Professor's Pet Series: Quinn Ellis

XVIII. A Thrill and An Option

The next day, I went to class earlier than I used to. Pagdating ko sa room, sa sobrang aga ay ako pa lang mag-isa ang tao. I'm determined to show her na seryoso na ako this time. Paraan ko na rin 'to para bumawi sa parents ko.

Habang naghihintay, nag advance reading na lang muna ako. Hindi ko na namalayan ang oras hanggang sa isa-isa ng magdatingan ang mga kaklase ko, dahilan para mapuno ng ingay ang room. Since nawala na rin ako sa concentration, sinara ko na ang libro at nagpasyang hintayin na lang ang first period.

I was rummaging through my bag for my phone, ng may maglapag ng sb coffee sa mesa ko. I looked up to see Eli and Kenny smiling down at me.

"We saw Kelsey at the parking lot. May early meeting daw siya kaya pinapaabot niya na lang 'yan." Kenny explained, na tinanguan ko naman.

Ang thoughtful talaga ng babaeng 'yon. I reminded myself to thank her later.

"Um, you guys seem really close, now." Eli said, trying to sound indifferent, but, she can't fool me. I can tell she's hurt a little.

"Yeah, she's a good person." Tipid na sagot ko, before sipping the coffee.

"We can see that. We're happy for you, doll." Kenny said sincerely, na tinanguan ko na lang. Not really up to talk about it right now.

They stood there for an awkward moment before Eli spoke again.

"So, um, sasabay ka ba sa amin mamaya papuntang The Podium?" She asked.

"I can't. May tutorial ako after class, but, I'll be there before our set. May mga lessons lang akong kailangan habulin." I informed them, since nalaman na rin naman nila kahapon ang tungkol sa tutorial ko.

"Oh, ofcourse. We'll meet you there na lang, we practiced our set naman na yesterday. And, Q, if you ever need help with the lessons, you can come to us." Kenny said, na sinegundahan naman ni Eli.

After thanking them ay naupo na rin sila dahil dumating na si Miss Mendez for our first class.

I tried to be attentive during the class, and pay more attention to the lesson, though, I can't help but notice how distracted Miss Mendez seemed to be.

Sandali lang niya ipinaliwanag ang topic tapos ay nagbigay na siya ng seatwork. Hindi rin nakatakas sa mata ko ang maya't maya nitong pagsulyap sa phone na akala mo ay may hinihintay na mensahe o tawag. She even dismissed us earlier than usual.

Her behavior this morning didn't sit well with me, at nadala ko na 'yon the rest of the day. Na-ba-bother ako for some reason dahil hindi ako sanay na nakikita siya na ganoon. I'm used to seeing her always cool, calm, and collected tuwing nasa university. But, today, she seemed to be in turmoil.

She didn't look any better during last period, but, at least she's more focused on our lesson. When she dismissed us, I took my time organizing my things. Eli and Kenny passed by my table bidding me goodbye. Mauuna na din daw sila sa The Podium na tinanguan ko naman.

Nang maayos ko ang mga gamit ay tahimik na akong naglakad patungo sa pinto dahil kami na lang palang dalawa ang naiwan sa room, pero, mabilis ko munang sinulyapan si Miss Mendez sa desk nito na abala sa phone habang kunot na kunot ang noo.

Nakaka-isang hakbang pa lang ako palabas ng pintuan ng marinig kong tawagin ako nito. Huminto ako, pero, hindi ko ito nilingon at hinintay lang ang sunod nitong sasabihin.

"Don't make me wait for your stubborn ass again tonight, Merced." I had to bit the inside of my cheek for her remark. At least, I know na matalas pa rin ang dila nito kahit na she's been acting strange the whole day.

"I won't, Ma'am." Iyon lang ang isinagot ko saka mabilis ng umalis, driving straight home.

I'll never admit it, but, I'm feeling excited to spend a few hours with her again. Yes, I know, I'm weak.