A Match for Me

Chapter 7: " The First Day"

                                Nelly.

I was awake at 5:30 in the morning, I was in the kitchen drinking coffee with mom. Mom is having problems again in her sleep, seems like our family dinner reminded her of my father. Since Dad left us, mom is not the same anymore which is very understandable. She become always sad, and her jolly personality left her. Although, I can say she is much better now, as she was able to laugh with us last Monday but I can still see the pain in her eyes. Last Monday, was our first dinner together since our father walked out of our house. It's been very hard for us. We fought our battles in silence and secret. Especially for mom, it appears to us that she's only living for Dad.

I remember, one time that I slapped her and shook her, reminding her that we exist and we need a mother, we cannot lose both of them. It was hard to see that the sorrow and pain are drowning her, to the point that every day she wears the same dress waiting for Dad to come back. Accordingly, it was Dad's favorite dress for her. I have never seen mom like that. She's going into depression but thanks God for saving her. And after that slap, mom gets better, and my brother is also better, especially after he meets the Lord. My sister is busy as a married woman. And as for me, I am still in the process of healing, I felt deeply cheated, the father that treated me like a princess is gone and with another woman. Maybe he didn't realize that this creates trust issues in us. How can I trust someone if, even my own father was able to leave us for another woman? What is the difference between me and mom for the man not to leave me?

My mind was busy thinking when mom said "A dollar for your thoughts?" I laughed and said, "You are funny mom" she just smiled and asked "You are awake early, something came up?
" No mom, just today is the first day of our booth activities at the University" I answered
" Oh, is that the activity in which you sell foods and memorabilia stuff? She asked again.
"It is indeed"
"I see, so are you going this early?
"No mom, I will have some things to do first. My schedule starts from 9 to 9:30 in the morning"
"Don't be home late okay?"
"Yes, mom" I answered and got up for me to get dressed. If possible I will not go home late again, what happened last Tuesday traumatized me. Another thing that I will just keep in my heart, I cannot burden mom with this.

******

In the University Student Center.

After I made arrangements with Sandra about my schedule, I started making my way to our booth activities, It was 9:20 a.m. already. I didn't expect that assisting one student could be so long.  But at least, I am happy that Sandra was available to cover for me in the Student Center, she is the only close friend that I have considered in my University, aside from we are both English Major, she is also a very nice young lady, conservative, very responsible and diligent in whatever she does.

It was sunny day.
The sun is getting hotter. I walked as fast as I could, hoping that the volunteer is still in the booth. I am glad I was wearing my summer cotton yellow dress, at least it doesn't make me feel hot. I checked my sandal, and I am worried that by walking fast one strap may get out, I know it's not the best for walking but aside from the fact that this is my favorite, it's very comfortable.

As I come closer I saw our booth, there are a couple of students standing by. I felt relieved knowing that volunteers are still there. So I walked faster and put the best smile on my face. I was half an hour late already.
When I was just a few meters away from them, suddenly they are all gone. There was only one left checking the books. Suddenly I felt nervous "Oh no! There is no volunteer in the booth, and worse we have customer" I said to myself almost running, I am in great trouble. I prepared my best smile and greeted him enthusiastically,
"Hi, good morning!" But he did not answer, he was very focused on a book in his hand.  After a while, I decided to come closer to him with the same smile on my face and ready to repeat my greetings, but then he suddenly turned around, I was caught off guard by our closeness. Good thing he reacted fast and distance himself immediately, there I saw him. It was Val. What a relief! knowing that it was only him.

"Ohh, Nelly! How are you? What are you doing here? He asked stammering a little maybe because he was surprised.
"I volunteered for this booth," I said gladly
" What!? Are you the volunteer??  He asked me in shock and he continue saying "You know what? If there is one trait I don't like in people the most is tardiness. For me, they are irresponsible. If they cannot make things on time then can you imagine their way of life?, people like that thought that they are the center of the universe, and everything stops spinning for them" I was like being nailed down to where I stand, looking at him speechless. I never felt humiliated in front of a man before, I was about to burst out crying, how can he insult me like that? He doesn't know what happened or why I was late to tell me that I am irresponsible. He maybe noticed my reaction for he suddenly stopped talking and stared at me,after a while he said,
"I am glad that you are my fellow volunteer Nelly, and I am happy to see you again" he smiled and winked. "See you tomorrow, don't be late" and then left. 
I was left dumbfounded that I couldn't move and when I looked at him he was far already. I want to scream.
Who is he?
Was he joking???
Urrrghh.....

I sat down on one stool available in our booth. I need to collect myself for a moment. This week became tough for me. Just last Tuesday, when I was heading home. Dino appeared in my way and offered me a ride home, which I declined but he keeps on insisting that I feel scared and almost called for help. He was one of those young men my Pastor mentioned during our fasting week. I don't even know why he was there at the University. But whatever his reason one thing I know is I don't want to associate myself with any of them. What happened makes me feel so embarrassed that up to now, I am ashamed of our Pastor.

And this happened, after I told myself that finally there is someone I know from our congregation who did not dream of me.
Now, I don't know which scenario is worst. And tomorrow? how can I face him?