Trial and Error: XVI

Chapter XVI

Abalang abala naman si James sa pag-aayos ng kakainin nila ni Devon sa bakanteng building. Inagahan nito ang punta para maiset-up ng mas maayos ang kakainan nila nang makarinig ng kaluskos si James.

“Baby?” bulong na tawag nito. Ngunit nagulat siya sa nakita.

“Oh! What’s with that look? Disappointed that I’m not your Baby?” pang-aasar ni Trish sa binata at papalapit dito.

“Why are you here?” inis na tanong ni James kay Trish.  Inililigpit na nito ang hinandang pagkain.

“Why are you packing up? Aren’t you going to invite me for lunch? I don’t have plans, you know. Unlike YOUR baby.” Pang-iinis lalo ni Trish na ngayo’y nakahawak na sa isang upuan.

“I won’t. Can’t you mind your own business?” namumula na ang tenga ni James sa inis. Nilapitan naman siya lalo ni Trish.

“Apparently, I can’t.  I felt involved already. I guess you didn’t know that your baby is now having lunch with my honey.” Inikutan nito si James at ipinadaan ang mapilantik na daliri sa likod nito. Parang nandidiring umiiwas naman si James.

“What are you talking about?” at kinapa ng binata ang bulsa, “Shit! I forgot my phone at my desk.” Kumunot na ang noo nito.

“Poor James. Was left clueless here waiting for no one.” Patuloy na pang-iinis ng dalaga kay James.  Mabilis namang kumilos si James at inilagay ang lunch boxes sa bag niyang dala.

“I won’t waste my time with a scheming bitch like you. I don’t know what you want and I don’t care” binitbit nito ang bag at akmang aalis.

“I’m warning you James.  I’ll tell.” Pananakot nito habang hawak ang isang braso ng binata. Pumalag naman si James na nagpaalis ng pagkakahawak ni Trish.

“Oh, I’m so scared right now.” Wika ni James with his killer look. “I don’t see why you’re wasting your time on us, anyways.  Your so childish.” At tinalikuran nito si Trish.

“I’m an usher tomorrow, I could tell her mom while leading her to her seat. Let’s see who’ll be scared by then.” Iyon ang naging signal ni James para haraping muli ang dalaga.

“Be very thankful that you’re a girl.” Nakakumyos palad na si James at nanggigigil na sa bwisit sa kaharap na babae. “What do you want from us?” sigaw nito kay Trish.

“I just want Devon to suffer. That simple.” Matapang na wika ni Trish.

“What did she ever do to you?” tiim bagang na wika ni James na sobra nang nagtitimpi. “You don’t even know her!”

“No worries, James. I don’t have plans of knowing her. I just don’t like it when Ivan compares me to her!  There’s nothing to compare, I am way better than her!” Pagbubulgar ng dalaga kay James na nagpatawa ng malakas sa huli.

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but you’re not even in her league. Instead of putting all your efforts on hating Devon why don’t you talk to your HONEY instead? Don’t blame Devon if she has more personality than you.” Nangingising banat ni James kay Trish na halatang nainis sa sinabi ni James.

“Damn you, James. I’ll ruin you two! I promise you that.” At tinabig nito si James at nagmadaling nilisan ang lugar.

Natakot naman si James sa maaring gawin ni Trish bukas kaya dali dali itong bumalik sa classroom niya. 

“Why do you look so mad, baby James?” tanong ni Jenny kay James.

“Nothin, Jenny. Thanks for the concern. By the way, would you know who handles the ushers for tomorrow’s graduation?” tipid ngiting tanong ni James kay Jenny.

“I think it’s Devon’s class adviser. They got the lower batch to do that. I believe Trish is one of them.” Sagot ni Jenny nang biglang may umakbay sa kanya. Tinitigan naman ng masama ni Jenny mula sa kamay papunta sa malaking ulo ni Mr. Lah.

“Why are you talking to James, Jenny?” Malambing na wika ni Ryan kay Jenny. Na siya namang inalis na parang nandidiri ang mga kamay ni Ryan sa balikat niya.

“Pakeelam mo!” at nilayasan sila ni Jenny.

“She’s playing hard to get. Don’t you think, James?  I know she likes me too.” Wika ni Ryan habang nakasunod ng tingin sa umalis na Jenny. “James! I remembered, I talked to her before lunch and she told me she can’t.” pag-alala ni Ryan sa bilin ni Devon. “I actually didn’t get it but she said she’ll get me something later. She’s sweet maybe that’s why you’re head over heels for her.”

Saka palang naalala ni James ang pinunta niya sa classroom.  He checked his cellphone and found one text message and a missed call from Devon.  Alam na niya ang sinasabi ni Trish na kasama nito si Ivan na naglunch. “That bitch.” Bulalas ni James at nagulat naman si Ryan.

“Who? Devon?” gulat na tanong ni Ryan kay James.

“No!” malakas na sagot naman ni James. “It’s someone else.  Can you accompany me to Ms. Garcia, I need to speak with her.” Yakag nito kay Ryan na sumama naman agad sa kanya.