Trial and Error: XIII

Chapter 13

Nagmamadali si James na puntahan si Devon sa classroom nito pero parang kotseng biglang pumreno si James sa pagtakbo. Sapo ang dibdib at nagwikang.

“Wait! I shouldn’t see her here. It’s not safe.”  Kaya lumihis ng daan ang binata at tinungo ang sariling classroom.  Pumilas ito ng papel sa notebook niya at nagsimulang magsulat.

Dear Baby,

You don’t know how happy I am right now.  This is over the top but I think I’m happier now than you first said yes to me.  Meet me tomorrow at the vacant building’s first floor near the restroom. I’ll be there by lunch time.  I really really need to speak with you. I love you so much! I could kiss you right now but I’ll save it.

Always and Forever,

Your James

Mabilis na tinupi nito ang sulat at lumabas sa kanilang silid para hanapin si Ivan.  Halos naikot na ni James ang buong campus parang excited na hindi maintindihan si James na lahat ng taong makasalubong ay tinatanungan niya kung nakita ba nila si Ivan.  Nang may isang nakapagturo na nasa building ito ng sophomore. “Why didn’t I think of that? Of course, his girl is a sophomore!” habol hiningang wika nito at nagmadaling tunguhin ang sophomore building.

Nakita agad ni James ang likod ni Ivan at kausap nito si Trish.  Humahangos na kinalabit nito ang likod ni Ivan.  Napatingin naman agad ang binata sa kanya pati na rin si Trish.

“Whoa! Breathe, dude!” mungkahe ni Ivan.  Halata namang nairita si Trish sa pagkakaistorbo ni James at napahalukipkip ito sabay taas ng kilay kay James.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you guys. Sorry Trish, please don’t give me that look.” Sapo pa rin ang dibdib na wika ni James.  Pinisil naman ni Ivan ang kamay ni Trish para di na ito mainis.

“This better be quick, Hon.” Inis pa ring sabi ni Trish sabay bitaw kay Ivan, “I’ll be in the classroom. Let me know when you’re done.”  At lumisan na si Trish.

“Not a good timing, dude.  But what is it?”  wika ni Ivan na sadyang mabait na tao talaga.

“I’m really sorry but can you please give this to Devon.  It’s important that she gets it.” At iniabot ni James ang sulat kay Ivan.

“Oh man! Trish and I are starting to have some issues with my being your messanger.  She thought that I’m the one writing these letters of yours. So, before I give this to Devy can you try and speak with my girl so we won’t have this misunderstanding?”  pagpapaliwanag ni Ivan na ikinahiya naman ni James.

“I didn’t know that.  I’m really sorry. Sure, I can talk to Trish. If you want I can talk to her right now.  You shouldn’t have let her leave so she could see me handing this letter to you.”  Wika ni James.

“I’ll call her then.  Just wait here.”  At tumakbo si Ivan para tawagin si Trish sa classroom nito.  Mabilis din namang nakabalik ang dalawa sa pwesto ni James.

“Hi again Trish!” bati ni James, “I’m sorry that I’m causing you two some trouble but really I’m the one writing those letters to Devon.  I’m trying to win her back.” Pag-eexplain ni James kay Trish na muka paring inis.

“Why do wanna win her back, from what I heard, her mom doesn’t like you.” Pagtataray ni Trish, “Hon, stop that.” Pagpipigil naman ni Ivan sa nobya.

“What? Because of that stupid letter we’re fighting. You two should stop that or I will tell.” Pananakot ni Trish sa dalawa.

“But Hon, this is important to them.  It doesn’t even have to affect us if only you were more understanding.”  Tumaas na ang boses ni Ivan sa inis.  Batid nitong isip bata ang nobya pero natakot din siya sa kayang gawin nito.

“Whatever! I’ll leave you two alone but I’m warning you.” Padabog na iniwan ni Trish ang dalawa.

Napakamot naman ng ulo si Ivan sa inakto ng nobya at hinarap si James, “Reynolds, I’m sorry but I have to pass on this. I don’t wann tick Trish off.  You might need to find another wingman. Sorry, dude.” Tumango naman si James at umalis na sila ng sabay sa sophomore’s building.

“Ryan! Do you want some free snack today?” bungad ni James kay Ryan na palabas sa classroom nila.

“Oh Friend! You know I won’t say no to that.” Mabilis na sagot nang naka-ngiting si Ryan at hinawakan pa ang tiyan. Ikinatuwa naman ni James ang nakitang reaksyon ng kaibigan.

“But first, you need to do a simple thing for me.” Wika ni James at iwinagayway ang sulat nito para kay Devon.

“What’s that? Drugs? Oh no, James! I will do other things except drug dealing and cockroaches.” Takot na sabi ni Ryan.

“What?! Stop saying that! You’re so loud they might think I’m really selling drugs.”  Papakatikom ni James kay Ryan at tinakpan ni ang bibig ng huli.  “This is just a letter.  Stupid.”

“Ahhhh! Sorry, James.  You look like a member mafia, that’s why.” Nangingising sabi ni Ryan habang inaalis ang kamay ni James sa bibig neto na siya namang pag-akbay ni James dito.

“You just need to give this to Devon… secretly. When I said secretly it means no shouting and loud body language. Understood?  I’ll treat you to a snack, wherever you want.” Pagpapaliwanag ni James kay Ryan na tatango-tango lang.

“Wherever I want, James? Really? Oh you’re so great. Now, give me that. Leeeeeeeeeet’s dooooo thiiiiiiiis!” excited na wika ni Ryan at natampal ni James ang noo, “I don’t think this is a good idea.” Bulong ni James sa sarili.

“Go, Ryan. Be very discrete, okay.  Just give it to her and no one else.” Pahabol ni James sa tumatakbong si Ryan. Lumingon naman ang isa sa kanya at sumaludo pa.

Kasalukuyang may klase kina Devon ng, “Yes, Mr. Lah? What do you need?” tanong ng English Teacher nina Devon sa bumungad na si Ryan.  Gulat naman lahat ng classmates nila at nakita ang malaking ulo ni Ryan na nakasilip sa pinto nila.

“Good afternoon, Miss.  Can I please excuse Ms. Soriano?  Her mom called me since she doesn’t have a phone and I need to tell her something. Miss.” Dirediretsong saad ni Ryan na walang tigil sa pagnguya ng chewing gum.

“Ms. Soriano, this might be important since Mr. Lah sounds so serious. You may be excused.” Pagkasabi nito ay tumayo agad si Devon sa kinauupuan nito at pinuntahan si Ryan.  Nagtataka siya dahil di naman kilala ng Mama niya si Ryan.  Gayun din sina Brett, Ivan at Fretzie, takang sinundan nila ng tingin si Devon na palabas.

“Are you serious, Ryan? My mom called you up?” wika ni Devon habang sinasara ang pinto ng classroom.  Hinila naman siya ni Ryan sa tagong lugar at takang taka talaga tong si Devon. 

“No.one.should.know.” at iniabot na ni Ryan ang sulat kay Devon.  Dun lang nagets ni Devon ang inaakto ni Ryan.  Hindi na pala si Ivan ang messanger ngayon at naisip tuloy nyang baka nag-away nanaman ang dalawa pero impossible dahil walang nababanggit si Ivan.

“Thank you, Ryan! I won’t tell anyone. Thanks!” sagot ni Devon at excited na binuklat ang sulat. Si Ryan naman ay parang naiihing ewan. “Devon, where is the most expensive restaurant here in Manila?” tanong ni Ryan kay Devon na busy sa pagbabasa ng sulat at nangingiti.

“Spiral at Sofitel, Ryan. Are you going out on a date with Jenny?” walang tingin kay Ryan na wika nito at pangalawang beses na ata niyang pinasadahan ang maikling sulat ni James sa tagal nang pagbabasa niya.

“Really expensive? You’re dead, James!”  tatawa-tawang wika ni Ryan, “Are you done? Do you have anything to say? I can relay that to James but it’s a secret.” Kindat ni Ryan kay Devon.

“Just tell him I said okay and bring this back to him. Thanks Ryan. Tara na.” at bumalik na sila sa kanikanilang classroom.

“You’re late, Mr. Lah! What’s your excuse this time.” Bungad ng Chemistry teacher nila sa nakangiting si Ryan.

“I have to take a looooong distance call from my father, sir.  I’m sorry I’m late.” Diretsong mukang sagot ni Ryan sabay kindat kay James.

“Great excuse, Mr. Lah. You may be seated.”  Wika ng guro nila at nagsimula na ang klase.

“She said okay and here take this.” Bulong ni Ryan pagkaupo sa tabi ni James at lihim na inabot ang sulat pabalik dito.

“Thanks, Ryan. Let’s talk later about where you want me to treat you.” Pagpapasalamat ni James kay Ryan.  Ang Ryan naman ay mukang may masama nanamang binabalak at todo ngiting nakatingin sa teacher nila.