Chapter 13: ES laboratory

What I thought was a glare out of jealousy from Steve was sadly, just false alarm. Apparently, he was just being his normal sour face self.

"Hi Michelle!" Lara who was just standing beside Steve greeted me with a smile.

"Hello Lara." I greeted back.

The cashier cleared her throat and I remembered that I was in line. I excused myself from the three to face forward. I gave the cashier an apologetic smile and said sorry. Then, promptly presented her my stub and made my payment.

As I received my change, Andy started talking to me again.

"Are you with company? Want to join us?"

While receiving my change, I answered, "I'm with my blockmates, so I guess I have to decline."

"I would like to ask if we could join you, but our primadonna here might make a scene again. So, I guess, see you later. We do have the same class next right? ES lab?" he asked as he presented his stub to the cashier as he was next in line.

I peeked at Steve who seems like he has a permanent scowl plastered on his face and couldn't help myself from giggling.

"What?" he asked as he furrowed his brows, addressing me for the first time.

If he was a real stranger to me, I would have scowled back and asked what's his problem, but since he was my husband and just looked too cute, I just smiled at him and shook my head. I faced Andy again, "Yes, I have ES lab too. Then, see you later. I'll go ahead."

Andy smiled and nodded.

As I presented my stub and receipt to receive my lunch, I looked back at the cashier and saw that it was Steven's turn to pay. He seemed like he didn't want to, but Lara nudged him forward. He reluctantly moved forward and took out his wallet to pay. Lara giggled as he groaned.

Well, won't you look at that? Aren't they so sweet and chummy? Almost makes me want to go back and throw my lunch at them. Ugh, stop that, Michelle. They have been friends for a long time and you're just an outsider for now.

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It was nearing noon and the canteen was getting crowded. My blockmates having a different schedule than mine didn't move from the table and continued playing cards.

"Guys, I'll go ahead. My next class is up." I said to excuse myself.

"Oh, sure Michelle. See you tomorrow!" They said as I stood up from my seat.

I walked out of the canteen and went to the bathroom first to brush my teeth. What? It's better to do that in a public toilet than smiling while unknowingly having something stuck between my teeth.

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The ES lab class was held in the SEC B building which houses the university's laboratory classrooms. It was near the covered courts which was a good thing as my next class, PE, was scheduled from 3:00-4:30 pm. The University's practice was to dismiss the class 10 minutes before the end of the schedule to allow students to get from one class to another. So, 1 hour class becomes 50 minutes, and 1 and a half becomes 1 and 20 minutes.

Inside each classroom, there were two long and wide tables which could accommodate up to 20 students each.

When I arrived, Andy, Steve, and Lara were already there. Andy waved me over to sit with them. Since Lara and Steve were sitting beside each other on one side, I sat beside Andy.

Andy began chatting with me again and I tried to focus on what he was saying while Lara and Steve were having their own conversation as if they were in their own world.

"And… uhm… am I boring you?" Andy asked.

"No, not at all." I replied as I gave him a smile. What was he saying again? I just want to stab Steve with a pen for acting like I don't exist.

"Ok, so I was saying, my birthday is coming up and the celebration would be on the weekend just after the evaluation exams, and I wish to invite you over. I mean we're already friends, right?" Andy asked.

Invite me over? What does he mean? Like him and me alone? Dude, aren't you moving too fast? I furrowed my brows, and he must have noticed.

He seemed to panic, "I think that didn't sound right. I mean, invite you over with some of my other friends. It's my birthday party but nothing formal like the events the adults hold."

Oh? So, like college party? I'm so in! "Oh, I see. I'll have to ask permission from my parents though. When and where will it be held?"

He opened his bag and proudly handed me a black envelope. "Here's the invite. My number is there, and you can directly text me and RSVP anytime. I hope your parents would allow you to."

Oh Andy, are you indirectly telling me that I can text you anytime while subsequently asking for my cellphone number? Coz I totally think you are. You flirt!

Should I take the bait? Ehem ehem… Ok I'll find ways to attend not because I want to flirt with Andy but because I'm sure Steve will also attend. I have to spy on him you know?

Why am I even making these excuses? Ok, I'll just admit, I do like the attention, ok?

Finally, our professor, Robert Chen, the same prof for our ES class arrived and greeted us.

Anyway, the class was supposed to be for 3 hours, but since it's just the first day, we were only handed the syllabus, and had a brief introduction to the course. We were also assigned to bring in seeds and a plant pot next meeting as one of the requirements of the course was growing a plant. We would need to grow and take care of said plant and every week; we would have to take note of its growth. Finally, we were dismissed by 1:30 pm.

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TBC