13

Ready, Steady, Go

"Ikaw po ba si Ms. Maine? Ako po si Yeng." One of the teenaged girls  in uniform asked Maine, as she walked into her old high school.

Maine forgot that she rsvp'd yes to an "Meet an Alumnus/Alumna" event at her high school.  Her assistant Louise reminded her when she got in that she had an event today, and that she should leave by lunch time to get there at 3pm.

At 24, Maine is one of the in demand art historian in Asia. After graduating with honors,  Maine was hired to assist Jini Fero, a known museum curator of the Ong Foundation of the Arts.  In just two years, she was given a pivotal role  especially in working with the National Museum as the Ong Foundation has an extensive European art collection. She has flown to Europe and America with various art pieces on loan to museums.

"Hi Yeng. Yes, ako nga. Are we meeting Ms. Advincula?" Maine asked as she fell in step next to the girl who was a fast walker. "Saglit, Yeng, mahirap tumakbo..." Maine was still in her work outfit and heels.

"Ay sorry po. Si Ms. Advincula po , tita ko. She's also the head of school na."

"Ah okay. So itong Meet an Alumna, is it just me? " Duh, Maine, singular nga di ba.

"Yes po. I'll bring you to her."

By the time Maine got to Ms. Advincula's office, she was led to the auditorium. It was a good turnout. The atmosphere was casual, so Maine spoke of her interest in the art & art history  and why she advocates for it. Some students asked questions. It was a relaxed setting and the students seemed interested.

When  that was done, Ms. Advincula and Maine went back to her office and discussed the possibility of having one of the students do a summer internship with her. While Maine was about to leave, she was surprised to see Richard waiting for her.

"Love! You're here!"

"Yeah it's foundation week and Ms. Advincula asked for sponsorship for some prizes for the fair. Plus I knew you were here when I called your office, Louise said you forgot pa nga daw."

"I almost forgot but Louise kicked me out of the office. Since we're here and it seems that the fair is busy, can we go around?"

"Yes, I actually want to go around and check out the booths. So much has changed in our alma mater in such a short span of time."

They ate their way around the fair and stopped by the DJ booth to write in their song requests.  Some teachers they knew were still there, and they waved at them. They watched a performance until Maine's eyes lit up and she started pulling Richard.

"Richard ... dirty ice cream pleaaaaseeee..." Maine begged, pouting.

"Manong, pabili nga ng keso and chocolate.  2 po." Richard asked.

"Thanks, love. It makes me nostalgic lang kasi I use to ask you for spare change para maka ice cream noon."

"It was hard to resist you though. Sabi nga nila Zo noon, hug at kiss sa cheek lang sayo eh butas na bulsa ko."

"Ay grabe sila. Teka I don't think I gave kisses for free then, Kuya."

"Eto na naman ang  Kuya. Let's go nga...."

They walked towards the grade school building as the sun was setting and Richard pulled her in the covered patio. Maine was still busy enjoying her ice cream.

"Maine, naalala mo ba 'to? " Richard asked.

"Ha? Nasan na ba tayo? Didn't people use to sneak in here pag me school event to make out? Hahaha!."