So What If I'm in Senior High School?

Decision-making Skills

Studies have said that excessive use of Social Media could lead to bad decision-making skills. It's been compared to substance abuse wherein using Social Media can become an addiction, and when people are too engrossed in this, they continue using it despite knowing its wrong. This leads to a spiral of wrong decisions and negative experiences.

I'm not addicted to it or anything but thanks to f*******:, I just made a bad decision which made things awkward between me and my girlfriend. She hasn't been replying to my messages for days—probably even a week— now, and I went out of my way to see her because I care. I cared that things between us were getting cold for some reason. And yet, why did it seem wrong to care?

Everything feels so wrong right now.

I pick up my phone, open f*******: Messenger and tap in Ross's name. Anyone up for a shot? I hit send. There's no reply. Where the hell are you when I need you, Ross?

I lock my phone and lay my head back on the wheel. Probably should wallow in your own misery for a while, Seth. You know, this might be punishment for me following those pretty i********: models and Social Media Influencers. That's what yo ass gets for being a horndog, Seth.

Or... was it because I was drooling over that counselor from school? Ms. Julianna, was it? But she's an employee for Pete's sake! It's not like adding her on f*******: was anything bad. A lot of other students must have added her too. Besides, not like I actually had the guts to talk to her. I don't even know how to say "Hi" without looking like some kind of hormone-driven teenager.

I open my phone and click on Ms. Julianna's name. Her chat box appears before me. It's empty as hell except for a big wave button telling me that I should say hello to my new f*******: friend. As if I'd do that.

"See, babe? I have this cutie on my sss friends list but I didn't even bother chatting her because that's how much I love you," I say, acting like Sienna's there in front of me. I shake my head. "It's not like you actually care about me right now though..."

I look at my phone. The big yellow hand is waving, seducing me to click it. Ms. Julianna is waiting for you, Sethy boy. Why don't you just click the hand? No f*****g way. I am not going to send a stupid wave.

My eyes narrow as I stare at it. Okay, fine. Maybe I could just say hi. It's not like there's any meaning it. it'll just be a student saying hello to a school employee. That's all. Nothing more.

I swipe to open the keyboard. My fingers aren't touching the screen anymore but they're moving as if I'm actually typing.

Hey, Ms. Julianna! I dunno if you remember me but I'm one of the students that

I feel like I'm explaining too much with this line.

Hello!!!

Or do I sound like a completely energetic kid with this one?

Heyyyyyyyy

Or a creepy guy.

Wasszuzuzup, Proctor?!!??!

Okay... this one is kind of weird.

I shake my head and laugh. What is wrong with me? Why am I having such a hard time trying to make fake Hi messages? It's not like this is the first I've ever tried talking to a girl online. Oh wait, that's right. She's someone older, not just a girl.

Closing my eyes, I laugh and pretend to type down a simple "Hi ma'am :D" along with the emoji just to make it sound cute. I pretend to hit send on my keyboard. Such a great actor. Putting my phone back in my pocket, I open my eyes and position myself. I'm about ready to drive back home when I hear a ding from my phone. I ignore it and start driving.

Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding

My phone's chirping wildly like an alarm. I stay focused on the road. If I could wait for my girlfriend to reply to my messages, then my phone can wait for me too. I want to go home and forget I ever came here. I continue driving.

Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding

A few blocks away my phone is practically screaming. I scratch my head, one hand on the wheel. Whatever is going on and whoever is talking, it must be something big. Alright. Hang tight. I'm almost home.

Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding

I disregard my phone until I finally reach home. I head straight to the living room, my eyes glued to my phone. There are about thirty messages from a single chat head. It's a group chat from my friends in school. I open it and scroll through the messages.

Daniel: Shits f****d up, man.

Ed: Seriously? That's what happened?

Ross: We'll talk about it at my place.

Joshua: No f*****g waaaaaaaay!

Ross: Guys. Gab is going to my place later. Usual time. Be there.

Vincent: Guess we're not going home tonight.

I c**k my brow. Did something happen? Everybody's fussing real hard.

What's going on? I type.

Ed: SETH! SHOTS!

Joshua: Dude. That all you can think about?

Vincent: A friend is dying here.

Ross: Just read the convo, Seth.

I sigh. Fine. I scroll through the top where the conversation started. Ross has several chat messages while everyone has little until the last part.

Ross: Guys. Something bad just happened to Gab. I need you guys to free your night. We're going to my place tonight. Gabriel and Angel just broke up.

As I read the message, I almost drop the most important thing in a Gen Z-er's life— my phone. I adjust my glasses, squint my eyes, and scroll back and forth the messages just to make sure I read things right. No matter how many times I do though, the message is still the same. Gabriel and Angel just broke up. Our circle's nambawan power couple broke up?!

Why in the hell— No, what in the hell happened???

I shake my head. "What is happening to the world?"

"Seth?" I hear my mom's voice. "I didn't know you were home."

I stand up from the couch and see my mom standing by the dining table. I shrug, smile, take her hand and hold it against my forehead before letting go. "Mano po. I'll be gone after dinner though. Ross invited us over."

Mom rolls her eyes. "Right. It's the weekend again. You better eat a lot this time or you're going to have acid reflux like last time." Her words make me chuckle. I nod my head, retreating back to the couch. Mom leaves and I'm back on my phone.

The world is seriously going nuts today. First, there's an awkward air between me and Sienna. Then, Gabriel and Angel have broken up out of nowhere. What's next, universe?

While on f*******: messenger, I hit the back button and return to the app's home. The shortcut to Sienna's chat box is on my recently chatted, but there's no new message. She still hasn't replied at all. On the other hand, my circle's chat is banging loudly. Jesus.

I continue to scroll down but stop once I see an unfamiliar picture on my recently chatted list. Julianna Luna. Why would her name be here? I click it and open the chat.

Me: Hi ma'am :D

"Holy s**t-" I whisper and drop my phone. It bounces on my leg and falls to the floor. I'm stiff as a rock. I can't move. This can't be real, right? Tell me this isn't real! I clearly did not type this— I mean, I did type this in the air so it might technically be my fault but... but... but that's why it was air-typed! That means I didn't even touch my phone's screen! So how in the world did this get sent?

I look up and narrow my eyes. Is this another one of your tricks, universe? Or are you trying to be my wingman? Because you’re doing an excellent job so far.

What am I saying? I have a girlfriend, and yet I want to take chances with a school employee. Damn, Seth. You’re a f**k boy.

I shake my head. Calm down, Seth. It’s just a say hi. Nothing more. It’s not like you’re gonna flirt with Ms. Julianna or anything.

My eyes stare at her display picture.

But damn is she cute.

I shake my head again. More violently this time around.

Don’t. Be. A. f**k. Boy. Seth. Earl. Benitez.

Ding

My eyes pop as I hear the bell from my phone. It’s a chat. It’s from Ms. Julianna.

Julianna: Hello! J

I gasp loudly and touch my chest. My heartbeat and breath are pacing fast as if I’ve run a mile. I look left and right. What do I do now? What do I do now? What do I do noooooow?!

Uhh… uhh…

What’s up? I type. Not a moment later, I press backspace rapidly. How could I say what’s up like this?! Everybody knows talking to a girl like that means you have the hots for her! Don’t make it f*****g obvious, Seth!

Heeeeey! I dunno if you remember but I was one of the students you proctored last week during our finals. I added you cuz you seemed like a pretty cool exam proctor and such. So yeah!

Okay. Maybe I’m explaining a little too much. It kinda seems like I’m a creeper.

Fuck!

Why is this so hard?! Ahhhhh! Universe, wingman me. Like, right now. Please?

I sigh. Okay, Seth. Let’s relax for a second. How about we go for something a little more casual and doesn’t come as creepy or fuckboi-ish, yeah? Okay. Here goes nothing.

Hi, ma'am. How’re you? Hehe

Okay. That seems just fine.

Julianna: A bit sleepy. Trying so hard not to let my phone fall on my face. :P and you?

I let out a small chuckle. Even the way she chats is cute.

Me: I’m okaaay. Exams are finally over and it’s almost summer! (sun emoji). You should probably sleep ma’am if you’re sleepy haha

Pfffft. Pretty standard reply. Let’s hope this goes smoothly.

Julianna: Sleep is for the weak! Haha. Also, how lucky. Summer vacation doesn’t exist in my world. Super sad.

I took a deep breath. So far so good, Seth. I wonder if I could tease her a bit.

Me: Why? Don’t you have a break? Ma’am you should sleep or else you won’t grow tall hahaha kidding (peace emoji)

I swallow. A small version of Ms. Juliana’s display photo is on the side of my message. She’s seen my message. She’s read it. SHE HASN’T REPLIED. Did I act too familiar too soon? Oh god. Jesus Christ. The holy spirit. What have I done?! I have ruined everything! Asdfghjkl!

Then, a gray bubble appears from Ms. Juliana’s side. It has three jumping dots in it. She’s typing. She’s gonna reply!

I bit my lower lip. What is she gonna say? Is she gonna be angry? Is she going to tell me she’s absolute authority and I’m merely another student whose presence in the school is fleeting in the years to come? What? What are you gonna say, Ms. Julianna?! I need to know! P-please hurry and reply.

I wait and wait for what seems like an eternity. Then, finally…

Julianna: We still have work. And, so? At least I don’t look old. Hahaha (peace emoji)

“Yes,” I whisper as one of my hands lift up a fist of victory. Holy s**t—this is going so well. I grin.

Me: hmmm. Are you trying to say I’m old? Grrrr. HAHAHA

Julianna: You’re not old. You just look old. HAHAHA. (Peace emoji)

I drop my jaw at her fast reply. My lips quickly curve as I read her response. Damn. I love how I can just talk to her like this. Feels kinda comfy. Maybe it’s fine if I test something else out.

Me: HAHAHA wow. Hmm. Really? Do you even remember me, ma’am? :>

To me, Ms. Julianna walked in my life like a firework. I was intrigued the moment I saw her, and I found myself bewitched even more when she revealed her wit. But to her, I might have just been another student asking her a question. Another student who’ll pass by her.

It makes sense especially since she handles elementary kids and not Senior High School. Plus, it’s been a week since we’ve had finals. I doubt she will remember me—

Julianna: Hmm… are you underestimating my memory, Mr. Mitigation? Haha

My hand freezes. Scratch that, my entire body is stiff as ice. My chest is suddenly pounding hard and my throat has gone dry. Everything around me is suddenly silent. All I could hear are my inner monologues and the heavy beating of my heart.

God damn.

She… she remembers. She even remembers what I asked her during the exams. Holy s**t.

I stare at her message. This is… I can’t believe this is happening. I mean, teachers can remember students, I get that. But she’s not a teacher. She’s a school counselor. That means she handles around more than five hundred students and has to try engaging with all of them despite not making an impact in her life. Meaning, she meets a LOT of kids that pass by her often. Plus! Plus! Plus! The fact that we’ve only met once… I can’t believe my lame display back then was something she found worth remembering.

I shake my head. Okay. Let’s make Seth Earl more memorable to Julianna then!

Me: HAHAHA does it really have to Mr. Mitigation? It sounds weird.

Julianna: Haha! Sorry. You only asked me a question and didn’t give me a name back then. It’s basically your fault I called you Mr. Mitigation. HAHAHAHA

I chuckle. There’s a warm feeling in my chest. I’m happy. Why was I feeling like s**t earlier again? I’ve lost track of what that was about.

Me: FINE YOU WIN HAHAHA

Me: Ma’am, it kinda feels like we're just buddies haha (grin emoji)

I couldn’t contain how I felt. It was just so comfortable talking to her, and I hope this isn’t the last time that I’d talk to her.

Julianna: Then let’s be buddies. I’m always here if you need someone to talk to, and you know, we can talk about anything. It can be about school, personal concerns, or nonsense. Just remember, I’m here if you need someone to talk to, Seth. PS: You’re right. Mr. Mitigation does seem weird. Seth sounds better. :)

I lick my lower lip and smile. She called me by my name. What I’d give to hear her say it for real.

Seth, I hear Ms. Julianna's voice say in my head. My smile develops into a grin. I feel like a creeper but that’s okay. Nobody can see me being creepy right now.

“Seth! Time for dinner,” My mom’s voice breaks my fantasies. I blink.

“Okay. Coming, ma,” I reply, standing up and heading to the kitchen. Before putting my phone in my pocket, I type one last reply to Ms. Julianna.

Me: Hahaha. Thanks, ma'am. Talk to you later. I’m gonna have a drink with my buds. :D

Not a second too late, I receive a reply from her.

Julianna: I would say that it’s wrong to drink but I’m guessing you’ll do it even if I tell you not to haha. Just don’t over do it, okay? Stay safe and enjoy :)

My lips form into a smile.

Something tells me you and I are going to have a beautiful friendship, Ms. Julianna.