University Files

2 - Losing the Rivalry

I have always disliked him from the beginning. He does not show an effort to be with us and he does not hide the dissatisfaction on his face whenever he's forced to work with us.

Just thinking about him ruins my mood. I hate being his classmate. I hate the way he talks. I hate the way he looks. I despised everything about him...until I didn't.

If you want to know what kind of student he is, he is always sleeping in our classes. Our teachers let him do so because even though he's not paying attention, he always gets the highest score! I have studied all night and yet, he surpassed me. I cannot believe it. My pride feels stepped on by this distant person. What's worse, I have only seen him take notes once or twice!

Okay, enough for the rambling. Tomorrow's the start of our midterm examinations. And as you may know, students like me, the hardworking kind, made sure that we have complete notes for our subjects for tomorrow. Not even a single word from the discussions should be missed. I immediately thought of a plan to organize my studying hours. 1 hour for Math, 30 minutes for English, and 45 minutes for Science. I should also eat nuts to boost my memory. I am not sure if it really works, but I like the motivation and subtle assurance it gives.

The day passed in a blur. The clock struck four and as we were preparing to leave, we were jolted from our reverie by the sudden heavy downpour of rain.

Great. Just great. It's like a premonition that things won't be going easy tomorrow.

My classmates grabbed their things and prepared their umbrellas to keep them safe away from the harsh winds and pouring rain. Oh, well. I better get mine too.

Shit.

I rummaged through my things but I cannot see it in my bag. I tried once again, this time, I removed my stuff one by one so I will be able to see where my umbrella is.

It's not here. I silently cursed myself for losing it. Where did I last place it? C'mon, Lyn, think. I remember putting it in my bag last night. Right. But Father suddenly asked me to buy garlic and onions from the store. Oh.

I remember now. I used it last night to protect myself from the drizzle. And then I placed it in the garage to let it dry. I was in a rush earlier so I might have forgotten to bring it.

"Lyn, aren't you going home?" Cassie asked.

"Ah, I forgot my umbrella." I said, wanting to slap myself for my forgetfulness.

"Even though I want to share my umbrella, I don't think I can. We have different destinations, you know." She said, a frown on her face.

"I know, it's okay. I guess I'll just wait for the rain to stop."

"Are you sure? Looks like it will last for a while."

I certainly hope not. I don't want to waste my time waiting here when I could've been at home and studying.

"I better get going before it gets a lot heavier." She waved a goodbye and headed to face the violent rain.

Soon enough, I was left alone. My classmates have left with their umbrellas while I was stuck in our room while waiting-praying for the skies to stop pouring rain.

I sighed. I can't risk facing the storm. My notes will get wet and the cold may even make me sick.

I guess I should start studying now so I won't be able to waste any minute. As I was about to open my notebook, I heard footsteps.

"Who's that?" I asked. All of my classmates have already left. I tried to examine the sound and it's not a stray cat either. I suddenly felt goosebumps rise on my skin. Our school has its history of horror stories, and no one will hear me if I scream amidst this rainfall.