A Teacher's Diary

Police Line: Do Not Cross

July 11, 2014

Friday

I dreamt of three people. One woman and two men. I can't remember their dialouges. All I remember was that the woman showed her engagement ring to one of the man and that man suddenly looked sullen. He looked at the woman and the other man as if he can't believe what he's seeing and shook his head. He opened the door of his car and got inside.

I watched him as he drove away.

Then, I wasn't sure if I was just part of the audience or if I was actually the woman.

******

I told myself I would never be late again. But even before we reached University of Makati, the jeep was slowed. There were police and peacekeepers on the streets. I don't even know what's going on. So, in my mind... I cursed them for delaying my arrival in my own school, Integrated Montessori Center. Five minutes before 8 AM. Every minute counts as I run-walk. A man noticed my urgency and said, "Be careful missy, you might get tripped." Thanks for the concern manong.. But I cannot afford to be late again. The gate was locked. I saw Kuya June and Kuya Chris that I gestured them, I'm already beating the buzz. They understood and smiled. That made me feel good despite of the stress and tiredness. The biometrics clock said 'Thank you' after I pressed my finger in it 7:59 AM.

****

In my school, I also have nursing duties. I had a lot of patients today. With fever, tummy ache, head ache. And I feel like I am starting to be my own patient. My head aches, so I gave myself a mefanamic 500mg capsule for remedy. I remember the story I am reading in Wattpad, entitled 'Heaven is Real'.

Fever is not sickness. Fever is just a symptom for the sickness.

I had Neo, a grade five pupil who acts childish despite his manly appearance. He's so big that when he's standing next to us, we feel very small. He also tells us somehow creepy stories that he is seeing and hearing ghosts. I'm unsure whether to tolerate him. He once said when I was mad with Trej and him because they keep on talking, "Sige na nga. Bahala na si God kung mas mahal niya si Trej." He thinks God favors Trej more than him. I can't figure out why he thinks things that way.

I also had Reign, from our Grade 1 class. He is the smartest kid in I-Honesty. But his section doesn't reflect on him. I've caught him lying and even making alibi's several times. Maybe, that's a curse of being so smart. I called his dad and he said they already made him drink Tempra earlier in the morning. But when I checked his temperature, it was 39.2·C. I want to love the child despite his naughtiness. When we were in the clinic, I asked him to tell me stories. I told him to think of happy thoughts so his mind will be diverted to it. So he would forget the pain in his head. He told me about his little brother who is in JC2 and his province La Jongan. That was the first time I've heard that place. But he goes on.. He seemed thrilled to the idea of remembering the things he's doing every December when they go there. He said he has a pet goat that he feeds. And he has cousins and playmates. I asked him if I can go there, it was just a joke but he answered, "Yes, teacher. All teachers can go there." I smiled at him and asked if he's feeling better. I'm glad he is.

Then, Hailey from Grade 2 arrived saying her tummy is aching. I liked Hailey even though I don't handle Grade 2 class. She always offers her hand for the IMC shake whenever she sees me. I put efficascent oil on her tummy. Spreading it gently with my hand. I'm not a real nurse. My sister is. I hope I am still able to soothe them in my little ways.

*****

Donna cried earlier. About her past love. She kept saying sorry because she thought she has moved on. I don't even know what happened. The only information I have is that some guy working overseas is sending her e-mails. She did not open up it to me. Yet. So, even as much as I want to comfort her. I don't know how.

Everyone surrounds me seems to have their own heartbreaks. And I should be grateful that EJ and I are actually stronger. And that we are in that one same look of the future. We will still face many challenges. But I'm ready. All that matters is that I have him.