Wilder

I couldn’t sleep. I’ve finished studying and have done the things I need to do but I still couldn’t sleep. What mom said earlier had a really great effect on me. It kept on replaying in my mind and I just found myself smiling like an idiot. It was a feeling of euphoria.

That was the first time mom said such words after what has happened. I was even stunned when she said that that I remained standing in the kitchen but never did I looked back because I was embarrassed. I just sprinted upstairs like a child and goodness I was ashamed! I even heard dad laughing because of what I did. As for mom’s reaction, I didn’t see it but it doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is she’s slowly accepting me again in her life.

Maybe that little one is a blessing not just to my parents but also for me and my mom.

“Good morning class, settle down,” said the man who entered our room the next day.

I brought out my yellow pad and the notes I’ve written last night. When I looked at my side the pesky guy from yesterday was there already.

“Hey,” he said smiling.

I just gave him a glance and focused my undivided attention to our professor.

“I’m Mr. Nuguid and I’ll be your professor for Biostatistics. I believed that I told you to do advance reading regarding our topic for this day, and so I’m expecting for you to answer my questions.” All of my classmates have this terror look on their face. Rumors have it that this professor is terror and a strict one, plus he’s teaching Biostatistics.

“Did you do advance reading?” my annoying seatmate asked.

“Yeah”

“Are we back to you answering me with no more than one word? I thought we had a breakthrough yesterday.” Breakthrough my ass. I just ignored him because I don’t want to be shouted at by my professor. He first discussed to us the class standings and his requirements for this subject. Apparently, our finals consist of both oral and written examination. I’m starting to get anxious. This professor seems so serious and might spit out fire any moment we pissed him off.

“You, the girl in beige shirt. Give me the constraints in studying biological research.” He pointed at our direction specifically to me, but just to make sure I turned to see if there’s anyone behind my back wearing the same color of the shirt I’m wearing. But even before I can look back my professor spoke.

“Yes, you. I specifically pointed you,” he mockingly said.

I silently cursed for my own embarrassment and I heard my seatmate trying to muffle his laughter. I stood up and answered the question.

“The constraints in studying biological research are time, cost of research, resources, and ethical aspect of research,” I answered. And I remained standing because he didn’t ask me to sit down yet and I don’t have the face to commit another embarrassment.

“Good. And which is your parameter and which is your estimate?”

“Population is the parameter while your sample is your estimate,” I answered confidently though deep inside me I’m all jittery.

“Very good, what’s your name?”

“Kirsche Artemis Sanchez, Sir”

“Good, you may now sit,” he said and wrote something on the paper he got when he asked for my name. That’s probably our recitation grade.

“Ms. Sanchez here answered my question smoothly and with precision, and so I’m expecting you to do the same. I’ll be randomly calling someone from the class every meeting and I’ll be grading you based on your performance. Since Sanchez has already recited she’ll not be called to give everyone the chance to answer, but when I asked the class as a whole anyone may answer my question despite being called already. Understood?”

“Yes,” said the whole class in unison.

“Nice, setting the standard too high,” I almost forgot that I have a seatmate.

“Thanks,” was all I can say to him.

“You’re welcome, you deserve it anyway. Let’s study toge— “ he was cut short when our professor called him.

“You, young man who is beside Sanchez. What are you discussing? Mind sharing it to the whole class?” he tried to be snob towards Hernandez but it was quite obvious that he likes this guy.

Fine, the guy’s drop-dead looking despite his annoying personality. He has this thick eyebrow that fits him perfectly, hooded eyes with thick long eyelashes, pointed nose, strong jaw, and a perfect tan skin. If you’ll just look at his face you’ll be deceive that he’s a snoot because of his jaw and eyes; it gives off a strong aura. And to top all of that, he has a nice body; muscles in all their right places. He’s tall as well. Compare to my classmates whose body are yet to develop, he looks mature in a very good way. And so when you look around the class, he stood up… it’s just he’s really annoying.

“Nothing, Sir. I was just asking Sanchez about some things related to our class,” he answered.

It cannot be seen on his reaction since he’s sporting a serious face, but I can feel his nervousness.

“And what did you asked her that you can’t ask me? I’m sure I can answer your question better than her,” rebutted my prof and I clearly saw how he glared at me. What? I’m not even competing with him. If he likes that guy, he can have him.

“I just asked her to repeat her answers to your question, Sir.”

“Very well, since you’re already standing up might as well give me the goals of statistics.”

“The goals of statistics are estimate the values of important parameter, assess the difference between groups, assess the relationship between variables, hypothesis testing, and make prediction,” he smoothly answered.

I didn’t peg him as the brilliant type of guy, more of a troublesome kind of guy. But I guess I judged him too soon.

“Very good, and your name is?”

“Cove Wilder Hernandez, Sir.” In a flash, he looked at Hernandez and smiled mischievously.

“Wilder, I like your name. It suits you. You may sit down.” And he gave him one last smile before writing his grade.

“That was easy,” he boasted as soon as he took his sit.

“Tss. Too much for being conceited.”

“It’s true though. Learn to compliment if you know they deserve it,” he lectured me.

“Whatever.” He just laughed at my retort.

The whole six hours, our professor was in a good mood, and he kept on glancing on Hernandez. Goodness, he’s clearly flirting with him and I just want to throw them out of the room to get their business done, but I think it’s also a good thing that there’s someone attractive in our class. Our professor will definitely be in good mood every now and then.

“Hey, where will you have your lunch?” Hernandez asked when the class was dismissed.

“I’ll go to the library.”

“What? But it’s lunch time.”

“I know and I don’t care. Bye.” And I got my things and walk out of the room.

“Wait, I know you value your studies but you shouldn’t skip meals. It’ll be bad for your health,” he lectured me, again.

“First of all, I know that I shouldn’t skip meals,” he smiled as he nods probably thinking I’ll agree to his sentiments, “And I know that it’s bad for my health but you’re not my parent so spare me the lectures. I don’t need them.” All sorts of hopefulness leave his face as his shoulders fell, smile was washed off, dismayed that he didn’t get me to agree.

I didn’t wait for his answer and just like what I always do, I left him. But I seem to forget about how tall and he was and how long his legs were and so easily catch up to me.

“Hey, not so fast I know that you need not reminded of what you should do but if this continues, then I’ll be force to remind you every time to eat. And because you have me as your companion, you’ll join me and we’ll eat. So, c’mon because we only have one hour until classes resumes.” He started pulling my hand but I pulled it back, but he was fast to pull it back and holds it tighter.

“Hernandez, I’m warning you. You’ll be damn if you don’t let go,” he foolishly smiled at me as he raised he smirked at me, “I’m counting one to— "

“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. I was taught how to count, Sanchez. So, you better stop this nonsense ‘cause you’re coming with me whether you like it or not. No room for negotiation.” And because he has that goddamn muscles, he took it as his advantage and pulled me.