We found love in a hopeless place

chapter 13: the curse of cold December.

"It doesn't matter who hurt you, or broke you down, what matters is who made you smile again."

*****

Every year, the cold weather had brought about many cold memories to some people. If it wasn't for the yuletide season that everyone is raving about, it would been a just cold, dull, colorless month. 

I have a significant love for coffee, it keeps me going everyday because my job has been such an energy draining lately. As I open the glass door of the coffee shop I come to everyday before work, a waff of aroma hit me and immediately I could got a taste of a little reality.

This past few days, there has been no one answers from Jesse' phone, it has always been going straight to voice mail. I was starting to hate myself for shutting her out like that.

"The usual sir?" The friendly barista girl whom I probably see every single day asked then smiled. But unfortunately, I just gave her a tight smile. She knew something was wrong but was understanding enough to let it go.

"Here's your number and please proceed to the claiming station for your order" These were her usual line, I have memorized it. But she still says it everyday though everyone knew them already by heart. Then she leaned in and whispered to me "You owe me a story, we haven't talked for a while" I nod and left to claim my coffee. I glance at my wrist watch and it was just enough time to drive to the university and start another day.

****

As I entered the room, everyone stood up as a sign of courtesy and we did the usual routine of attendance checking. But as I glance to her place, it was empty. Rumor mill has been spreading that she went back to live with her family which was a two-hour travelling time. I didn't actually knew the reason why, everyone was spreading different stories and I didn't want to hear them. Just as I was about to start I heard someone coming, and I immediately knew. 

"Sorry I'm late sir" and I tick her name to the tardy list, three times in a row.

****

I have once again hit the rush hour and got stuck in a heavy traffic. And the worst part is, my driver isn't man enough to drive faster than usual because most of the drivers are also aggressive just to get in each other's way.Sometimes, I hate Manila for having too much automobiles but not havinga convenient roads to travel. I looked at my phone, and I was late again. Three times in a row. I won't be surprised if Remy would give me a warning because I'm no different to other student to him now.

I got to the university twenty minutes late, if it weren't for the judgemental people who would glare and talk. I would've ran from where I was when I got stuck in a traffic.

I could hear my heels echoing througout the hallway, deep breath and here we go.

"Sorry I'm late sir" I said lowly, while looking on the ground. I'm a bit embarrassed of all the attention I'm getting these days, all the rumors, having the talk with some of my professors who are notifying me that I'm always late even though I know that, and this.

He gestured me to sit, but it felt like a walk of shame. As if they're giving me a cone and letting me sit in the corner. Again with the sound of my heels which was the only noise I heard this day.

He started writing on the following dates for the final requirements this year. "Before the year ends I woould like for all of you to take on the next level in my subject" He said like it was nothing. I can hear some students groaning for they want their classes to be done and over with and just enjoy Christmas break. The brave enough Lero raised his hands and said "Are we gonna be a guidance counselors for one week?" but no one dared to laugh because he just might consider it. I was praying he wouldn't. "Uhh no, Lero. you will all have a one-on-one oral report to me" Maybe being a guidance counselor wasn't bad, I thought. But an oral exam, in front of him..alone. I would be lucky if I didn't stutter or sweat or even faint while reporting.