Shadows of Serendipity - Hambebe AU

Chapter 44

"Alvarez?"

"Present, ma'am."

"Apuli?"

"Present."

"Averilla?"

"Present po."

"Hermoso?"

"Present po, ma'am!"

"Lim?"

No answer.

"Lim? Michiela Jeanne? Wala?" The professor repeated, still not receiving any reply about the red-head.

"Absent po ata, ma'am." One of the students in the class said.

This caught the attention of those who knew Mich, which are Gaille, Kio and Madi. They know that the red-head wouldn't be present at school for no reason.

"Really? That's surprising. She would've said beforehand if she's going to be absent." Their prof paused for a while to write something on her records book before proceeding with the attendance. "Okay, moving on... nandito ba si-"

Right before the instructor could say the surname of her student next to Mich, the classroom door flew open, revealing the student that she was looking for just a second ago.

"M-ma'am... sorry i-if I'm late po..." Mich apologized, leaning her arm against the door for support as she pants. The girl seemed to have ran all the way to their classroom.

"Not at all, Ms. Lim. I'm still checking the attendance. Catch your breath and maupo ka na, I won't consider you as late."

"T-thank you po..."

As Mich made her way to her seat, the other students exchanged curious glances, especially Gaille, Kio, and Madi.

Gaille's brows furrowed in concern. Not only because Mich being almost late was something unusual for her, but also because of the fact that she saw how tired the red-head was.

Kio, on the other hand, also noticed that first glance as soon as Mich arrived at their classroom. Her eyes followed the red-heads direction, noticing how sluggish she looks as she walks.

Madi, being the one closer to Mich, poked her back to get her attention.

Once Mich turned her head slowly at her, Madi decided to ask what's going on. "Okay ka lang, Mich?"

Mich forced herself to smile, responding in a very spiritless manner. "Yes, Kenzie, I'm okay." She pulled out her notebook and pen, trying to act normal, but Madi wasn't convinced.

The professor continued with the attendance and then transitioned into the day's lecture. As the class went on, the trio kept glancing at Mich, who's head kept lowering down slowly and immediately getting back up as if she's trying to force herself to stay awake.

When the professor finally dismissed the class, Gaille and Kio went closer to Mich, their concern growing.

"MJ, sure ka na ba na okay ka lang? Mukhang wala ka sa sarili ngayon." Kio questioned, her voice filled with worry.

Mich hesitated for a moment before finally sighing, letting her guard down a bit. "It's just... I arrived back in the Philippines at 5 in the morning. Jaz... she wouldn't let me go yesterday so soon so I had to stay for the night until I finally convinced her that I needed to go. She was still upset so I... I couldn't sleep at our private jet at all. I still messaged her as soon as I went back to my condo just to give her assurance. I only had at least 2 hours of sleep, I think..."