Life of Apparitions

Chapter 1 - Everyone is looking for someone or something

It began in midsummer, May 15.

The university is celebrating its centennial anniversary. The ornate golden gate of the school and its pair of white paint-coated obelisk pillars opened to visitors from all walks of life. People therefore streamed in every direction, observing the festivities and having fun. From current students to alumni, faculty members, utility workers, plain visitors, - the campus generously received such individualities. It acted like a kind mother that would receive any child when it asks for care and attention.

The centennial anniversary is a month-long celebration and that day, was the final day of the events.

After finishing several tasks, I decided to walk around to observe the booths of the student organizations. It was late in the afternoon and the sun was coming down against a clear, purple sky and casted a rich, orange glow wherever. The temperature was still high around twenty-six degrees. I found the booth participants busy collecting their stuff and packing them in huge carton boxes.

I should appendix my notion of summer and say there is no such season where I live. Not even spring, autumn nor winter. When I speak of summer, I am taking for reference the numbering of the days and months of the year as they are programmed in the school calendar. One may freely access a poster printed version of such a calendar in the bulletin board outside the main gate.

And so, it was the last day of the centennial anniversary. I finally decided to give the celebrations a chance visit and give a temporary stop to acting like a lone wolf and snub who dismisses everything and just throws the stuff he is called to do in the "To-Do" basket while the world did its usual business around him.

"Lirio, over here!"

It was a female's voice who hailed from among the numberless faces. This person's voice, packed with affection and a level of allure, was not something I would miss even in the unusual festive noise of the crowd. I turned to my left and spotted Flori.

As a floating student, a classmate among so many classmates.

In a stage of life where it is becoming rarer to build deep and lasting relationships, a friend among friends.

I am amazed that she has such keen skill of clairvoyance that she could make out my insignificant person in a restless sea of people.

"Where have you been all day?" she asked me before I could get any closer. She leaned forward and had her hands rested on both waists. She also put on an adorable, strawberry lip glossed pout.

The current president of the Library Club.

Handling also a similar role in its subsidiary the Rare Books Club.

Adored member of the Drama Club.

Venerable student body vice president and respected all over campus.

Flori nicely resembled an annoyed girlfriend.

I obediently approached her like a good pet returning a fetch to its owner.

"Flori. Looking busy," I said casually, careful not to give a hint about the joy of being specially called to her presence. Two other people attended the booth. There was a sign that said "Classic Literature of Asia."

"So, where have you been all day?" she repeated herself while casting curious looks all over my face and body.

Actually, Flori, I missed the thirty days of the anniversary. Today is a concession, you see.

"I had to do assessments with an afternoon deadline. Well, I've finished them and I'm here to check what the ruckus is about," I said.

The face of the gorgeous female in brown skater dress in front of me lit up like I just spoke the most amazing combination of words ever shared between man and woman.