Reverso

Chapter 6

I woke to the aroma of the usual breakfast surrounding the house. I gave myself a little stretch and checked the wall clock for the time, 7:30am. Wait... 7:30am?! Shit! I have an 8am lecture today. I quickly took a shower, put on my uniform, little makeup and grabbed my bag, 7:45. I rushed downstairs, aiming for the door.

"Oh? Hindi ka na naman kakain dito? Niluto ko pa naman yung favorite mong tocino." medyo nagtatampong saad ni Mama.

"My alarm clock didn't go off, Mom and I have an 8am lecture." I gave her a cheek kiss and ran outside.

Naghihintay na ako ng masasakyan sa terminal ng tricycle pero lahat punuan, pucha. It's already 8am. Napakamot na lang ako ng onti sa ulo ko dahil sa inis habang vibrate ng vibrate ang cellphone ko dahil message ng message ang mga kaklase ko kung nasaan na ba raw ako. Hindi ko naman ikasi-singko ang pag-skip ko ng isang lecture, nag-aalala lang talaga sila at di naman ako pala-late o absent. Papara na sana ako ng tricycle nang biglang kumulo ang tiyan ko. Sana pala kumain na ako sa bahay. 11am pa naman sunod kong klase kaya kakain na lang ako saan ako mapadpad malapit sa school.

Pumunta na lang ako sa Jollibee sa likod lang ng school. Pumasok ako at tatlo pa lang ang costumer, sabagay, maaga pa naman at nasa klase na ang mga estudyante. I went to the counter and ordered myself a nice pair of pancakes and cold chocolate. I looked around to see some of the crew still setting up the other tables. I felt embarrassed to get myself a table so when I saw one costumer who had the school badge as me, I went up to him.

"Excuse me? Pwede makiupo?" I asked him politely.

He looked up to me, his bangs complimenting his slit-like eyes, pointed nose and small lips. The corner of his mouth made a little gesture, indicating that I can sit with him.

"Thank you." saad ko sa kanya bago binaba ang mga gamit ko sa booth.

As I take little bites of my pancake, I was checking and reviewing some of my emails I must've missed because I didn't get to see them before leaving the house.

"Subject: Interview Schedule

From: Sec. Erin Asadillo.

Your schedule of the interview will be from 9am-10am and will resume if needed after your classes, 2:30pm onwards. The interview will take place at your office."

Marami pa naman akong oras na pwede sayangin kaya di ako nagmadali. I started admiring the branches of the trees with its swaying leaves as the maple syrup satisfy my taste buds.

"Ms. Caldez, right?" tanong nya.

"Uh yes, how'd you know?"

"Who wouldn't? You're the president of the organization." He stated, making it seem like I was a big deal of a person. Nginitian ko lang sya, I don't know how to respond to compliments.

"May I say, that I am a huge fan of the seminar you conducted last year. It was nice and refreshing."

"Thank you." Ngumiti ulit ako, nangangawit na ng panga ko at lagi naman akong nakasimangot. "I try to make most of the time given to me and I want to spend it by serving the students the relatable content to keep them in tact and interested."

"Well, that's very responsible of you. You deserve the awards and title."

"What's your name?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Jess Rain Prima. Literature." He held out his hand to give a formal handshake.

"It was nice meeting you." I said and he smiled.

After a few moments of silence that was surprisingly comfortable. I started to prepare to leave.

"Well, uh, Jess, it was nice meeting you. I'd like to stay in chat but my duty calls." ngumiti na naman ako ulit, pa-plastikan lang kasi baka ma-issue ganon.