Isabela
I Love You
I questioned my reaction towards him saying he loves me. I wanted to express the romantic words, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I felt timid regarding it. Our relationship seemed like it was the one who kept touching my soul to actively keep in touch with life, and with my emotions.
Patapos na ang semester, 3 weeks to go then it will be our quick break vacation already prepping for the second semester. Nagmamadali na ako ngayon dahil late na ako sa history class dahil ang tagal kong kumilos. I was just wearing a satin sage green long skirt right now partnered with a white fitted top. Naka sandals lang din ako then I just carried my designer bag.
"Ms. Isabela Ardiente?" It surprised me when Sir Jeff, our prof in one of our major subjects called my name. He was young, he looked bulk too, and he was just fine I could say. Nakasalubong ko sya na may dalang mga libro, he was probably going to his other classes.
"Good morning po, Sir!" I politely greeted him.
"I already told your classmates that Ms. Castillo will not be around today, may ipinapagawa lang syang final project, take home quizzes and assignments dahil for the next meetings wala sya dahil uuwi sya ng probinsya nila sa Cebu. I will check on your class." He informed me as he smilingly said that.
"Sige, Sir. Thank you po!"
I thought he'd leave already, but he remained in front while still looking at me which just made me too uncomfortable.
"Sige, Isabela. Saan ka ngayon pupunta? Magla-library ka? Pupunta din ako doon. Tara sabay na tayo!"
"Ay hindi po ako pupunta ng library."
He let out a laugh. "Bakit? Sasama ka na naman sa boyfriend mong basagulero? Naku, Isabela. Package deal ka na pero mapupunta ka lang sa pasang awa ang grades?"
I was offended by that, my eyebrows furrowed. "Grades don't matter naman po."
"It does, Isabela. Paano pag mag-aapply na 'yan ng trabaho? Hindi tatanggapin dahil bagsak bagsak. Kung sino pa talaga itong matatalino, nababagsak lang talaga sa boys at the back no?" He sarcastically said.
I was deeply hurt by his words. I personally didn't find anything faulty with Art's performance in school. He was intelligent, he was vocal, he was well-spoken.
"Hindi naman po sya bumabagsak."
Nagulat ako nang biglang may humawak sa bewang ko, it was Art Hervin as I raised my look. His eyes darkened seeing Sir Jeff, the professor in front seemed scared.
"Sige, Isabela. Alis na ako, iyong sinabi ko sayo ha? Don't forget." Nagpaalam ito kaagad at nagmadaling umalis.
I sweat bullets on how he infuriated me with his prejudices with my boyfriend. Were high grades now a thing to be superior to others?
I slightly smiled at him. "Wala dawng pasok, may binilin lang daw na final performance task si Maam." I started speaking.
"Anong sinabi nya sayo?" His cold tone was now again overpowering the atmosphere, pointing at Sir Jeff with his pouted mouth.
"Wala, sabi lang nya na wala daw si Ms. Castillo dahil pupunta ng probinsya."
He let out a sigh. "Saan mo balak pumunta ngayon? Uuwi ako kasi kinakailangan kong tumulong sa cafe, baka kasi maraming customers ngayon. Gusto mong sumama?"
"Ang hardworking naman." I smilingly said which made him smile too.
"Hindi naman masyado, Isabela. Kinakailangan lang talaga dahil every week dina-dialysis si Lolo eh kaya todo kayod kaming lahat."
