Exam week is also done which means I get to breathe. Luckily, Sir Jaime was willing to tutor me since I've been missing classes. It was hard, but I still got a passing grade. This week is a long awaited one. Everyone keeps talking about how excited they are about the students who'll be coming, and the wonders of the horror house. "How will it turn out this year? Will cute boys come? Will cute girls come?
Will the food be enough?" Is all I ever hear from classrooms to hallways.
"Mei, how'd you score for History?"
Lia asked, suddenly showing up out of nowhere.
I had gotten used to her company, and I think she's gotten used to mine as well.
Although, some people gossip about how Lia just ran out of friends to talk to and decided to mess with other people, or how she mustered up the courage to talk to someone like me. All this gossip and rumors that keeps spreading, but not one did she pay attention too. She just ignored it and still hung out with me.
"I did alright I guess. You?"
"I did okay too I guess. It was hard to memorize all the names and dates you know? To top it all, most of them had similar first names! It frustrated me so I kinda just went with my gut the whole test."
I just gave her a reassuring smile.
"I bet you had your head boiling in the math exam."
I said, her face flustered and playfully gave me an "ouch" expression.
"Jeez, you noticed?"
She pouted.
We waited for our next teacher, seemingly.
She was a chill teacher, somewhat old but oh well.
She'd spend most of her time sharing her story, giving us life lessons from time to time.
I don't pay attention too much because it was boring, but sometimes, her stories are interesting.
One time, she shared how she went to the beach for the first time. The Golden sky and the pastel blue water, and the sand that buried her feet. The waves ever so calm and quiet. She stared at the view for as long as she could remember.
I pictured her story in my head as if I was the one there.
So astonishing and exquisite, I dreamed of going there one day.
***
It was now time to go home. Our classes were cut short so we could rest and prepare for tomorrow.
The day everyone has been longing for.
The teachers and staff had to stay behind since they had to make sure everything was settled and ready for tomorrow.
Sir Jaime gave me a spare key to his house. He insisted that I should go straight home so I would be safe. He also offered Lia to stop by the house as well to keep me company. I thought it was a little too much but he kept insisting. It was the least he could do while he was away, and he didn't want me to wait for so long.
***
So here I am walking along with Lia, heading back home.
I did what I was asked of of sir Jaime, to invite Lia to his house. I lied to Lia that my parents are away so she could stay for the time being.
Sir Jaime and I came to an agreement that we'd keep our situation private. We don't want people to speculate and question us.
"Lia, let's buy food on the way? We don't have anything served at home."
"Sure no problem! What should we get?"
It went silent for a while. Both of us thinking what to eat.
"How about Ramen?"
"Good Idea, with a hint of chicken!"
Weird combination but, alright.
We bought what we needed and hungrily headed home.
***
"My, this is soooo delicious ~"
Lia hummed as she took a bite.
Her face of pure ecstasy and joy.
The taste of ramen that sent her to Nirvana.
"I could tell."
We ate and then later tidied up and sat down at the couch.
"Are you excited for tomorrow, Mei?"
"I don't know, maybe?"
"Well you should be. It'll be the best time of your life."
She giggled.
.........
"Mei, is this your first time going to the festival?"
"yeah.. I always intentionally miss it before.
Never really had the heart to go."
"Oh.."
.......
"I'll make it the best day of your life!"
"hmm."
***
"Oi Mei, you're coming right?"
"To the festival? Yeah.. I'll go."
"With Lia?"
".....Yeah...."
Sir Jaime said as he fixed his tie.
"You don't mind right?"
"Mind what? Lia being your friend?
C'mon kid, that's not something you should be asking me for. You're free to have friends."
"I didn't mean that.."
"Then what."
He faced the mirror, the lights tapping on his hair.
"You don't mind me being here right?
Me living with you?"
He paused and giggled. He turned around to face me, smiling.
"I don't mind, Mei. I'm actually glad I have your company. It had always been really boring back in the days. But then you showed up, not only am I helping you, but you've been the entertainment as well.
Its nice to witness a child grow too, ya know."
He said, turning back to face the mirror.
" You don't owe me anything Mei. I do this because I want to. You should do what you like without having to think of my permission. "
I smiled to myself. I'm really glad I met someone far greater than I could ever imagine. A father I never had.
"Except of course, the fact that maybe you'll be out for a while, might as well tell me."
We both smiled and laughed. It sure is warm even in the coldest seasons.
"You should smile more often, Mei."
He looked at me through the mirror, giving me a reassuring smile before grabbing his bag.
We wander around as we find purpose in our existence, beating time as if it is endless and limitless. We look around and envy those our eyes could see. Everyone, will never be satisfied with themselves.
Jaime Aguilar, a teacher at Saint Carmel High, feels no purpose in life, one who awaits the presence of the grim reaper.
Mei Dela Rosa, a mysterious student who comes and goes. A soul with no hope for her future, a wandering human who too, only awaits death himself.
Crossing paths, Jaime becomes Mei's advisor in class A-Ruby. Stumbling upon guesses and rumors, Jaime begins to speculate Mei's behavior.
In a dark and quiet night, Jaime unravels his student's vile situation. Will they be able to find their Silver Linings?
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