Chapter XVI: Sabong ni Liryo
Isko's days at school are as lively as ever, his energy and enthusiasm radiating in every class. During recess, however, he often prefers solitude, taking his time to buy snacks from the school canteen. On this particular day, he orders a plate of lumpiang shanghai and sits quietly under a tree, savoring each bite.
Unbeknownst to him, a pair of curious eyes watches from a distance. A girl, holding her own tray of snacks, pauses mid-step as she notices Isko. There's something captivating about his calm demeanor as he eats, completely unaware of the world around him.
The school day progresses, and as students pour out of their classrooms, the girl spots Isko again walking near the gate. She's still stealing glances at him when a sudden commotion pulls her attention—a car hurtling too close to the sidewalk.
The girl freezes, unable to move as the vehicle speeds toward her.
"Miss! Tabi!"
Before she can react, a pair of strong arms pulls her back to safety. She gasps, looking up to see Isko standing before her, concern etched on his face.
"Okay ka lang ba?" he asks, his tone calm but firm.
Her heart races, and the adrenaline proves too much—she faints in his arms.
A crowd gathers, and Isko carries her to the school clinic, where the nurse attends to her. After ensuring she's stable, Isko quietly leaves, his good deed done.
The next day, Isko heads to the canteen again, ready to enjoy another solitary snack break. This time, however, someone approaches him hesitantly.
"Uhm, excuse me…"
He turns to see the girl from yesterday, her cheeks flushed and her gaze shyly avoiding his.
"Yes? May kailangan ka ba?" he asks.
"Pwede ba tayong mag-usap? Sa bleachers sana," she replies nervously, clutching the strap of her bag.
Isko nods, intrigued by her sudden request. They walk together to the bleachers, a quiet spot away from the bustling campus.
Sitting down, she takes a deep breath before speaking.
"Salamat kahapon… sa pagsagip mo sa akin."
"Wala 'yon," Isko says with a small smile.
"Importante, ligtas ka."
The girl smiles back, her nerves easing slightly.
"Ako nga pala si Andy Shane Guerrero. Pero Shane na lang ang tawag nila sa akin. College student ako, sa CHTM course."
Isko nods politely.
"Ako naman si Francis John De Vera, or Isko for short. Pleasure to meet you, Shane."
"Wow, talaga Isko Moreno, si Yorme, ibalik na sa Manila Cityhall HAHAHA" (Shane)
They exchange pleasantries, Shane slowly opening up about her studies and hobbies while Isko listens attentively. In turn, he shares a bit about his experiences at school and his passion for learning.
The conversation flows effortlessly, the initial awkwardness fading away as they find common ground. By the time they part ways, there's an unspoken understanding between them—a budding friendship that feels genuine and warm.
As Shane walks back to her class, she feels a smile creep onto her lips. For the first time in a while, she feels a connection worth exploring.
It's late afternoon, and a gentle drizzle turns into a full-blown downpour. Classes are over, and the campus buzzes with students scrambling for cover. Isko, casually walking toward the gates, notices Shane standing under a shaded awning, holding her bag tight to her chest.
"Wala kang payong?" he asks as he approaches.
Shane shakes her head, her lips curling into a sheepish smile.
"Nakalimutan ko. Eh ikaw?"
Isko pulls out his umbrella and shrugs.
"Meron ako, pero maliit lang 'to. Baka mabasa ka rin."
Shane chuckles nervously.
"Mukhang kailangan ko na lang maghintay hanggang humina 'yung ulan."
After a moment of thought, Isko offers,
"Bakit hindi ka muna sumama sa amin? Malapit lang naman bahay namin sa Calle Crisologo."
Shane's eyes widen slightly.
"Sa Calle Crisologo? Teka, may bahay ka talaga 'don?"
"Oo, tara na. Bago pa lumakas lalo 'yung ulan," Isko insists.
Shane hesitates, her shyness kicking in.
"Eh baka makaabala ako sa pamilya mo."
Isko waves off her concern with a grin.
"Hindi 'yon problema. Sige na, sumama ka na."
With a bit more convincing, Shane finally agrees.
When they arrive at the house, the sound of rain hitting the clay-tiled roof fills the air. Isko shakes off his umbrella and calls out,
"Hi po! Nandito na ako!"
Christine emerges from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Isko, anong ginawa mo sa ulan? Baka magkasakit ka niyan."
Benigno peers from the sala, a cup of coffee in hand.
"At sino naman ang kasama mo?"
Isko chuckles nervously.
"Ah, … si Shane po. Kaklase ko. Wala po siyang payong kaya sinama ko muna dito."
Christine and Benigno exchange glances, their expressions unreadable at first. Isko leads Shane inside, and the couple quietly retreats to the kitchen, whispering to each other.
"Parang hindi natin 'to na-experience kay Regie noon, ha," Christine mutters.
"Ewan ko ba," Benigno replies, scratching his head.
"Pero parang… ibang klase si Isko ngayon."
At the sala, Shane sits cautiously on the antique sofa, her eyes darting around the house's ornate interiors. Christine returns with a steaming bowl of soup and a glass of calamansi juice, setting them down on the coffee table.
"Shane, huwag kang mahiya," Christine says gently.
"Kain ka muna para mainitan ang katawan mo."
"Salamat po, madam," Shane replies softly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Benigno joins them, his usual stern demeanor softened by curiosity.
"Paano ba kayo nagkakilala?" he asks, settling into a nearby chair.
Shane shares the story of how Isko saved her from the near accident and helped her to the clinic. The couple listens intently, nodding and occasionally glancing at each other.
By the time Shane finishes, Christine smiles warmly.
"Mabuti naman at ligtas ka. Napakabait naman pala nitong si Isko."
"Hindi lang pala matalino 'yang anak natin, may puso rin," Benigno adds, though his mind briefly drifts to memories of Regie.
He quickly shakes the thought away and focuses on the moment.
As the rain eases, Isko accompanies Shane to the gate, waiting with her for her ride. When it arrives, Shane steps into the tricycle, smiling brightly as she waves goodbye.
"Salamat ulit, Isko! At sa mama at papa mo rin!"
"Walang anuman," Isko replies, waving back.
He watches the tricycle disappear down the cobblestone street before heading back inside.
As soon as Isko enters the sala, Christine and Benigno give each other a knowing look.
"So… si Shane pala, ha?" Christine teases with a sly grin.
"May future pala itong apo natin, may dalagang nagpapansin," Benigno adds, chuckling.
Isko groans, his cheeks turning red.
"Hala, wala 'yon! Pinatuloy ko lang kasi umuulan."
"Hindi na kailangan magpaliwanag," Christine says, still laughing. "Basta kami, natutuwa kami sa'yo."
Benigno pats Isko's shoulder.
"Ayos ka, anak. Pero tandaan mo, mag-ingat din palagi."
The family's laughter fills the room, their bond growing even stronger with this lighthearted moment.