April 20th

VII

VII

Alaica Martin

               Streams of light shone through my bedroom window. I pulled my bedsheet over my head wanting to go back to sleep, my phone ringed. I groaned. Pulling myself off of the bed, I reached over the bedside for my phone.

“Hello?”

“Please tell me you're on your way here.” Marie pleads.

“I just woke up. I’m sorry. I'll be there in fifteen minutes.” She complained more on the phone as I head over to the common bathroom. I checked the time, 8:15 AM. Marie and I had planned to meet at the Uni today at 8 for our college application. Both of us were from Foundation Uni during Senior High and we’re so glad we get to have the same institution for college. I dressed casually in dark denim jeans, a light pink shirt, and slip-in converse. Pulling my denim tote bag, I placed my portfolio inside and filled the extra space with unnecessary things I just feel like bringing. I headed out.

 Today’s weather is sunnier than the past few days. The heat wasn’t that prickly on the skin since it’s still morning, but I bet it will later knowing that Philippine summer weather could be a drought in other countries. I brisked through the crowds as I texted Marie I’m here. I looked for her but to no avail, couldn't find her. People in here are so tall, even women. Marie is 4’11 which is why I stopped looking around and dialed for her phone number.

“Marie? Where are you? You’re so small I couldn't find you hahaha” I said when she picked up.

“I’m near the gate. Where are you?”  

“Out front of the hmmm history building, I guess. Or is it a mini-museum?” I wasn’t quite sure.

“Just stay there, I’ll find you.” We should have picked a better day to submit our application. It looks like a fourth of the total population is here for enrolment too. As I wait for Marie, I took in my surroundings. The Uni had plenty of acacia trees planted strategically side by side, giving a large shade for everyone out of the heat. The Church was big and picturesque and long green curve cement benches covered the front grounds. But what captivated my attention the most was the diversity of the student body. I know, I KNOW, believe me when I say I’m used to seeing foreign people. The Philippines is a great country of mixed races. I, too, had foreign classmates back at Foundation but not as many as this. I took in every individual’s features. White, black, tan, pink, yellow. Some had freckles and blonde hair. Some had an afro and those tight braids. I stand in awe. I chuckled at the thought that I could only identify the Asian race.

“What are you laughing at?” Marie popped behind me. I smiled. “Let’s go”. Marie and I had separated ways after I escorted her to the College of Nursing. Not really escorted, but more like finding the building without having to ask for help. We had planned to meet later after at 2StoryKitchen for our brunch. Heading over to the Engineering Department, I feel my palms sweat. I think I ain’t ready for the interview yet. Most were males crowding the building,  and females were only a handful.. Having second thoughts, I stood outside the gate looking stupid. ‘I have to do this today or I will not be able to make it tomorrow’ I chanted internally.

With a heavy breath, I dragged myself inside. “let’s get this over with”

__________

Luke Rivas

    I woke up early feeling a bit off of the weather probably due to the rain yesterday. I fixed my bed, opened my curtains wide, and head out to the kitchen. The air smelled like coffee as the machine brews. Mace was early too, having coffee at the countertop and his eyes trained on his laptop. I poured myself some coffee and went over to him. 

“p**n at six AM isn’t normal, Mace.” He laughed 

“I couldn’t contact Mum. She hadn’t mentioned she’d be on air this week” 

“She could have forgotten as always” 

“I know that. But I still need to remind her to take her meds, she mentioned she felt weak last time.” Mace explained with a pained expression This is why nearly everyone likes Mace. He’s caring and thoughtful. He cared for his parents deeply and was in constant worry about how they’re doing.

 “Have you contacted your Dad?” 

“ I tried. He’s out of coverage as well. I'll just leave them emails before we head out.” I nodded.

 I met Mace Datu 3 years ago during 11th grade in SU. We both took Science, Technology, Engineering, Agricultural, and Mathematics (STEAM) strand. We both planned our classes and also our part-time jobs. He bought his car just last year, an army green Toyota Hilux. He used up his salary and his saved up money since high school, which reached a third of the price. His parents covered the rest. While my salaries were still locked away on my bank account in hopes I could buy Ninja 650 before I graduate. But I highly doubt I could knowing the price is half a million and I would probably settle for less expensive ones. I grinned knowing that the less expensive ones I mean were the Vulcan S, Honda Rebel, or Ninja 400.

"Alright, then." 

I took the opposite chair to his. "Should we get the same part-time place this semester? I might start looking for one this week since I won't go back to my hometown for the rest of the vacation." 

"We should try in Oppa Cafe. Maybe our spots in there are still vacant." We worked at Oppa Cafe last semester. It's a cafe near downtown and Rizal boulevard that serves overpriced food. People might find it funny that Mace worked there especially when he had a car, but we don't actually care about what they think. Mace is a person who works hard for what he wants which is such a respectable trait.

    We talked for a few minutes before we head back to our rooms to prepare. We walked to the Uni, which was a good five to ten-minute walk, we passed by students who were likely here for enrolment also. Mace was leading the way and I was following behind until he suddenly stopped. I waited.

He didn't move nor reply to my question. After near 90 seconds, he continued walking and I fall in step with him. "What happened?"

"There was a chick who blocked the way. I had to stop so she wouldn't bump on me." He shrugged.