Ephemeral

Chapter 4: Knowing Miss Vernuel

Red's mouth parted as she slowly understood what kind of situation Miss Vernuel had written in the book, is that the reason why she couldn't publish it? She asked herself, the more that she thinks about it the more it is messier.

At the end, Red decided to take the books and continue her studies at home since it's also getting late, she took out her phone and messaged her roommate telling her to pick up her at the front of her school gate.

After she sent it, she started to pack her things, she couldn't help but to stare at the novel for a few seconds before putting it inside her bag gently.

As she packs her bag, someone caught her eye.

It wasn't for long when the woman also looked at her direction, Red swallowed hard as her eyes widened.

"What is she doing here??" She asked herself under her nervous breath.

Red's heart started to pound crazily as she watched the woman take some steps on her way towards her. Red's body gone frozen and there again... She feels like she can't breath properly, this is the third time they've crossed each other's path and as it comes often she feels like it's getting even worse.

"Hello there, Good Morning" Miss Vernuel greeted Red politely and Red was too stunned to speak. "Miss E-evans." Miss Vernuel looked away reluctantly and cleared her throat. "Good Morning Miss Vernuel" Red greeted her back trying to look normal, was she thinking that I acted so weird?? Is she judging me? Red overthinking things again.

"Hmm... I would like to apologize for my behavior earlier, if i ever crossed your boundaries when i touched you... I sincerely apologize" Red's mouth parted

She wasn't used to this, Miss Vernuel is so polite and nice and she has never encountered anyone like this, she feels like she's a bad person after hearing those words. Goodness, i think she's really an angel, she thought to herself.

Was this feeling a karma after all the bad things i've done??

Red was having a whole debate on her systems that she didn't notice she'd been staring silently in shock at Miss Vernuel's face, she wouldn't have woken up if Miss Vernuel didn't ask her what's wrong. Red stuttered a bit when she responded.

"I-i'm okay" she said and Miss Vernuel smiled at her with amusement written all over her face "You look adorable" she said as she pats Red's head gently.

"I'm sorry for bothering you and interrupting you with your time, allow me to excuse myself" Red's face turned bright red and burned up, What the hell was that??

She feels like she's riding a roller coaster of emotions while being in front of the woman, she doesn't know how to act properly because her brain stops functioning the moment she feels Miss Vernuel's presence.

Miss Vernuel turned her back and that's when finally Red had the courage to speak. "Don't be sorry" she blurted out.

Miss Vernuel turned around and looked at her

"Pardon Me?" miss Vernuel

"I-i meant earlier... It was... Nothing"

"It's on me"

"I'm sorry" Red said and slightly looked down

Miss Vernuel's face softened after she heard what the girl said "You have nothing to be sorry about"

Red is genuinely curious, who is this woman really?

Why does she feel so unreal?

She's not suspicious but she feels like... She wants to know this person.

"Have a nice day ahead, Miss Evans" and with that, Miss Vernuel left. Red sat back down on her chair, she took a deep breath and let it out.

For the whole morning, Red kept thinking about the scene that happened earlier, she still can't get over it to the point that she's remaking the scenes on her head. 

Red snapped back out to reality when her Roommate Summer called her "Hey, wake up stoney" she said and Red immediately turned her gaze at her and glared.

"Pasalamat ka ililibre mo ako at mabait ako sayo ngayon" Summer chuckled because of what she said and shook her head in amusement. They are currently driving to the fast food as Summer promised.

After a few minutes they arrived, Summer parked their car before they walked inside the Jollibee. "Mauna ka na dun" Summer said.

Summer went to the counter and ordered for them while Red waited for her at their table. Red can't help but to space out thinking about the book and Miss Vernuel exactly, she has a lot of questions in mind that only Miss Vernuel could answer, however recalling their first meeting, Miss Vernuel told her to come back once she finished reading it. She sighed with that thought.

"Kanina ko pa napapansin" Summer sat in front of her facing Red

"Hmm?" Red

"Mukhang malalim ang iniisip mo" Summer guessed and guessed it right, she also knew and was well aware that she does.

"Just... Schoolworks" Red lies and smiled at Summer

Summer's eyebrows furrowed "Are you sure?" she asked.

Red nodded for response. "Fine... I believe in you" Summer shrugging it off.

"But always remember that you shouldn't overdo yourself, just rest when you feel tired, alright?" Summer genuinely said

Even though Red and Summer often tease each other and always argue about small things, they still do care and take care of each other, they are always there to help one another, whenever one of them is in need.

That might sound weird but their relationship is like a bond of siblings matched with marriage, it's weird to think about but if you look closer, it's a great kind of friendship.

"You know oldie?"

"What, stoney?"

"Sometimes i think you're an asshole"

"Thanks, i'll take that as a compliment, at least it's only sometimes"

Both of them laughed as they got their orders and ate while laughing, they talked about their day and stuff, but of course, Red didn't tell her about Miss Vernuel, she feels like... It's some kind of secret she has to keep.