A Promise on the Sand (Isla de Negros Series #2)

Epilogue

Five months later...
March 17th

"Sir, hindi po ba pwedeng i-consider na lang din 'yung number 5? Gawin mo na lang bonus, sir! Birthday mo naman, eh!"

I lifted my gaze from my phone and chuckled.

"Gano'n ba 'yon?"

"Sige na, sir! Ito kasing si Criza sabi sa 'kin globalisasyon daw 'yung answer," sabi ni Nathan at itinuro si Criza.

"Gago ka ba? Mangongopya ka na nga lang mali-mali pa!"

I laughed at them and shook my head before I gazed down at my phone again.

Ayla didn't reply on my messages. We fought last night, and she went home to their house. Sumama sa kanya si Selene.

"Bakit wrong 'yung number 10? Bonus nga, 'di ba!"

"Wrong spelling wrong nga! Bonus tapos spelling mo bunos! Ano kaya 'yon?"

I put my phone inside my pocket and stood up.

"Everyone, get back to your seats. I'll record your score."

Matapos ang klase ay lumabas na ako sa silid. I saw Mrs. Villan walking towards me with a smile.

"Happy birthday to the most outstanding teacher of NOHS."

I smiled at her. "Thank you."

Sumabay ito sa akin sa paglalakad. I nodded and smiled to those students who greeted us as we walked.

"I heard there's a lot of job oppurtunities from different schools awaiting for you," sabi nito kaya napalingon ako sa kanya.

She showed a weak smile. "You deserve it."

I bit my lip and shook my head. "I'm not considering any of it."

Her forehead creased. "Why?"

I shrugged. "Okay na 'ko rito. I love my job. I love this school."

"Good morning, sir pogi! Happy birthday! Woot-woot!"

I laughed and nodded to that student.

"I love the students."

I turned to her. "So I'll stay."

She was relieved to hear that from me. She tapped my shoulder.

"Maswerte talaga ang eskwelahang 'to dahil nandito ka."

I shook my head to disagree. "No, I'm lucky I'm here."

Mas lalo itong napangiti.

"Such a humble person."

They prepared a small celebration in the faculty after dismissal. It was fun. Some teachers gave gifts, and I appreciated it a lot.

But I couldn't avoid thinking about Ayla. Yesterday...was a massive fight.

"Masyado ka kasing seloso, eh! Pinagpartner lang 'yung anak mo ro'n sa classmate niyang lalaki sa pageant tapos ayaw mo?"

"Yeah, right, mommy!" sabat ni Selene. Pareho pa silang nakakrus ng mga braso na dalawa. Pinagtutulungan na naman nila ako.

"There's nothing wrong with it! Itong photo liking contest sa Facebook 'yung pinupuna ko. And look at what they made your kid do. Kailangan ba talaga makipag-holding hands siya sa partner niya? And ang daming nakakakita! We should protect our daughter's privacy!"

"Privacy mo mukha mo! 'Yan nga ang purpose niyan, eh! Did you even read it? It's a photo liking contest! The more reacts we gain, we'll win!" Ayla protested.