Love In A Cruel World

Chapter 9

"That's the end of our lesson."

Prof. Chester ended the lesson as he closed his book. Tinapos ko lang ang pagno-note ng mga sinabi niya at 'saka sinarado na rin ang libro ko. Hindi pa rin umaalis si Prof. dahil hindi pa naman tapos ang klase namin.

"And before I forget, we'll be having an educational trip next week," Prof. Chester announced.

Kaagad naman napuno ng iba't ibang reaksyon ang buong classroom. Nagsimula na rin umingay dahil masyadong excited ang mga estudyante at isa na roon si Lie habang tahimik lang ako naghihintay for further announcement.

"Buong campus, Prof.?" tanong ng isang babae sa unahan.

"Sana pwedeng lumipat ng sasakyan," sabi ng kung sino.

"No," Prof. said na nagpaiba ng reaksyon ng mga classmate ko.

Prof. Chester puts his arm on his table, then looked at us to explain dahil mahirap makaintindi ang mga classmate ko dahil sanay sila na lahat ng gusto nila, nakukuha nila. Mayaman, e.

"That educational trip is exclusive for this section only," he said and I was to object when he raised his hands to stop side comments.

"Our next lesson ay may kinalaman sa nature and history, pati na rin ang people that surrounds it. Also the myths behind those places, if ever na meron man. And in order for you to understand the lesson easily, we're going to Albay."

Kailangan talagang pumunta sa Albay? May mga references naman like internet and books.

"I already talked to the Dean and because all of you is a regular students, pinayagan tayo to travel using a plane para mas mabilis tayong makarating at makabalik. If we will use the university's bus, it will take 10 to 12 hours papunta sa Albay and another 10 to 12 hours pabalik and the Dean can't risk all of you sa mahabang byahe kaya we're going to use the plane," mahabang paliwanag ni Prof. habang tahimik kaming nakikinig sa kaniya hanggang sa magsalita na naman ang mga classmate ko.

"So walang ibang kasama? Kami lang?"

"Boring naman."

"Isa pang marinig ko 'yang boring na 'yan, magkakaro'n kayo ng camping sa isang isolated island at doon tayo magle-lesson for the whole semester," seryosong sabi ni Prof. kaya natahimik ang lahat.

"Anyways, it's an educational trip, so I expect na puro pag-aaral ang aatupagin niyo, walang landian na involve," Prof. warned at narinig ko namang mahinang natawa si Lie dahil doon.

"You're going to observe and study the story behind the place that we will visit and it will be by partner." Kaagad akong naging kampante dahil alam kong si Lie ang magiging partner ko.

"Prof., pwedeng pumili ng partner?" tanong ng isang lalaki sa may likod namin.

"Since you asked, the answer is no," nakangiti pang sabi ni Prof. kaya umingay na naman ang buong classroom.

Bakit ba ang hilig magreklamo ng mga anak-mayaman na 'to?

"Same faces and students pa rin naman so I decided na ang past partners niyo na lang ang magiging partner niyo with this upcoming activity."

What the fuck? What the actual fuck?

Tell me, mali lang ang pagkakaintindi ko. It can't be. Fuck it.

"Past partner?" someone asked.

I almost crossed my finger while keep on chanting on my mind na mali lang ang pagkakaintindi ko o kung di naman, baka magbago pa ang isip ni Prof.

"Yes. Remember last year, pinagawa ko kayo ng reflection paper about your thoughts and such about the city? Your partner then will be your partner again para hindi na tayo mahirapan gumawa ng bagong partner list," he answered.