Guontiveros: Vivid

Chapter 11

"Hi, I'm Sinta."

Alice reluctantly took her hand. "I'm Alice."

"Nice to meet you, Alice," Sinta replied with a blinding smile.

Alice nodded, feeling a bit awkward. Lately, random people had been approaching her more than usual.

She turned her attention back to her phone, resuming where she had left off. She wasn’t in the mood to talk and just wanted to finish her errands and go home. Honestly, she was beginning to regret choosing this university, feeling out of place in the education program. It hadn’t been a great idea to go to college when she was so socially awkward.

Alice was immersed in her reading when Sinta suddenly asked a question.

"Which program are you taking?" Sinta asked, breaking the silence.

Without looking up from her phone, Alice replied, "Elementary Education."

Sinta squealed, startling Alice.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I just got excited because I'm taking the same program!" Sinta explained, still beaming.

Alice couldn’t understand why this girl was so excited about being in the same program as someone she had just met.

"Uh... we barely know each other. I don’t get why you're excited to be in the same program as me," Alice said coolly.

Sinta either didn’t notice her tone or chose to ignore it. She kept talking, which only made Alice more irritated. She had no energy for small talk.

"I don’t know," Sinta said, smiling. "It just feels like we’ve known each other for a long time. That’s why I got excited when you mentioned your program."

"Anyway, we could be besties or sisters for life—I can feel it," Sinta added.

Alice sighed. "I think I'm too old for that kind of thing. I'd prefer to be your colleague or acquaintance."

Sinta chuckled, and Alice couldn’t help but think this girl was too naive and she was like dopamine in human form—always happy and smiling despite blatantly displaying rudeness.

"Too old? I think we’re the same age. I’m 19," Sinta said.

"I’m already 32, Sinta. I’m 13 years older than you—too old to be your bestie."

Sinta's eyes widened. "Oh my god! You don’t look your age at all! I'm not trying to flatter you, but you look young. But we can still be besties. I think I could learn a lot from you."

"You know, my mom is busy, and I’m an only child. I don’t get to spend much time with her..." Sinta trailed off.

"So, you want me to be your mom?" Alice interrupted, raising an eyebrow sarcastically.

Sinta laughed. "What? No! I just mean I want an adult around who can guide me since my mom isn’t around much. But she's a great mom—it's just hard being a single parent, juggling work, parenting, and serving the country. I understand why she's busy."

Alice didn’t have time to respond as they were called into the admissions office.

They went in, sat down, and were interviewed separately. Everything went smoothly, and both of them passed their requirements.

Afterwards, they stepped outside together.

"By the way, Ate Alice, do you have any plans today? Is it okay if I call you 'ate'?" Sinta asked.

"Yeah, I don’t mind. Call me whatever you want," Alice replied, waving dismissively.

"Great! So, do you have plans? Let’s get coffee—my treat!" Sinta suggested, her excitement contagious.

Alice was about to refuse when Sinta hooked her arm and started dragging her in the opposite direction of where her car was parked. Alice didn’t protest and let Sinta lead the way.

After a few minutes, they arrived at a nearby coffee shop. The place was cosy, with bookshelves and a reading nook that immediately caught Alice's attention. She mentally noted it as a potential hangout spot once school started.

A waitress came over to take their orders, which surprised Alice—she had expected to order at the bar.

Sinta ordered a Vietnamese iced coffee and a cheese roll, while Alice opted for a dirty matcha iced coffee and a chocolate truffle.

As they waited for their drinks, Sinta asked, "So, Ate Alice, if you don’t mind me asking, why did you just start college?"

"You assume I didn’t have a degree before. I’m 32—do you think I’m only just starting college?" Alice replied sharply.

Sinta looked down, embarrassed.

Instantly, Alice regretted her tone. She was just so used to being stoic that it slipped out.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound rude," Alice apologized, adjusting her glasses. "Anyway, you’re right. I don’t have a degree. This is my first time in college, but the details are too personal to get into."

Sinta smiled in understanding, and they continued chatting casually.

"You mentioned your mom serves the country. Is she military or a politician?" Alice asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"She’s a politician, but I’d rather not say more," Sinta replied, her tone careful.

Alice nodded. "That’s okay. It’s good to be discreet about personal details, especially with someone you just met. I’m glad you know how to keep things private."

Their conversation paused when the waitress brought their orders. They ate and talked in between bites, and Alice had to admit she was enjoying Sinta’s company.

After finishing their coffee, they stepped outside.

"Thank you, Ate Alice, for putting up with me today," Sinta joked.

Alice, who was much taller, patted Sinta on the head. "You’re welcome. I enjoyed our talks."

Alice felt a sense of familiarity with Sinta. She remembered how Theresia had patted her head in her dreams when she was feeling down, comforting her. The gesture with Sinta brought that memory back.

Sinta beamed at the gesture. "You’re like my mom. She always pats my head when I’m sad to comfort me."

"Anyway, I'm heading off now. Take care, Ate Alice! Thank you again," Sinta added, happily making little jumps as she walked away.

Alice shook her head and smiled as she watched Sinta.

Sinta turned around with a big smile, her eyes disappearing as she waved goodbye.

Alice suddenly felt everything stop when she saw Sinta turn around.

"Theresia..." Alice whispered.