Months had gone by, and I've been staying with sir Jaime for a while now.
I got myself an online job. Out of gratitude, I wanted to contribute to the bills in the house, he declined my proposal, but encouraged me to save up my own money.
Regarding my tuition fee, he said he'll handle it, but I insisted I'd pay that my own.
We argued about it for days, but yesterday, we came to an agreement that we split the fee.
Now that Christmas is near, I wanted to give him something, I just don't know what.
***
"Oi Max! Hand me that... Thing."
"It's called a Christmas Angel moron."
"As I said."
"Wasn't it called a Tree-Topper?"
"They're not the same thing?"
Max and Katherine decorated the Christmas tree by the hallway. It was common that students were free to do whatever they want on the second week of December, as it is the last week before a very long vacation. We've started on our 2nd quarter lessons last week so we wouldn't ge lt piled up the day we go back.
"Lily! I need more ribbons here!"
Lia yelled from a distant classroom.
Ayanna did not want to waste energy decorating hallways or classrooms, so just like me, she layed back and watched. Filming a few clips she'll later use for a video she had in mind.
Cam was out for a while, buying us snacks we desired to restore the lost energy.
"Hey, did you guys pick a performance we should do at our last day? "
"Why would we think about that now? It's months away!"
"Noooo, I meant our last day before our very very very verrryyy long vacation!"
"Oh."
Lily asked as she handed Lia those ribbons she asked for.
Everyone wondering what it is they should perform.
"Why, did you want to perform anyway?"
"I mean duh, that's why I asked."
"How about we dance?"
"only you could do that Lia."
"We could make easy steps?"
The four of them exchanged ideas while the others quietly listened.
I payed no attention whatsoever, I was stuck in my own little world.
"What could I give to sir Jaime?"
"What does he like?"
I kept asking myself the same questions.
I want it to be a surprise. Something he'll never see it coming.
"Mei, what do you think we should do?"
Lia once again, called me in their conversation.
"Huh?"
Was all I managed to say, not knowing what was going on around me.
"I suggested to dance, but THEY disagreed, but we haven't figured what else we should do."
"Any ideas?"
"I-"
I haven't really thought about it. I wasn't one to show performances anyway.
"I never really joined performances nor have I seen one in a very long time. I don't know what to suggest."
"Oh.. Its fine! We'll figure something out later."
.......
"Have I missed anything?"
"Cam!!"
"I take that you guys missed me?"
"No dummy, we want the food."
Katherine snatched the bag of chips and drinks, leaving Cam in a suprised expression.
"Rude!"
Katherine gave him a teasingly smile, preparing the snacks on the table near us.
"So guys.. I have something to say."
Cam sat down, everyone stopped whatever they were doing, wanting to listen to what Cam has to say.
"So there's this girl I bumped into and-"
"Yooo no way... Seriously!???"
Max cut him off. Excited and overwhelmed, I guess.
"Really Max?"
"Continue!!"
Katherine playfully punched Max as Lia sat beside Cam, wanting to hear more of the story.
"So as I was saying, I met this pretty girl at the store,
She had light brown hair, and she has a small figure!"
He described her with such enthusiasm. His hands all around the place, and his face slightly blushing.
"I was across from her, and she yelled hey.
Naturally, I turned, pretending I wasn't staring of course."
"That's creepy."
"No it's not!"
Lily butted in, teasing Cam.
"she asked me where the mall was, of course, I carefully instructed her where it was, her eyes was shinning, she was stunning!"
Cam said, looking at the sky as he pictured her in his imagination, how he wished she could see her again.
"You catched her name right?"
Katherine asked, Cam's face suddenly changed as he frowned and his eyes started getting teary.
"That's the problem, I was too stunned that I didn't even noticed she left."
"Boy, you idiot!!"
"Cameron!!"
"Man, your loss!"
Everyone started to get angry at him. Disappointed and frustrated.
"How are we supposed to find her now?"
......
I see, so this is what it feels like.
Being around people... I never knew it would feel so... Comfortable.
I always viewed something like this as something ridiculous. Some cliché way to beat time.
So this is what it's like hearing people laugh, seeing people smile.
I never knew something like this, would change how I react to society.
"You think I'd meet her again?"
"Probably."
"What if it was just a one time thing?"
"Don't crush his hope bimbo!"
Even the tiniest details of this moment, I can see it clearly.
My gaze focusing on those that moved ever so slowly,
Like a dream that makes me want to never wake up.
The nostalgic presence they give.
I feel so... Alive.
" Mei? "
Lia called my name, It was something that melt my heart. Someone acknowledging my name, my presence.
"Yeah?"
"You're.... Crying."
I quickly wiped my tears, suprised that my sweater was wet.
How long have I been crying?
That doesn't matter, this is the first time I've cried with a light heart.
I smiled and looked up to them.
"Oh nothing, maybe I was just overwhelmed with what's happening."
They just stared at me, dazzled and confused.
Lia smiled at me and ran to hug me.
"Mei, that's the first time I've seen you cry."
"Is it a bad thing?"
She giggled, hugging me tighter.
"No, no, it's a good thing, you're finally showing emotions."
She looked at me and smiled.
"Oi nuthead! I think you're hugging her way to tight!"
"I wanna hug too!"
"Random Group hug!"
And then I felt my limbs being crushed.
"Let's enjoy the last week before we start fresh next year."
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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