Chapter II Resuming What's What

"heey! Aren't you going to enrol and continue your masters degree?"

I look back at Jess responding with a sigh.

"Won't you too?" I replied without realizing that i didnt answer her question.

"Well we can go together next saturday," she added, to which I agreed.

Masters in Teaching Physics. Its too academic right? Its like a masters for some academic genius. And Im not a smart one to begin with. I dont feel like continuing. I already feel stupid, more so during the first semester when you and I are classmates. You made me feel inferior without doing much. Just your presence makes me anxious and aware that Im a no one. That I know nothing.

"Why did you decided to enrol in a Masters program?", the professor asked.

I figured the only thing thats running on my professors mind is-for promotion wasnt it? You need it for you to get promoted.

Unfortunately for him I didnt answer in what he expects the most. "There are so much for me to learn. Topics that to me are all in the dark. And since I'm going to teach senior high school now mastery of a subject matter isn't enough. I must know deeper. I must be a step ahead. In which I am not sure of thats why I'm here sir."

"Right.Though mostly the reason some are eyeing for a higher degree is to get a promotion", he insisted.

To that I couldnt reply. Im no great talker. A listener might be. But talking and conversing with people? That is unlike me.

"Sissy Anne."

Sis.

The moment that I decided to not get too close and personal, someone is calling me? Who? I hardly know anyone here.

To ascertain who is the origin of the sounds were, I glanced at my side. A familiar silhouette overshadows mine. The three of them are somewhat on the lower years way back college. There are other two whom I am unfamiliar with. I smiled at them and continued to be glued at the book Im reading.

For a moment I am at peace. Except for the rustling noice of the rearranging of chairs. Before I knew what's happening I am already in the midst of a circle.

"You are the new student. We know nothing about you. Care to share any interesting information?", the crazy stranger leaning to me and eyeing me carefully, catching me off guard.

Not a great talker as I was, I briefly replied, "I'm a physics teacher, twenty four years old, single. There's not much interesting in me that I know of. So if you'll excuse me." Finishing the sentence I stood up and off to the next vacant room.

As vacant as it was, I feel at peace. They must have thought that Im a narcissistic, conceited individual. I don't care. I must not care. Im here to learn. Not to please anyone. Only the instructor if I must. I never knew the earlier situation shall spark a silent war. Between me and the crazy stranger.

"Good morning! I see we have the same enrollees as the previous semester except for a young lady here.", the professor started."

I see where this is going.

"Why not introduce and say something about yourselves? ", to my fear he continued on."

"Hi, I'm Vance. Currently not working but hoping to get employed soon. I'm a BS Physics graduate in one of the top university here and with latin honor". Ohh wait also I'm 24 and still available.", with the word available, you turned into my direction.

Everyone applauded, and cheered on. Implying for a blossoming romance.

You knew I didnt want attention thats why you purposely done that dont you? I wont hold back. Geez what a crazy guy he is.

"I stood up. Even if its not my turn yet. Hello everyone. I'm Anne. I'm an education graduate of this university, majored in physics. Working as a public school teacher. Twenty four years old. Never been in a relationship. And wishes to remain to be." When our eyes met, I added, "For now."

Which gained the attention of our classmates. They started laughing.

A point for me. I was hoping this will be the end of our undeclared war.

But that was just the start.

I declared the war unknowingly.

A war, with no victor.

Me as a loser.

With you not a winner.