Chapter 4: Classmates Once Again

Dan POV

"Dan?"

Her voice echoed as everyone seemingly vanished. I couldn't recognize her face but I could find that voice anywhere.

She looked tense as she tapped the ball pen's cap multiple times. Maybe I know her, but her eyes avoided mine. Did I make her uncomfortable? Does she want me to stay away from her?

I took out my fre hand and initiated a handshake, "I'm so glad that there's someone I know. We're the only batchmates who are members of this club. Let's do well, okay?"

She mumbled, "Of course."

***

Suddenly, everything vanished from my sight. I opened my eyes and found myself back on my bed.

Odd, I never had a dream that felt so real before. The situation that happened, the girl's voice, and the frustration I felt coming from her short replies. Why does it feel familiar?

Snap out of it, it's just the effect of playing basketball endlessly and listening to lectures. My imagination took it to its next level.

I glanced at the schedule and the list of classmates. I smiled as I realized that Vi is my classmate this year. For a moment I thought that we wouldn't be classmates. I missed being in her presence. I wished that I could've defended her side before. I didn't.

There's a saying that everything happens for a reason. Yet, is this just a mere coincidence?

Stop, stop asking endless questions to yourself which have no answers. It's pointless if they keep on running through my mind.

Memories of her flashed through my thoughts. The way she sang a sweet OPM song that caught my attention. Those poems she recited during class were filled with unspoken emotions. Happiness flashed on her face whenever she got a high score in our assessments. Her personality shines in the crowd. It's hidden but whenever it comes out it becomes a beautiful spectacle.

Our friendship already withered from last year, alright? Am I hopelessly trying to fix the friendship that we had?

I felt my pulse beating uncontrollably fast. "Daniel, don't have high hopes. Why could she forget the pain and shame from your ex's rumor? Why do you hold onto hope that she might return? Haven't you learned from your past mistakes? Study first and give her time for herself. Respect her choice."

There were noticeable changes in her. Her black hair became longer and she wore glasses during our computer class but is she still the girl I knew two years ago? A girl full of dreams and hope. I hope the rumor did not hinder her capabilities.

I prepared my things for tomorrow and drifted off to a sweet slumber.

***

It suddenly started raining at that time. I'm under the heavy rain while holding an umbrella. I can't remember why I went to this place. All I know is that my steps lead me here. I turned to my right and spotted a familiar figure through the transparent windowpane of the café. She moved her head to the music she was listening to.

I looked at my reflection on the store's windowpane. I couldn't see myself. I became startled as people went through me.

"Why am I even here?," I asked myself.

She closed her notebook, wore her earphones, and went out of the café. All I could do was follow her towards her direction.

She took out her phone as it buzzed. She looks at all of her messages. I noticed a truck quickly dashing through the road. The moment she crossed the road, the driver beeped its horn multiple times. She couldn't hear the driver's horn from the music blasting in her ears.

I tried to hold her back but I can't. I'm merely a phantom in this scenario.

The truck slammed into the girl. I heard gasps and screams from the people around us. Someone brought out his phone and called the ambulance. Blood was dripping from her forehead. I hesitantly knelt down and stayed with her. Her face turned clearer. It was Vi.

"Please don't die. Not now. Keep fighting for your life. Don't die, please"

I stayed with her until the sound of sirens were heard. The ambulance's glint became so bright that my vision became plain white.

***

I woke up from my alarm. "Why was I there? Why did I have to witness a tragic accident? My mind is getting delusional dreams caused by the TV dramas I've watched?

***

History class keeps me awake whenever our social science teacher tackled his lessons in a philosophical manner. He is possibly one of the best teachers I have. I'm glad he's our teacher for this school year.

"Ok class, in each table, pick your representative to answer this question: Why do we need to study History?"

My seatmates picked me as their representative because they didn't like to. I just kept my answer short and simple. "We study history so that we'll not repeat the mistakes of the past."

It brought me by surprise after I saw Vi stand up for her group's turn. She barely speaks in class yet they still chose her as a representative. She stood up straight and began to speak.

"We study history because it defines us for who we are. We can't define our future when we don't even know our past. With every little interaction we make, even if it is just a ripple in the current, it can change everything. This is what makes us evolve into who we are now. History begins with us."

For the first time, I never heard her speak so confidently. Her diction and enunciation reflected her critical opinion. She convinced me before that she is a versatile person. She can be a powerful influence on anyone despite her shyness.

After class, my math teacher approached me. I immediately greeted her. "Good afternoon ma'am."

My math faced me with a stern stance, "Good afternoon Daniel, I'd like a moment with you if you don't mind."

"Of course ma'am."

"Your former teacher noticed the degrading performance you had in her class last school year. She had a difficult time with you and recommended that you should take remedial sessions for this school year. Would you like to participate in remedial classes for this subject?"

Of course I knew this might happen. It's a sign that I needed to step up my game.

I replied back."Yes ma'am."

"Then you'll start next week. I'll inform you about your schedule of remedial sessions on Friday."

"Okay ma'am."

***

I looked at the clock, it was already 11 o'clock. I rested my eyes and allowed my mind to wander off.

"You know me as Violet Drimunan but you can call me Vi if you like. Just please don't call me ma'am. I'm not a competent tutor, alright?"

Everything stopped the moment she smiled.

The alarm clock went off which ceased my questionable dream.

I forgot to mute my notifications on my phone before I slept. Spam messages were amassed by my batch group chat. That dream won't ever happen in real life. I'm certain that I often have peculiar imaginations. However, it was about Vi. I know it might sound strange but why did those dreams feel so real?