Capitulo 5
Time flew fast when you want to slow it. It is funny how people chase time but most of the time, they waste it. When the Elcazar sisters reached college, the word ‘busy’ already replaced the word ‘chill’ in their vocabulary especially Xavandra who almost split her body in studying and helping her mom in managing the El Casa.
Sa isang Agricultural School na siya sa bayan pumapasok kaya naman ay maging sa byahe ay pagod ang kaniyang katawan. Ngunit hindi niya iniinda ang pagod basta para sa lupain nila. Ganoon kahalaga kay Xavandra ang El Casa sapagka’t iyon ang pinaka malaking alaala nila sa kanilang ama.
“I’ll be leaving,” Rusten informed Xavandra. “Again,”
Xavandra gives him a genuine smile. Rusten is already in his second level in college. Rusten started his college in Manila last year and he took the Marine course. It’s his dream and with his perseverance, he was able to pass the full-time scholarship in one of Manila’s universities. Aside from that, Rusten also receives cash assistance from El Casa like any other scholar.
“You take care,” Xavandra said.
Rusten nodded at her but he is looking at Xavandra intently. “Ayaw mo ba talagang sa Manila na lang mag-college?”
Umiling naman si Xavandra. “Kung doon ako mag-aaral ay hindi ako makaktulong ng maayos sa El Casa. El Casa is expanding its connection and relationship with other company that Mama can’t handle it alone anymore. May mga secretary naman siya at Head Manager per location pero siya pa rin ang nag-aasikaso ng lahat.” Tsaka siya bumuntong-hininga. “Metikulosa ang Mama pagdating sa El Casa kaya alam mong hindi niya ito basta-bastang ipagkakatiwala sa sino. So she needed my help that is why I’ll stay here.”
It was then Rusten’s turn to sigh. “I know,” he said. “Then focus on your study and in El Casa, okay? No boys, Xavi.”
Xavandra pouted to hide her smile before nodding at him. Rusten is one year older than her and he is very protective. They are sticking with each other’s side since Xavandra’s sisters flew to Mexico. Rusten is Xavandra’s very best friend. That is why now that Rusten is leaving to study in the city, she feels another hole in her space again.
Rusten yanks her inside his arms and hugged her tightly that Xavandra reciprocated. She waves her hand as Rusten rides the bus. She watches the bus until it’s no longer visible in her vision. She then let her smile fall off.
“Argh! Kaya nga Agriculture ang kinuha ko kasi akala ko ay tanim-tanim lang. Hindi pala!” reklamo ng kaibigan ni Xavandra.
“Sinabi mo pa! Mababaliw na ako dito sa mga scientific names na ito! Nakakabulol na nga sa dila, nakakabulol pa sa utak,” isa pang reklamo ng kaniyang kaibigan.
“Huminga na kayo habang wala pa ang reporting natin,” natatawang sabi ni Xavandra.
Sumunod naman ang lahat ngunit nagdadabog sila. Talagang nagra-rant ang mga ito dahil sa hirap i-memorize ang mga scientific name at nakakalula pa ang mga spelling nito. Habang wala pang oras ng klase ay nireview na nila ang kanilang notes para sa mangyayaring recitation. Bagaman nagrereklamo sila ay nanatili pa ring nagreview ang mga kaibigan ni Xavandra habang siya ay tumatawa lamang sa pagdadabog at pagrereklamo ng kaniyang mga kaibigan. Totoo naman ang sinasabi nilang kay hirap ngang i-memorize ang mga scientific name at lalong kay hirap idikta ang spelling nito ngunit siguro ay lamang si Xavandra sa kanila sapagka’t mahal at talagang nais niya ang kursong kinuha.
Ang bagay na ginagawa ng hindi buong isang daang porsyente na gusto mo ay magdudulot talaga ng hirap. Bata pa man ay ito na ang nais na kurso ni Xavandra sapagka’t hindi lamang ito makakatulong sa kaniya at sa kanilang negosyo. She fell in love with this course because the green grass land, farm animals and beautiful flowers was her first view as she grew up. And she wants to take this kind of profession in the future.
“Scientific name of clove, Ms. Elcazar,” tawag sa kaniya.
“Sygygium aromaticum,” mabilis na sagot ni Xavandra.
“Okra!” sigaw ng kaniyang guro.
“Abelmoschus esculantes,” sagot niya.
“Last, scientific name of Southeast Asian soldier fly! Bilis!” pasigaw na sabi ng kaniyang guro bago ito mabilis na magbilang para sa timer.
“Parastratiosphecomyia stratiosphecomyioides,” mabilis na sagot ni Xavandra ngunit nanatili siyang kalmado.
One thing she learned the most every time there’s a test, exam, and recitation is that; getting rattled will bring the worst in you. That is why since she learns that, she started practicing calming herself whenever there’s a test or recitation and that lead her to a good result. Just like earlier.
“Hey,” Xavandra greeted after she answers the phone call.
“Hey you too,” Rusten replied.
A peal of soft laughter comes out from Xavandra. “Is it class done or just a vacant?”
“Vacant. I still have class until six pm. And you?”
“I’m walking out to grab a ride going home. Class is done,”
“Are you alone?”
“Of course I am al—” the call ended.
Napangiwi na lang si Xavandra at hindi na nagulat pa na binabaan siya ni Rusten. Madalas ng gawin ni Rusten iyon at kasunod niyon ay bigla na lang may susulpot sa kaniyang harapan. Kung hindi si Luky ay si Joaquin para lang sabayan siya sa pag-uwi o maihatid siya ng ligtas at maayos sa kanilang bahay.
Nang ilang sandali ang lumipas at natanaw ni Xavandra si Luky ay napailing na lang siya ngunit may munting ngiti ang kumawala sa kaniyang labi. Hindi pa man nakakarating sa kaniyang gawi si Luky ay kinawayan na siya nito. At parang isang kabute si Joaquin na bigla na lang sumulpot mula sa kung saan.
Luky is the same age as Xavandra while Joaquin is one year younger than them. If Xavandra is not mistaken, Luky wants to take the Marine course too and study in Manila like Rusten. But it looks like there’s a minor problem that causes him to enroll in their town university first.
“Alam niyong hindi niyo naman na ako kailangang sabayan pauwi,” saad ni Xavandra ng makalapit ang dalawa. “I appreciate your effort but I know that you still have your own business after school. So, go ahead and enjoy yourself. I can go home alone.” She then smiled at them.
“Try harder, Xavi,” Luky mocks her with the way Rusten calls her.
“Ayokong mabalian ng buto. Kaya halina at umuwi na tayo,” sambit ni Joaquin at ito na ang pumara ng tricycle.
“Wait, what if let’s go and grab some fishballs and isaw first?” tanong ni Xavandra sa dalawa.
“Tara.” Sabay na sagot nila at sabay pang hinila si Xavandra na ikinatawa na lamang ng huli.
“Bitaw, Joaquin. Ayokong mabalian ng buto,” saad ni Luky at sabay nilang binitiwan ang kamay ni Xavandra.