Whimps of Heart (VALENTINE SERIES #2)

Chapter 7

S E V E N

I was sitting in the USC office, finishing up some paperwork when Miss Jimenez suddenly walked in. Her presence immediately made the room quieter. Everyone subtly straightened up as her eyes scanned the room until they landed on me.

"Iris," she called, her voice firm but not harsh. "I want you to accompany me to the meeting about the charity event in Tuguegarao."

I blinked, looking up at her. "Sure, Miss Jimenez. When po?"

"Later today, after classes. Let's meet at a nearby restaurant. I prefer discussing things in a more relaxed setting." she replied, as if it was just another day. For her, maybe it was, but for me… I had other plans.

I was supposed to meet Pat later for something important, but there was no way I could say no. Being USC President means showing up, no matter how packed my schedule is.

"Sige po, Miss. I'll be there," I responded, forcing a smile, even though my mind was racing with thoughts on how to adjust everything. I'll make it work.

Before she turned to leave, she added, "And don't worry about finding me. Just wait for me in the parking lot after class. I'll pick you up."

I nodded, though internally, I was trying to figure out how I'd reschedule my day. Wala namang mawawala if I move my plans around. It's just one meeting, after all. But why does it feel so complicated?

Miss Jimenez gave a slight nod, satisfied. "Good. I'll see you later." And with that, she left the room, her departure making the atmosphere a little lighter.

I sighed, glancing at my watch. I'll just have to rearrange everything.

Pagkalabas ni Miss Jimenez, nagsimula na rin ang meeting namin. Kasama ko ang ilang student representatives ng BS Biology. Quinn, who's one of my friends from another course, was there too.

"Okay, let's get started," I said, trying to focus despite everything running through my mind. Quinn gave me a small wave from across the room, smiling as if to ease the tension.

"Kamusta ka na?" Quinn asked in a low voice during a brief pause in the meeting.

"Okay naman," I replied, giving her a quick smile. Pero to be honest, ang dami ko pang iniisip.

Kasama rin si Eric sa meeting, being the Vice President of the USC. He sat a few seats away, nodding along as I opened the discussion. His presence always added a level of formality to the room, but today, it felt heavier for me with all the things on my mind.

As the meeting progressed, Quinn leaned over to ask quietly, "Bakit parang ang bigat ng aura mo ngayon?"

"Busy lang, maraming inaasikaso." I chuckled lightly.

Eric, being sharp as ever, noticed the brief exchange and chimed in, "We've got a lot on our plate, especially with the charity event in Tuguegarao. But Iris is handling it well." He shot me a reassuring look, though I could tell he was trying to keep the mood light.

"Yeah, just another day," I replied with a small smile, though deep down, I was already mentally preparing for the next meeting with Miss Jimenez.

Nang matapos na ang meeting, hinagod ko ang sintido ng ulo ko. Grabe, pinili ko to, kaya magdusa ako, naisip ko na lang habang nagpapatawa sa sarili. Pero sa totoo lang, gusto ko talagang may mapatunayan.

Habang naka-sandal ako sa upuan, narinig ko ang malalakas na boses nina Bianca at Jade. Halatang sinusundo na nila ako.

"Hoy, Iris! Anong tagal mo?!" sigaw ni Bianca mula sa labas ng opisina ng USC.