To say that her sophomore year was the loneliest of her life is an understatement. Ling did nothing but go to school, hang out in the library during break time, and head straight home to entertain herself with reading books or playing with colors, her new hobby that she pick up her Art teacher notice her masterly of hues.
There's really no communication between them anymore, nor do they see each other. Even though her parents are busy with work, they have also noticed that the growing absence of Orm. If you think about it, her waking moments at her own home without the girl are few. Orm was a constant presence in her life. If the girl is not lying down in their living room's sofa, she's up in her room fiddling her Star Trek collections.
Half of the year has passed, and her routine has remained the same, with only a handful of times she has seen Orm on campus. But when she did see her, The Queen bee was never alone. She is always surrounded by her friends, always laughing or chatting about something. Ling would always bow her head, trying to make herself small when she passes by in an effort not to be seen everybody.
But the dreaded event for all introverts arrived, and their year requires all students to participate in all the activities of their intramurals. It's the usual Sophomore versus Freshmen, Junior and Senior in a Round robin format wherein the games being played have subsequent points and all will be tallied at the end of the event. Whoever has the most points will be the champion.
"Sir, do you have a moment?" Ling asks, anxiously. For several days now, she has been looking for an opportunity to talk to their teacher to let her know that she doesn't want to participate in any activities.
Her teacher was busy tidying up the things when she heard her and turned towards Ling, "Oh, Ms. Kwong. Do you have any question about the discussion?" Mr. Dela Cruz asked kindly. He was a foreign teacher who chose to work in Thailand for better opportunities, and Ling came to appreciate his teaching style because it was concise and entertaining. The teacher was also the designated advisor of the Sophomore team and someone Ling needed to talk to about her problems.
Ling shook her head, She feels her hands trembling now and she can feel the balls of her feet bouncing from nervousness but she steeled herself. "None Sir. I just have a concern about our Intramural activities."
