan buo. Just for them to know that you have a talent," saad ni Halsey.

I downloaded the song and listened to it while we are eating. When we are done, they let me sing twice.

"You're so good!" saad ni Halsey. "Kabisadong-kabisado mo na agad and it is just what, 8 minutes. What kind of brain do you have!?" Halsey exclaimed. I just smiled. 

Mabilis ako makapagmemorize but it seems like, mas mabilis ngayon.

Malapit na mag ala-una. Pagdating namin sa room ay nag-aayusan na ang mga kaklase ko. They put eyeshadow, lipstick and blush on. Nagkatinginan kami ni Ysmael. Is it required?

My phone vibrated. When I opened it, I have a message from Halsey.

Halsey:

My gosh! We forgot to put a simple make-up on you. I'm so sorry. Hiram ka na lang sa classmates mo. Just put little redness on your pale cheeks. Sa lips hindi na kelangan since it's already red, kahit gloss na lang. That is already fine since you're so pretty. I'm sorry bestie. Can't go na there 'coz may class na. But no doubt, you'll be chosen. Goodluck! Muah <3

I look around. Nakahihiya manghiram lalo na halos grupo ni Allison ang sasali, and it seems like they don't like me.

My phone vibrated again, so I opened the message.

Halsey:

Just let your hair down. Don't settle on that pony tail. Love lots :*

Sinunod ko agad ang sinabi ni Halsey. Inilugay ko ang buhok at sinuklay gamit ang daliri. Bahagya tuloy naging wavy ang dapat tuwid na tuwid kong buhok. I checked myself on the camera of my phone, and I think it looks good naman.

Napatingin ako muli kila Allison at naabutan ko itong nakataas ang kilay habang nakatingin sa akin. Marahil nagtatakha bakit naglugay ako dahil lagi akong nakapony tail. Umiwas akong tingin.

"Gusto mo hiraman kita sa kanila ng lipstick?" Ysmael gently asked.

Akma akong sasagot ngunit dumating si Maam Melendez. She smiled when she saw my classmates getting ready. When her eyes landed on me, her eyes widened a bit.

"Put a little make-up!" she exclaimed. I remember how happy she was when I informed her earlier that I'll join.

Agad niyang ibinaba ang bag at may kinuha mula roon. Matapos ay lumapit sa akin. All of my classmates are now staring at us.

"Sasali ka?" kunot ang noo na tanong ni Allison.

"Yes, mabuti nga pumayag si Miss Therese," nakangiting sagot ni Maam.

I saw the girls rolled their eyes and whispered to each other. Maam Melendez started putting make up on my face. Nilagyan niya ako ng blush-on. She also brushed my eyebrows and put a little amount of lipstick and lip gloss on my lips.

"Hindi natin tatakpan ang maamo mong mukha. I made your make up simple that it looks so natural. So pretty," she whispered and giggled.

Inabot niya sa akin ang salamin at napangiti nang makita ang mukha. Simple nga lang talaga ito at mukhang natural. Nadagdagan lamang ng kulay ang pisngi ko, but it still looks like I'm just blushing.

"Thank you po, Maam," saad ko.

"Naku, anak, kapag college ka madalas required na maglagay nang kaunting make-up. Matuto ka na, ha?" saad niya. Tumango naman ako bilang sagot.

2:30 ng hapon ay pinalabas na kaming mga sasali ni Maam Melendez para mauna raw sa pila lalo't mukhang marami ang sasali. Nauna akong lumabas lalo na't naghihintayan ang grupo nila Allison. When I arrived at the venue, I was the third on the line. May mga nakapost sa poste na process ng assessment.

First step ay ang pagrampa at introduction. Matapos noon ay mababawasan kami. Sunod ay ang talent portion. Muling mababawasan pagkatapos. At ang huli ay ang question and answer portion. Sa gymnasium mangyayari ang assessment. May long table sa harap.

Ngayon ay katatapos lamang ng ABM students. Bawat lumalabas ay napapatingin sa amin na mga nakapila. Lalo na ang huling tatlo na lumabas. I think they are the chosen candidates from their strand. One of them smirked at me.

Nagbreak muna ang mga judge. It will be a quick one since we will start at 3:00. Parami na kaming nakapila. Allison's group came. Imbes na dumugtong sa pila ay dumiretso sila sa harap ko. Allison raised her brow and crossed her arms.

"Ano nakain mo bakit sasali ka? You should have stayed on your zone. Doon ka na lang sa mga quiz bees mo," she chuckled. 

I looked away.

Hindi ko maintindihan bakit pinag-iinitan ako ni Allison palagi pati na rin ng tatlo pa niyang kasama. Hindi ko alam kung bakit gayung wala naman akong ginagawa na masama sa kanila. The first time that we met, I sense their disgust on me. Kaya lumayo na ako sa kanila at umiwas. But still, sometimes they approach me just to mock and insult me.

"Mag back-out ka na bago ka pa mapahiya," saad niya muli. I just slightly shook my head. Hindi niya mababago isip ko. My teachers and my friends support me, at iyon ang mahalaga sa akin.

"Sabing mag back-out ka eh!" she shouted. Students looked at our spot, intrigued on the commotion.

"Allison, tama na. Ayoko ng gulo," mahinahon kong saad.

"Mag back out ka," may diin ang bawat salita na sinabi niya. Bumuntong hininga ako at 'di siya pinansin. And it triggered her more.

With her high heels, she step closer to me. It is like a slowmotion right into my eyes. I watch as her hand raised to push me. Tila bumilis ang reflexes ko. One step on the side, she pushed the air that cause her to stumble on the stair. Muling bumalik sa dating bilis ang paligid at narinig ko ang pag-iyak niya dahil sa sakit. Her friends stared at me with anger and shook their head. Tinulungan nilang tumayo si Allison. First thing I noticed is the blood on her knees.

Hindi ko na nabigyan ng pansin masyado ang pagdating ni Sir A at ibang teacher. Tinignan ako ni Sir A bago binuhat si Allison. Halos wala na akong pakialam sa paligid at tanging nasa dugo na nasa hagdan ang atensyon ko. It is so red. Sumakit ang ulo ko. Pagmulat ko ng mata ay tila mas naging malinaw ang paligid. I smelled the scent of blood. I felt the dryness of my throat. Muli akong napapikit dahil biglang ang liwanag na sobra ng paligid para sa paningin ko. Hinawakan ko ang ulo. All I can think is the attractive redness of the blood.

"Okay ka lang, Miss Therese?" napamulat ako sa nagtanong. Isa itong estudyanteng hindi ko kilala.

"A-ayos lang," saad ko. Everything went back to normal. Hindi na muli sensitibo ang pang-amoy at paningin ko.

What just happened? Bakit biglang tila naging mahalimuyak ang dugo para sa akin?