Just Another Girl To You

Nineteen

"Everyone get a one-half sheet of paper, write your name, year and section, expectations for the subject, and expectations for me, your teacher." Ms. Paiso, our new Social Studies teacher asked of us.

It was her first year of teaching in OB, and as far as first meetings with teachers go, I hated her.

Sure, she was pretty, and cute, and probably the youngest faculty member, but she had this know-it-all vibe, and she was prudery in her manner.

We did as she asked, and she conducted the orals about what we've written.

She would often contradict students, and some were embarrassed.

Guess this only shows what she's really like then...

Meh, I shouldn't let this get to me, after all, Jaz and Maan aren't a thing anymore, more chances for me, yay!

The orals went on, and we finally reached the last student, and our break came.

***

"Good morning 8-Topaz. I am Miss Rhina Llanto, and my favorite branch of science is biology." Our science teacher began with the Dale Carnegie.

We all had to state the same, and at the end, our favorite branch of science, or the one we were most interested in.

She was brusquely efficient and very professional in her manner of speaking and in the way she acted.

And although she had a snarky side, we already knew she'd be a great teacher.

***

Two weeks into school, all of us trying to settle in, the door opened mid-way into our daily morning assembly, and entered a new student.

Or rather a returning student, since he, Joshua Daniel, was originally from OB, but went to Ateneo for a year.

He was still the same; bone-thin, very tall, and still looked like your typical smart-kid type of guy.

We used to be classmates, friends even, but this year, whenever I'd make remarks, he'd usually glare at me, or make annoyed remarks.

Guess he found me annoying, just as most people did.

Even if they now said that I was definitely nicer, I can't please everyone, right?

***

We, the fourth class (4CL), cadets were waiting in the canteen, awaiting our senior officers, not knowing what to expect for the meeting they called for.

And by we I mean, myself, Ck David (the favorite), Miguel Presillas (the class crush), Matthew Llantero (future Obama), and Louis Lucena (Jaz's guy best friend).

We've completed training the year before, so we don't really know what else we had to do.

Sir Capitrano and Sir Dela Peña (the commandant) arrived, and our senior officers were called to order.

They formed as well in front of us, and stood at attention.

Sir Dela Peña left for some reason, and Sir Capistrano spoke.

"4th class, what the----" he began angrily, and we trembled with fear.

"I would just like to congratulate you." He said fondly.

Then the officers stepped forward, and presented us with our second lieutenant pins.

"Congratulations, you are now 3CL, all officially officers now, with all the rights and responsibilities of it. Uphold our name." He allowed us to move then.