Veteris Imperii Diaries: Tiernan

Chapter IV: The Skyline in Lafayette (Lana)

Wednesday was not something I expected. When I got home the night before after blowing up on my senior student, I got to thinking. I may have been overreacting. But that notion was immediately dismissed by Mario when I told him what happened.

"You DID overreact. There is no may in that scenario," he told me. I know I didn't have to be so rude about it. I should have accepted her apology. But I wasn't in the right mind. My headache worsened and the fact that she had the guts to imply that I was a spoiled brat, that didn't go well at all. Excuses. I scoffed at myself. I thought about apologizing myself, but it won't do us any good. She was nothing more than a student who's helping me find a place. No attachments.

So, to see her in front of my office the next morning is a little surprising. I acted unfazed. I had to keep up the front that I'm untouchable.

"I'm sorry for last night, Lana. I didn't mean to hurt you." The words made me freeze. I've heard it before. But the way she said it, bleeding with regret and sincerity, it made my heart pound. Tears started forming in my eyes, overwhelmed. It's been a long time since someone told me they're sorry and meant it. I looked away and composed myself. Lana, you're stronger than this. Keep the tears at bay.

While I was telling myself off, I saw her move away from my table towards the door. The panic immediately set in, not wanting her to leave without anything. Why? Beats me. So I called out her name and agreed to see the rest of the units.

"And Ms. Guevara," I saw her pause at the door, "don't ever call me by my name again." Although I was hoping that she'll do otherwise.

***

"Class dismissed."

I rolled my eyes as the students rushed to put their things in their bags just to get out of the room. I glanced at the clock, 6:45PM. Guess I can't blame them. I erased the writings on the whiteboard and closed the door to the room. As I made my way to my office, I passed by four jocks huddled by the lockers.

"Dustin, heard you broke it off with Tiernan Guevara." One them laughingly said. Once I heard Guevara's name, I slowed my pace.

"Oo bro, she's a fucking prude. Wouldn't even let me get to second base!" Dustin replied.

"Bro, couldn't you just have waited? Last na rinig ko she's good in bed, especially with that tongue. You know, since she's bi."

"It's taking too long bro. We've been dating for 3 months!"

"Dude, it's not like you're not getting any. Krisha's been dying to tell on how she rode you last week."

"Krisha? Is that the one with the red hair?" The others snickered.

"The one with the red hair? Dude how many are there?"

"Hindi ko mabilang. Dami nila eh."

"Back to Tiernan, sayang naman. She's hot, smart and quite rich I hear. Maybe you just look like you won't last bro, I might try her next."

By then I couldn't hear anymore. Disgusting little pricks.

By 7PM, I was ready to leave. I was just waiting for Guevara to show up. When the clock struck 7:01, I shook my head and proceeded to go out of my office. I know I'm always late, but I never tolerate tardiness.

The walk to the parking lot was quick. It was almost deserted save for a few other cars, probably other professors. As I approached a white Audi R8, I heard voices coming from behind the tree it was parked under.

"Dustin, ano ba?! Bitawan mo nga ako."

"Alam mo ba kung anong sinasabi ng mga kaibigan ko ha? Alam mo ba?!" I heard a male voice, Dustin, yell.