Unrequited | SB19 Stell [SB19 Series #3]

2

October 2016
Stell's POV

My shift at Mcdonald's was so busy that I barely had time to rest and eat my free burger meal. The burger bun was soft, dewy and I had to chew it fast and eat it in like two minutes before I was called out again to serve customers.

After hours of serving and giving out orders, I peeked at my watch. My shift had ended about five minutes ago. I quickly removed my apron and changed into a fresh shirt. I badly wanted to go home.

My phone chimed, and I looked at my phone screen. Teacher Carollene just messaged me.

I groaned. I almost forgot! I had to teach the kindergarteners at an elementary school in Las Piñas.

I sighed. Teaching kids how to dance makes me happy, but sometimes I just wanted to take a break, to sit in front of a beach or on a mountainside- sipping coffee.

Sigh. In your dreams, Lester.

It's not that we're destitute. I could say that we're middle class. My family eats three meals a day. My siblings can go to school. I get by in college, though I had to work part-time to augment my family's earnings, I wanted more for my family. I wanted them to enjoy life. I wanted to earn more for them. I've worked so hard, but sometimes, I wanted to rest and breathe.

I trudged towards our barangay's basketball court, where the kindergarteners were waiting for me. Half of them were running around the court, while half were sitting down, crowding around their teacher.

"Hi, Kuya Stell!" One of the kids called out.

"Hi!" I cheerfully replied, part of my being tired ebbed away. Kids make me happy, just like dancing makes me happy.

I set my bag down on the lowest bleacher. Teacher Carollene, their adviser, was there with her phone and portable speaker.

I approached her. "Hi, teacher!"

"Hi, Stell," she replied enthusiastically. "Thank you so much for agreeing to teach the kids. Alam no naman wala akong talent sa pag-choreograph."

I smiled. "Okay lang po, teacher."

"Just tell me if I need to play the music, okay?"

I nodded and smiled. "Okay."

I started teaching the kids. It was for their upcoming dance for their program on United Nations. It was cute, teaching little kids on the dance. I had fun. I could tell the kids had fun, too, especially during the segments where they had to present their chosen countries. Little Rei, who was representing Korea, was especially giddy when I told her that her finger heart symbolized Korean pride.

"Thanks for today, Stell. I really appreciate it," teacher Carollene told me when the practice was over.

"Of course. Anything for the kids," I replied sincerely.

"I know how tired you must be," she said. "What with juggling college and your part-time job at McDonald's plus this. Where do you get the energy?" Teacher Carollene marveled.

I had to smile. I need to have the energy since money does not grow on trees. Or magically erupt on our pockets. Money was a necessity. Money had to be earned.

My mind wandered towards my friend, Josh. Josh was continually struggling to provide money for himself and his family. Just like him, Josh worked odds and ends before. It was a good thing that Josh has a job as a call center agent. Josh claimed that he was able to breathe a sigh of relief for the first time in a long time. For now.

"You're so hardworking, Stell. You will be rewarded one day," teacher Carollene told me.

I sure hope so.