Chapter 02
1154 Words
I groggily opened my eyes, exhaustion weighing me down. Another long day of classes ahead, and all I wanted was to sleep. But I didn’t have a choice. I forced myself out of bed, took a bath, and got dressed in a blur.
I made myself a cup of coffee, the comforting aroma filling the air as I waited for it to brew. Just as I was pouring it into my cup, I heard the sound of Ley’s car outside. I smiled—time to head out. I grabbed my bag, took a quick sip, and rushed out the door.
"Morning," I mumbled.
Ley’s face lit up. "Good morning! We’ve got a half-day today!" she laughed, clearly thrilled.
I raised an eyebrow as I got into the passenger seat. "Half-day? Bakit daw?" Maybe today wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Ley shrugged, still smiling. "No idea, but I’m not complaining."
I shrugged too, too tired and sore to protest. Masyadong pagod at masakit ang katawan ko para magreklamo.
As she started the engine, I glanced over at her. "Kaya ko naman bumyahe, Ley. Hindi mo na ako kailangang sunduin araw-araw. Baka masanay ako niyan," I said with a playful grin.
She looked at me with a mock shock, then burst out laughing. "Gago, kadiri ka!" she chuckled, then suddenly turned serious. "My parents were asking about you again."
I turned my gaze to the road. "Kamusta sila?" I asked, already sensing where this was going.
"They want to help. They’re really worried about you," she said softly.
I shook my head with a small smile. "Ley, your dad’s program already helped me so much. The scholarship is more than enough."
Her expression softened. "I know things are tough. Let my parents help. Don’t think you’re a burden. You’re important to me, and that makes you important to them too."
I shook my head again, still hesitant. "Your parents have already done so much. Don’t worry, I’ll call you if I need anything, okay?"
I know I won’t. Even when I’m struggling, I don’t ask for help. I’ve always handled things alone. I grew up this way. Enduring hardships without relying on anyone. That’s just how I’ve learned to survive.
Ley didn’t press further, and I appreciated that. Her parents always offer help, but I always decline. Nahihirapan lang ako ng kaunti sa pera ngayon dahil sa bayarin sa kuryente at tubig, pero kaya ko pa naman.
When she parked the car, silence filled the space between us. An unspoken understanding. She turned off the engine, and we stepped into the bright sunlight.
"Mamayang lunch?" she asked.
I nodded and waved, already swept away by the rush of students heading to class.
Professor Lopez walked in just in time, confirming the half-day. "Alright, class. Since it’s a half-day, we’ll dismiss at 12 noon," he announced. The class erupted in excited chatter.
"Before we start, I have some good news," he said, eyes scanning the room before landing on me. "Miss Cervantes, congratulations! You got a perfect score on the midterm examination!"
What? A perfect score?
Professor Lopez smiled as the class clapped. "Claire and Jerald are strong contenders for Latin honors," he added. "They’re among the top students in your department."
Applause followed. I smiled, surprised but genuinely touched.
I’d been so afraid of getting a low grade that might cost me a shot at Latin honors. Graduating with awards is my dream. I won’t let it slip away.
"Future Laude, maybe?" Eva joked, grinning. Luh, ang plastik ni Ate. Feeling close 'yan.
"You’re going to ace that graduation speech, Claire!" Jerald chimed in.
I laughed and rolled my eyes, feeling a bit self-conscious but grateful for the recognition.
Professor Lopez got back to the lesson and wrapped up with a serious but encouraging reminder. "Let’s stay focused. Finals are coming fast—it’s time to give it our all."
After class, I rushed to Ley to share the news. She smiled big, her eyes sparkling. "I’m not surprised, girl! You’re amazing," she said, patting me on the back. "Latin honors, here you come!"
We chatted over lunch. I had carbonara with an egg sandwich and apple juice, while Ley chose rice with fried chicken and water.
"Anyway, do you find Asher attractive?" Ley asked out of nowhere.
I nearly choked on my food. "Stop. I’m not interested," I said, chuckling and rolling my eyes.
Ley put her drink down, eyes mischievous. "I swear, there’s something about the way Asher looks at you."
I raised an eyebrow. "You’re reading too much into it. It’s nothing," I replied, making an X sign with my fingers.
She just laughed, knowing I wasn’t biting.
After lunch, we hugged goodbye—me heading to work, her off to dance class.
"See you tomorrow, Claire Ashley Cervantes!" she teased.
I laughed, shaking my head. She loved using my full name to annoy me.
I’ve been working part-time at Carnation’s Café near campus for almost two years now. It’s just walking distance, which makes it convenient. On the way, Ley’s question lingered in my mind. Am I attracted to him? Definitely not. He’s not my type. Naiirita talaga ako sa tingin niya.
When I got to the café, I pushed the thought aside. I had work to do. I wouldn’t let anything—or anyone—distract me.
Until I heard a familiar voice.
"One Java Chip Frappuccino, grande, please."
I looked up and blinked. Asher? What’s he doing here?
Our eyes met. We just stared for a second. Should I say hi? We’re not even close.
He broke the silence with a smile. "Hey, Claire, right?"
I was surprised he remembered my name.
I nodded. "Yeah."
Tarantadong puso ‘to. Ayaw paawat.
"Nice seeing you again," he said, then turned to wait for his drink. I stole a quick glance at his profile before turning away, forcing myself to focus.
I busied myself by restocking ingredients, deliberately avoiding eye contact.
A moment later, I heard him thank the barista. He glanced at me one last time. "Have a good day," he said with a small smile.
Bakit ba siya ngiting-ngiti? Punyetang puso ‘to. Simpleng ngiti lang, parang hinabol na ng kabayo.
"You too," I replied.
He nodded and walked out.
I let out a dramatic sigh and slumped forward, elbows on the counter. What the hell was that? I mouthed, still replaying the moment in my head.
Patricia, my workmate, leaned in, her eyes gleaming. "Was that Asher from the electric band?"
I nodded. "Yeah, that’s him."
Patricia’s eyes widened. "You’re friends with him?"
I shrugged. "Not really. I just bumped into him before. A friend of mine is a big fan of their band."
"Ohhh. Well, Asher is definitely my type," she said bluntly.
I blinked. Her confession caught me off guard. I chuckled and shook my head.
Type niya ‘yon? Ang pangit naman ng tipo niya.
- Writer
