Hello, I'm Freyja, 19 years old, still hopeless due to numerous rejections from my professor. Now, I'm keeping my distance from her as she doesn't wish to have any interaction with me.
Mabilis akong lumabas ng building pagkatapos ng pangyayari, halos liparin ko na ang entrance ng building dahil sa hiya na nadama ko. Siguro kahit ayaw niya akong makita pagtatawanan ako nun.
Sana naman hindi niya nakita kung anong kulay ang panty ko.
Pink.
I quickly ran towards my car kung saan nag-aantay si Charlotte sakin. Wala pa yatang balak umuwi si bruha tapos iniwan na siya nila Savannah at Soraiya.
"Bakit hindi ka pa umuuwi?" tanong ko dito pagkalapit ko sa kotse ko.
"Inaantay kita, bawal ba?" nakangisi nitong sagot sabay baba ng cellphone niya. Kanina kasi kahit sa malayo ka kitang-kita mong aliw na aliw siya sa cellphone niya.
I quickly grab her phone from her hand at tiningnan kung sino ang kausap niya, "Samantha?" I abruptly said.
"Akin naa! Gaga mo akin na ʼyan!!" pagpupumilit niya, hindi ko binigay ang phone at binasa ko ang convo nila.
"Message ka nang message hindi ka naman pinapansin," sabi ko habang nag-scroll sa convo nila.
"Malay mo diba mag reply siya, tsee! Napaka-pakealamera mo!" galit na sigaw nito.
Napakunot noo nalang ako nang tingnan ko siya ulit, "Paanong magrereply ginawa mong listahan ng mga bibilhin mo ang account niya, corny pa ng banat mo oh sayo na ʼyan!" sabay balik ko sa cellphone niya.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA sa tingin mo Frey, may pag-asa ba ako doon?" ngisi nitong tanong sakin.
"Mukha ka bang may pag-asa doon? Puro ka nga lang kalokohan tapos ang babaera mo pa," napangiwi naman siya sa sinabi ko.
"Nagbago na ako," pagsisinungaling nito.
"Talaga?" nakangising tanong ko.
"Oo naman hindi ka lang updated e."
"Hala! Ang ganda oh! Ang puti ng legs!!" sabay turo ko sa likod niya pero wala naman talaga.
"Ha? Saan!?" dali niyang lingon sa likod tapos kinaltok ko ulo niya.
"Sinasabi na nga ba, ayan ba ʼyong nagbago na?" natatawang gawad ko dito.
Natawa naman siya at tinampal ako sa balikat pagkatapos ay binuksan ko na ang kotse saka pumasok pero nagulat akong pumasok rin siya.
"Anong ginagawa mo?" I abruptly asked.
"Sasakay??" simpleng sagot niya.
I groaned in silent. Ewan ko talaga sa babaeng ʼto kahit kailan talaga.
"Where the heck is your car?" pinaandar ko na ang makina ng kotse ko at ready to exit na sa parking lot.
"Andito lang," sagot nito sabay ngiti sakin ng nakakaloko.
"Bakit hindi mo gamitin?"
"Kasi...hehehehe" nakakalokang tingin niya sakin.
"May binabalak ka Samonte?"
"Gurl like...like can you do me a favor?" sagot niya sabay pa-cute ng mukha kahit hindi naman bagay sa kanya.
"No" I coldly replied.
"Pleasee??" pagmamakaawa niya.
"Pinasakay ka na nga dito tapos gusto mong pagbibigyan pa kita, masyado ka ng kumakapal beh ha." I stated.
"Sige naman ohh.. promise babawi ako sayo kahit ano gagawin ko." Patuloy na pagmamakaawa niya. Huminga muna ako nang malalim habang hawak ang maneuver.
"Ano?"
"Punta tayo sa Glorious kasi bibigyan ko ng flowers si Samantha," nagulat ako sa narinig ko, si Samantha ang bibigyan niya?
"You have your car naman why not ikaw nalang ang pumunta doon?"
"Kasi galing ka naman doon at I already know na colleague mo siya dati and like you know her much." She answered, while she runs her finger on her hair.
I let out another sigh, well aware that dealing with Samantha is no simple task. She's quite popular among admirers of the same gender, and Charlotte is one of them. She's keen on presenting Samantha with a flower and has asked for my assistance. However, Samantha and I have a strained relationship as we've been rivals for a long time.
"You know, Samantha and I haven't exactly been on the best of terms. Our rivalry has been going on for a while now." I mentioned.
"If that's all, then just drive me there and tell me her room. Ako na ang bahala, and you can wait in the car. Please, Frey, I'm begging you," pagmamakaawa niya, her hand gripping my wrist.
I let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine, Samonte."
"Thank you so much, I'll owe you my life after this, I promise. Just please give me this chance," she pleaded, her eyes pleading with me.
I rolled my eyes at her dramatics. "Alright, let's go. But remember, you owe me a coffee for this," I conceded.
"Anything you want," she answered while smiling.
We left Silvestre University and turned in the opposite direction towards Glorious South University.
I couldn't help but notice the beaming smile on Charlotte's face. At that moment, it became clear to me that Charlotte was completely head-over-heels with Samantha.
Papunta na kami sa Glorious tapos huminto kami sa isang flower shop nearby kasi bibili si Charlotte. I patiently waited in my car, and after a brief wait, she emerged, holding a lavish bouquet of roses. Her face was adorned with a radiant smile, clearly showing her determination to make an impression on Samantha, despite this is her first attempt.
"Oh, what an effort!" I exclaimed. Natatawa ako sa mukha niyang sobrang excited, parang bata lang talaga.
"What are you waiting for? Tara na!" nakangisi nitong sabi.
Pinaandar ko na ulit ang sasakyan at tumungo na kung saan ang mission namin ay mabigyan ng bulaklak ang crush ng bruha na kasama ko.
Sa totoo lang ang ganda ni Charlotte like who will reject her? Nakukuha niya ang babaeng gusto niya palagi because of her looks kahit medyo may pagka-playgirl siya.
Her details, Charlotte is characterized by her tall stature, slender physique, and a sense of style that suits her well, particularly her boyish attire. Her physique features a svelte form, accentuated by a flat stomach, complementing her petite chin and a nose with a distinct pointed shape that harmonizes with her delicate, fair-skinned face. Medyo maputla ang skin niya, and it's no wonder that she garners a considerable amount of attention and admiration from fellow SU students.
Her popularity extends beyond just one gender, earning her the moniker of the "prince", even though she is unmistakably a girl. Even my colleagues ay naa-attract sa kanya. Same as Samantha though that girl is just a reference of me, her excellence is just beyond someone's expectations. Hindi mo magugustuhan ang ugali niya, pangit, nakakadiri pero hindi mapagkailang magaling ʼyon sa lahat lalo na sa pag pinta.
Two renowned young women hailing from distinct universities boast contrasting personalities, one exudes a playful and carefree demeanor, while the other radiates an air of sophistication and high standards.
Who will stand out?
Charot!
Palihim akong natawa sa naiisip ko, malapit na kami sa gate ng Glorious. Upon entering, pinigil kami ng guard. Nag hand sign pa ito para ipababa ang window, nang makita niya na ako ay yumuko ito.
"Ikaw pala ʼyan Miss Elie, sorry po hindi ko po kasi alam, paunmanhin po talaga." Paghingi ng tawad sakin ng guard.
"It's okay manong, you're just doing your job, no worries manong." Sagot ko sabay ngumiti ako.
"Salamat po, pwede na po kayong pumasok." Sagot nito sabay turo ng daan papasok sa Glorious.
"It's true na you're famous here talaga," nakangising sabi ni Charlotte. "Malaki rin pala ang Glorious but not like SU."
Pinagkumpara pa talaga ang dalawang University.
Tumango lang ako sa sinabi niya, well, I missed here. Dito ako sinanay na magpinta at dito rin ako nakakuha ng maraming awards and trophies. I'm the pride painter of this school, nakapaskil ang mukha ko sa main entrance ng school dati dahil sa pag-present ko ng university na ʼto. That is why nasayangang ang parents kong lumipat ako.
Sinayang ko ba ang lahat?
Do I have regrets?
No.
Besides, this is all for her. Nakakahiya man kung sabihin ng iba, tatapakan man ang pride ko but this is my will. I love her and that will remain forever.
"We're here," I informed Charlotte. She proceeded to adjust her blue long sleeve and delicately smoothed her hair, exuding palpable excitement.
"I'm ready," she declared confidently, devoid of any visible nerves. Her unwavering dedication was evident.
"Pumunta ka sa third building," I gestured towards the designated structure. "Go to the fourth floor, Room 208 that's where you'll find our classroom. Sakali, if Samantha isn't there, she might be in the fifth building on the second floor, Room 303. Pero pag wala siya doon, she could be in the art studio on the fourth floor of the second building, in Room 123."
"Seryoso ka ba?" she inquired with a hint of doubt.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her expression. "Halos araw-araw kami magkasama ni Samantha dati despite of our rivalry, I know her more than you."
"Hindi kasi.." Sabay kamot niya sa ulo, "Nakakapagod naman ʼyan, masasayang ang pagiging pogi ko." Sagot niya.
"Kung ayaw mo alis na tayo," I replied with irritation.
"No! I'll go," she sighed. I can't help myself not to laugh with her reaction. Hindi pa nga nakakalakad pero parang pagod na siya.
"Fourth floor Room 208 third building fifth building second floor room 303 second building fourth floor room 123" rinig kong pagmememorya niya. Ambilis nito.
"Go ahead! Baka hindi mo siya maabutan sayang bulaklak mo," I stated, gesturing her to go out of the car.
"Wait, look at me." Sabi nito sabay tingin sakin, "Am I pogi?"
"Actually mukha kang ano..." Pigil tawa kong sabi.
"Ano?"
"Mukha kang tanga HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA," sabay na tawa ko at kinurot ako nito sa pisngi.
"Tarantado ka!" sigaw nito sabay lumabas sa sasakyan at tumungo na sa pupuntahan niya dala ang bulaklak.
Naiwan akong mag-isa sa kotse ko. Naiisip kong baka matagalan pa si Charlotte kaya kinuha ko muna ang cellphone ko para mag-aliw. Binuksan ko ang twitter ko at nagulat nalang sa mga followers, biglang dumami kasi naging 35K agad wala naman akong ginagawa. Naisip kong e-stalk ang account niya pero wala pa ring new tweet.
Last tweet niya ay March 18, 2023 pa but it was her dog though ang react siya sa tweet ni Charlotte last night but that was it.
Ayan lang ang nasa account niya. How to be a dog po, I can bark naman.
Gusto niyo sample?
Charot
Siyempre heart ko, siya na ʼyan e.
Teka hindi ko nakita ang aso nung pumunta ako sa mansion niya. What if mag apply nalang ako bilang aso niya?
Charot ulit.
Putting humor aside, her abrupt words had genuinely wounded me. It felt as though like same as her gaze, her words had penetrated deep within. Amidst the hurt, a sense of guilt lingered for deliberately avoiding her. After all, she was my professor, and I believed in treating her with respect. Perhaps I should settle for admiring her from a distance, regardless of her relationship status or any other factors.
"Guess I'll just keep my admiration at a distance, no matter her situation," I mused quietly to myself.
I can't persist in my stubbornness when it comes to her. Moving forward, I'll keep my feelings, even though my feelings for her remain. Kahit anong gawin ko, she's determined to maintain her distance from me.
I let out another sigh, waiting for Charlotte to arrive. Dumaan ang ilang minuto pero hindi pa dumadating si Charlotte kaya napagdesisyonan kong lumabas na muna sa kotse at mag muni-muni sa campus, besides, matagal na rin akong hindi nakakabalik dito at nasanay na rin ako sa SU.
Pumunta ako sa may garden na medyo malapit lang sa parking lot. I took my cellphone out at nag selfie.
Oh Pak! Blurred lang ʼyan pero pogi pa rin ako.
Hindi ako sanay na magselfie, nahihiya rin akong mapicturan ng ibang tao kahit sabihin nilang I look good like I know but I'm still insecure.
Nakailang selfie ako pero isa lang talaga ang nagustuhan ko kaya deleted na lahat. As I was using my phone near the garden, I suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Freyja?"
It was Ma'am Vivien. She was standing there, smiling at me. I couldn't help but wonder, "What is she doing here?"
"M-Ma'am Vivien," I uttered.
"What are you doing here? Hmm?" she inquired. Still her smile is evident, as if she's happy that she saw me. Well, maybe I guess?
"I'm with Miss Samonte, may pinuntahan lang pong friend, kayo po?" I asked. Nilagay ko ang phone sa small pocket ng jeans ko.
"A friend of mine is working at a shop nearby and I just visited her, hence, she's studying here too." She stated.
A friend of mine? Working at a shop?
"Paano niyo po ako nakita?" I inquired.
"I was heading to my car outside the coffee shop when I noticed your car entering GSU. I rushed to the gate and told the guard that I know you," she explained, her smile unwavering. She looked stylish in her khaki outfit today, with a white top, khaki long coat, and a matching flat skirt.
Before I could respond, she continued, "We have an upcoming event in a few days right, and I've been assigned to create various masks for the prom night."
"Upo muna po kayo ma'am ," I gestured towards the bench by the garden.
"Thank you," she said, her smile radiant and contagious.
"Ano nga po pala ulit?" I asked.
"I still need to work on painting the masks with a group of art students, but I'm worried we won't have enough time to prepare," she sighed, a hint of frustration evident in her voice.
"I can lend a hand po, " I offered.
"Really?" her eyes widened in surprise, and her smile grew even brighter.
"Yes po tsaka wala naman ako gagawin na, kailan po ba?" I asked.
"If you insist then tomorrow after lunch," Ma'am Vivien answered.
"After lunch?" I asked, confused.
May afternoon class pa ako n'yan at sayang naman pag lumiban ako.
"Don't worry I'll make an excuse." She answered while her eyes lingered at me. Inikot niya ang paningin niya sa suot ko and I felt somewhat shy.
"Looking as good as ever," sabi niya sabay tumayo at inayos ang buhok.
Ngumiti ako nang pilit because of I'm embarrassed.
"Hi Ma'am Suarez," biglang sabi ni Charlotte na nasa gilid ko na pala. Dala pa rin niya ang roses na binili kanina. Hindi niya ba nakita si Samantha or?
"Hi Miss Samonte," nakangiting bati ni Ma'am Vivien pero nawala agad ito nang matanaw niya ang bulaklak na hawak ni Charlotte. Suddenly, nag-iba ang timpla ng tingin niya sa roses na hawak ng kaibigan ko.
Tumingin ako kay Charlotte at halatang pawis na pawis ito, tumingin ito sakin at ngumisi.
"F-for you, Frey." Sabi niya sabay bigay sakin ng bulaklak na hawak niya. Kumunot ang noo kong tinanggap ang bulaklak at suminyas sa kanya kung ano ang ginagawa niya.
"Ah...?" maang ko.
"Oh...Wow, I'll go" sabi ni Ma'am Vivien at ngumiti ng pilit, "Baka makaistorbo ako, I'll go first and drive safely." Sabay talikod at umalis na.
Nang makalayo na si Ma'am Vivien ay agad na tumawa nang tumawa si Charlotte, halos umupo nalang siya sa kakatawa.
"Is she jealous? Ano ba kayo?" she exclaimed, laughing.
"Alam mo nakakaasar ka na!" sigaw ko sa kanya.
"Hoy! It's a prank!" she shouted, tawang-tawa pa rin ito sa ginawa niya.
I can't with this woman!
"Teka bakit dala mo ulit ang bulaklak?" I asked causing her to stop laughing.
"She didn't accept it." She weakly mumbles.
Tawang tawa kanina tapos ngayon parang pusa na. Parang naiiyak siya pero hindi ko alam kung dahil ba kay Samantha or sa pagtawa niya.
"Are you okay?" I hesitantly asked.
"Ano ka ba, of course! Hindi naman ako basta-basta susuko." Bawi niya, mabilis na ngumiti siya sakin. "Kung pwede araw-arawin ko siyang puntahan dito now that I know where's her room."
"Bakit hindi mo nalang iniwan doon?"
"She throws that on my face right after I gave it to her," she said.
"Told you, she's not an easy one." I said.
"Well, I'm not easy to give up. Tingnan nalang natin." Sabi niya sabay ngumisi sakin.
"Oh.. pero kukunin mo to or kukunin mo to? Baka gusto mong isupalpal ko ʼto sayo." Naiirita kong sabi sa kanya. Ano ba naman kasi ang trip ng bruha binigay ba naman sakin habang kausap si Ma'am Vivien ʼdi manghinala talaga yon.
But why does Ma'am Vivien's situation concern me? When Charlotte playfully handed me the flower, supposedly for her crush, her reaction seemed to reveal more than expected. Her emotions shifted noticeably, leaving me somewhat puzzled by the sudden change.
"Parang nagseselos si Ma'am Suarez ah, naamoy ko." Natatawang sambit nito.
"Sana naaamoy mo na ring gusto na kitang sikmurahan!" sagot ko dito sabay tampal sa braso niya.
Pumunta na kaming dalawa sa kotse at nag drive na pauwi, ihahatid ko pa kasi si Charlotte sa kanila kasi matatagalan ang uwi ko pag sa SU ko pa ihatid. Pansin kong tahimik si Charlotte sa byahe, parang may nangyari talaga sa kanya but she won't talk about it lang. Anyways, I will not pursue her till siya na magsabi sakin.
Nakarating kami sa labas ng mansion nila at for fuck sakes, andami naman pala nilang sasakyan nang tumapat ako sa gate nila at tanaw ang loob. Mayaman pala ang bruha tapos nakikisakay lang sakin paminsan-minsan.
Lumabas na si Charlotte matapos magpaalam sakin, we bid goodbyes as we'll see each other again tomorrow. Pinaandar ko na ang makina nang may natanaw akong nakatayo sa labas ng isang sasakyan sa loob. It's a woman, parang aalis siya but what she's wearing puzzled me.
I strained my eyes to get a clearer view, focusing on the white outfit that appeared to be meant for medical professionals, possibly a doctor. Studying her posture and physique, I suddenly recognized her as Charlotte's sister the one I encountered at the restaurant with my father. However, my confusion grew as I tried to reconcile this image with my previous understanding of her as an engineer, supposedly my father's project partner.
As I drove home, the image of that woman lingered in my mind, the time reading a quarter to seven. I couldn't shake off the puzzle. Maybe it's a case of mistaken identity, a different sister, not Jaiza Yve Samonte. Or perhaps there's more to this that I need to uncover. Is there something amiss, or is it merely an insignificant detail?
Pagkauwi ko ay bungad naman sakin si mom na nagluto na pero napansin kong wala si dad usually silang dalawa ang sasalubong sakin pag makauwi na ako.
"Where's dad?" tanong ko kay mom.
"He will come home late, baby. Sabi niya mauna na tayong kumain kasi may meeting pa siya sa project partner niya." Mom answered.
Project partner? Jaiza Yve Samonte? Siya lang naman ang pinakilala ni dad sakin as her project partner at wala ng iba but why's that woman wearing a lab gown back in their mansion?
"What's wrong?" Mom worriedly ask me. I still don't get it why is that woman appearing like a doctor.
"Wala mom, let's eat?" I responded.
"Let us eat," mom smiled.
Kumain kami ng dinner ni mom together and after that nag-asikaso na ako ready to rest for the night. Pumaitaas ako at pumasok sa room ko. Seeking solace again, I attempted to open the drawer to retrieve her face that I've painted.
My mind is full of unanswered thoughts right now and thinking to see her face will make me calm. Nakita kong nasa nilagyan ko pa ito and I caress it.
"Bakit ang damot ni Bathala?" I weakly mumbled to myself while caressing the face of the woman in the small canvas, I knew who'll never be mine.
I settled into my bed and allowed my eyelids to gently shut.
Once again, I found myself awakening in a vast expanse of pure white, a void devoid of any other elements. As I embarked on a search within this ethereal landscape, gusto kong hanapin at tuklasin kong ano talaga ang pinapahiwatig ng panaginip ko. It was as if the dream held a cryptic message, an enigma that had been haunting me. It felt like an attempt at communication, but I'm not sure. While I held onto this hypothesis, I acknowledged the need for further exploration. Deep within, I sensed that there was more to discover, more layers to unveil in this enigmatic dream.
There's more to uncover.
-
Note: I badly want to conclude this chapter with Miss Rhea and Freyja seeing each other again, yet I made the choice to incorporate subtle hints instead. I apologize for this, as the upcoming chapter will likely focus on Miss Rhea and Freyja once more, revealing the continuation of their story.
Lovelots.🌱