“From Classmates to Lovers… Now Just Exes”

From Classmates to Lovers… Now Just Exes My name is Jean Smith. I’m 18 years old and a student at Xavier University. I wouldn’t say I’m very smart, but I try my best every day. Early in the morning, I woke up to prepare for school. I was already a bit late attending face-to-face classes because I had joined a dance contest. Still feeling sleepy, I got up to take a bath. “Auntie, good morning po. Maliligo muna ako,” I said. “Sige, Jean. Kumain ka na pagkatapos mo. Gising na ba ang kapatid mo?” she replied. “Yes po, Auntie. Gising na po.” Yes, I have a sister. Her name is Joy Smith. She’s 17 years old. We’re in the same grade and study at the same school—both of us are in senior high. “Ate, bilisan mo maligo! Malelate na tayo!” Joy shouted from outside. “Ito na! Kakain na ako!” I answered. After eating, we hurried on our way to school. At School “Good morning, sir,” I greeted as we entered the classroom. “Good morning, Ms. Smith. Bakit ngayon ka lang pumasok?” the teacher asked. “Sorry po, sir. Medyo late na po ako. May sinalihan po kasi akong dance contest.” “Hays… Sige, pumasok ka na. Introduce yourself.” I faced the class and took a deep breath. “Hi, classmates. I’m Jean Smith, 18 years old. I’m not new here, but I’m late attending face-to-face classes. And this is my sister, Joy Smith. She’s 17.” Just as I finished, someone suddenly entered. “Sir, good morning. Sorry po, late.” “Late ka nanaman,” the teacher said with a sigh. Napatingin ako sa kanya. I don’t know why, but I got distracted the moment he walked in. My eyes caught the tattoos on his arm—it was something about him that made me curious. “Take a seat, Ms. Smith,” the teacher said. “Yes, sir. Thank you,” we both replied. I sat down beside Joy, still thinking about that guy. “Oh, hi. Bago ka?” he suddenly asked. “Hindi naman. Late lang ako nag-attend ng class. Busy kasi,” I answered. “Oh, by the way, I’m Axcel Ong, 20 years old. Yeah, I know—matanda na. Patigil-tigil kasi ako,” he said with a slight laugh. “I’m Jean Smith, 18. And this is my sister. Pwede ba akong dito na lang umupo?” “Sure, why not.” At that moment, I didn’t know that simple conversation would be the beginning of something… something that would change my life.