The Better Me

Chapter 3 | Breaking The Ice

Annoyance, frustration and irritation were the three prominent emotions I was feeling right in this moment. Glancing out the window of the moving taxi, my mind was filled with thousands of semi-believable excuses I could give to my lecturer when I arrive in class. It was the first time, so maybe he could give me a free pass today.

I could have gotten there earlier but having to pick up Sofia's brother changed the whole program. And as if things couldn't be any worse, the eleven year old was talking non-stop about who knows what, he was a talkative, a professional one at that.

"Are you even listening to me Regina?"

Releasing a frustrated sigh, I turned my gaze from the window to the boy sitting next to me. I had to drop him off at their house before heading to school. My patience almost reaching its limit, I struggled to give a smile as I answered. "Yes I am"

Diego crossed his arms in disapproval, "Then tell me what I've been saying"

He gave me a clear frown as he waited for me to respond, ready to nag if I gave him the wrong reply. God he was just like his sister. So problematic.

The only reasonable sibling in that family was Estefanio, he was quiet, cool and always kept to himself.

"You want me to buy you sweets and take you to the amusement park" I answered.

The growing smile on his face told me I got the right response, "Oh...and to the cinema too, I heard the third installment of 'How to train your dragon' was out in cinemas" he added.

My apprehension grew the more he opened his mouth.

I did not even have the money for all that, I was a university student for Christ's sake.

"Why can't you ask your parents?"

At the mention of his parents, Diego had an irritated expression on his face. "Papá is rarely at home and each time I ask mamá for something, she's always saying ahorita te lo compro, but ahorita never comes!" He whined.

Then before I could say anything, he grabbed my arm and begged in a really loud voice, "So please Regina, can you do it for me?!!"

Spotting the taxi driver giving us a disapproving look, I quickly nodded and accepted Diego's request so he could get off my ass.

Hopefully, this will be the last time I would have to pick him up. Damn Sofia, for putting me in this situation.

You know what? Damn Kina too.

It felt like eternity when we finally arrived at the Bueno, Bonito y Barato. Getting off the cab, Diego rushed to his house but not before reminding me for the hundredth time about the promise I had made to him.

Not wasting a second, I urged the driver to rush to Manchester University. I was already a few minutes late but still, I hoped that my prof. would be in a good mood to allow me inside the lecture hall.

The taxi had barely made it inside the campus when I threw the fee at the driver and got out of the car, running as fast as Usain towards the school's building.

Three minutes later, I was currently standing in front of the frowning lecturer, trying to catch my breath as fast I could. Sweat covered my face, making my fringe attach itself on my forehead but I did not mind that as I waited for the lecturer to decide whether to send me out or let me sit in.

"Since this is your first time, I will let you off the hook. But be warned Regina" he said.

Sighing in utter relief, I muttered a thank you to the prof before turning to the populated classroom and sitting down on the first row of seats.