LOVE ACROSS TIME

CHAPTER 11: TWIST

KIRSTEN TURNER POV'S

YEAR 2013, PRESENT TIME

According to Lao Tzu, "Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."

Change is an important part of our lives. It is an ongoing process that gives us the opportunity to grow and improve as a person. Change can bring fear and uncertainty, but it also allows for new experiences and opportunities.

With every change, our relationships can be affected, be it with our family, friends, or ourselves. But, the important thing is that we change for our own good and not for others. Change is not always easy, and it can be painful. But, in the end, it gives us the opportunity to be better, stronger, and better prepared for the future.

We should also not forget that not all changes need to be big or radical. Sometimes, small changes in our habits and outlook on life can bring a big impact on our happiness and contentment. What matters is that we are constantly learning, adapting, and changing for our own good.

So ultimately, change should not be feared or avoided. Instead, it should be embraced as an opportunity for personal growth and development. Because of change, we become stronger, wiser, and above all, better people.

"What are the 7 continents in the world, class?" Questions from our prof on Geography 1. She is ma'am Pat, she looks quite young and she is new so she still speaks calmly. Maybe after a long time she will become hot-headed.

I raised my hand to answer. The question is easy. But she didn't call me.

"Go ahead Ms. Rigel." She called one of our classmates. My friend, but when it's time for class, I think of her as an enemy.

Rigel smiled happily at me before standing up. "The Earth is divided into seven continents, each unique in its geography, culture, and significance. Asia is the largest continent, encompasses a vast array of landscapes with over half of the world's population. The second-largest continent is Africa it is a home to some of the world's most iconic wildlife and ancient civilizations. Third is the North America spans from the Arctic wilderness of Canada to the sun-soaked beaches of Mexico. North America is known for its economic power, technological advancements, and diverse population. Fourth, South America that boasts breathtaking landscapes and is rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. Fifth, Antarctica that claims the title of the third smallest continent. It is home to unique wildlife like penguins and seals. Sixth, Europe that is characterized by its historical significance, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks. Last, Australia that stands as the smallest continent, known for its unique wildlife, vast deserts, and stunning natural landscapes." She gave a long answer.

"Great job Ms. Rigel! Your explanation was easy to follow and informative." Praise from Prof. Even with Rigel's answer.

Tss. The prof just asks what are the 7 continents. She even explained one of it. She must follow the directions of our prof.

"Now, let's talk about the Ancient Greeks and their contribution to Geography." Our prof said after writing the word 'Contributions' on the white board. "Who do you know of the Ancient Greek who made a great contribution to us?" Ma'am asked and pointed to what she had written before facing us with a questioning reaction.

Ancient Greek and their contribution when it talks about Geography.?

That's just basic!

Our class is a typical college class. There are students who are always active and there are students who prefer a quiet life.

I looked around the room and looked at my classmates. No one raised their hands because some of them were just thinking and still processing the question of our prof., while others were just stupid, and there was no point.

I'm in the back because I'm sitting so I can see the whole class.

I looked at Rigel who was sitting at the end of the seat in my row. Even though we are friends, we don't sit aside in the classroom because we want to have no friends when it comes to academics. We want that when it comes to academics, we both excel.

We are competing for the Valedictorian rank here because we heard that the Dean of our school will give ₱100,000.00 if we get that rank. I am also involved in the scholar so I should not neglect my academics. We study not only for our grades but also for ourselves. With each passing day, our love for our course grows stronger. Our classroom is not just a place for learning. It is also a place for friendship, cooperation, and development.

But when we are outside the classroom, we are so close and we also update each other on school works. The two of us also went to group study and we are looking for a possible lesson of our prof so we know what our topic will be about. Despite all this, the most important thing to us is our friendship. It is our second home, our place of study, and our place of friendship.

I was surprised when Rigel raised her hand and waved it like she was in a pageant.

I quickly raised my hand and played it close open like playing with a little child so that our prof would notice me.

I need to be able to answer the recitation! Maybe this class will end without my name being said.

"Ma'am, ma'am. I will answer!" I said, I almost screamed. I stood up so that ma'am could notice me.

"Ma'am, I will answer too. I know a lot." Rigel resisted and stood up.

Instead of answering the question of our prof. other students just cheered for us. It was like they were betting on which of us our professor would call to answer. The scene is like a contest awaiting its outcome.

Our professor smiled at our reaction. Maybe she was happy with our activeness and our showing interest in his class.

Despite our smile, we knew we were nervous inside. Who among us will she call?

Our prof looked at me as I thought she was about to call me but she suddenly turned her gaze to Rigel. She looked back and forth between the two of us which gave us both nervousness and excitement.

With every passing second, our wait grew more intense.

"Since you both want to answer and I'm sure you know exactly what you're going to answer. Why don't you two just answer, right?" Asking our prof. which gave me a little frustration.

Oh! No! Rigel will be able to do two recitations immediately! Our class recitation should be equal!

She probably thought that I wouldn't answer earlier so she hesitated before raising hee hand.

I just nodded at Rigel and smiled as if to say 'it's ok'.

"What is your answer Ms. Rigel?" Asking our prof.

"Umm... For me, He is the Eratosthenes. The father of geography and he was the first one to use the word geography and he also had a small-scale notion of the planet that helped him to determine the circumference of the earth ." She answered which made me nervous.

That's what I was going to say too.

Shit!

What else can I answer?

Who else?!

"Nice answer. How about you Ms. Kirsten?" Asking prof. to me.

I looked at Rigel because I couldn't think of anything to answer. I was also nervous because our classmates were looking at me.

Rigel put her hands together and then moved them like a fish.

What does she mean?

Is it fish?

Sea?

Waves?

Girl, what's that?

She spoke without any voice coming out.

...

...

...

I feel like I know what she means!

"Thales of Miletus ma'am... He said that the world was based on water. Also, he developed several basic theorems of Geometry. He was also the first to initiate measurement of the Earth and tried to locate things on the face of the Earth; thus establishing the mathematical tradition." I smiled at my answer so I gave Rigel a thumbs up to thank her for giving me the clue but soon there was I still remember the ancient Greeks. "I also remember Anaximander and Aristotle. Anaximander is a pre-Socratic philosopher who said that the world was shaped like a cylinder and he made a world map that was based on information from sailors. In addition, Aristotle said that the earth's shadow during an eclipse is curved and the stars increase in height when they move to the north." I answered with high confidence.

My classmates were applauding.

I thanked them before sitting down.

A few minutes passed and we finished our 1st subject this morning. Our next class is later at 1:00 pm so we will have to wait a long time.

Ugly schedule! It's just annoying!

We went out and went to the cafeteria to eat and spend some time there.

"You came from earlier!" Rigel complimented me. She even gave me two thumbs up.

"That's because of you." I said and winked at her.

It winced. "You cringe! It's funny." She hit me lightly on the shoulder.

I laughed.

"Where are the two faces?" I asked, referring to Trisha and Ria.

Because I didn't see them before when I entered.

Our course is different compared to those two. They took a Bachelor's of Science in Hospitality Management major in Hotel and Restaurant Management while Rigel and I took a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Sciences. Because I really want to teach children especially the subject of Philippine History/World History. I can also teach Arts, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, and also Law because that is what we study in the course we took.

"I saw them this morning. They are very busy, I think they have a Tourism Gala Night tonight." Rigel replied.

"Really? We can do the course, when?" I asked her, a little bit excited.

In my life, I have never had the opportunity to attend events like this, especially if it is held at night. The reason? My grandmother does not allow me to leave the house every night and I do not have enough money to buy new clothes to wear for such occasions. But this time, I have a strong desire to attend this event.

Why? Because I have discovered that old clothes look like new when they are clean and smell good. It is perfect to wear for this event because of its amazing design. Not only that, I also heard that some college students like me. I become the center of their attention when I wear a simple dress with a charming and elegant appearance.

And above all, there is another reason why I want to attend this event - Kaycee. Kaycee is my long time dreamer and admirer in our school. His beauty is undeniable - his skin is fair, his nose is sharp, and he has an attractive dimple. Although he was relatively healthy, this did not hinder his good looks. He is a fourth-year college student taking an Education course with a major in English.

Currently, I rarely see him because he is busy with his Field Study or his preparation as a teacher at another school. But I hope that in this event, maybe Kaycee will be able to join me in the dance. This is my most anticipated event, and hopefully, it will come true in this event.

•••

After a few minutes of talking and waiting, Rigel and I continued our meal. As we sat down and tasted what was prepared, our conversation became deeper and broader. We talked about the event that will take place. It's really a big event that makes us nervous and excited about what might happen.

Rigel, my companion, was also restless in her excitement. With every bite of her food, you can see in her eyes the anticipation and eagerness to experience the event. She is also excited because she has plans to take a photo with her longtime crush.

A person whom she admires from afar has not yet given the opportunity to get to know more closely. Her eyes light up whenever she mentions her crush.

But to this day, I still have no idea who her crush. She is still not sharing the details about him. Every time she mentions it, I become more and more curious and excited to know who this person is that gives her this pleasure and excitement.

I was on the last bite of food when Trisha and Ria suddenly entered the cafeteria while they were exposing Kaycee!

Trisha and Ria wore a White long sleeve blouse, blazer, black skirt, and black leather shoes.

Shit!

What the... ?

OH MY GOD!

Seriously?!

Why are they with Jaycee?!

Is this what Ria is used to when she gets bored with repeated questions?

She is used to taking the woman or women with her when someone asks her if she and Ria are twins. She even fights with them when they say that she and Trisha look alike, but they do look alike.

That's a b***h!

I'm not prepared for this!

"Kirsten, Rigel, there's another creature that doesn't believe." Trisha told us as she approached us.

I stood up quickly and didn't know what to do.

I'm confused!

My heart is also beating fast!

Acckkkkkk!

"It's true that you both look alike. Ouch!" Kaycee moaned with a groan.

Shit!

I immediately approached them and tried to make Trisha let go of Kaycee's arm but she didn't want to.

"It's up to you. I'm hungry." Ria said that there seems to be no point in what is happening around her. She left and wento to the counter.

"That's right!" Rigel's authoritative weaning.

Rigel and Trisha looked at each other for a few seconds before Trisha decided to let go of Kaycee.

"Is that your friend really like that?!" Kaycee asked angrily while adjusting her uniform.

"Yes... S-sometimes." I'm ashamed to say.

"Can she be reported to the student council?" My hair stood up when she whispered those words in my ear so I backed away.

I could tell that he felt my actions so I noticed that he was looking at me worriedly.

He came a little closer to me and I could feel that he wanted to touch me with his hand but he just stopped it.

I looked at him and gave him a sweet smile.

"I'm fine, sir." I said to him. I call him 'sir' because I treat him like a teacher.

"Are you serious?" He asked worriedly.

I nodded in response.

My friends looked at us in surprise.

"W-what's going on there?" Rigel asked as if it meant something else.

"Is there something I don't know?" Trisha's question is meaningful.

I was about to answer when suddenly someone grabbed Kaycee's shoulder.

"Babe! I've been looking for you for a while." I seem to have become deaf because of what a... Man said?!!!

Babe?!

Kaycee?!

This guy?!

KAYCEEEEEE is gay???

Or

Is this guy gay???

Seriously?!

Which of them is gay?

Shit!

Is this true?

"W-what's going on here?" Ria asked in surprise when she returned to our place. She was holding a plastic paper plate with a lot of rice and a dish of tocino and longganisa.

"Who are they babe?!" Angry questioning by... Should I say Kaycee's girlfriend or Kaycee's boyfriend?

Tss.

That's cringe!

I have never objected or shown any negative attitude when it comes to relationships like this. Honestly, it's not on my list of things I don't accept. However, I didn't really expect, I couldn't even imagine that Kaycee would have a relationship like this.

Kaycee, a person with amazing good looks, is what many female students in our school fantasize about. There is no denying that he is the center of their attention and the cause of their excited feelings. As soon as he walks through the school hallways, you can feel his presence and his influence on woman.

Many have also expressed their feelings towards him. In fact, the love letters, chocolates, and flowers he receives from students who like him are countless. These are symbols of their admiration and love for him.

But despite all this, I really can't imagine that he would have an unusual relationship. This is something I never expected to happen.

Hayyy! That's part of life! It's really so mysterious.

What you don't think is impossible will happen in reality. It's like a place full of mystery. There are many hidden secrets in the place you are going and when you find them you will be surprised because of the---.

I stopped thinking when Kaycee suddenly spoke.

"What are you doing? And babe?! What it is?!" Kaycee asked her girlfriend/boyfriend irritated.

Is he upset because his girlfriend/boyfriend is there? Shouldn't be happy because they now have a chance not to hide their relationship?

"It's not you." I was confused by what the man said but I was surprised when he suddenly approached Rigel and kissed her on the cheek!

Eh?

What the...?

OH MY GOD!!!

"Can I be your babe?" The man said happily to Rigel and even winked at him.

I looked at Rigel who now had red cheeks.

She's excited???

Oh my!!!

What is really going on???

?

?

?

"OH MY GOD!!!" We were all shocked when Rigel screamed which was almost heard throughout the cafeteria.

She even jumped up and down with so much joy and excitement.

•••

A few minutes passed, I still couldn't believe what happened so I processed it in my brain while eating ice cream.

Earlier, Trisha and Ria suddenly came as if they were dragging Kaycee and then suddenly a man came and called his 'babe' then I thought it was Kaycee's girlfriend/boyfriend and then all of a sudden the man called Rigel 'babe' then this is the beautiful one woman screamed in excitement.

So, does this mean that Rigel's crush suddenly arrived? Not Kaycee's girlfriend/boyfriend?

Wow! Nice day! Nice plot twist today!

After a few hours, my day ended with my mind full of questions and I still couldn't believe what was happening while Rigel was having a lot of fun and still couldn't forget what happened earlier.

After I got out of the gate, I immediately went to the jeep parking lot to look for a ride. The jeep filled up quickly because the senior high students left at the same time as me.

I was about to get into the jeep when someone grabbed my hand.

"You're Kirsten, aren't you?" He asked.

I looked at the man who asked and I almost lost my breath when I recognized who that man was.

He is...

...

...

Clyde?