Chapter 3

Today was our last quarter for being a fourth-year student, and this year there is a sports festival that will be held on the campus. I am playing as the volleyball spiker of our team and kasama ko ang aking best friend na si Astrid Montenegro. Maaga ako gumising to get ready for school because later in the afternoon meron kami practice sa volleyball. Five thirty na in the morning to be exact when the alarm clock rang and i got up and turned it off.

I then went to the bathroom to take a shower. A few minutes later, i was done and walked through the cabinet and took from the closet the new set of uniforms that Coach made for us, it was color pink and had a logo of their school. The big number 01 is written on the jersey. While dressing, I smiled seeing my reflection in the mirror. Wow! The clothes fit perfectly on me, because of my fair complexion, and the color pink suits me well.

Sinusuklay ko na ang making mahabang buhok at ang haba na abot na hanggang bewang. Ayoko naman ipagupit, saka nalang pagkatapos ng graduation. Naglagay na ako ng hairspray and put some make-up on, very light lang. Kapagnaka'y humarap na sa salamin at sinipat ang aking suot kung bagay ba.

As fast as time seems to come, a memory flashed back to her, naalala niya bigla ang kanyang kalaro when she was playing on the beach with a young man. Kamusta na kaya siya? They haven't seen each other for a long time and that was almost eight years ago.

All of a sudden, someone called her name and her thoughts went back to the present. Bakit kasi bigla niya naalala ang nakaraan?

"Hannah, hurry up! We're going to be late,” sigaw iyon ni Astrid mula sa labas ng bahay nila. She took a glance at her out of the window and waved.

“Yeah, just a minute, I'm coming out!” I picked up my bag and went out of my room habang pinupusod ang aking mahabang buhok.

“My dear, look! Mukha ka nang bruha with that long and thick hair of yours.”

“Mom, don't say that.”

I hurriedly went back to my room at kinuha ang aking paboritong sombrero. A few moments later, I came out at dinampot ang aking bag mula sa mesa.

“Why don't you get a haircut, dear? Maybe it's time,” muling paalala ni Mama habang nakatingin sakin.

"Ma! Don't remind me again about it." I rolled my eyes and smiled at her. She handed me my lunchbox and I put it in my bag.

"Sige, ikaw bahala, Why don't you have breakfast first?”

"No need, Mom! I'll have breakfast in the school canteen later, naghihintay na po si Astrid sa labas.”

Lumabas na nga ako and zip up the bag na dala ko. "Hi -Ash, good morning!”

"Good morning din sayo, Hannah!” Astrid replied and continued, “I borrowed Kuya Jared's motor today para may masakyan tayo maya pag-uwi.”

"Hey, that's cool!” My face cleared, and I smiled. Pinalala ko na din sa kanya na may practice kami mamayang hapon.

"Of course, I didn't forget! I'm so excited to play again,” wika nito at abot tenga ang ngiti.

"Hey girls! Good morning!” Nathan greeted us heading toward our direction riding on his motorcycle. He is our childhood friend, schoolmate, and neighbor.

"Uhm, good morning!” Astrid and I said in unison. We both laughed as we look at each other.

"Ready to go?” Nathan asked.

"Yeah"

"Sakay na, I can give you a ride to school," Nathan offered, tapping the back of his motorcycle.

"No, thanks. Astrid's driving his brother's motorcycle too." Inginuso ko any motor na nasa harapan namin.

"That's cool. Let's go then.”

Astrid started the motorcycle and I got on, I tied my long hair and put on my cap, then we went to school followed by Nathan.

Soon, we were at school, Astrid and Nathan parked the motorcycle and I didn't wait for them.

As I enter our school entrance, the sun shines on me, with a breeze brushing my face. It was a sunny day, and this was my fourth year in school, the year I hope to win the volleyball game again.

"Wooh! ang ganda mo ngayon ah!” Smiling, Aaron said to me and letting out a slow whistle, as he got up from a bench behind the gate.

I felt my cheeks burn, and I walk a little faster entering the school building.

Aaron was left feeling confused, thinking if he had said something wrong.

In the locker room, after putting in some of my stuff, I closed my locker door. Astrid then came and we walked into our classroom and was surprised when I saw Aaron was already there.

We were now sitting inside the classroom waiting for our teacher when Astrid asked, "Why is Aaron staring at you?” She asked breaking me out of my thoughts.

I froze up. "What do you mean?”

Astrid averted her eyes. "Oh my gosh, he's looking at you. Don't turn around. What did you do to him?” She asked with a squeal.

Soon our teacher arrived and start to discuss the lesson. I kept my eyes straight forcing myself not to look in Aaron's direction.

"Ano bang sinsasabi mo. I didn't do anything to him,” I whispered.

"Then, why is he glaring at you like that?” Astrid mumbled.

Taking a deep breath I placed my pen on the table, "Let me see,” I stated before turning my head and making eye contact with Aaron. Astrid was right, He was glaring at me like I had done something bad. When he noticed me looking at him he didn't break eye contact like I expected him to. He continued to stare deep into my soul until I was forced to turn away.

"What have you done?” Astrid asked.

"I don't know,” I replied. As I look back again, He was still glaring directly at me.

All of a sudden my phone rang. My hands immediately went to my pockets as my phone began to ring. I quickly tapped the answer button recognizing Dad's number but the whole class was now staring at me, including our teacher.

“Yes, Dad? what is it?” I asked in a very low voice.

"Come to my office after class.”

"Okay," I answered then quickly hang up the call. I was so guilty coz i forgot to put in silent mode. I felt my cheeks burning as the class slowly began to go back to whatever it was they were doing.

"Who was that?" Astrid asked. I caught my breath as I turned to her. She was now looking at me nakataas ang isang kilay.

"It was Dad, he wants me in his office after class.” I explained then simply nodded turning my attention back to the teacher. I had never been more confused in my life. I made a face at Aaron who was still staring at me. Astrid shrugged her shoulders and smile before miming a gun and pretending to shoot me in the head.