Reverso

Chapter 4

I slammed the locker after putting my books back. It always feel satisfying whenever I get to do that because it is an indication that the day has finally ended, which was relieving. I was about to leave the locker area when somebody called out.

"Miss Caldez!" my secretary, Erin Asadillo called out.

Nginitian ko lang sya, pero sa totoo lang gusto kong tumakbo pero nilingon ko na sya. Damn.

"Good afternoon!" she said as she tries to organize the folders she's carrying.

"What is it? Is there an error in the schedule?" tinanong ko sya, kunware interesado ako pero ang totoo, gusto ko na lang umuwi para matulog.

"Nothing, ma'am. I am just here to update you that the list for those who are aspiring to conduct the interview with you for the next issue of the organization just came in the office."

"Let me see them."

Binigyan nya ako ng red-scented folder na umalingangaw ang amoy sa paligid.

"What is this? A valentine's card?" tinanong ko sya, iritado na.

My team knows well that I don't like scented papers, or embellished papers in general.

"My apologies, ma'am, it was said that whoever handled the list wasn't from the team and has a huge crush on you. Also, mostly those who signed up wants to work with you because they like you. The list piled up when they heard you're taking over the task personally."

I frowned, each sentence is getting sadder.

"Why wasn't the team handling it in the first place? Ugh, fine but can you at least identify the names of those who joined for that purpose?"

"Sadly, it's risky to assume, ma'am."

I started to massage my temples, getting very impatient and obviously forcing myself not to burst out because of childish absurdity.

"Fine." I took a glance at the papers she gave me, 8 papers full of names. I gave the folder back to her.

"Get all the names of those in Journalism and Literature, dispose those who aren't. I don't want anyone playing, slacking, or even having fun in my organization when it's serious business. Report back to me before 12am. Dismissed."

Naturally, I'd do it myself and not ask my secretary to do such an easy job but I am not in the right place to deal with that kind of crap. I let the calm rays of the midday sun hit my face as I walk the empty corridors. The view from the third floor has always been beautiful when the sun is setting, even when it's rising. It's therapeutic. I stopped to snap a photo when a voice called me.

"Theresa!"

"Oh, Adrian, bakit andito ka pa?"

"I messed around the music room for a while, nagdrums lang. Ikaw, ba't andito ka pa?"

"Aalis na sana ako kaso naabutan pa ako ng secretary, haha. Priorities." I scoffed.

He chuckled a little "Well, that seems tiring. Gusto mo mag early dinner?"

I bit my lip, kunwareng nag-iisip tungkol sa oras pero ang totoo, iniisip ko lang talaga kung tama bang um-oo ako sa kanya.

"Sige na, libre ko."

I laughed and looked at my wristwatch, 4:50pm.

"Sus, sige na nga. Minsan lang naman manlibre ang kuripot!"

Inakbayan nya ako at ginulo ng onti ang buhok ko, nang-aasar na hanggang ngayon daw, maliit pa rin ako. When we got to the cafeteria, I just asked for a steak which is my favorite and he went to order.

My phone buzzed "Did you get home safely? Sorry I had to go ahead, I still have to finish my plates." Riley messaged.

"Don't worry about me, I am still at the cafeteria near school. Manlilibre raw si Adrian. Nagkasalubong kami sa locker's area." paliwanag ko.

"OMG! Is this the coming of my ship?" rinig na rinig ko mga tili nya kahit text lang.

"No, you're delusional."

"And you're in denial, boo."

"I just came from a breakup, Adrian is just being nice." I explained.

"Oh please, alam naman nating lahat bago pa maging kayo hanggang sa matapos ni Lorenzo, ang OG is kayong dalawa ni Adrian ."

Binaba ko na yung phone ko nang makita kong papalapit na si Adrian, bitbit ang mga inorder namin.

"Thank you, ako naman manlilibre after Friday." pambawi ko

"You don't have to, I like making you happy."

"Kumusta naman classes today?" I shifted the conversation because I didn't know how to respond to what he said, nor do I have enough brain cells to think about it. Or, I just didn't have to give it any meaning.

"It was fine. We spent all day learning about notes."

Tumango lang ako, wala ng balak makipagdaldalan pa. Like I said, uwing-uwi na talaga ako at gusto ko nang magpahinga.

I am always grateful for my friends here in the university. We don't have the same courses, but we used to hang out a lot during the enrollment season because we were the freshies who live near each other. As time went by, there were a lot of conflicts we were able to surpass. Shifting courses for Kelsey, deadline plates and lack of creative juices for Riley, time management for Adrian, and pressure for me. I am thankful that we still have each other's backs especially in hell weeks and semestral transitions.

Tinignan ko lang si Adrian na tahimik na kumakain. Naisip ko, pagod din sya mula sa mga lectures at activities today, pero naglaan talaga sya ng oras at panahon to make me feel even a little bit better.

I smiled to myself and got my phone and snapped a photo of Adrian. I opened my twitter account and posted that photo of him with the caption "eating hooman". He got the tagged notification right away and just laughed with me. Just above my recent tweet was my mutual, "@jiinnnn" tweeting "wish it was me instead."