Unwithered Love

Chapter 10: Excited but Anxious

Yes! Summer was over and it's Back to School time!

Probably the majority would agree with me, that school time, especially during the opening of the school year, surely gives excitement to all. That's why for me, as I long as I can remember, the second year of my college years was the most awaited time.

At first I was dismayed during our travel back to school. Passengers were going to and fro. The streets were abuzz. These noises everywhere -speeding, crossing, clattering - could not take the bliss inside me. Yes, traveling was tiresome, but with this joy in my heart, it was easy to endure.

We were welcomed with happy greetings from old friends and with bright smiles from new faces we met when we arrived at the campus. We could see from afar that the registrar's office was already engrossed in accepting new comers and old students. Then I thought of Michael; possibly he was there among the crowd.

We went straight to our dormitory to know our room assignment. At the lobby we found the posted lists of names with the designated room numbers. Eunice looked at it and read aloud,

"Eunice Amores and Angel Amores Room 201," she looked at me, twisting her lips, and said, "Too bad, you're still with me."

"Haha! You will always need an angel that is why."

"Who needs what? Okay, let me see who's with us." This time she was serious.

"Chelsea is still with us, and we have new roommates. I guess these are new students. Good luck to me!"Eunice announced with a dejectedly fake-expression.
Knowing her with those kind of gestures, I just smiled and poked her playfully at her side.

"Don't you worry, an angel is always with you."I said confidently.

"That worries me." She laughed and rolled her eyes.

Ignoring those words we went inside our new room. I checked all the closets and chose the first locker from my left and picked the upper part of the deck beside my locker. Eunice chose the lower part and the locker next to mine.

"Are we going to enroll today, or tomorrow morning?"

"Hmm," Eunice grinning at me, checking her locker, she continued, "Someone is excited."

Annoyed with her, I blurted, "Hmp, I want to rest. I'm tired and hungry."

Eunice started to unpack and arrange her things inside her locker. I decided to do that later, after I take a bath and fill my stomach.

I tried my best to stay calm. I did not want my sister to notice my sudden anxiety. From the time we arrived, I was unceasingly praying for Michael. I didn't know why I had that strange feeling. Do I need to prepare my heart? I thought.

"Break my heart gently, please Lord." I prayed.

My sister and I were done with our things and our bed. We had time to rest  awhile before heading to the cafeteria. All of a sudden we were startled with the arrival of the husky, croaky Chelsea. She always has that vibrant energy.

My sister looked at me and said discreetly, "Wait till we meet the new girls."

I was at peace on bed, seemingly, not minding the loud stories of our dear friend Chelsea. When our tummies began to grumble, the three of us headed to the cafeteria.

Greetings everywhere are expected. The usual "hi hello" was on air. Smiling, I pretended not to look around, then I saw Jovi, the best friend of Chlouie. He saw me and smiled. His buddy was not around. A gush of pain I felt, then I thought,
"He's good, I hope."

We found the only vacant table near the washing area, we had no choice but to take that place. As I was seated, I finally saw a glimpse of Chlouie's face at the left corner of the cafeteria. He looked happy, I guessed, but that was a relief.

As soon as we finished eating, we strolled around the auditorium before we went back to our dormitory. It was still very clear in my memory the last time Michael and I had a candid chat near that building. Oh, how I missed him! Would there be another chance for us?? My heart was anticipating, but my mind seemed to contradict. With those thoughts in my mind, I didn't notice that we're back in our new room.

On my bed I was contemplating. Nothing happened extraordinary that day, except for one thing: my heart was bombarded with fears, doubts, and restlessnes.

What has happened to the spirit of bliss?

I closed my eyes with prayers in my heart: You know better than me, Lord. Comfort me with your lovingkindness."