#CAC03

"Huy Talliah!"

Bumalik ang diwa at lumingon sa kaklase kong si Inna. Ngayon na ang araw kung saan magpepresent kaming mga classofficers by room. Siya ang nasa likod ko dahil siya naman ay nanalong Treasurer. Kanina ay naghihintay lang kami sa labas ng room habang hinihintay matapos ang

"Ano? Tatayo ka nalang ba diyan? Pasok na, tayo na sunod."

Ngayon ko lang napansin na nauna na palang pumasok ang mga kaklase kong nauna sa pila.

I swallowed hard and looked at my paper that I'm holding. I stayed up all night revising my script and practicing how to speak in front of everyone. Halos wala nga akong tulog dahil iniisip ko ang mangyayari ngayon. Kahit sa pagtulog ay pinapractice ko ang sasabihin ngayon. I don't know how's that even possible.

Ilang sandali ay pumasok na kaming lahat sa loob. Ang una naming pinasukan ay ang room ng first year. Nakita kong lahat sila ay nakatingin sa'min. Dumiretso na kami sa harap at hile-hilera kami ngayong lahat mula sa President hanggang Sergeant at arms. Sumulyap ako sa adviser nila at nakita kong nakatayo siya sa may pinto habang nakatingin sa'min.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako mas lalong kinabahan. Kahapon pa ako kinakabahan pero ngayon mas dumoble ang kaba ko. I looked at my classmates and saw how prepared and ready they are for today. I realized I was the one who's different because they already have experienced this before while me, this is my first time. Although we're the same level, I feel like an amateur surrounded by veterans.

"Goodmorning first year students and to your adviser, Ms. Reyes. We are the fourth year students from St. John and today I present to you my amazing classmates who are going to be the leaders this year. Today's year is special because we have three representative for President. Hindi ko na papahabain pa, let's start first with our President, I welcome you Francesca Ocampo!"

Did I mentioned that Mark became our Representative this year? I don't know how that happened but I guess our adviser herself, picked him to represent us.

We clapped our hands when she stepped forward. As I observed her, she looks excited yet calm. It's like she doesn't need to practice her lines because she already knows how this works. She radiates confidence and I can see that on her face and poise.

"Goodmorning students! I guess some of you already knows me but for some who don't, my name is Francesca Ocampo from grade ten St. John. It is both a privilege and honor to run for President twice in a row. I never thought I would have this opportunity again so that's why I would like to thank my classmates who still believed in me. Since this is my last year in my dear alam mater, I will do my very best to serve the school and my fellow schoolmates like what I did last year so I hope you can vote for me as your President. Thank you and God bless."

Nagpalakpakan lahat ang mga estudyante at mukhang lahat sila ay namangha sa sinabi ni Francesca.

I can't help but to feel in awe by her speech. So natural and effortless. No doubt, I can already tell that she's going to win. She's the pride of our section, well for some.

Hindi ko napansin na nasa tabi ko pala si Mark. "Nervous?" he asked

Hindi ako sumagot at tumungo. Halata naman siguro diba?

"Just be natural and be yourself, that's it."

I looked at him and saw him smiled at me. Hindi din iyon nagtagal dahil binalik ko ang tingin sa papel na hawak ko.

It's easy to say but hard to do.

How can I even act natural when I'm nervous as hell. Kahit na itago ko pa ay mahahalata sa mukha ko ang kaba.

"Thank you Francesca! Now let's call on another classmate of mine that's also running for the position of President. Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Terrence Bautista!"

Pagkatapos sabihin nun ni Mark ay bumalik siya sa tabi ko. I noticed that he doesn't even have a script or anything. Like Francesca, he seems confident when he speak, parang sanay na sanay na siya sa bagay na 'to.

"Did you prepare for this?" I whispered beside him.

He leaned closer to me. "No, sadyang magaling lang talaga ko," pagmamayabang niya.

I rolled my eyes at him and I heard him chuckled.

"Goodmorning first year students! My name is Terrence Bautista and I am here today-

"The rivals," he chuckled beside me

Francesca and Terrence have been rivals for quite a while. Sila lagi ang nominado kapag sa posisyon ng President but Terrence always lose against her. To be honest, I can't choose who's better because they're both good and deserving for the position. Talagang nasa students nakasalalay ang lahat. Every vote matters that's why you have to give your best always.

"-running for the position of President. If ever I get elected, I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities and duties as President. Being a leader also means being a role model. I, including my future student council officers, will not only help this school to be a better environment but also to inspire the youth to be great leaders someday. I will not take for granted this opportunity, rather be a motivation to all and to me as well for this school year. Once again, I'm Terrence Bautista from St. John, Thank you and God bless."

Mas lalong lumakas ang palakpakan ng mga estudyante kumpara kanina. I can't help but to feel amaze by each word that he said kagaya ni Cheska ay confident din siya at para sa'kin ay malakas ang dating niya. My classmates are really something, I can tell they have a bright future ahead of them.

"Mukhang magiging mainit nanaman ang labanan. Who do you think will win this year?" tanong niya.

I shrugged. "I don't know. I mean they're both good. Who ever wins, I think they will do their best to serve the school."

Tumango naman siya sa sinabi ko. "Well we still have one competitor left. Who knows what this guy can offer."

Tumingin ako sa tinitignan niya at nakita kong nakatingin siya kay Isaac. He's a bit I don't know, normal? He seems calm and composed. There's really no in between. Mukhang ako lang talaga ang kinakabahan ngayon. I feel like a nobody right now.

"Now last but not the least, running for the position of President. Let's give him a warm welcome! Mr. Isaac Garcia!"

Nagpalakpakan ulit kami pero ngayon ay kita ko sa mga estudyante sa harap ko na may halong pagtataka. They must be confuse as to why we have three aspiring Presidents for the Student Council.

"Goodafternoon, I mean goodmorning."

"I can see in your faces that you all probably wondering. Yes, I am an independent party officer which means that I nominated myself as President. I know that has not happened before nevertheless, that's not the point. I would like to formally introduce myself. My name is Isaac Garcia from St. John and I am running for the position of President. If you're going to ask me why I nominated myself, because I want to be heard."

"My name doesn't ring a bell to most of you and that's why I'm here. The plan and goal that I have set this year will not work without you and your cooperation. I stand here not as one but also for everyone. What I mean is that to make this school year the best for everyone, we should work together. The future leaders behind me will do our best in our jobs so I'm hoping you can put your trust to us and someday, you can also be a leader."

My jaw literally dropped by his speech. I can hear the passion in his words and I'm sure I'm not the only one. The way he delivered himself and his speech was simple yet raw. I still can't process everything but I heard him. Nakita kong lahat kaming officers ay namangha sa sinabi niya maging ang kalaban niya na sina Cheska at Terrence. Tumingin din ako sa adviser at nakita kong na siya rin ay nakumbinsi ni Isaac na iboto siya.

There's literally no words to explain how I'm feeling right now. Hindi ko alam pero maslalong bumaba ang self-esteem ko. I feel like I can't do well in my speech which makes me ten times more nervous.

"Damn, iba talaga ang St. John. Parang naligaw ata ako?" rinig kong sabi ni Mark sa tabi ko

Siya pa ang naligaw? Eh ako? Patapon.

Hindi ko napansin na nakabalik na pala si Isaac sa dating posisyon kaya pala kanina pa tahimik. Tumingin ako kay Mark at nakita kong tulala siya kaya agad ko siyang siniko. Bahagya siyang nagulat sa ginawa ko at tumingin sa'kin. Sumenyas ako sa kaniya at agad naman siyang pumunta sa harap.

"Sorry I got caught off guard with the speeches of my amazing classmates."

May ilang tumawa sa sinabi ni Mark pero ang ilan sa kanila ay nakatingin kay Isaac at mukhang kanina pa pinag-uusapan.

"Now let's move on to the Vice President. Let's welcome Ryan Hernandez!"

We clapped our hands as soon as Ryan stepped forward and went to the center.

"Goodmorning fellow students! I stand before you today as a candidate for Vice President. In this position, I assure you I will work hard on your behalf, listen to your ideas and do everything in my power to make this school the best that it can be. I stand before you today not only as a candidate but also as your friend. And as a good friend, I will be honest with you about the challenges our school faces. I will do my best to communicate with you and keep you informed. Once again, I hope you can give me chance and vote for me as your Vice President. Thank you and have a good day!" he bowed

Papalakpak na sana ako pero narinig ko ang mahinang tawa ni Mark sa tabi ko. "Anong nakakatawa?"

Tinakpan niya ang bibig niya at halatang kanina pa pinipigilan ang tawa. Umiling siya kaya hindi ko nalang siya pinansin.

"Para kasing kinuha lang sa internet yung buo niyang sinabi. Alam mo yun? May binago lang ng konti sa dulo," sambit niya.

Kumunot naman ang noo ko sa sinabi niya. "So? What's wrong with that?"

Nagpakawala siya ng malalim na hininga at tumingin sa'kin. "I'm not against it or anything. It's just my opinion, like I used to do that before in first year. I just think it's much better if you did your own speech. Okay lang yung kumuha sa internet ng ideas pero ang importante kasi ay patunayan mo yung sarili mo. Hindi lang yung puro salita. You need to have a goal because otherwise, all the things you said would be futile. Bago mo patunayan sa tao ay patunayan mo muna sa sarili mo kung deserving ka sa posisyon na gagampanan mo."

I will never understand Mark and his how should I call it? Inspiring words? How can this man be so straight forward? At first I thought he's gonna say nonsense things but I was shocked. I realized that his words make sense. Para siyang philosopher kung makapagsalita na akala mo ang dami ng pinagdaanan sa buhay.

"It's a commitment Lia. You must stay true to your words. Kung ano ang sinabi mo sa speech mo ay siguraduhin mong gagawin mo yun," dagdag niya.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit parang pinapatamaan niya ako sa sinabi niya. Mababa na nga self-esteem ko mas lalo pang bumaba. His words were encouraging but the problem is me.

"Enough okay? I get it. Salamat dahil maslalo akong napressure dahil sayo," I said sarcastically

Umakto naman siyang nasaktan sa sinabi ko. "Ay, pagkatapos ko sabihin lahat ng yun? Pinagisipan ko pa yun ng matagal para imotivate ka tapos, hay. Salamat nalang din sa lahat."

Iniripan ko nalang siya noong ngumuso siya at umakto na malungkot. "Huwag ka ng umarte diyan. Kanina ka pa hinihintay na magsalita."

Tumingin siya sa'kin habang nakanguso at ilang sandali ay naglakad na siya papunta sa gitna.

"Moving on, next up is our secretary. Let's give her a warm welcome! Ms. Talliah Cojuangco! Ang pambato ng St. John!" sigaw niya

Nagulat ako sa huli niyang sinabi at ngayon ko lang din napansin na ako na pala ang susunod.

Shit!

Ang daldal kasi ni Mark eh! Ayan tuloy ako na pala ang sunod. Nagpalakpakan ang mga kaklase ko habang nakatingin sa'kin. I gave them an awkward smile and walked on the center.

"Goodluck, kahit na inaway mo ko." bulong ni Mark at nilagpasan ako.

Lumingon ako sa kaniya at binigyan ng masamang tingin. Nginitian niya lang ako at nagthumbs up.

Pagkatingin ko sa harap ay nalula ako noong lahat sila ay nakatingin sa'kin. Napakurap-kurap ako habang iginaya ko ang paningin ko sa kanila. I can feel my heart beating wildly inside my chest. Hindi ko alam kung bakit tila nagbara ang lalamunan ko sa mga tingin nila. I swallowed hard and closed my fist.

Hindi ko napansin na ilang minuto na pala akong nakatayo kung hindi lang ako tinawag ng isa sa mga kaklase ko sa likod.

"Pst, Talliah. Bilisan mo na diyan, may tatlong kwarto pa tayo na pupuntahan."

Lumingon ako kay Sandy at nakita kong siniko siya ni Mark. "Manahimik ka nga, mapupunta din sa'yo ang spotlight okay? Wag kang mag-alala."

I don't know if he insulted her or what kaya tumingin nalang ulit ako sa harap. Kinapa ko sa bulsa ang papel na naglalaman ng speech ko. Inilabas ko iyon sa aking bulsa at binuklat.

I looked at it for a minute and contemplating on wether I should read it. I memorized it last night but right now I feel like I forgot everything. I licked my lips and held the paper tightly in my hands.

Naaalala ko bigla ang sinabi ni Ate at ni Mark sa'kin. Hindi ko alam pero malaki ang epekto sa'kin ng sinabi nila. My mind is telling me to read it but my heart says otherwise. I prepared this the whole night and right now as I read it, I feel nothing. It's like I can't feel the words that I have written. They're just empty words.

Huminga ako ng malalim at tiniklop ang papel. Binalik ko iyon sa bulsa at tumingin sa harap.

Well here goes nothing. I hope I won't mess up.

"Goodmorning students and Ms. Reyes. My name is Talliah Hope Cojuangco and I'm running for the position of Secretary."

I paused and swallowed hard. All eyes are on me and I can't help but to feel conscious and nervous at the same time.

"So uhm. I'm sorry I'm not good at public speaking."

What the hell did I just say? Really Talliah?!

Screw it! I can't do this.

Kukunin ko na sana ulit ang papel sa bulsa ko noong narinig kong nagsalita si Ms. Reyes.

"What's the problem?"

Unti-unti akong tumingin sa kaniya at nakita kong nakahalukipkip siya ngayon. Nanatili ang kamay ko sa bulsa ng palda ko. I held on the paper tightly and I can feel my palms sweating.

"M-my lines. I forgot it," I gulped

Kumunot naman ang noo niya at lumapit sa'kin. "I saw it. The piece of paper inside your pocket. Nagdalawang isip ka diba? You chose not to read your speech which is not even a problem because in the first place, hindi na dapat."

Napakurap-kurap ako sa sinabi niya. Nakita ko ang mga estudyante na nagbubulungan. Some were hiding their laughs while some can't even look at me.

"What? You should be prepared. Look at your classmates behind you. Wala silang hawak na papel kagaya mo?"

How long will this teacher embarrass me in front of everyone, especially my classmates.

They must be laughing behind me right now. Ngayon pa lang ay gusto ko ng humarap sa kanila para humingi ng tawad.

Stupid stupid Talliah! Nagpapakafeeling confident ka din noh?

Yumuko nalang ako sa hiya. "I'm sorry. I'll just go back from the start."

"You know, you're already what? fourth year? You're representing your section and even running for secretary. Dapat alam mo na ang gagawin mo. Did you prepare or practice? Sa totoo lang ang nangyayari eh mas magaling pa ata itong mga estudyante ko-

"I think you have drawn the line there Ms. Reyes."

Nagulat ako noong nagsalita si Mark. Hindi ko siya magawang tignan o kahit sino. Gusto ko man siyang pigilan pero hindi ko magawang magsalita.

"Yes Mr. Alonzo? Hindi mo ba naisip na nakakabastos iyong ginawa mong pagsingit sa usapan namin?"

"Mawalang galang na po pero hindi po ba na ikaw yung nakakabastos? How can you judge her so easily without even hearing what she's going to say yet."

Oh God what is happening?

Nakita ko sa gilid ng mata ko na lumapit si Ms. Reyes kay Mark. "Excuse me? What did you call me? Ako pa ang nakakabastos? Nagsisimula ka nanaman ng gulo Mr. Alonzo ah. Gusto mo bang dalhin kita sa principal ngayon?"

"And what? Ako ulit yung may kasalanan sa mata nila? Bukas ang mga mata niyo pero sarado ang isip at tainga niyo."

I can hear the gasp and whispers of the students. Ramdam ko din ang tension na bumabalot sa kanila.

"Bago kayo manghusga ng tao ay tignan niyo din po ang sarili niyo. You're a teacher and you're suppose to support us and not compare. You're suppose to be a role model for us, for your students."

"You do not understand Mr. Alonzo This is my form of disciplining my students and you should know where you belong."

I heard him chuckle. "Disciplining? Or comparing? In my case, it doesn't sound like a discipline."

"Wala kang respeto bata ka! Baka nakakalimutan mo na estudyante ka lang at teacher ako. Mas nakakatanda ako sa'yo!"

"Right. Ganun naman lagi diba? Kapag may mali kami, kahit maliit man yun o malaki, kasalanan namin pero kapag kayo ang may mali, kasalanan padin namin? Sa huli ay kami pa ang walang respeto."

"That's right and you should know your limits! I won't tolerate this kind of attitude Mr. Alonzo. Dadalhin kita sa office para bigyan ka ng disciplinary action."

I looked at Mark and he looks pissed, no more like insulted and offended. His fist were closed and I saw how his jaw clenched. Mukhang kanina pa siya nagpipigil ng galit.

"Kayo, nasisikmuraan niyo ba ang ginagawa sa inyo ng adviser niyo? Do you think it's right to humiliate someone in public?" he said to the first year students.

Nanatili silang tahimik at hindi makapagsalita.

"What the hell are you saying to my students Mr. Alonzo?"

"Ano? Natatakot kayo kasi baka matawag kayo at ang magulang niyo sa office? Natatakot kayo sa pwedeng gawin nila? Eh kayo itong estudyante, pera ng magulang niyo ang winawaldas para makamit niyo ang edukasyon na nararapat sa inyo pero heto kayo ngayon-

"Enough! Sumosobra ka na. Get out of my class!"

"Kung alam niyong mali ang ginagawa sa inyo ay wag kayong manatiling tahimik at maslalong 'wag kayong magbulagbulagan."

Mabilis siyang naglakad papunta sa pinto at lumabas. Lahat kami ay sinundan siya ng tingin.

"This is a warning first year students. Students like him should never be tolerated. Sinasabi ko sa inyo kapag ginawa niyo yun sa'kin ay hindi ko iyon palalagapsin," sabi ni Ms. Reyes sabay hilot ng sentido.

"Nakita niyo ba? Siya yung mga hindi niyo dapat tinutularan. Hay pasaway na bata, kahit kailan talaga walang ginawa kundi sakit sa ulo. I can't believe he became your representative. Hindi siya karapat dapat dahil makasarili siya," dagdag niya.

Mukhang hindi lang ang klase niya ang pinagsasabihan niya kundi lahat kaming estudyante.

Nilukot ko ang papel na nasa loob ng bulsa ko. Kinagat ko ang labi ko at pinigilan ang luha na nagbabadyang tumulo sa mata ko.

"Talliah," malungkot na sabi ni Inna sa likod ko.

Naramdaman ko nalang ang kamay niya na pumatong sa balikat ko. Umiwas nalang ako ng tingin dahil hindi ko siya kayang tignan ngayon maski ang iba kong kaklase.

"Don't worry, everything will going to be alright."

And in that moment, I felt hot tears escaped my eyes.