Finding Peace In The Missing Piece

Chapter 17- New Friend

Pagkatapos ko sa exam, I was informed by the woman who assisted me earlier to wait outside and ipa-paging na lang ang pangalan ko once na lumabas ang resulta, naks naman entrance exam pa lang mamabarandana na ang pangalan ko.

I am not feeling anxious as I am confident sa lahat ng sagot ko, aided by the reviewers provided by my father. It seems like most people have already left. Fortunately, I diligently studied for the exam.

Since mahaba pa naman ang ipaghihintay ko, I decided to head to the cafeteria na itinuro sakin ni Harvey earlier. I wonder where he is? Perhaps he has a class?

I see students walking through spacious hallways adorned with posters and artwork. Groups of students chat in cafeterias while enjoying their meals. You'll also spot students hurrying to their classes, carrying their books and notebooks. I laughed. Naalala ko sina Nia at Ethan noon, palaging hinihingal kapag papasok ng room. Kamiss rin naman mga tarantadong yon eh.

When I enter the cafetria, I'm super na shocked. Sobrang organized ng lahat, ultimo mga estudyante ay hindi maiingay di katulad sa pilipinas.

French universities, cafeterias, or "restauration universitaire," typically operate on a self-service basis.

Parang buffet. Once inside the cafeteria, students line up at various stations to select their desired items. There are typically separate counters for hot mrals, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages.

Madami kang pagpipiliang pagkain, including a main course, side dishes, salads, desserts, and beverages. The menu often varies daily, offering a selection of traditional French dishes, international cuisine, and vegetarian options. Nagmu-mukha tuloy talaga akong bago dito eh.

Tapos pag magbabayad ay prepaid system. Students load money onto a card or account linked to their student ID card, which they use to pay for their meals. This system streamlines the payment process and reduces the need for cash transactions at dahil hindi pa naman ako student dito, cash ang binayad ko. Sosyal, parang BIS lang sa pinas ah.

Dinala ko ang tray na naglalaman ng salad na maraming lettuce at pineapple na may maliliit na karne. So weird. Pero when I try it, super sarap! Siguro dagdag na ito sa list ko ng favorite foods ko.

"Hi? Can I join you?" Isang babae ang lumapit sa akin.

Tumango ako. "Sure."

She's tall and pretty. Morena siya at ang itim na mga mata ay nag-bibigay sa kanya ng strong personality. Pero nang nginitian niya ako ay nakita kong natural na iyon sa kanyang mga mata.

Nilapag niya ang tray niya at umupo na. "Mabuti na lang may kasama na ako." She said.

I'm shocked. "Wait, what?" I asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry for that. It's my country's language I hope you don't take it bad." She apologetically said.

So she's a filipina! That's the reason behind her accent! Bakit ba hindi ko agad iyon napansin?

Umiling ako. "No, Miss. I'm a filipina too!" I smiled.

"Really? Hindi halata Miss." She laughed.

I'm offended, okay. I'm proud to be Filipina here eh. "Totoo nga, galing akong pilipinas!" Nag-tagalog na ako para maniwala siya.

"Ohh my! Finally may kasama na ako! Kadarating ko lang kanina para magtake ng entrance ehh, ikaw ba?" Intriga niya.

Okay isa na naman pong chismosang friend.

"Entrance din ako, kakatapos lang." Sabi ko at kaswal na sumubo ng salad, sayang naman kung hindi ko uubusin. "By the way, I'm Alexena you can call me Xena."

"I'm Ivy Nicole Mendes." She held her hand and I accepted it.

Friendship is the purest treasure, shining brightest in the darkest moments.