9

Our Intramurals are done and we're back to having our normal classes. Our Finals will be next week, I can't just fool around and procrastinate. I scanned through my pile of notes and papers but nothing seems to enter my mind.

"Gosh, I hate this." I face palmed and sighed with what's happening to me. I started studying last week but this week is making me feel anxious. I left my room and went to the kitchen to search for food. I found a bucket of strawberry yogurt on the refrigerator. I grabbed a spoon and went upstairs again. I devoured the yogurt and closed my eyes, trying to remember what I red earlier. I scanned through my exam papers and slowly it's starting to refresh in my mind.

"I love you so much." I hugged the yogurt and thanked it for being such a nice food that helped me remember.

After studying for almost three hours, my yogurt bucket is now empty. I went downstairs to get another one from the refrigerator. To my dismay, that was the last bucket of yogurt in the refrigerator. I pouted and asked our maids when they are going to buy some again.

"Do you want some?" Mama asked. I shyly nodded. "I'll go get you some." She removed her apron. I thanked her and went upstairs again while waiting for my yogurt. I skimmed through my notes again, trying to study again. I remembered some words which made my face lit.

I continued to scan my notes and tried to familiarize myself with the formulas. After learning about how the magic hexagon goes in Pre-Calculus, I breathed loudly out of relief. This thing made me feel nervousness. I scanned another books and notes of mine, hoping to remember terms and meanings. I don't want to stress out but these upcoming exams are making me feel anxious as hell. I only have a day before the examination days start, I need to study hard.

In the midst of refreshing my past lesson on my head, I heard a faint knock on my door. I opened it and saw Mama holding a bucket of yogurt and a spoon with a water. I thanked her and received the food. I sat back to my table and opened the bucket.

"Your room is so messy, Yuri." I watched Mama pick up the pieces of crumpled paper on the floor.

"I didn't have time to clean. I got so much stuff to finish." I answered truthfully. She looked at me and her mouth gaped when she saw bunch of papers, pinned on my very large corkboard at the wall. She shook her head at my unorganized study table. I laughed nervously and smiled at her.

"You need to rest your mind, dear." She said and massaged my temple. I groaned when I smelled the strong sensation of her menthol rub which she used to massage me. I continued to eat the yogurt while closing my eyes.

"Does that make you feel better?" I nodded unconsciously and enjoyed the massage my Mama is giving me. After a few minutes, she stopped and rubbed something on my nose.

"That'll help you focus. Now, study calmly okay?" I nodded and thanked her for what she did. She also told me to chill and don't stress out. I did what I was told and thankfully, it helped. I silently praised the Lord for using Mama as an instrument to help me.

My bucket of yogurt is almost empty when I finished studying. I continue eating it and drank lots of water. I went downstairs and brought it in the kitchen to get more water.

"Hey kid, I heard from your Mama that you're stressing out." My father said. I sighed and nodded. He called me near and patted my back.

"Don't push yourself too hard, okay? Remember, no matter what happen and no matter what the results are. Me and your mom will always be proud of you." He smiled at me which gave me a lot of strength and energy to do better. I nodded and hugged him.

"Thank you, dad." He ruffled my hair and ate again. Oh shoot, I even forgot to eat breakfast and lunch.

"Sit down, Yuri. You haven't ate anything yet except for yogurt the whole day." I heard my mother's piercing voice which made me gulp. I looked at her and smiled awkwardly.

"Don't use that smile at me, young lady." She stuffed my plate with foods and served it to me. I start to eat silently.

I never thought I can eat five plates of food in one sitting. I must be really hungry, that's why. My mom cooked my favorite foods and served it to me all. The plating is very mouth-watering. I guess that is what made it more good.

"Are you done studying?" My mom sternly asked. I nodded out of horror.

"I have told you many times, Yuri. Never skip your meals just because you have many stuff to do. I'm just worried that you might end up in that hospital bed again." I felt guilt and sadness in her voice. I hugged my mom tight and apologized to her for being reckless about my health.

"Don't sleep late too. You'll feel sleepy through out the day, It'll make you unproductive and light-headed." She caressed my back. I can see sadness in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, mom. I just don't want to fail and disappoint you." I lowered my head.

"We're always proud of you, Yuri. Your smiles while doing the things you love and achieving your goals, are the most important. We're happy as long as you are." I smiled at my mom and thanked God I have parents like them. They're very understanding and very awesome.

"Thank you." I smiled more which caused my eyes to smile too. I went back upstairs and chilled in the bed for some minutes. I stared at my medals and trophies. Those things I achieved and finished, made me smile. I stood up and walked near it. My pictures pinned on the cork board above my medals. I smiled at it and reminisce those moments.

I felt more determined and happy about it. My parents support me and are proud of me. I looked at our gang's picture at the side. It was took when we partied at the karaoke room. I'm very thankful for these girls. They helped me a lot from building my self-esteem to loosening up. I saw my phone lit on the table. Bunch of messages appeared as I open it. Mostly are from Vin, that kid is something. I opened her messages and it came like a flood. I got more than a hundred unread messages from her. I replied and said sorry for ignoring her invites these past few days. She said it was fine. She told me that she was just worried because they never had time to talk to me for I always leave the school early after dismissal and almost come to school late. I felt guilty about it. I promised her that I'll catch up with them when the finals are over.

'That's a promise?'

'Yes, I promise.'