Kissing the Agony (Agony Series #1)

Chapter 23: A Heart that Never Gave Up

I woke up pretty early because I have an appointment today. I am going to enroll myself at a university near my condo tower.

I stared at myself in the mirror, fascinated by how tanned I'd gotten after my stay in Siquijor. The yellow sweetheart top paired with a white denim maxi skirt complimented my skin tone perfectly. I twisted my long jet-black hair into a messy bun, knowing the moment I stepped outside this building, the humidity would be unforgiving.

A gold necklace rested against my collarbone, while stacked Cartier bracelets wrapped around my wrists. I slid into my white Oran sandals, spritzed a touch of Chanel perfume onto my neck and wrists—and just like that, I was ready to go.

The warm weather and the busy streets of Makati surfaced in front of me when I stepped outside the building. I smiled as I realized how much I truly missed being in the city.

The valet pulled up and parked my car in front of me. He handed over the keys with a polite nod. I slid into my Mazda, placing my Goyard tote on the passenger seat with care. My hands found the steering wheel, and I smiled.

God, I missed my car.

I remember exactly why I chose it—it was elegant, compact, sleek, and unapologetically feminine. It felt like an extension of myself. According to Google Maps, it would take around 15 to 20 minutes to get to Arellano University's Plaridel campus on Taft Avenue.

After around 18 minutes, I arrived at the university. I chose Arellano because it was near my condo unit. The hassle of a long commute or drive would drive me crazy overtime so I really opted for a school near my place.

I almost forgot the hectic traffic here in Manila because in Siquijor, it was completely different. The streets are not this full and the greenery is all that you can see, not these imposing buildings in almost every corner.

Apart from the convenience in driving, another reason I chose this university was because they accept students like me, those who came from DepEd's special programs. As an ALS passer, I'm allowed to enroll directly in college, even without a Senior High School diploma.

I inquired in the admissions office and they let me know about the requirements that I need to accomplish and pass, so I can finally enroll.

Fortunately, all my requirements were already handed over to me so I don't need to go back to Siquijor for that. I already have those documents in my condo.

That day went by so smoothly. I just had my lunch in Greenbelt. After that, I went shopping for my school supplies.

I entered a Japanese store where minimalist things are being sold. I bought a binder, a notebook, and some pens, because I heard they sell great pens here. I also bought some other stuff for my condo such as mugs, toothbrush holders, and the likes.

Matapos mamili ng mga gamit sa eskwelahan ay nag window shopping naman ako. Wala naman akong balak bumili ng mga damit at sapatos dahil marami pa naman ako sa condo. Ang iba nga ay bago pa, may mga tag pa dahil hindi ko naman nasuot.

Pinilit kong alalahanin na kailangan kong magtipid dahil matagal na akong walang trabaho at kailangan ko ng pera, lalo na ngayon na mag aaral ko ulit. Kailangan kong magtipid para sa allowance.

My train of thought was cut off when a woman, in her mid thirties, gently pulled my arm which stopped me from walking.

I looked at the woman and she seemed nice. Her skin is bronze and her hair was cut mid length. Her jaw is very defined and she's almost as tall as me.

My expression was clueless but I wasn't really offended or freaked out. Hindi ko naisip na budol 'to or scam dahil ang babae mismo ay mukhang may nasasabi rin sa buhay.