I'll Love You, Tomorrow

Chapter 14 – New Kid

Mikhael...

"You can do it, this will be fun.", I motivated myself while on jeepney going to Sta Rosa University. Finally, I'm coming back to school. For some students, their day had already ended but mine was just getting started.

My class starts at 4pm. I have two Saturday classes because those were the only schedule available for the professor.

My request was also granted to adjust my schedule so I could leave work early. And to compensate for the early out, I have to report to work early as well. I had brought my uniform at work already. After my shift, I changed to school uniform and proceeded to the university. I was proud wearing my uniform as I went out of the CR, like kindergarten with their new bags and lunchboxes.

I have three subjects this afternoon; Food Chem, Food Tech and HRM I. I was given three major subjects this semester, all of which are in HRM building. If I was not mistaken, that's where Dean Rivero's Office was. And where I saw MJ on the parking lot during my enrolment.

Thinking of MJ, I felt sad because I only know him by name. I had the chance of getting to know him more, if only Danny did not show up. But I have a strong feeling that I will be seeing him here more.

While walking to HRM building, I came across different SRU students. My looks did not differ from them at all, like I haven't left school for two years. I knew I look good myself and I could keep up with them. But definitely, you will notice those students coming from well-off families really stand out. They look better in some ways. Their skins were porcelain white, their hairs were silky and shiny and their bags were obviously branded. I wouldn't be surprise if most of them have cars on the parking lot.

As I come closer to the building, more and more model-like students were passing me. Both men and women looked so dashing. I'm starting to feel like you have to look great in order to be in this course. No one told me that I needed to be good looking to be here, good thing that I'm a natural. I brag to myself.

I walked pass the guard of the building and proceeded to room 305 which is on the 3rd floor. After a whole tiring shift, I needed to climb three flights to get to my classroom.

The building corridor is tiled with granite tiles. The glass windows are big and overseeing the wide soccer field on the distant ground. The ceilings are white and well-maintained. This definitely is a high end university. 

When I reached room 305, I heard voices from the inside. I'm 5 minutes early so I still have time to compose myself. I was a little shy to enter the classroom, like I already forget how. Luckily, there were three guys who walked pass me and went inside. I took the chance to enter with them. Good thing I made that decision because upon entry, all eyes were thrown at us. The three boys seemed to not care about the attention and went at the back of the classroom.

The classroom is a typical college classroom with whiteboard in front, blue plastic armed chair, plain white walls and ceiling and AC. I followed those three boys at the back but I sat on the other side of the room. The front was full already by students.

Some students looked at me when I took a seat at the back. They may have recognized me as the new student. Looking at how the class were chatting and getting along well, obviously they already know one another. Surely, I was the new kid. I won't be surprised if I'll be called to stand up in front later and introduce myself.

"Hi, new student? Irregular?", a girl asked me on her seat.

"Yes, I think.", I replied, unsure.

"Ok, I'm Loise by the way.", she introduced herself while reaching her hand to me. She was smiling sweetly and eyes sparkling.

Loise is pretty. Her eyes are dazzling, her lips are pink and moist, and she smells sweet like strawberry.

"Hey Loise, care to introduce us to your new friend?", intervened by two women.

"Girls, I'd like you to meet…what is your name again?", she asked. She forgot she hasn't asked my name yet.

"Mikhael, Mikhael Alfonso. Irregular student." I responded shortly while reaching for a hand.

"Hi Mikhael, I'm Angeline and this is Marjorie.", they introduced themselves.

They all look gorgeous but these two are quite different. Compared to Loise that is sweet, looks kind and cheerful, the other two are more on the liberated side. Their make ups were stronger and more vibrant. Their personalities are more provocative and assertive.

They reached for a handshake. When I received their hands, they both gave a slight giggle. Loise threw them a sharp look that made them stop.

"I'm sorry Mikhael. Don't mind them. They're sometime insane or out of their mind when they meet a new person.", Loise explained her friends defensively.

"Hey, Loise if you think we're insane then you are insane too. We're friend right?", Marjorie defended herself that eventually made the three of them laugh in unison.

"Good afternoon!", the professor exclaimed as he entered the classroom. The three women rushed back to their seats and left me alone. While sitting on my chair, I saw the sharp stare of the three boys on the other side of the row that I came in with earlier.

"I don't like the looks of those three on me. Not a good way to start my semester.", I whispered to myself.

The professor introduced himself in the class; Mr. Allan Tolentino. He set his expectations and requirements that we needed to comply. He walked us through the syllabus while walking around the classroom. While Prof. Tolentino was talking, Marjorie and Angeline kept on looking back to where I was sitting. They smiled at me then giggled right after. It's quite uncomfortable and slightly irritating already; they're distracting.

Prof Tolentino seemed to notice the two ladies and called up their attention. Even the three boys at the back noticed them too and made an even sharper look at me after.

I was not doing anything. What's your problem?

Prof Tolentino dismissed the class early. I kept my notes in my back and about the leave the classroom when Loise called out to me.

"Do you still have classes after this? We're eating out. Want to join us?", she invited.

"I'm sorry Loise, I can't. I still have classes.", I told her. I tried to be as casual with her as possible because the stare of those three guys were still pinned on me and it's starting to scare me off.

"We were dismissed early. I'm sure you still have time to spare before your next class starts.", Marjorie insisted.

"Yeah Mikhael, it's still early and we won't take long. We promise.", Angeline supported.

"Girls let him be. Maybe he'll come next time.", Loise stopped the two which gave me the relief. "But in case you changed your mind, we're just outside the campus. We're at the cafeteria across the street. You'll surely love their frosty."

It's a good thing that Loise knew how to read between the lines. When I knew I had my chance, I immediately bid my goodbye and dashed out of the classroom and down the stairs.

Truly, it's still early and I still have time to wonder around. I visited the university canteen to buy a drink. I bought a "dalandan" juice and sat on one of the benches surrounding the soccer field.

Its late in the afternoon already. The sun is setting orange and the wind is blowing peacefully; so calm, so peaceful. Maybe because of the excitement of getting back to school that I didn't feel the exhaustion of a whole day's work. Maybe not now, not yet.

I was lost in my thoughts when someone put a hand on my shoulder from behind.

"Hey, you're Mikhael right?", he said. I almost got choked on my juice when I realized who the guy was. It's the same guy at the back row from my previous class with his two friends.

"Yes, I'm Mikhael.", I replied calmly, trying hard to compose myself. But to my surprise, the two guys sat on my either side and the third was standing in front of me. If they're going to ambush me right now, they'd succeed.

"I'm Ram", the guy standing in front of me introduced himself. Ram is a tall, dark and handsome guy. First look, you would think he's Arab. He's 6 feet tall with a deep manly voice.

"And those are Roger and Jerome.", he pointed to the two guys on both sides. Unlike Ram, the guys were normal looking but nonetheless, they too have strong personalities.

"Hi.", I greeted the two.

"New student right? I haven't seen you around before.", asked Ram

"Yes, I am. I stopped for two years. I came from other college.", I replied casually.

"So, you don't know much about the university yet.", he assumed the obvious. I just nodded in ascent.

"How about you? First year also?", I asked.

"Yes, we've known each other since Junior High.", Jerome said. "The three of us graduated here in high school...…with Loise, Angeline and Marjorie.", he finished with emphasis on the name of the three girls which elevate the pressure that I was feeling already.

"Yeah, we like know each other for a long time now." Roger followed up.

"Hey, do you have plans of joining any clubs? Or sports maybe?", Jerome asked." Ram is the captain of the Men's Volleyball team. If you are interested, he can pull you in."

"Ah..."

"How about joining the SRU cheer dance group. Do you dance? I can indorse you to the captain if you want.", Roger proposed.

"Guys, chill. Slow down. Don't pressure him.", Ram intervened. "Mikhael will choose and join any club if he feels like joining. For now, let him absorb everything ok."

"Guys, thanks for the invitations but I don't have plans of getting into any clubs for now. I dance and I play volleyball in high school but for now, I need to focus on my studies. I got in because of a scholarship. I need to get my grades up or else I'll lose the grant. Also, I have a job. I'm not sure if getting into clubs right now is a good idea. Sorry", I told them.

"Oh, that's ok. At least I have a somebody with me on the bleachers haha.", said Jerome. "Unlike these two, I'm more of an audience type when it comes to sports. I prefer to watch. I am more into academics. There maybe I can help you with." He offered.

"Really!, I'd love that thanks.", I acknowledged.

I didn't care anymore if those three were genuine with their invites or they were just making fun of me but at least, I knew someone.

"Guys, I've to run. I have class in 15. See you around.", I told them.

"Sure dude, no problem. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.", Ram said.

"I'll keep that in mind.", I replied.

My second and third classes were the same; introduction, syllabus and requirements. Those classes were attended mostly by irregular students like me so I didn't feel left out. Here, I get to know Sean, an irregular student like me. But he was not working, he just chose night classes.

Sean is a nice guy; he talks a lot sometimes but serious in most part. He is also smart. He's the only one who answers professor's questions in class. And not just brief and shallow answers, it's comprehensive. He is amazing when he answers. You will definitely listen to what he is saying. I think we are of the same age but he acts maturely. He is a very interesting person.

Sean and I left the university together after class. We just part ways at exit because I'm going to Pacita and he is going to Sta Rosa. While on jeepney, I took the time to reflect on my day at school. It wasn't bad, it's new and I get to be reminded of how it feels like to be the new kid again; scared and hopeful.