I walked passed trees and buildings, passed people and parks, listening to the calming music I have on my phone.

Sometimes, you just tend to appreciate the beauty of silence. The beauty of being alone, walking and no one recognizing you. The peace of mind that no one will scream your name in the middle of the stre-

"JAIME"

I heard the echo of that voice. Nothing more annoying than that.

"THANKS FOR RUINING THE MOOD BIMBO!"

I replied with the same enthusiasm.

Ahh good old Tyler. My boy since highschool. He teaches in a school near mine, yet we barely cross paths. That explains the enthusiasm upon seeing me.

"What's good man?"

He landed his arm on my shoulder, carrying his handbag on the other as we walked through the busy streets.

"Meh, been here and there. You?"

He looked at me, giving me the face of doubt.

"Nothing interesting going on eh? Mate.. Get a life."

We both chuckled at the statement. The truth in that joke made me realize how much of a boring person I am.

"How 'bout you bimbo? Any lame ass stories ya wanna share?"

He stared at the sky, smiling then sighed.

" Nothing interesting at all."

I rested my arm on his shoulder.

" Mate.. Get a life. " I mimicked his quote, both of us laughed.

We had small talks and when we reached our destination, we bid farewell and promised a meet up once our schedules are clear.

I entered the faculty, grabbing my stuff while Jasmine gossips again to her female colleagues at the corner.

I walked passed teachers and students, some greeting, and some passing jokes as I walked.

I reached my classroom and to my surprise, Mei was there.

My eyes widened, a wave of relief hit me as I reassured myself I wasn't hallucinating.

Mei really is here. With the sense of relief that I know she's safe, I also feel uneasy with the fact that she's been gone for almost a month.

Some students saw me and asked me to come in.

I  snapped and went on with teaching. My mind lingering with the wonders of her disappearance.

During my discussion, I noticed she was shaking. Her repetitive hand movements and her eyes sliding from left to right. Her feet rapidly tapping on the floor. She was nervous.

"Miss Dela Rosa, you alright back there?"

She looked at me suprised. I gave her an eyebrow and stared, wanting an answer.

"I-im fine. May I p-please go to the b-bathroom?"

She pleaded. Stuttering and her voice really shaky.

I gave her permission to step out of class for a breather.

I continued with my discussion and she came back after a good 12 minutes.

After class, she still kept doing those nervous acts.

I asked her to come see me if there's anything bothering her.

She nodded and proceeded to head for her next class.

Many teachers were surprised of her sudden appearance after weeks of being gone.

She's been the talk of the faculty, and they also noticed her shaking and nervous aura.

Time passed and it is now time for students to go and leave. Of course, being a productive member of society, we have to stay behind. I felt so tired the whole week, and I am more than excited to leave school.

After a few hours of suffering, I packed my things and headed out. To my surprise, Mei was still at school. All out rage and... She bought beer!?

I chased her.

"Mei?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I went to school. My body a wave of nervousness. My mind only thinking of the interview that will happen after school. I couldn't handle it, what if I got rejected? What will I do?

Will I have no choice... Than go back to being "that"?

I thought to myself, all of my worse imaginations keep lingering as time passes by.

~After School~

School has finally come to an end. Now I have to face the horror of the interview. I waited for the call as I viewed the scenery outside school. It helped calm me down..

I fell into the hands of relaxation.. Little did I know

"Looky here, looky here, Mei Dela Rosa."

He smirked while he grabbed my phone.