If Only I Could

Chapter 4

"Review your lessons. The passing score for tomorrow's quiz will be 15. For questions, approach me."

I made sure that the vibe I gave off today was the one they would always feel during exam seasons. I acted strict today, not to scare them or intimidate, but because I wanted them to focus on the upcoming exam.

I settled down on the teacher's chair and readied my laptop for any questions I might receive from them regarding my lessons. Realizing they might be confused on which topics to fully focus on, I once again got up and looked for a piece of chalk and wrote the subtopics that became a source to most of the questions I had put on their testpaper.

"Sir? Kagaya po ba ulit last exam na magdadala pa po kami ng calculator?"
"Yes."

I finished writing the topics and before I sat down, I took a look around the classroom and noticed a student with their head down. I wanted to call the attention of the class president, but instead of doing so, I approached the student myself. The moment I got near them, I softly asked. "Mr. Azcueta are you feeling okay?" The student later looked at me, and I could see tiredness in his eyes.

"P-Po? Ah opo sir. Masakit lang po ulo ko."

"Did you not get enough sleep?"

"Parang ganun na nga po."

I sighed as I heard their answer. I reached for the ointment I always carry with me and gave it to my student. He refused at first, but later accepted and applied some and thanked me afterwards. I walked back to the teacher's table and leaned there as I looked at the class. Some were busy reviewing in groups, some were reviewing on their own and some, I know, were just talking with their classmates.

Normally, I'd fume over this, but I've come to realize that I did my part. If they were going to use this subject perios to start reviewing or not, it was on them.

A few minutes more, I went back to my seat to resume the test questions for my grade 9 students. I fixed my glasses and began typing away, making sure my desktop wasn't showing on the tv screen behind me.

But for some reason, I kept choking on air while typing.

^__^

"Welcome!"
"Miss Jannie VIP po!"

Naglakad ako papunta sa entrance ng VIP Lounge Area na para bang kadugo ko si Flash at si Hermes na may pakpak sa sandals na suot sa sobrang bilis. Pagkarating ko naman ay siyang pagdating ng lahat ng kasama ng bisita. Sinalubong ko silang lahat ng may ngiti sa labi at agad naman na tumawag ng dalawang server para alalayan sila sa mga gamit na dala nila.

"Good day, I assume you're the manager?" Tanong ng nangunguna sa kanilang lahat. "I am. Welcome to Quench Corner. Do you have a reservation?" Tanong ko na tinanguan naman niya. "Yes. Under the name of Kevin Lagdameo."

Agad sa'king inabot ng isang server ang checklist para sa reservations at agad ko namang nakita ang pangalan na sinabi palang nung lalaki. "I see. VIP Lounge and Hotel. This way to the Hotel Area sir. Kindly follow me." Saad ko.

"We're going to follow a girl?" Rinig kong tanong ng isa sa mga kasama nitong lalaki. Agad naman akong tumigil sa paglalakad at tsaka humarap sa kanila. "May I also remind you that any form of disrespect towards anyone inside the bar premises is prohibited. If you are seen or heard acting inappropriately, you will immediately be sent out." At nagpatuloy na sa paglalakad.