The College Diaries

6 • best in juggling

Lucille

I'm walking to school today because I woke up earlier than usual. Walking from our dorm to the campus soothes my mind which has been filled with grades lately. The pressure to be the best is real. Also I love the morning breeze on my face and how it blows my bangs away.

My morning class is in HUM building so I'll walk past the fountain then CAS Annex 2. I glanced at Oble on my left as he stood magnificently. The day has not brightened up much yet so the background looked quite eerie yet tantalizing. I saw an old couple take photos with Oble while they're on their walk. Definitely no UP students at sight. I remembered during freshman year, we freshies gossiped about the curse we heard about taking a photo with Oble. If you take a photo with it, you might end up not graduating on time. Seriously, girl? Who would take that chance? I'm not even taking the slightest chance so I try to steer clear from that omnipotent statue as much as I can.

I reached my class and of course I'm early. I just love this feeling of being there first, you know? It's like I don't want to miss anything. The class was quick and plain and then onto the next one which was heavy. It was almost lunch now but I went to Raymundo gate to photocopy my handouts. Super love the smell of fresh notes. It excites me to study for an exam.

I got a text from my blocmate as I was waiting for my turn. He said our class after lunch is cancelled but we have an assignment. I quickly added it to my Starbucks planner so I won't forget.

"Lulu!" I heard someone call from behind me.

"Tracy!" I cried, matching my other blocmate slash good friend.

"Do you have class? Tara?" She asked, looking like she's going to class.

"Actually no, I'm heading for lunch after getting my handouts." I told her.

"Aww, too bad. We'll see you tomorrow, though? At Java?" She asked with bright eyes. My party girl.

"Of course! Bets just reminded me during class earlier." I grinned. We're a trio from our bloc and have been inseparable since freshman year. In classes anyway.

"Great! I'll see you, then. Bye, BBF!" My best bloc friend bade goodbye and we hugged briefly.

After eating lunch at Big Belly's, I rode a jeepney back to the dorm because the sun was intensely hot today. I took a nap before browsing through my notes for my next class.

"Hey, Lu. Whatcha doing?" Sofi said as she entered our room. She was all sweaty as she put down her umbrella and backpack on her desk.

"Reviewing." I replied. "Did you walk?"

"No. Mainit lang talaga." She huffed. Her eyeglasses even looked foggy.

"Truly." I agreed.

She freshened up and read her manga on her bed. I went back to reading my notes again for the third time before prepping for my next class. Sofi and I walked together and shared a trike for faster travel. Besides the heat was still intense.

Thank goodness I reviewed because we had a surprise quiz. I was ecstatic because I got a perfect score. I almost wanted to hug my blue book. Another thing to be happy about was that our student assistant in my GE class was probably absent and my crush Hiro Felipe substituted for her. I guess he's the SA of our professor in a different class. I was so overjoyed, girl.

"Nice." He said as he passed by me and saw my 100%. Omg he remembers me then.

"Thanks." I grinned. I looked chill but I was jumping inside.

I tried to focus on the lecture more than usual because I wanted to have a good impression on Hiro Felipe. I mean he is that kind of guy who's being referred to with a last name. Not that he's watching me but what's to lose, anyway? Minsan lang din magpa-cute. If cute meant being bibo and active in class. When class ended I got to smile at him and he smiled back. Ugh, gwapo forever.

Next class was Statistics and it was pure torture. I do like studying but sometimes it tests me. Our lab class finished on the dot. I think my mind got drained from calculating deltas and sigmas. Thank goodness our lab instructor is a cutie. He's a famous campus cutie. He makes Statistics less hateful. That was my last class. What a looong day. I was so tired I didn't even get to change out of my denim pants when I took a nap.

"Luciii?" I opened my eyes and it was Jax.

"Yeah?" I asked sleepily.

"Tara dinner." She said sweetly.

"Okie. Where?" I asked as I got up and ready.

"Spice Jar? Sofi said she's craving nachos." Jax answered as she brushed her hair in front of the mirror.

"Alright. Is it just the Quatro Marias?" I asked curiously.

Sometimes Evo comes with us, and his and Isla's childhood friend, Jason also tags along. He's a funny guy but I envy him because he's a real genius. I'd pretty much Parent Trap with him to live his life. I like having him around too. He makes me want to debate about anything with him.

"Yup. If you're asking about Evo, he has dinner plans with his acad orgmates. Jason too. So it's just us tonight." Jax explained.

We met Sofi at Spice Jar while Isla was running late. She said she was coming from the class where she's a student assistant. Apart from her SA work, Isla is so busy I seldom see her. Thanks a lot, Jao Perez. Lol just kidding.

"Since Izzy's not yet here, omg, I have a big chika to tell you, Lu." Jax said, looking like an overexcited kindergartener. I glanced at Sofi and she looked gigil like she could smack Jax on the head right now.

"What is it??" I asked eagerly, matching Jax's energy.

"Jaaax!" Sofi yelled, which sounded more like a loud whine.

"What? Lu keeps secrets well. Better than Isla. Come on, Sof, I can't keep it to myself. I might tell Evo unconsciously!" Jax also whined at this point. I'm feeling impatient but also amused.

"Fiiine. Just don't tell Evo and Isla. You too, Lu." Sofi said in a serious tone. If she wasn't half a foot shorter than me, I would tremble with fear. But Sofi looked so cute being all serious and all. She's like a Carebear, I swear.

"Of course! You know me." I assured her.

"Alright. Gora na, Jax. Bwisit ka." She permitted but she also rolled her eyes.

"Sofi has a big crush on Jason." Jax muttered in like 5 syllables.

I had to digest what she said. Wait, seriously? Jason's like super tall. Ooh, they would look so cute. Plus their cat-dog dynamics?? I can see where Jax is coming from now. She must be so excited about it. But I guess Evo and Isla can't know since they've known Jason for years? Unless Jason feels the same way? Ugh, this is kinda stressful. It makes me overthink. This is exactly why I prefer campus cuties who I don't have any direct connections to. I don't like complicated love lines.

"Seriously, Sof?" I teased our roommate as I smirked at her. Well, as long as it's not my love line, it's fine with me. Besides Jason is a pretty decent guy. Sometimes I could smack him for being rude especially towards Sofi, but other than that he has no red flags. Like the total opposite of Anton, Evo's roommate, who is actually kinda cute to be honest. But yeah, what was I saying? Uh, I approve, I guess.

"Did you notice?" Jax looked at me with her big doe eyes. I totally missed her question.

"Notice what?" I asked.

"I said, did you notice how Jason only teases Sofi? I feel like he likes her too." Jax said eagerly.

"Hmm, maybe. Go for it, girl!" I nudged Sofi.

"Guys, stop. It's just a very very slight crush. Don't get too excited." Sofi told us.

"Don't me, sis. Halata ka kaya." Jax told her.

And proving her point, Sofi was bright red like a cherry tomato. We laughed and teased her until Isla arrived. As promised Jax changed the topic and talked about Thursday night plans, which I already have. Kinda excited about catching up with my best bloc friends even if it means partying in Java which will be a first for me. Ugh, the things I do to be the best in everything, including a best friend.