Chapter 16
I was already back in my room, the faint smell of dinner still lingering in the air. Avery and Madelyn were downstairs, and through the open window, I could still hear their laughter echoing up the stairs.
Honestly, I had no idea what was so funny—they always found a way to crack each other up about the smallest things. I rolled my eyes but smiled a little. Sometimes their silliness was a welcome distraction.
But then the nagging thought crept in—oh right, exam tomorrow. And here I was, barely touching my notes, not even starting to review. Classic me. Avery was definitely to blame for distracting me earlier with that ridiculous game session.
But honestly, I wasn’t too worried. I’m not the type to overthink exams; I trusted myself enough that it would be easy. Reviewing was for the weak, anyway. I always said that.
Shrugging off any stress, I changed into my comfy clothes and crawled under my soft blanket. The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the ceiling fan. I closed my eyes and let myself drift off into sleep, the exhaustion finally catching up with me.
It was a deep, peaceful sleep—at least for a while—until my phone suddenly buzzed loudly on my bedside table. My eyes snapped open, irritated, squinting in the dark to see who it was. The screen lit up with messages flooding in from our “bar gang” group chat.
“What?!” I snapped, already annoyed.
“Sylvia Quincy Diaz Gomez, pinupuri ka namin at nagpapasalamat sa mga ginawa niyo sa amin,” Kinsley’s message popped up, with Cecilia and Eliana echoing the same praise right after.
I rolled my eyes hard. “What kind of nonsense is this?!” I muttered aloud.
Then more messages flooded in: “Sylvia Quincy Diaz Gomez, sana ay gabayan mo kami bukas sa exam. Ibigay mo sa amin ang iyong taglay na talino!” The gang was practically begging me to help them study. Cecilia and Eliana were about to add more, but I quickly silenced the chat.
Ugh, it was already 3 AM. Why did they have to bother me at this ungodly hour? I was this close to losing it. With a deep breath, I powered off my phone and laid back down, desperate to finally get some rest.
Morning came far too early.
I woke up at 6 AM, feeling groggy and restless.
The noise from the group chat kept buzzing in my mind, making it impossible to fall back asleep.
Seriously, why were they even my friends sometimes?
But despite the irritation, a small part of me was secretly glad they believed in me.
With a sigh, I threw off my blanket and decided to get ready. It was still early, and my class didn’t start until 9 AM. Since I couldn’t sleep anymore, I figured I’d just get a head start on the day.
I went downstairs to grab a glass of water. As I entered the kitchen, I spotted Ate fully dressed in her jogging outfit, lacing up her shoes. She looked ready to hit the road for a morning run.
“You’re awake now? Himala ata,” Ate teased the moment she saw me. There was a smile tugging at her lips, clearly amused by my early presence.
“I couldn’t sleep,” I admitted, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. “By the way, going jogging, Ate?”
She nodded. “Mhm, wanna come?”
I shook my head and smiled softly. “No thanks. I prefer to just lay in bed.”
She gave me a playful look but started getting ready to leave. “Okay, I’ll go now. I’m with Cynthia.”
Wait, did she just say Cynthia?
I stopped her with a quick, surprised, “Kasama siya?”
“Yeah,” she confirmed without missing a beat, then turned to leave. “Bye! You didn’t want to come anyway.”
But suddenly, on a whim, I changed my mind. “Wait! I changed my mind. I’ll come!”
She turned back and nodded approvingly, “Hurry up!”
I took a deep breath, feeling the cool morning air brush through the open window, and grabbed my running shoes. Maybe this morning jog wouldn’t be so bad after all. Maybe it was exactly what I needed before the chaos of the exam tomorrow.
I immediately rushed upstairs to my room, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement.
I had to get ready quickly—I didn’t want Ate to leave without me.
I grabbed my favorite jogging pants, those soft black leggings that hugged my legs just right, paired with a fitted tank top that made me feel comfortable yet confident.
Slipping on my trusty running shoes, I took a deep breath in the mirror, trying to steady my nerves.
Jogging wasn’t really my thing, but if I was going to do this, I wanted to do it right.
Once I was ready, I didn’t waste another second—I practically flew down the stairs to meet Ate.
She was already by the door, stretching casually, dressed in sleek cycling shorts and a sleeveless top, her hair tied back in a neat ponytail.
The confident way she moved made my chest tighten.
Damn, she looked good—athletic and graceful all at once.
The kind of woman who could make running seem like a dance.
“Let’s go,” Ate said with that familiar mix of gentle encouragement and no-nonsense attitude. I nodded and followed her out the gate.
“Do you always go jogging, Ate?” I asked, trying to keep up as she led the way down the quiet street.
“Yeah,” she replied casually, her eyes forward but her voice warm.
I hesitated a bit before asking, “Why didn’t you tell me before?”
She chuckled softly, shaking her head. “I’ve asked you how many times already, but you kept saying no. It’s not my fault,” she teased, giving me a playful shove on the shoulder.
She was right—I had refused countless times before, usually too tired or too lazy to move. But now? I figured as long as she was here with me, I could do this.
We started with a slow walk, but I was already feeling the burn in my legs and my breath coming in quick leggings. I glanced at Ate, trying to keep up.
“Hi, baby Gomez! Himala ata sumama ka,” Ms. Martinez called out playfully, waving at me.
“Opo,” I answered softly, trying to sound casual even though my heart was racing. I watched Ms. Sanchez a bit more—she was so focused, so poised. The sight of her made everything else fade.
“Let’s go in five minutes,” Ate said, glancing at her friends who were already stretching and nodding in agreement.
“Warm up, Sylvia. Otherwise, you’ll be sore later,” Ate whispered beside me, so I started mimicking her stretches, even if my limbs felt stiff and reluctant.
I stole a glance at Ms. Dizon, who was limping slightly but still determined.
“Are you okay now, Miss?” I asked, concern softening my tone.
She smiled gently. “Yes, honey, I’m fine now. Don’t worry about me.” Her confidence made me feel a little braver.
Before I could get fully warmed up, Ate gave a firm, “Let’s go.”
And just like that, they all took off like rockets. I barely managed a jog, but they were practically sprinting ahead like it was nothing. Seriously, was this jogging or an Olympic race? I struggled to keep up, my lungs burning, legs aching.
“Gosh, ayoko na,” I muttered, stopping to catch my breath.
But Ate and the others kept going without even a hint of fatigue. Bahala na kung maiwanan ako—better than passing out here!
“Are you okay, honey?” Ms. Dizon’s voice startled me.
“I’m okay, Miss. You can leave me here,” I said, trying to sound tough.
“Let’s go together, honey. Just tell me when you’re ready,” she said with a patient smile.
I took a few more deep breaths, feeling the sweat drip down my temple and the cool breeze brush my skin.
“Tara po?” I asked after a moment, hopeful.
She smiled warmly. “Don’t push yourself too hard, honey. Just run at your own pace, okay?”
I nodded gratefully. She slowed down to match me, and suddenly the run didn’t seem so intimidating anymore. The quiet rhythm of our footsteps, the steady breathing—it was calming.
“You can go ahead without me, Miss,” I said after a few minutes, feeling a little more confident.
“Stop talking, or you’ll be short of breath,” she said with a laugh, and I fell silent.
We jogged together for almost half an hour before we spotted Ate resting on a bench ahead.
“Akala ko aabutin na kayo ng isang oras eh,” Ate teased as we slowed down to a walk.
“Sylvia did great for a first-timer, honey,” Ms. Dizon said kindly, looking at me with pride.
Ate handed me a bottle of water. “Drink some,” she said.
“Sit here, baby Gomez,” Ms. Martinez gestured to the spot beside her. Ms. Sanchez was on the other side, so I carefully sat down between them, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.
“Thank you po,” I said, giving them both a soft smile.
I couldn’t help but whisper to Ms. Sanchez, “You’re pretty.” Her eyes flicked to me, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something—surprise? Delight? I wasn’t sure. But she stood up beside me, radiating that quiet, magnetic energy. Grabe na talaga.
Suddenly, Ms. Flores’s voice interrupted the moment.
“Cynthia,” she called.
“Why?” Ms. Sanchez responded immediately.
“When are you planning to get married? You’ve been together for seven years; isn’t it time?” Ms. Flores asked with a teasing grin.
The air around us seemed to shift, tension mixing with something unspoken between Cynthia and Ms. Flores. I watched, curious and a little nervous, wondering what Cynthia’s answer would be.
"I haven't made any plans yet. But I will marry him if he proposes," she answered.
“Tagal naman kasi kumilos ni Theo!” Ms. Martinez exclaimed, rolling her eyes with a playful smile. “Ready na kami maging ninang ng magiging anak mo, ‘no?” She glanced at Cynthia with mock seriousness, but her eyes twinkled with mischief.
“Pakasalan mo na ‘yan, Theo,” Miss Martinez muttered under.
Honestly, if he didn’t step up soon, I might just take matters into my own hands.
Deep down, though, I knew I wouldn’t let them get married so easily—not without my say. The thought of Theo making that commitment felt both thrilling and terrifying. I had to keep my guard up.
“Let’s go home, it’s already 7:30 AM,” Ate finally said, breaking the moment. She stretched her arms and stood up, the early morning sun casting a soft golden glow over everything. The air was cool and fresh, filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers and dew-kissed grass.
We all rose from the bench, stretching our tired legs and exchanging quick glances. The quiet camaraderie among us felt comforting, like a warm blanket on a chilly morning.
As we walked back toward the house, the city was just waking up—cars started trickling down the streets, birds chirped in the trees, and the world felt full of endless possibilities.
I stole a glance at Ms. Sanchez, walking a few steps ahead, her silhouette framed by the rising sun. She looked serene yet strong, like someone who had seen a lot but still believed in magic.
Ang ganda niya.
Kung ako nalang sana.
---
I was already at the university, and the usually noisy campus felt unusually quiet. Most students were probably still buried in their exams or hiding away, cramming last-minute. The tension in the air was thick—everyone was on edge because of the big exam today.
Ms. Dizon and Ms. Flores stood near the entrance of the classroom, ready to proctor. They looked serious but calm, a contrast to the nervous energy buzzing among the students.
“Sana makapasa tayo,” Kinsley whispered beside me, her voice barely audible.
I could tell she was nervous, but honestly, I wasn’t in the mood to deal with their drama—especially after the nonsense they pulled last night. I suppressed a smile and shook my head, thinking, Gosh, do they really think I’d forget that?
“Stop talking, everyone,” Ms. Flores’s voice rang out firmly, silencing the whispers. “Start answering the exam now.”
I looked down at the paper before me.
It was a mix of essays and problem-solving questions.
Challenging, yes, but nothing I couldn’t handle.
As long as you understood the concepts, this would be a breeze.
I glanced around at my classmates; some were already furiously scribbling answers, while others were biting their pens, clearly struggling.
Five hours later, I was the first to finish. I leaned back, stretching my cramped fingers and feeling a quiet sense of accomplishment. It really wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be.
I grabbed my bag and left the room, heading toward the cafeteria to wait for the others. It took about thirty minutes for them to finally come out, their faces a mix of exhaustion and relief.
“Ang hirap talaga! Sana makapasa tayo,” Cecilia groaned, wiping sweat from her forehead.
“Palakasan na lang ng guardian angel,” Kinsley added with a hopeful grin.
“I’m starving. Kain na tayo,” Eliana said, already eyeing the cafeteria.
“True, we deserve to eat after all that torture,” Kinsley nodded enthusiastically.
I chuckled as I walked alongside them. “It was easy. Why are you guys struggling so much?”
“Mabuti sana kung pareho tayo ng utak eh,” Cecilia shot back, rolling her eyes.
“Sad,” I teased, then asked, “Btw, what do you want for lunch?”
“As usual, sa cafeteria,” Kinsley answered without hesitation.
We made our way inside. The cafeteria was only half full, with a few groups scattered around and some students still hunched over their papers, finishing their exams. The smell of fried chicken and steamed rice filled the air, making my stomach rumble.
I ordered food for myself and my friends, the line moving slowly because of the lunchtime rush.
While waiting, Cecilia leaned in. “Ano sagot niyo sa number 10 kanina?”
“24.3,” I answered confidently, recalling my work.
“Ha? Hindi ba 65.2?” she countered, her brows furrowed.
“Nope. Want me to solve it again for you?” I offered, smirking.
"Bakit naging 1987.5 yung akin? ha. ha." sagot ni Kinsley.
“Kung malala ako, mas malala ka pala,” sabi ni Cecilia habang nakangiti nang may halong tampo, tinuturo si Kinsley na parang gusto nang mag-away pero hindi naman talaga seryoso.
“Eh at least tama yung sagot ko sa essay!” sagot ni Kinsley nang may kumpiyansang halos tumayo siya sa upuan para ipakita ang pagiging proud niya.
Alam naman namin, talagang mahusay si Kinsley sa essay writing—ang logical at malinaw ang mga ideya niya—pero pagdating sa mga problem solving, medyo 'di namin pinag-uusapan yun para hindi masaktan ang pride niya.
Bigla namang dumating ang pagkain namin, at dali-dali na akong lumapit.
“Pake ko ba, kain na nga tayo,” sabi niya sabay abot ng mga plato.
“Ang sarap, lasang bagsak sa exam,” pabirong sabi ni Cecilia habang kumakain.
Napatawa nalang ako dahil sa kalokohan nila, yung tipong kahit stress na kami sa exam, sinasamahan pa rin ng tawanan.
Nag-usap kami tungkol sa exam habang kumakain, nagpalitan ng mga kwento kung paano kami nagkaproblema sa ilang tanong.
Tila napakabilis ng oras kaya nang matapos namin kumain, tumingin ako sa relo—alas-dos na ng hapon. “Dito na muna tayo sa unibersidad, baka lumabas na yung results,” sabi ko, habang tinignan yung mga kasama ko.
Umupo kami sa grandstand, nagkwentuhan, nagpa-picture-picture, at nag-scroll sa social media para magpalipas ng oras.
Tila naglalaro ang hangin sa paligid, at halatang humupa na ang init ng araw, pero hindi pa rin nawawala yung excitement sa amin habang hinihintay ang resulta.
Mga dalawang oras ang lumipas, nang biglang napatingin si Eliana sa kanyang phone. “Guys, posted na yung results!” sigaw niya nang may halong saya at kaba.
Hindi na kami nagdalawang-isip.
Tuloy-tuloy na ang lakad namin papunta sa posting board.
Dito, isang malaking pila ng mga estudyante ang naghihintay, lahat gustong makita kung kumusta sila sa exam.
Ang dami ng tao, halos magdikit-dikit kami sa maliit na space habang hinahanap ang mga pangalan namin.
Nang makita ko ang listahan, agad kong nilapitan ang pinaka-itaas ng board. At doon, ang pangalan ko ang naka-highlight.
1. Sylvia Quincy Diaz Gomez, 99.5%
Hindi ko maiwasang ngumiti nang malapitan ko ito.
Biglang sumigaw si Kinsley, “Omg! 95 akoo!” halatang tuwang-tuwa siya at sabay abot sa amin para i-celebrate.
“Ang galing!” sabay sigaw ni Cecilia na halos tumalon sa sobrang saya. “Ako rinnnn! Nakuha ko rin 95!”
Tumingin ako kay Eliana. “How about you, Eli?” tanong ko.
“97,” sagot niya. Nakangiti akong tumango, proud sa mga kasama ko.
“Ikaw, Syl?” tanong ni Cecilia na halatang excited.
“99.5,” sagot ko nang simple, pero inside, ramdam ko yung kagalakan na matagal ko nang hindi naramdaman.
“Talino talaga! Congrats sa atin!” sigaw ni Kinsley at sabay silang nag-hug ng grupo, tumalon-talon sa saya.
“Group hug nga!” sabi ni Cecilia habang niyayakap kami lahat.
I looked at their faces—bright, happy, full of life—and felt a wave of gratitude. Achieving something like this was normal for me. I’d been pushed to succeed since I was a kid, so I was used to these moments. Usually, I didn’t let myself get too proud. But today, something was different.
For the first time in almost 23 years, I felt something new—a spark of pure, unexplainable joy.
I'm not proud of my achievement in the usual sense, but I'm happy to celebrate it with my friends.
"Karaoke tayo mamaya! Let's celebrate," sabi pa ni Kinsley kaya sumang-ayon naman kami.
---
Alas syete na ng gabi nung matapos ko na ang practice ko para sa contest. Wala si Ms. Sanchez, sabi ni Ms. Dizon may importanteng lakad daw siya.
Kinuha ko 'yung bag ko at naglakad papunta sa parking lot kung saan ko iniwan ang kotse ko. Patapos nang lumubog ang araw, at ang mga ilaw sa campus ay pilit lang na nagbibigay liwanag pero kulang na kulang.
Pagdating ko sa kotse, pumwesto ako sa loob at pinindot yung susi para mag-start, pero ang narinig ko lang ay pabulong na “click… click.”
Sinubukan ko ulit, mas malakas na pero wala pa ring buhay. Naramdaman kong lumalamig ang dibdib ko. Bumukas ako ng pinto at bumaba, tinitignan ko sa dim light kung ano ang problema.
At ayun, flat tire. Pero hindi ‘to swerte lang. Parang tinuhog, malalim ang mga gasgas. May taong ginawang sadyang sirain.
“Pagminamalas nga naman talaga,” sabi ko sa sarili ko habang kinukuha ang phone ko para tawagan yung driver. Pero nakita ko, 2% na lang ang battery ko. Grabe talaga.
Wala si Ms. Dizon dahil umalis na siya kanina kasama siguro ang mga kakilala niya. Wala na akong ibang mapuntahan kundi maglakad at maghanap ng masasakyan.
Lumabas ako ng university, naglakad papunta sa labas kung saan may mga taxi sana o kahit na anong masasakyan. Pero ang lugar madilim at sira-sira ang mga ilaw. Parang mas malala pa sa kwento ng horror.
Habang naglalakad, may narinig akong mga boses sa di kalayuan—mga lalaking nakatambay sa tabi ng kalsada, nagtatawanan. “Can you move? You're blocking my way,” sabi ko nang medyo mahina ang boses pero determinado.
Walang sagot. Parang hindi nila ako narinig. “Are you deaf? I said move—” hindi ko man lang natapos ang sinabi ko dahil bigla silang sumugod sa akin.
Isang suntok ang tumama sa mukha ko. Natumba ako sa lupa, at sunod-sunod ang mga suntok.
Pero tumigil ito ng marinig kong may tumawag sa akin.
“Gomez!!” bigla kong narinig ang sigaw na puno ng galit.
It was Miss Sanchez.