everything goes on

One.

Lonely.

That is how Ana Theresia described her life.

For years of going in and out of school, she always wondered why no one dared to try to approach her or why no one tried to engage on lengthy discussions with her despite trying so hard to try and reach out to them, like inviting them over their home or out for some food adventure like most teens out there.

Was it because of her last name?

Was it because she was born in a family that screams 'I am wealthy' everywhere?

Was it because of her parents?

Was there something wrong with her face?

Or was there something wrong with her that she doesn't realize?

Maybe. But even so, she tried to thread on with her life, carring that dwindling hope that one day, she'll finally have someone to establish a connection with.

Theresia was busy sketching down on her notebook. It was another usual day at school and the professor was busy teaching the class geometry and algebra lessons that she'd probably won't and can't apply in real life situations. Her classmates were either dozing off or was preoccupied with their own businesses as well.

Hope someone comes knocking at the door. Theresia thought with a inward sigh, clearly bored out of her mind as she continued drawing. She was good at art, especially painting, and that became her hobby.

"Okay class, so when lines—" The professor halted when someone did came knocking on the door, much like Theresia had hoped for.

The professor, who was around his twenties, headed towards the door and swung it open. The head Dean was behind it alongside a girl, probably around her age.

"Mr. Diokno!" The professor greeted. "Please come in."

"Sorry to bother your class, Mr. Baguilat." Dean Diokno says with an apologetic smile. The man was kind and everybody loved him. "Okay everyone, I would like you to meet Maria Leonor Gerona, but she prefers to be called Leni. She is a transferee from the States, so I hope everyone would treat her kindly and will show her around here the campus."

Theresia looked up and saw girl, Leni, looking at her with a curious glint in her eyes. When their eyes met, Leni gave her a cheeky smile, dimples showing itself to the world.

"Welcome to Manila, Leni. I hope you'll enjoy your stay here." Mr. Baguilat says enthusiastically, patting Leni on the back. "Why don't you pick a seat and we'll restart the class so that you'll be able to catch up to us?"

Leni nodded and thanked him. She immediately walked towards Theresia, curious eyes never leaving her.

The transferee stopped by in front of her desk, taking Theresia aback. "Hi, I like you. Would you like to be my friend?"

My what?! Theresia panicked.

She felt all eyes on her as Leni patiently waited for her answer, all were curious of her response. Theresia badly wanted to say 'no' but something is drawing her towards the girl.

And so she says: "Sure, why not?"

Leni beams, dimples once again showing itself to the world. "Great!" She says, slipping to the empty desk beside Theresia.

"I'm glad that you immediately found a friend in this campus, Ms. Gerona!" Dean Diokno claps. "I assume that Ms. Hontiveros could show her around later?"

Theresia looked at the Dean infront of her and to Leni. "I guess I could, Dean."

"Great, I'm putting Leni in your care, Theresia."