The One Night Order

TONO : 31

CHAPTER 31

KLYMENE

"I'LL BE YOUR teacher for months. I hope that's okay? Don't worry, you will pass my subject as long as you're participating in my class." I smiled in front of my class.

I am facing my students now. I am currently doing my internship. I am slowly reaching my dreams.

My students are in the sixth grade. And I am in charge to be their math teacher.

"Again, I am Teacher Klymene Velasco-Rivera. And I would like to know you. Please, introduce yourselves one by one."

Gumilid ako para sa aking mga istudyante na pumupunta sa gitna para ipakilala ang mga sarili nila.

I am having fun. Especially when I am teasing them to show their talents.

I did my interview here in Ford's university kahit sinabi niyang hindi na kailangan, but I insist. Dumaan ako sa mga proseso kahit ayaw ni Ford. I don't want some special treatment. Yung office ay matatanggap ko pa pero yung iba ay hindi na.

Hindi na muna ako nagturo sa mga klaseng pinasukan ko. Introduction ko at nila lang ang ginawa namin.

Sa mga sumunod na araw naman, nag-umpisa na akong magturo. Matthias is kinda busy and I am, too.

Ang hirap pa lang maging teacher.

Noon, puro ako reklamo sa mga teachers ko dahil ang daming pinapagawa only to find out na mas marami pala silang ginagawa.

Nape-pressure din ako minsan kapag nagtuturo dahil may mga professional teachers na nanonood sakin dahil bibigyan ako ng feedback or grades.

Gabi gabi, gumagawa ako ng powerpoint presentation pero hindi ko agad nagagawa 'yon dahil kailangan ko munang aralin ang ituturo ko bago ko ilagay sa powerpoint.

"Are you okay? You need help?" Matthias asked.

Gulat ko siyang tinignan.

"Nakauwi ka na pala!"

Ni hindi ko man lang napansin na nakauwi na pala siya dahil masyado akong busy sa ginagawa ko.

"You okay?" He brushed my hair using his fingers as he kissed me on my lips.

Tumango ako. "Okay lang. Busy lang masyado. Ang hirap pala mag-teacher, but nag-eeenjoy naman ako," I smiled to make him believe sa sinabi ko. Though, I really meant it.

"I can help," Offer niya.

"I'm okay," I held his hand. Nawala ang ngiti ko nang maalala ang pagkain. "Food! Shit. Wala pa pala!"

Napatayo ako at tumakbo agad sa kusina para ipagluto siya.

Sa sobrang busy ko, hindi ko na naisip ang pagkain niya. Alam kong gutom siya dahil galing traabaho. How can I forget about it?

Natanaw ko siyang tinutupi ang sleeves ng kanyang dress shirt habang palapit sakin.

"I can prepare our food. I'll handle this. Go do your thing," He said.

"Hindi na, Matthias. Alam kong pagod ka galing trabaho. Ako na ang---"

"At ikaw? I'm sure you're tired, too. Standing and talking all day then making a powerpoint for tomorrow? You're more tired than me," Katwiran niya. "I can make our food, okay?"

He caressed my arms and kissed my shoulder.

"Do you want a back massage once you're done doing your powerpoint?" He asked. Mariin akong napalunok.

A warm hand touches my heart. I rested my head on his chest to rest at least for awhile. His warm body embraced me. I hugged him back.

"Salamat, Matthias..." I whispered.