CHAPTER 11: RUMORS AND TRUTHS

THE GIRL WHO CAN’T DATE

By Eleventh

CHAPTER 11: RUMORS AND TRUTHS

“You are the unexpected help I never thought I’d need in my most unexpected moment.” – Ira P.”

2017 JOURNAL

Cling!

The wind chimes belled. A customer walked in.

“One medium-sized iced vanilla latte for my second-favorite customer, ready to go!” Laura shouted as the customer who walked to the counter gave her a sweet smile.

“Second favorite? Ouch! You just hurt my feelings, Miss Laura!” the customer joked as he received the drink.

“I’m sorry, Skye! But you knew who’s in my heart!” She responded with a warm smile. “Speaking of, I think you need to pull my most favorite customer out of here or else…”

Skye followed Laura’s gaze and frowned when he saw Ira forcing herself to eat a plate of pasta.

“… she’s gonna throw up!” Skye muttered under his breath.

“Or maybe break down in tears?”

Skye promptly went to the table to stop the girl who can’t date from torturing herself.

“That’s enough! It’s time to go!” Skye demanded, holding Ira’s hand to stop eating.

Ira looked up and was surprised to see his colleague’s furious eyes. She has always hated that obnoxious guy, but for that moment, she was grateful that he came.

She swallowed her last bite and wiped the ketchup on her mouth with her pullover and immediately stood from her seat. The truth is she badly wanted to leave.

The scene made Joey quite pissed with Skye’s behavior that he stood up too to face him.

“Excuse me? What do you think you're doing? You're being rude. Can't you see she’s still eating her lunch.”

“I know, but…”

“It’s okay, Joey! He's here to take me back to work because..."

“But this isn’t right!” Joey became more furious.

Ira pointed at the wall clock. It’s already 12:45.

“Oops! Look at that time! It’s almost time for class. Thank you, Joey, for the lunch but I really got to go! And Fiona, it’s so nice to meet you! Byeeee!” and she motioned to the man who's so irate to let it go! “Come on! Let’s go!”

Ira grabbed her satchel and rushed outside pulling Skye’s hand. As soon as they got out of Café Piazza, she ran to the nearest bin and threw up. Folding his arms, Skye clicked his tongue and began to scold her.

“Really, Ira? Third-wheeling on your so-called first love’s date? What are you? A masochist? Plus you gobbled a plate of pasta like a hungry beggar and pretended you enjoyed it. That was spaghetti. You can’t take the taste of it because you HATE ketchup! Wow! You're desperately unbelievable!” Skye sounded so frustrated.

“THAT’S ENOUGH!” Ira, teary-eyed, shouted at Skye, drawing people's attention. Her pullover was dirtier now with smeared ketchup, saliva, and vomit. “I KNOW I’M PATHETIC AND STUPID! HAPPY NOW?”

"Why would I be happy? I'm not the kind of person who laughs at people's misery!"

Ira lifted up her gaze to meet those eyes that always looked at her with scorn.

But she couldn't find it.

There was a different look in his eyes that confused her.

And tears began to fall and she sobered like a child. She had been dying to let her tears out the moment Fiona kissed Joey. She’s been holding out until she’s finally out and free to explode.

Annoyed with the situation he didn’t expect to be in, Skye closed his eyes and sighed. People had been staring at them and they were looking at him like he was a scumbag.

“Please don’t misunderstand. I didn’t make her cry.” He mutters every time someone pauses and looks at him with scrutinizing eyes.

They have been drawing so much attention now that Ira sobbed endlessly. Noticing the people taking pictures, Skye took his handkerchief and covered Ira’s head with it. He also wrapped his arms around her and gently pulled her closer to his shoulder to cover the people’s view.

_______________________________

AT GRAYSON ACADEMY

The room was quiet and empty when the two instructors arrived in the faculty room. Skye opened his locker placed at the back of his table and took his white sleeves neatly hanged with his extra clothes.

“Change your clothes.” He demanded, throwing it to Ira.

“Thanks. But I’m okay. I don’t need to change.”

“It’s not a suggestion. Miss Grayson is in her office and if she runs into you looking like that, I don’t think she’ll be pleased.”

She hates to admit but Skye was right. Looking soiled as she is and running into the terrifying, perfectionist school headmistress will be the most dreadful moment she will ever have. She can't imagine herself getting scolded and meeting those cold, piercing eyes.

“But this is a man’s clothes.”

“So? Your clothes are baggy that looked like men’s clothes too. How is it different?”

Ira dropped her smile. “Have I told you that I hate you?”

“You didn’t but I know. Your class starts in 5 minutes by the way!”

Ira’s eyes bulged when she checked the clock and rushed into the lady's washroom to change her clothes. Surprisingly, Skye’s sleeves were small enough to fit into her. Because of her skirt, she actually looked like a student of Grayson Academy minus the red ribbon and red buttons.

Later that day, the instructors of Grayson Academy gathered inside the meeting hall for a very important announcement. All instructors from different levels were arranged according to their subject departments, patiently waiting for the headmistress. When they heard a loud and slow click-clack of stilettos echoing across the hall, everybody sat straight and zipped their mouths. Silence dominated the room knowing that doom is coming.

As soon as the youngest headmistress in the history of Grayson Academy entered the room, her black, long, straight hair swaying from behind, everybody froze at the sight of her. She was dressed in a black dress robe, black six-inched stilettos, and black eye shadow on her pale face giving everyone an eerie vibe. The only colored thing in her was her red lipstick.

“Good evening!”

Her deep voice echoed in the room which everyone responded in almost a whisper-like greeting. She scanned the room and stared at every person sitting across the hall making sure that she has everyone's attention.

“As the school headmistress, it is my job to protect the reputation of Grayson Academy. Yo see, I'm sincerely hoping that we all behave appropriately whether inside or outside the school premises. This is just a reminder for all of us because..." Miss Grayson took her phone and sent a screenshot to everyone in the room. When they opened, murmurs covered the meeting hall. "A rumor has been circulating online about a professor found at the nearby café having a lover’s quarrel with his girlfriend. It was kind of, uhm, how shall I say it? AH! Scandalous!”

Skye and Ira exchanged glances when they looked at the photo. Ira was relieved that she changed her top but can't help but feel worried for Skye.

“Sir Skye, this guy looks like you. Look at your clothes.” The instructor sitting behind Skye leaned on to him and whispered while comparing his colleague to the captured photo.

“It’s not him, Sir Paul.” Ira defended, already feeling anxious about the situation.

But the instructor is not convinced. “Mmmm… It really looks like him though. Too bad the photo is a bit blurry. But I think…”

“Just drop it okay and shut up! I’m trying to listen here!” Ira growled. Her exasperated face made him go back to his seat.

“But… there was no confirmation that this professor is from Grayson Academy. Well, I just hope that he’s not.” Even the way she speaks was cold and unnerving. “You see, I don’t care about your personal affairs. However, I expect everyone in this room to behave appropriately as you should. You are carrying the school’s name. Tarnishing your reputation tarnishes the school as well.”

And then she gave everyone a sly smile which made their hair stand.

“Your silence means you understand my point. Alright, for the main announcement, I’d like to inform everyone that our MAPEH Department Head, Mrs. Carlos will be leaving the academy.”

The news shocked everyone. They murmured and whispered to one another as they stared at the plump old woman smiling at Miss Grayson.

“Why is Mrs. Carlos leaving?” Maggie asked her colleague.

“I heard she was fired because she was too old to teach.” The instructor sitting beside her whispered.

“That’s not it.” The other one debated. “I heard she is sick.”

“Really? I heard she’s going to work abroad.” Another instructor added.

“Silence!” As soon as the murmurs died down, Miss Grayson called Mrs. Carlos on the podium to explain. It only took her a nod for Mrs. Carlos to understand the headmistress.

“Good evening, fellow instructors of Grayson Academy! Before I deliver my speech, everyone, please breathe!” Mrs. Carlos was the exact opposite of Miss Grayson – silver-haired, plump, smiling, and very warm. Everyone seemed to relax when they listen to the old woman. “As you all know, I am sixty years old and I am retiring very soon. I am supposed to bid farewell at the end of the school year, but… sadly, I am getting sickly and my children living in the USA demanded that I fly immediately so they can take care of me. So, I just wanna say thank you for the wonderful years. I will never forget anyone and will forever treasure our memories together. And even to you, Miss Grayson! Thank you even for the shortest time that we have worked together.”

Everyone awed and clapped their hands for Mrs. Carlos as she went back to her seat. Their faces were longing as they look at the instructor who is about to leave.

“For that matter, the Department Head position is vacant. The administration has decided that the position is open to all instructors under MAPEH Department. So whoever wishes to be promoted, you can submit your application in the office. Then we shall review your application and evaluate if you deserve the position. That would be all! Meeting adjourned!”

Miss Grayson quickly disappeared as soon as she finished the meeting, but nobody cared. Some have gathered around Mrs. Carlos to say goodbye. Some talked about the vacant position. And some also talked about the issue circulating in social media.

Meanwhile, Maggie and Ira together with the other instructors walked their way back to the Faculty Room.

“Wah! Miss Grayson’s vibe is totally different from her mother's.” Maggie exclaimed. “She looks like a witch more than a headmistress.”

“Agree! She looks like a younger version of Professor McGonagall of Harry Potter.” Dessa, an English instructor following from behind agreed.

“But Professor McGonagall is kind and gentle.” Ira disagreed.

“I can’t believe she would even make a big deal of social media issues,” Maggie added.

"We'll soon get used to her. After all, this is still her first year as the headmistress." Ira muttered while tying her hair properly.

“True! And speaking of the social media issue, would you agree with me that the guy in the photo looks like Skye?” Paul, the nosy pimple-faced instructor from earlier, chattered convincing everyone with the evidence he found.

Unfortunately, most of them were convinced and agreed with Paul even Maggie.

"Yeah! His clothes, his shoes, his back, even his hair is so similar to Skye."

“Wow, Skye! We didn’t know you had a girlfriend.” Dessa teased.

Maggie looked at her phone and zoomed in on the photo, and whispered “Mmm… the girl looks familiar though. I mean the outfit. It looks like… ow! The top is different. But, mmm... Ira, is that what you wore today? I thought I saw you in a mustard yellow pullover this morning."

"W-what? You must be tired, Mags! I was wearing white sleeves today!" Ira denied.

But Maggie wasn't convinced. "Really? I thought you said you don't like wearing anything white because it easily gets dirty."

Ira pressed her lips in annoyance. "Did I? Well, people change. Ha-ha-ha!"

“How about you, Skye? What do you say?” Dessa asked.

“You can think whatever you want!” he coldly replied.

“Guys! I’m telling you! It’s not Skye! Okay! It's not me either.” Ira defended. But Skye nudged her on her side. “Ow! What was that for?”

“Stop being so defensive. They might suspect you.” Gently pulling her away, he whispered.

“Defend yourself then. It seems like you’re enjoying the rumors.”

Skye looked at her with a poker face. “Do you think I enjoyed being rumored as your boyfriend?”

“What makes you think I enjoy it too?” she whispered, tiptoeing to meet his eyes.

“Are you guys okay?” Paul noticed that the two were falling behind.

“What are you guys talking about?” Maggie’s starting to suspect.

Then Dessa gasped. “Could it be???”

“YES!” Ira confirmed.

Skye crinkled his eyebrows in surprise.

“We are talking about the Department Head position.”

“Wow! Are you both going to apply?” Dessa was excited.

“Yes!” Ira smiled.

“No!” Skye opposed.

Paul covered his mouth in amazement. “Wow! This is going to be a hard competition for both of you; because I would say that you have what it takes to lead the department.”

“True!” Maggie remarked. “You are equally good instructors! Smart, equipped and has good leadership skills. Plus, you rendered the same years of service!”

"What are you doing?" Skye whispered without moving a muscle in his face.

"I couldn't think of a better excuse. Just go along with it." Ira whispered back. Then she faced Skye one more time and challenged him. “I’m telling you, Mr. Doromal! I won’t lose against you!”

Skye weaved a sigh listening to his stubborn colleague and said, “Fine! You’re on!”

The two met eye to eye. Tension surrounded the two. The fight for the position is about to begin.