Seven Names (Skills Series #1)

Chapter One

"Tininin tinin! Tininin tinin" Augh that was my alarm. I know I need to stand up and get ready but waking up this early is really hard. Still, I need to. Today's my first day in college and I should not be late.

I checked the time. It is already 0540H. I forced myself to get up. I ran going to my bathroom to take a bath. After the short bath, I rushed to the kitchen to consume my egg sandwich. I grabbed my coffee and ran to my motorcycle.

Black jeans and a school shirt was what I wore. I paired them with a black Nike shoes. I did not forget my ID. Everyone knows it is a must. I am driving in a not too slow speed going to the university.

Luckily, I arrived exactly 0634H. There will be a ceremony at 0700H before our classes. That means I am a few minutes early.

I am seated on the bleachers when the program started. School staff gave speeches and some reminders. There is also a staff who welcomed us, freshmen and transferees. Before the ceremony ended, we are instructed to proceed to our respected rooms which we can identify by looking at the bulletin board beside the information desk.

I walked going to my room with the pack of students around me. When I reached the room, there were only three people. I sat on the front chair.

Everyone was quiet. No one knows each other. I sat quietly and pretended to be reading something on my phone.

When I got bored pretending, I observed the people around me but not obviously. The lady two seats behind me on the right has a shiny long hair. Her skin is light brown and her height is almost the same as I am, 5'1".

The lady on my 7:30 is wearing a ponytail. Her hair is very black which makes her more beautiful. She is a little taller than me and she is playing something on her phone.

Lastly, the guy on the third row is also taller than me. His skin is dark brown and he is wearing glasses.

Few minutes after, the door released a lady smiling widely. I immediately recognized her so I get her attention.

"Rancia! Here!" I pointed the chair beside me telling her to sit beside me.

She ran towards me happily."It is you, Day! It had been a long time. I missed you." She stated nonstop.

"Yes, I do also. I'm glad that we are in the same class this morning." I replied back.

We did not wait long after that. Our first teacher arrived.

"Good Morning, Students! This day is our first day and I'll be your first subject teacher. Since this is our first meeting, we need to introduce ourselves first among the class." the preffesor said. She is on her mid-30s and she stands around 5'3".

"I'll start. I am Ms. Shez Grey. I'm 33 and I'm expecting cooperation, respect, and willingness to learn from everyone. Now it is your turn."

"In introducing, you just have to say your name, age, your birth date if you are comfortable to say it, any expectation from our class, expectation from me, and expectation from your classmates." She added. "We will start from the guy at the back. Kindly stand here in front. Thank you."

The guy stood and step his feet going beside our professor. "Good Morning Everyone. I am Reeze Aithan Ocampo. People usually call me Reeze and you can too. I'm 18. I am expecting a helpful and full of knowledge discussion in this class. I hope everyone will be respectful and honest. I am very much happy to meet you all. Thank you!"

"Thanks Mr. Ocampo. May we now listen to you, lady." She said pointing at the girl at my back.

She stepped forward going beside Ms. Grey and looked at the back. She might be a little shy. "Hi Everybody, My name is Stephannie Jas Alonzo. I just turned 18 yesterday. I am hoping to learn more about my chosen course in this class. Also, I hope that those learnings will be helpful to my future career. To my classmates, I hope we'll be friends or at least trusted colleagues. That is all I can say. Thank you so much." She said.

"Thanks Ms. Alonzo. The next one will be you, then the person on your right, and her." She pointed at Rencia, Me, and the lady on my right respectively.

Rencia stood up and faced everyone before speaking with utmost energy. She is always like that, that jolly-type. "Hey Guys, I am Rencia De Villa. I am 18. I actually expect everyone to be kind and friendly. I hope I can understand every topic we'll discuss in this class. Aside from expectations, I also want to say an oath. I will study hard and focus on this class. Thank you, friends!"

"Thank you Ms. De Villa. I like your oath." Ms. Grey remarked with a smile. "Next one."

I stood up and walked before facing my classmates. "Hi Everyone! I am Athena Andrada. You can call me Athena. I am 18 and I love to be here this morning. I am expecting respect from everyone. I also expect to receive knowledge and bunch of good experiences in this class. Thank you Ma'am. Thank you, Everyone!" I sat back on my chair.

"Thank you Ms. Andrada. Lastly, we have this lady."

The last one to introduce silently walked to the front. "Hi! I am Summer Zoe Riley. You can call me Sam or Summer, it's fine. I will be 18 two days from now. I hope everyone will be kind to me and to everyone else. I am expecting that I will love this subject. Thank you so much."

"Thank you also Ms. Riley. Since it is about time. I'll just have a few announcements." Our professor started. "You are only five in this class so I hope that is an advantage. I hope Everyone is willing to learn here. Be matured, be respectful, be practical, and manage your time wisely. That's it. Let us call it a day. Good Bye."

She left after uttering those words.

I wanted for a bit but no one went out. I did not because my next class is after lunch.

"Let us eat in the cafeteria! My next class will be at 1030H." Rencia beamed.

"Sure, my next class will be after lunch." I replied.

"Hi! Can I join you in the cafeteria? My next class will be few more hours from now." It is Jas.

"Sure, sure. Let's go!" I said. "Jas, is it okay to call you Jas?" I even asked.

"Of course, you are Athena if I'm not mistaken." She said.

"Yes" I replied.

"You are Rencia on the other hand." She said pointing at Rencia.

"Yeah. C'mon! I'm starving." Rencia jokingly replied.

We started going outside when Summer asked if she can also join us.

"Oh sure, I like your hair anyways." That is Rencia.

We went to the cafeteria but Reeze, our male classmate, followed us. He was not talking though. We sat on a table. Rencia and Sam ordered for us. Now, it seems like Rencia chose Sam over me, Kiddin'!

The cafeteria's interior design is so nice, it shouts fanciness. Tables are around and each table has five chairs. The cafeteria is actually full of students at the moment. We're glad we saw a vacant table.

Reeze in here, sat on the same table we chose. Still, he is not saying anything. Well, he might be the guy who doesn't want to talk a lot. That is a little obvious.

"Which is better for you? Mathematics or Science?" Jas asked me.

"I honestly don't know. My mom taught me many things about math which made me love it. I always won on mathematics competitions before. I have this attitude that I don't want to leave a math problem until it is solved. Despite that, I also love science more that math at certain times. Science discovers, explains, and teaches. It was just that there are theories and other things that are unbelievable." I explained.

"Whoah! That is so true." Jas exclaimed.

"How about you? Math or Science?" I asked her back the same question.

"Math is always my favorite. I am having a hard time explaining or writing processes and Science requires those abilities which make it hard for me sometimes. On the other hand, no matter how long or complicated your solution might be in math, it will always lead you to the single correct answer." She said meaningfully.

"I agree with that." I said.

"I would be more happy learning Science than Math. Science might be unbelievable sometimes but I am amazed how it was able to discuss largely a small object or event. Science involves processes, characteristics, types, and parts which answers my questions when I was young. Like 'why is it raining?' or 'why do birds tweet?'" I was shocked to hear Reeze answer. Yeah, that was Reeze who said that.

"Okay Dude. I did not know you are able to speak." Jas jokingly said which made us all laugh.

We are in the middle of laughter when Rencia and Sam came back to our table.

"What is the joke?" Rencia asked.

"It is you." Reeze said and He even pointed his finger towards Rencia.

Everyone laughed once more before we dig in. We talked about more other things before Jas and Rencia left for their next class.

I entered my class in the afternoon and the students in the room occupies half the room. The teacher came in and asked us to introduce ourselves one by one. The class ended and I ran going to my next class. The teacher simply tells us a little overview of lessons in her subject and let us introduce ourselves to each other.

I don't have time making friends with my next classmates since I am focused with what our professor is saying.

I am on my last class this afternoon. The professor did not bother asking for our names. He just proceed lecturing. This is our first day but he fired us his lesson immediately. I just payed attention to whatever he's saying.

After my class, I went to a park in the university. We agreed to meet at that park after class. As I was entering, I immediately feel a different ambiance. It is calm and peaceful. I quickly saw Summer reading a book in one of the benches.

I walked toward the bench.

"Summer! Your class ended early?" I uttered.

"Athena, yeah, my teacher is in a hurry. It is good, you already arrived. I do not have anyone to talk to." She complained.

I laughed. "You are into novels? I am too." I said pointing at the book she's holding.

"I actually loves reading books, novels or not. This book is new but its sales are insanely high so I checked what it is about and definitely bought a copy. It is good so far." She said.

The book cover is familiar, I cannot read the title though.

"What is the title?" I asked her.

"Blessed and Cursed" She replied.

"Oh, sounds familiar. Maybe many people are already reading it." I remarked.

"Well, many people bought it, read it, and are talking about it." She said. "Anyways, what kinds of stories do you read?"

"I read different genres. I depend on the author and on the plot, not on its genre." I answered her. "You?" I asked back.

"Any books can do. As long as it catches my attention through its blurb or its graphic design. Actually, I often read books who are suggested by friends." She explained.

"Hey! I thought I'm early." Reeze suddenly arrived.

"Hey Reeze!" I greeted him.

"Are you from the library?" It was Sam who asked.

"Yup, I got this book. It is academically inclined that's why." He reasoned out.

It is another book. Probably Science Fiction.

"You are into Scific's?" I asked him.

"Sorta." He replied shortly.

"Well, I am too. Do you read science fictions, Sam?" I said.

"I do. Sometimes, I read science fictions when somebody suggests them to me." She said.

"Oh, well, I'm suggesting you to read this." and I gave a book to her. I bought that last year. I'm done reading it and the story is so nice.

"Are you sure?" She asked loudly. "This book is expensive. Are you done reading it?"

"I finished it last year." I just replied.

"Can you offer me any science fiction book that you've read already?" Reeze suddenly asked.

"I have another one here. I don't know if you'll like it but I am happy with the story." I explained.

"I looked for this before. I actually read the second book accidentally. I read it in our high school library. Are you giving it to me?Thank you." He said.

"Sure" I just replied. He is smiling with the book.

Few minutes later, Jas and Rencia arrived.

"I'm hungry! Our professor gave us a tiring quiz. Let us eat outside please." That was Jas complaining.

"I know a coffee shop near our university. We can stay there." Reeze suggested.

"I love to sip some coffee." Sam said excitedly.

We walked together going to the coffee shop since it is just few meters away from the university. As we entered the cafe, we are welcomed with the fragrant aroma of coffee and a beautiful classy interior design. We sat on a vacant table before ordering.

"I'll go order for all of us. What do you like to order?" Reeze volunteered.

"A medium Espresso for me." Rencia said.

"Medium Espresso also for me." I added.

"Uhm, let me have medium Americano." Jas said.

"I'll have medium latte. That is actually my favorite." Sam gave her order. "What will you get, Reeze?" She even asked.

"Medium Latte also, I never tried their latte." He answered.

Reeze walked towards the counter while we are left in our table. Everyone can't stop talking. I like how we immediately agreed to be friends even if we just me a while ago.

"There is this professor in our class who did nothing but c***k to us corny jokes. He asked us how we call a fish without eyes. We answered 'no eyes fish' and 'blind fish' but he said it is wrong" She is irritated.

All of us are laughing.

"What is the answer then?" Jas asked.

"Fsh." She answered irritatedly.

We all laughed at that. It is corny but Sam telling the story makes it so funny.

"Another so corny joke from that teacher. The question is what did the policeman say to his belly button? Oh gosh, this one's so stupid." She exclaimed.

"What is the answer in that stupid question?" I said while laughing.

"Aurgh, you are under a vest." She mockingly copied the voice of her professor which made us laugh even more.

Jas is even tapping the table and Rencia is already holding her tummy.

"What is the joke?" Reeze came back with our coffees.

"It is actually you!" Rencia answered back just like Reeze in the cafeteria a while ago.

"Hey, do you all not like any food?" Jas asked us.

"I think, I want to get some. I'll have an apple turnover. Anyone else who want some bakery food?" I asked.

"I'll get a cinnamon roll. Come, Athena, let's order in the counter." Jas replied back.

"Coffee's enough for me at this time" Sam said.

"Me too." Rencia Seconded.

"Just get me a cinnamon roll also. Thanks!" Reeze said.

We headed to the counter to order. The counter shouts how good coffees are. This will be my favorite coffee shop. We are in a line since there are other people who is also ordering. When it is our turn, Jas was the one who stated our orders.

"Actually, my mom is working in here sometimes. It just so happen that she is not around right now." She said while turning her head from every corner trying to find her mom.

"Really? You are blessed. Your mom gives you a very nice coffee in the morning." I said.

"Actually, she is not in the house most of the time. She is a bit busy lately but I enjoy her company when she's at home." She explained. That is a bit sad. My mom also don't go home in my house.

"This is your order ma'am. Thank you. Enjoy!" The lady on the counter gave us the bakery foods.

We walked going to the table and ate our breads while talking to each other. I am a little pressured a while ago because it is my first day in college but the pressure was already gone since I went to the cafe with these bunch of noisy and genius people.

"Geez, I'm full. This roll is so good." Reeze exclaimed.

"We should be going here more frequent." Rencia suggested.

"Or should we go cafe hopping? Let us find first which serves best coffees. Let us start tomorrow." Sam said.

"That would be exciting." I agreed.

..and we decided to go to another cafe after lunch tomorrow. Gosh, I am so happy with these people even if we just met.

After a few more minutes, we decided to go home already. Jas grabbed a taxi and we waited for it outside the cafe. When she already boarded, we went back to the university. Sam was fetched by her dad in front of the campus and Reeze also grabbed at taxi going home.

"You have any vehicle?" I asked Rencia. We are left alone in front of the main gate.

"I don't have any, I am about to grab a taxi." She replied.

"I can drive you to your house. I brought my motorcycle." I offered.

"Sure, I'll enjoy that." She exclaimed.

We walked going to the parking space of the university and I grabbed my motorcycle. She boarded at my back and off we go.

"Where will I drop you?" I asked her.

She explained where she lived.

"Oh, you still stay there?" I asked.

"Yes, my mom actually misses you." She even stated.

"Is she home at this hour? I'll say hi to her when we arrive." I said.

She said yes and the ride continued.

When we arrived, Rencia go off the motorcycle and lead me going to their living room.

"Mom, I'm home." She exclaimed.

"Hi Sweetie!" Her mom replied and kissed her. That is when she noticed me. "Day! You are back. It is so good to see you. You've grown!" She said and rushed to hug me.

"Hi, tita! I missed you." I replied back.

"She happen to be one of my classmates in my first class this morning. She said she wants to say hi to you." Rencia explained.

"Do you want to stay here for a while? Or at least eat dinner with us?" She suggested.

"Thank you tita but I need to read books tonight. I'll sleepover here one night but I don't think I will tonight." I declined.

"Sleeping over here one of this nights is good enough." She said.

"I'll go now, tita, Rencia! I'm happy to see you again." I said.

"So am I. Be sure to go back!" Tita reminded me.

"See you tomorrow, Day!" Rencia exclaimed.

"Sure tita." I assured her. "Bye for now." I said before going back to my motorcycle. I honestly missed them a lot. I was too focused with working, I forgot to check on people I love.

I drove going to my condo. I am driving slowly. Just feeling the surroundings. I will be driving through this road day after day starting today.

When I arrived at my condo, I walked to my shower to take a short shower. This day was awesome. I will never forget that this day happened. I opened my arms again to welcome friends. It had been a long time since I last involved myself in this kind of relationships. I've been more focused on my studies and my works.

I do wish that my life will be like this day, everyday but I know it is not. I just ate rice with fried chicken for dinner before browsing on my social media accounts. I opened my i********: and I was shocked on the notification that popped up.

"rencia_dv started following you." I read the notification. I pressed the button saying follow back.

Few seconds after, she message me.

rencia_dv: Heyyyy! What is up?

athenaaa: Hi! Nothin' is up. Sleep already.

rencia_dv: Sure Ma'am. Nightt! See u tom :)

I check her followings and I chuckled after seeing the usernames of our friends in school. That was fast, how is she able to quickly find people's ig account?

I followed them one by one. _samz, jasss_, and a.ocamp0.

All of them are active so they followed me back immediately.

Suddenly, Sam message me.

_samz: Hi! Thanks for the book you gave me. I'll try finding a book to give to you as a gift. I love you.

athenaaa: Always! I'll be waiting for that book. I love you too. See you tom :)

_samz: Yes, see you!

I logged out after that and grabbed a book.

"Butterflies are beautiful but they have been a caterpillar before having the colorful big wings. They crawled first before flying." That is from the book I'm reading.

When will I fly? I have been crawling for a long time now. When is my time to fly? When will my wings start to grow. When will I be able to go out from my cocoon.

Memories from my past started resurfacing. I was in the verge of tearing up when my phone suddenly rang.