Thirteen
883 Words
"Hey, have you done our assignment?" Jewel's voice bellowed as I hurried to the hallway where they were sitting on the floor.
It was a typical scenario whenever the classrooms are not being opened yet. And, at that moment, I am thankful that they are not since I woke up late today.
Me and the squad became close as our first semester as college freshmen in Stradborgh University came. It was Jewel who was closest to me and Tristan for the guys.
"Yes. I slept on it last night." I said, catching my breath and sat down on the floor beside her.
Our first subject today is Purposive Communication, one of my favorite subjects, so I wasn't worried about passing it because I am confident with my class standing.
"Nagpuyat ka na naman?" Tristan frowned seeing me panting as I pulled out my pink filler and handed it to Jewel who was busy copying my answers. He automatically fixed my hair which became disheveled because I had rode a tricycle to get here the soonest.
"Thanks, Stan." I managed to say and he wiped a bead of sweat that trickled down my cheeks with the back of his hand. I was about to raise my arms to tie my hair in a ponytail when he did it himself. I caught his eye and we smiled at each other.
"Ayieeee! Bakit 'di na laangg.. Totohanin ang lahat.." We heard Alvin and Jewel sang and our classmates began giving us teasing glances.
I was about to say something when one of the maintenance personnel opened the door for us. We all started to stand and gather our things as we went inside the classroom.
"Sana all!" I heard some of our classmates murmured as we went to our chairs and wait until Ma'am Baldameo came for our first subject.
It only took us ten minutes before she came in and began our classes for the day. After two more lectures, our lunch break came and we found ourselves enjoying our food.
This time, it was Tristan and Joana's turn to order for us. As our day progressed, I realized things are getting toxic as I juggle between training for our company.
I have so many things to do and I only found my peace when I am with them.
"Huy! Natulala ka na dyan!" Joana nudged me as she chewed on her baked macaroni. She's doing it again. Invading my thoughts whenever I get lost in it.
I shook my head and twirled the spaghetti noodle with my fork and cutting it before I brought it to my mouth.
"Nga pala, guys, may two weeks tayong sembreak in a matter of three weeks, ano plano nyo?" Alvin said and he munched on the fries he bought.
"Oy, hala, oo nga! Taraaa, gusto ko gumala with you, guys!" Jewel clapped her hands in excitement. Her eyes glistened enthusiastically.
I just wished I have the same energy as hers. I wish I have the time to unwind.
The pressure is eating me up. It's draining all my energy.
I feel like if I rest for a bit, I cannot catch up on it.
I listened absentmindedly to their plans and busied myself with the food in front of me.
"May sarili na naman syang mundo." Alvin sang and I was distracted with Joana's hand on top of mine.
"May problema ka, girl?" She asked, concern evident in her voice.
I managed to smile and answer her, "wala. Iniisip ko lang yung magiging coverage ng finals natin after a week."
My friends groaned and began venting out their worries about our major subjects and minor ones.
"Tell me about it. Ang hirap kasi pag nagfifeeling major yung iba. Freshmen pa lang tayo pero parang andami na nating gawain." Alvin exclaimed in dismay.
"Ssh! Marinig ka ng mga prof natin!" Joana hissed at him which he rolled his eyes at.
It was Tristan who broke the silence which came immediately after Joana's warning, "we have less than fifteen minutes before our second to the last class today, want to take a nap at the classroom?"
"Yes! I want to! I have been craving some sleep!" Jewel said and began fixing her things. She finished her food and drink her water before she cleared out her spot.
"Samedt, sis!" Alvin nodded and did the same with his stuff.
In a matter of minutes, we were out the cafeteria and into our classroom. The rest of the day passed quickly and it was dismissal time.
"Bye, guys! See you tomorrow!" I waved at them and me and Tristan walked to the main gate.
Then, I saw him.
Damon Rodriguez, in the flesh.
His brows furrowed at me.
"Bye, Brit. See you tom!" Tristan grinned at me and he nodded at Damon as he went the opposite way.
"You're late." Damon began and opened the car door for me.
"Since when are you my chaffeur?" I asked, my eyebrows raising at him.
"In case you don't know, your brother entrusted you to me." He said and put on his seatbelt. "And, I am courting you."
"What?" I exclaimed, looking at him in surprise.
He nodded and winked at me and maneuvered the car to the main road. "Yes, baby. I like you."
- Writer
