The Beauty of Florence ✔

Six

Two days have passed and here we are in the auditorium, all jittery and excited.

Buzzes from the students and employees can be heard inside the auditorium as we await for the announcement since we are scheduled for a half-day practice today.

Togas came in earlier as expected as it was distributed last Monday so we were able to hang them in our closets and have it ironed really well in preparation for our Graduation Day this Saturday.

Prof. Alpuesto reminded us of the call time for our Baccalaureate Mass and our attire for the said event.

Oh, I forgot to tell you, he is also the head coordinator of the Department so that explains why he is the one leading our Graduation Practice along with Prof. Yauchengco, head of the Social Sciences Department.

We had our last two dry runs and we were happy that it ran so smoothly. Considering we have been practicing since last week for three days. The university director even commended the Coordinators for having this practice so orderly and students being obedient with the rules.

After further instructions, we were allowed to go home and rest. We have tonight until tomorrow for our beauty rest.

"See you tonight, sissy!" Ysabelle kissed me on the cheek and gave me a wave before she parted ways with me.

I frowned. Tonight? What's going on?

And then, I remembered!

Today is Ysabelle's birthday! Oh my goodness! I totally forgot! I haven't bought a gift for her! What kind of best friend am I!

My jaw dropped in realization and watched her close their door. Ysabelle lives almost beside me. There's just one house separating us.

"Hey! What's with you, these days? You seem to be off lately." Patrick nudged me, catching my attention.

I noticed that we were on the sidewalk that is almost near my house and Ysabelle's. Patrick lives a couple of blocks away from us.

"Oh my gosh! Today is Ysabelle's birthday!" I exclaimed at him.

Patrick raised an eyebrow at me and asked, "So? What's the big deal?"

"I wasn't able to buy her a gift! I totally forgot about it until she reminded me to come by her house tonight!" I ranted and stomped my feet in frustration.

"Relax, Flo." Patrick chuckled and held my hand to stop me from moving. "We still have enough hours to drop by at the mall to buy her something."

I couldn't help but to hug him because of what he said.

"Oh! Alright!!" Patrick exclaimed in surprise because of what I did. "We got it, baby! We'll have it sorted out."

When we both pulled back from the hug, I looked up at him and smiled.
"You really are my lifesaver, Pat! What would I have done without you? C'mon, let's go to the mall. Snacks is on me!"

With that said, I dragged his arm to the direction of the public transport terminal.

After some time, we were finally here at the Department Store. Patrick was patient with me as we strolled along stalls and shops as I think of what to buy for Ysabelle.

Ysabelle's mini-party starts at eight in the evening until ten since she is not the type to do big celebrations and prefers only few close friends to hang out with.

"Alright! You know I love hanging out with you, but please, tell me, what is it that you want to give Ysa, anyway? My feet are tired of walking already!" Patrick exclaimed and I suddenly looked at his pitiful face.

I blushed and couldn't help but to giggle. Patrick looked so cute as he leaned on one of the walls of a particular branded section of the department store. His eyes were closed as if he had been enduring the pain of walking around all day.

I casually linked my arm around his waist and looked up at him. Our eyes met and for an instant, the people seemed to drift away.

"Sorry, dear Pat. I was thinking of buying her her favorite Kpop boyband's cd but is that still available? I'm afraid the technology has been advanced already." I asked him as he looked down on me.

Patrick is taller than me and my height just reached his shoulders. The way his eyes glistened in amusement as I talked made me hesitate to look at him directly.

Patrick sighed and removed my hand from his waist. "Come on. I know where we should go." He said and led me to the music store.

Soon, I was able to bought two cds and a poster of Ysabelle's favorite group. I had it gift wrapped and wrote a small note inside.

Once done, it was my turn to drag Patrick to our favorite hang-out which we fondly call as our 'haven'.

Colorful wallpapers and yummy artworks greeted us along with the scent of chocolate filling our nostrils.

We are inside a dessert shop located inside the mall. The shop was called "Something Sweet". And yes, it was something sweet, indeed!

A variety of doughnuts, cakes and ice cream were all laid out in separate counters depending on your preference.

"You really know my weakness, huh." Patrick grinned and just like me, our eyes sparkled with delight seeing such precious things sitting in front of us.

"I will go to the counter and order for us. What do you want?" I asked him and handed him the gift for Ysa. He took it and placed it on my seat that was across him.

"I'll have the banana split and a club sandwich." Patrick smiled and I nodded.

I went to the counter to order and pay. Minutes later, I returned to our table and while waiting, we did our usual mandatory selfie and had it posted in Instagram.

"Hello, Ma'am and Sir. Here are your orders." The kind waitress smiled at us and placed the Banana Split and Oreo Parfait. She also put the two pieces of club sandwich between them.

"Thank you." We said in unison and once the waitress left, we looked at each other and laughed before we dig in our treats.

"This is heaven, indeed! Thank you for this tasty treat, Flo!" Patrick gushed and savored the ice cream before taking a bite of his sandwich. I just grinned and busied myself with mine.

Honestly, I will be missing this kind of bonding with him once I get to leave for Italy.