Chapter 15
I gently released Ms. Dizon from my hold, but I kept her hand for support. Kahit papano, gusto ko siguraduhing okay talaga siya.
"Are you okay, Seinna?" tanong ni Ms. Sanchez, agad-agad na lumapit sa amin habang bumukas ang pinto.
"I'm okay, honey. Something just happened," sagot ni Ms. Dizon, pilit na ngumiti kahit halata mong may kirot pa rin sa pagkakasabi niya.
"Let's go to the clinic, Ms.," I offered, already wrapping my other hand around her arm to support her better.
"Sorry for the disturbance, honey," she added, probably embarrassed sa pagkakabagsak niya.
"It's okay, Miss Let's go," I replied, gently helping her walk out of the room.
"We’ll just go to the clinic, honey," paalam pa niya kay Ms. Sanchez habang kami'y palabas. Tumango lang si dragon lady, pero nung tumingin ako pabalik sa kanya, napatigil ako.
Tinitigan niya ako nang parang gusto niya akong kainin nang buhay. Galit. Sama ng loob. Kung makatingin, parang ako yung nagtulak kay Ms. Dizon sa bookshelf. Pero di ako natinag. I raised my eyebrow at her and smirked a little before turning my head away.
Paglabas namin ng faculty, hindi ko naiwasang mapansin ang mga estudyanteng nakatingin sa amin. Some were whispering, others raising their brows in confusion or curiosity. Bakit ba? Di pa ba sila nakakita ng concerned na estudyante? Ang kulit din ng mga tao.
Lumingon ako kay Ms. Dizon. Her foot was starting to swell. It was red and looked painful. Napangiwi siya tuwing mabibigat ang tapak.
"Slow lang, Miss. Okay lang kahit matagal. I got you," sabi ko habang ina-adjust ang support ko sa kanya.
"Thank you, honey. You're always so kind," sagot niya, smiling even through the pain.
After several minutes, finally, nakarating din kami sa clinic. I helped her inside, where the nurse immediately approached her.
"You can go now, honey. You still have class, and thank you for your help," she said while patting my hand gently before letting go.
I gave her a small smile and a nod. “Get better, Miss.”
Pagkalabas ko ng clinic, hindi muna ako bumalik agad sa class. Instead, I had another idea.
May mas importante pa akong mission ngayon.
I decided to buy food for Her Majesty the Dragon. Baka lang, kahit konti, lumamig ang ulo niya. Kahit konting appreciation man lang, kahit hindi niya aminin.
Pumunta ako sa canteen at nag-ikot.
Hindi ko nga alam kung ano mga gusto niyang kainin, pero sige lang, basta may variety.
Kumuha ako ng fries—kasi sino bang may ayaw nun?
Burger—classic, safe choice.
Chicken—para kung gutom talaga siya, may heavy meal.
At syempre, drinks.
Cold drinks.
Literal.
Kasi baka naman makatulong para literal na lumamig ang mainit niyang ulo.
Pagkatapos kong bayaran lahat, I walked back to the faculty room, hawak ang food tray na parang trophy. Parang ako yung nagwagi sa laban.
Pagbukas ko ng pinto, tahimik ang room. Si Ms. Sanchez lang ang nandun, nakaupo sa desk niya, busy sa pag-check ng papers. Mukhang hindi niya ako napansin—or nagpapanggap lang siya.
"Hi, Miss Dragon," bati ko, may halong ngisi sa tono ko.
Walang reaksyon. Hindi man lang niya ako nilingon. Wow, snob.
"Snobber talaga," dagdag ko pa, this time louder. Still nothing.
But I wasn’t the type to give up easily. I walked toward her slowly, the way you approach a wild animal na baka kagatin ka kung bigla mong galawin. Pero tuloy lang. I placed the tray gently on her desk, pushing aside a few papers.
"I bought you food. I don't know what you like, kaya sana magustuhan mo," sabi ko, trying to sound casual.
Finally, she looked up.
"Get this off my desk," she said coldly, without even glancing at the tray.
I smirked. Ayan na naman tayo.
"Eat it. Binili ko kaya 'yan para sa'yo."
"Give that to Seinna, and get out of my sight. I hate seeing you," she snapped.
“Aalis na ako. Just make sure to eat it, ha,” sabi ko, medyo mabilis na lumalakad palabas ng faculty room, baka itapon pa sa mukha ko yung binili kong pagkain. Hindi ko na kailangan pa ng drama na yun ngayong gabi.
Si Ms. Sanchez, as usual, tahimik lang, walang reaksyon. Hindi man lang lumingon o kumibo habang paalis ako. I could almost hear her inner monologue saying, “Wala kang kwenta.” But that was okay. Nakasanayan ko na.
Paglabas ko, hininga ko nang malalim. The weight of the day was catching up on me, pero hindi ko mapigilang ngumiti kahit kaunti. Because of her.
Naglakad ako pababa ng hallway, papunta sa classroom ko.
Habang naglalakad ako, nakaramdam ako ng kaunting pagod sa mga paa ko.
Pero sa likod ng lahat, proud ako na kahit pagod, hindi ko pinabayaan si Ms.
Dizon.
Kahit si Ms.
Sanchez—kahit na medyo dragon si Ms.
Sanchez—may puso rin naman siya, diba?
Pagpasok ko ng classroom, nakita ko sina Cecilia at Kinsley na nag-aabang na.
“Tinubol ka ba?” tanong ni Cecilia, nakaangat ang kilay, halatang curious.
“Huh?” sagot ko, medyo confused sa tanong niya.
“Sabi ko, tinubol ka ba? Halos abutin ka ng mahigit isang oras sa cr eh!” dagdag pa niya, halatang gusto niyang matiyak kung bakit ako late.
Napangiti ako. “Something happened. May tinulungan lang ako,” mahinahong paliwanag ko.
"Ah, akala namin tinubol kana eh." sagot pa ni Kinsley kaya inirapan ko nalang sila.
---
Class was finally over, but my day wasn’t done yet.
Practice for the contest was waiting, and I knew I had to push myself harder if I wanted to win.
I grabbed my bag and headed straight to Room A4, the usual spot where Ms.
Sanchez held her rehearsals.
As I stepped inside, I spotted her immediately—seated at her desk, eyes glued to her phone, completely unaware of my presence.
I couldn’t help myself. A playful smirk tugged at my lips as I called out, “Hi, Ms. Dragon.”
Without looking up, she shot back sharply, “Stop calling me that, Gomez.”
“Oh, come on. It’s cute. My dragon,” I teased, walking closer with a confident swagger.
Her eyes flicked up just briefly, a spark of irritation flashing. “Keep your mouth shut, and Seinna won’t be here.”
I chuckled, the thrill of teasing her lighting me up from inside. “I love that. Us… alone.”
For a brief second, she blinked and muttered quietly, “I love that too.”
I caught a flicker of softness in her voice, and it made me smile. But that smile was cut short the moment she added, dead serious, “So I can kill you without evidence.”
I laughed out loud, shaking my head. “Walang ganon, eto hindi mabiro.”
Then, out of nowhere, her lips twitched into a smile—the very first genuine smile I’d ever seen on her face. My heart stuttered for a second, stunned.
“You’re smiling,” I teased softly.
She immediately scowled, trying to wipe it away. “You look beautiful when you smile; you should smile more often,” I added, eyes locked on her.
“I didn’t smile, Gomez. There’s something wrong with your eyes,” she snapped back, but I could tell she was lying.
I laughed harder now. “Sabi mo ‘yan eh.”
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the slight curve of her mouth. “Practice already, Gomez. I don’t want to be with you anymore.”
I grinned, leaning in closer. “That’s a bad thing to say to your future wife.”
Her face froze for a beat, then she said flatly, “Gomez.”
“Oo, eto na nga,” I said, raising an eyebrow because I knew I was getting under her skin.
I moved to the corner to start practicing, and for the next two hours, I poured my heart into every note, every breath. Meanwhile, she sat silently by the desk, engrossed in her phone, occasionally glancing at me with that signature unimpressed look.
I broke the silence with a teasing call: “Miss Dragon.”
No reaction.
“Kapag nanalo ako, ano premyo ko?” I asked, hopeful.
“Nothing,” she answered without looking up.
I pretended to pout. “Ipapatalo ko nalang, wala rin naman pala.”
She finally glanced my way. “What do you want?”
I stopped and smiled, the moment felt right. “Have a date with me.”
She looked up, eyebrows raised in surprise. For a second, the usual cold barrier dropped, and I saw something softer, almost vulnerable.
“Do you think I’ll say yes?” she asked, voice low.
I shrugged playfully. “I don’t care what you think. I’ll keep asking until you do.”
She sighed, but there was a faint smile on her lips this time. “You’re hopeless, Gomez.”
“And that’s why you like me,” I teased back.
"Are you crazy? I have a boyfriend."
"Friendly date lang naman, iba-iba talaga iniisip mo, Miss." sagot ko at nagpipigil ng tawa.
"Laugh if you want. You look like a puffer fish trying to hold back a laugh," she said. Seriously? A puffer fish?
“Grabe ka naman, makapufferfish ka talaga sa akin,” I teased her with a mischievous grin, stepping closer as we gathered our things. The room was quiet now, the faint hum of the air conditioner turning off leaving a stillness that felt both calm and electric.
She crossed her arms defiantly, lips pressed into a thin line, eyes sharp with that familiar fiery glint she always had when she was annoyed. “Why? It’s true,” she shot back, voice low but steady, like a challenge.
I shrugged, giving in just a little, “Oo na, kung saan ka masaya,” but my smile lingered. I loved the way she tried to be tough—so unbothered—yet the way her eyes followed me told a different story.
She smirked, that slight tilt of her mouth making my heart skip a beat despite myself. “Win the contest, and I’ll give you what you want,” she said, voice confident, but I caught a flicker of doubt behind it.
My grin grew wider, eyes lighting up with determination. “Talaga? Well then, I’ll surely win it—walang bawian. I won’t lose to anyone, especially not you.”
She scoffed, shaking her head in mock disbelief. “As if you’ll win. You always talk big but do you even practice?”
I laughed, trying to hide how much her words mattered more than I wanted to admit. “Talaga,” I said, brimming with confidence, but inside I wondered if maybe she was right. Could I really win her over?
The clock on the wall caught my eye, its steady ticking breaking the silence between us. “It’s already 6 pm, Miss. Uwi na tayo?” I asked, feeling the weight of the day settle on my shoulders.
She nodded curtly, “Okay.” The single word was blunt, but beneath it was an invitation to move on—something I wasn’t quite ready to do.
I began packing up my things, turning off the air conditioner and flicking off the lights, the room plunging into a soft twilight. The shadows danced across her face as she stood, gathering her papers with her usual no-nonsense efficiency.
She was already headed for the door when I caught myself and asked, “How’s Ms. Dizon? Did she get checked out after the accident?”
Without looking back, she replied dryly, “Ask her, not me.”
I smirked, stepping closer to tease her a little more, “Sungit mo talaga, alam mo ‘yon?”
Her head snapped around, eyes narrowing in mock irritation. “So? Can you hurry up so we can go?” she snapped, but the flicker of a smile betrayed her true mood.
“Oo na, Madam Dragon,” I teased back, unable to keep the grin off my face.
Her lips twitched in what was almost a smile before she added sharply, “Soon sa kama ka na iirap.”
“That dirty mouth of yours, Gomez. Shut up,” she shot back, but I could hear the laughter barely contained beneath her words.
I chuckled, the warmth between us growing with every exchanged barb. She was so much fun to tease—fiery, untouchable, and yet undeniably magnetic.
“Okay, I’m done. Let’s go,” I said finally, grabbing my bag and stepping toward the door.
Outside, the evening air was cool and crisp, a gentle breeze ruffling the leaves on the trees lining the path. The sun had dipped low, casting long shadows and painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
We started walking together, the soft crunch of our footsteps on the pavement the only sound breaking the peaceful silence.
I took a chance and asked casually, “Do you want to eat ice cream?”
She rolled her eyes, shooting me a sideways glance filled with both annoyance and amusement. “Yes, but if it’s with you, then no.”
Her words made me laugh, a light, genuine sound that surprised me with how easy it was to be around her.
“Your words never fail to amuse me,” I said softly, watching her profile as she looked away.
“Do I look like I care?” she retorted, voice dripping with sass but lacking its usual bite.
“No, you don’t,” I whispered, stepping just a little closer, my voice low and intimate. “But you know what you do look like?”
She paused, suspicion flickering in her eyes as she searched my face for a joke.
“Gorgeous,” I said honestly, the word hanging between us like a delicate promise.
Her breath hitched for a moment, and I saw the faintest flush creep up her neck. Then, with a confident smile that was all hers, she said, “I’m not Cynthia Lim Sevilla Sanchez for nothing.”
That fire in her eyes—the unshakable pride and strength—pulled me in more than I cared to admit.
“Future Mrs. Gomez, you mean,” I teased softly, my tone teasing but laced with something more real.
She shook her head, exasperated but not angry, the corners of her mouth twitching upward. “Get out of my face and just go home,” she said, but the warmth in her voice betrayed the sharpness of her words.
I laughed softly, raising my hands in mock surrender. “If that’s what you want, my dragon. Drive safely, okay?”
"Stop calling me dragon, you pufferfish," she retorted, turning away immediately.
"At least cute!" sigaw ko nang makalayo na ito sa akin.
She's the first ever person to call someone like me a pufferfish. Grabe siya.
---
I finally arrived at the house, the familiar creak of the gate greeting me as I stepped inside. The warm scent of home—faint traces of cooking and fresh laundry—wrapped around me like a soft blanket. It felt good to be back after a long day.
From the living room, I could hear the cheerful chatter of my cousins. I peeked around the corner and saw Avery and the others sprawled on the couch, their faces lighting up when they spotted me.
“Ang tagal mo umuwi!” Avery greeted with mock irritation, her arms crossed but eyes twinkling with mischief.
I smirked as I dropped my bag by the door. “Missing me already?” I teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.
“Kadiri ka talaga!” she snapped back, shaking her head as if my presence was an annoyance—though the smile tugging at the corners of her lips said otherwise.
I kicked off my shoes, the coolness of the floor against my feet grounding me after the day’s exhaustion. “Why are you waiting for me?” I asked, curious.
Avery bounced off the couch, eyes shining with excitement. “Let’s play!”
I laughed, feeling the familiar rush of carefree fun that only family gatherings could bring. “What kind of game?” I asked, stretching my arms as I settled onto the couch next to them.
"Roblox! Yung dress to impress," sagot nito. Gosh, Avery is already 21 years old pero parang bata pa rin.
"No, that game is only for kids." I answered.
"No it's not. Bilis na kasi, I have no one to play with." she said and her face is nagpapakaawa mode na.
"Hays, fine. I'll download it first," sabi ko at umupo sa tabi niya.
Siya na nga nag download sa selpon ko para sa akin at siya na rin gumawa sa username ko. Halos mabuga ko yung inumin ko nang makita ko yung username ko.
tAmbAy@saKantoRx
“What kind of username is that?” I asked, raising an eyebrow as I glanced at Avery’s screen.
“Huwag mo muna pansinin ‘yan,” she said with a playful smirk. “Tara, join ka na sa’kin.” I let out a deep sigh but tapped the invite anyway.
“How do we play this?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me as the game loaded.
“Susundin mo lang yung theme na binibigay sa atin,” she explained, nodding confidently. I gave a small nod back, trying to focus.
“Ah, okay,” I replied, eyes glued to the screen.
Just then, Madelyn’s voice floated from the hallway. “Anong nilalaro niyo?”
“Dress to Impress,” Avery answered without looking away from the screen.
“Sali ako!” Madelyn declared, rushing over.
“Bilisan mo, mags-start na kami,” Avery urged, barely able to contain her excitement.
“Oo, eto na,” I muttered under my breath.
Avery turned to me and whispered, “Yan, sea creatures yung theme.”
I blinked, then started scrolling through the wardrobe options, trying to find the perfect outfit.
“What kind of game is this? Ang daming alam,” I grumbled, frustrated at how particular the themes were.
“Sus, focus ka nga,” Avery teased, nudging me with her elbow. I ignored her and kept digging through the options, determined to find something decent.
“I’m done!” I announced finally, looking up.
“Bilis ah! May dalawang minuto pa,” Avery reminded, glancing at the timer.
I smirked confidently. “This is so basic.”
“Mas maganda pa rin ‘yung sa akin,” Avery boasted, turning her screen toward me.
“Excuse me, walang tatalo sa akin,” Madelyn said with a sly grin, clearly ready to win.
“You guys aren’t sure about that,” I shot back, refusing to lose.
“Talaga? Yan na, start na!” Avery said, hitting the button to reveal our choices.
I quickly sized up the competition. Their outfits were… meh, honestly. A little too flashy, not really fitting the sea creatures theme well.
I looked down at my own avatar, dressed in a sleek blue dress with subtle wave patterns and pearl accessories. Simple, elegant, and definitely on theme.
“Ako na! It’s pretty, right? Talo na kayo!” Avery said, grinning wide.
"Pangit," sabi ni Madelyn.
Maganda naman talaga pero walang tatalo nung sa akin.
"Just wait for mine, baka 'di mo kayanin." sabi kopa rito.
"Oh, magsiuwian na kayo," sabi ni Madelyn ng siya na yung pinakita.
"Yan na 'yun?" pang-aasar ni Avery.
"Tumahimik kayo, look it's me!" I said.
"Saan kayo gyan?" dagdag kopa at nakita ko si Avery at Madelyn tawa nang tawa.
"BWHWHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA AYOKO NA!" saad nilang dalawa at halos mawalan na ng hininga kakatawa. Pahigop pa naman tumawa mga 'to.
But what's there problem anyway? Ganda naman ah.