The Scent of an Orris

Chapter 13

8:30 ang pasok namin pero 7 palang ay nandito na ako, it's monday so first subject namin si Ma'am Rayi

I have this feeling of excitement to attend her class. This is a little bit odd knowing I hate attending her class for the past few weeks but now, I find myself waking up earlier than I used to, eagerly preparing for the day ahead. It's as if something has shifted within me, altering my perspective and igniting this newfound enthusiasm.

Tiningnan ko ang isang paper bag na nasa passenger seat ko, lunch box na may lamang gulay na luto ni mommy at pinapabigay kay Ma'am Rayi. Nasarapan kasi siya doon sa luto ni mom sa Spain kaya gusto niyang ipatikim ulit sa professor ko at kuhanan ng feedback dahil may bago siyang nilagay na ingredients.

I already put some ketchup sa isang sauce dishes na may takip

"Oh there you are" nag-automatic ang labi ko na magform ng curve nang makita ko ang isang kotse. She looked stunning, her professional attire perfectly complementing her graceful demeanor. Her eyes, framed by a pair of stylish glasses, sparkled with a combination of curiosity and warmth

Nang lumabas siya ay agad din namang akong lumabas bibit ang paper bag. Tinitingnan ko lang siyang maglakad main hallway ng campus namin, saka ko na siya lapitan kapag nasa building na namin siya

"Hi Ma'am, good morning po. Pinapabigay po ni mommy" sabi ko sa kanya na nakangiti. Huminto naman ito at tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa at saka kinuha ang paper na binibigay ko sa kanya. In that exciting moment, I felt my heart race with a mix of intense curiosity and self-consciousness. I've always been consumed by a strong curiosity that constantly wonders why she looks at me so closely, as if she's judging me deeply.

Isa ito sa mga hindi ko maintindihan sa kanya, yung titingnan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa. At first, her gaze had made me uncomfortable. It felt as though she was judging me, analyzing every aspect of my appearance and presence. It used to offend me before, leaving me self-conscious and questioning my worth. However, as time passed, I began to understand that her observant nature was simply a part of who she was.

"Say to your Mom, thank you" nakangiti niyang sabi sa akin. Yung puso ko nagkakarerahan na naman

She didn't do anything, no grand gestures or extravagant displays of affection. All she did was smile, a simple and genuine smile that effortlessly illuminated her face. Yet, the impact it had on me was nothing short of overwhelming. It was as if every nerve in my body was instantly electrified, my heart beating faster and my breath catching in my throat. It was a feeling I couldn't quite explain, a mixture of joy and excitement

"Ah Ma'am pinapakuha niya pala yung feedback niyo" sabi ko sa kanya nang maglakad na siya papunta sa elevator kaya sinabayan ko nalang siya

"Okay I will tell  Misis Leofonzo when we see each other"

"Sabi niya sa akin no need to be formal pagdating sa kanya, you can call her Tita" kahit na naglalakad kami ay kita kong napakunot ang kilay niya, indicating that something had caught her attention. "I mean she said that in Spain"

"We are in university and i am professor here, within these hallowed halls, every aspect should radiate professionalism" Her tone reflecting a sense of conviction. I couldn't help but agree with her but at the same time I didn't want things to be overly formal.

Nang makapasok kami sa elevator ay agad niyang pinidot ang 11

"Are you not planning to press your floor?" Tanong niya sa akin

Maaga pa naman kaya ayoko munang pumunta sa room. Her presence is so captivating that I find myself wanting to spend more time with her and engage in a meaningful conversation.