Eighteen

"Morning, Sir!" I greeted our professor as I entered the room.

"Morning as well! Wow, you're really early, Lui!" he replied, smiling just like I was. Luckily, even though I was a bit sleep-deprived, I was still in a good mood.

"I actually thought the other officers were already here, so I rushed to get here on time," I answered. Our professor was going to be our chaperone for the Educational Tour, so he was attending our meeting today to help plan the upcoming summer training. We were forming committees to coordinate with the places we'd be visiting. Since we'd be filming in various locations, we needed to submit permits and collaborate with the local barangays. There were still many preparations to be made.

"Your president is already here, so I stepped out to grab some food. I didn't get to eat breakfast earlier because I was in a rush—I didn't want to get caught in traffic," Prof. Secuya explained. Prof. Antonio wouldn't be joining us because he volunteered to stay behind for the lower years, as he couldn't leave his children. His wife was often out of town.

Prof. Antonio was Prof. Secuya's assistant. Two other professors would also be joining us on the trip, but they weren't attending today's meeting since they were busy handling clearances for other subjects. Only the officers needed to meet for the preparations, along with the Head of the Mass Comm Department, who would have the final say on our plans.

After the meeting, no one stayed behind in the room. Everyone rushed downstairs to take care of their clearances. I was with Mitch and Zette while sorting mine out. When lunchtime came, we decided to eat at the cafeteria instead of going out, so we could finish everything quickly. The entire campus was buzzing with students trying to complete their requirements before the summer break. Meanwhile, the seniors were busy in the gym for their graduation practice.

"Seriously? He did that to you? That's insane!" Zette reacted in shock after I told her what happened between me and Georje on Saturday night.

"I still can't believe it either. I'm just really grateful that Ali and Jed were with me at that time. At least I didn't end up looking like a fool in front of so many people," I said quietly.

"What did VM say?" Mitch asked, clearly annoyed by what I had just told them.

"I couldn't bring myself to tell them. I feel like it would just embarrass me even more. You know how James prefers me over Georje. Even though they never say anything directly about him, I can tell they don't like him for me based on how they treat him," I admitted.

"Yeah… that's a tough situation," Mitch replied.

"What's your plan now?" Zette asked after standing up to head to the counter.

"I'm going to talk to him. Actually, he called yesterday, but we all went out for church and then to the mall afterward, so we got home late. Besides, it's better this way—I wanted to let my anger subside first so I don't end up saying something I'll regret," I explained.

"You two really need to clear things up. This setup is so confusing—making you think there's something between you, only to introduce you as his cousin? At first, when you had already given up on him, that's when he suddenly confessed and acted like he owned you. Honestly, he's a mess. I should just smack him—just once, but hard—so maybe it'll fix the loose screws in his head!" Zette ranted, clearly affected by my story.

"He better not say the wrong thing to you, or I might not be able to hold myself back," Mitch added as he returned to our table with his soda.

"When do you plan on talking to him?" Mitch asked impatiently.

"Probably after we're done with our clearance. That way, I won't have anything else on my mind," I answered.

We ate our lunch quietly, then headed straight to the professors to finalize our clearance. It would be a huge problem if we didn't get everything signed before graduation because it would delay our enrollment.

Fortunately, we managed to finish everything in one day since we had no missing requirements or projects.

"There's VM and the others!" Mitch pointed out as hse saw them passing by the student lounge where we were resting after finishing up.

"They're probably still not done, which is why they're busy," I said.

"They have their OJT too, right?" Zette asked.

"Yeah," I replied as we watched VM's group talking to a professor.

"We're going to get even busier, so we won't be able to hang out here at the lounge as much. But I'm excited!" Mitch said happily.

"Whoa! You're thinking too far ahead. We still have summer training first. I'm excited about the places we'll visit for our shoots!" Zette added.

"Wait, when can we get the letter from Pres so we can deliver it early?" I asked them.

"She didn't mention anything earlier. We should just call her at the boarding house since none of us really like going there," Zette suggested.

"Yeah, the path leading to their place is full of loiterers. It's kind of scary," Mitch added.

"I only went there once when Pres and I had to pick up the FS (Feasibility Study) folder for the FM radio station. Do you remember that? You guys went ahead to school, and she needed to get something from their group, so she asked me to come with her. But that was during the day, so I can't really relate to what you're saying," I recalled.

"Oh yeah! That was after we filmed the documentary at Smokey Mountain," they both said in unison.

"It was raining that day, so the streets were quiet—no loiterers," I added.

"Right," they both agreed.

"So, what's the plan? Are we heading home, or do you guys want to go somewhere?" I asked.

"Why do you seem so eager to go home?" Mitch asked.

"Not really, I was just asking since we've been hanging around here for a while," I replied.

"What about you, Zette?" Mitch asked her.

"I can't think of anywhere to go either," she answered.

"Where could Blue and the others be? I haven't seen them since we lined up at the clinic earlier," I asked.

"I don't know. Just leave them be. They're probably planning another gulp tournament again. I'm not in the mood to get drunk right now," Mitch replied.

"Me neither," Zette and I said at the same time, then we just laughed. That was how our day ended.

When I got home, Manang didn't mention anyone calling for me, so I ended up forgetting about it altogether.

"You've been here long?" Nika asked when she found me watching TV.

"About twenty minutes, I guess," I answered.

"Have you eaten?" she asked again.

"Not yet. I'm too lazy to move. My feet are sore from going up and down all day just to finish our clearance," I said as I lay sprawled on the couch.

"Good for you. I still have two more to do tomorrow because my professors for those subjects didn't show up today. But it's fine since their schedule was set for tomorrow anyway. They're both part-time professors," she explained.

"Going back and forth to school just for clearance is exhausting. Have you eaten?" I asked her.

"Not yet either. I tried looking for VM and the others, but I didn't see them. Yara and the rest are probably busy with the program distribution," she said.

"Ahh... So, what's the plan? Should we wait for them or just go ahead and eat?" I asked again.

"Let's just eat. They might have already eaten before heading home," she suggested.

"Alright. Let's just eat somewhere nearby. I really don't feel like going far," I agreed.

"Clearance is such a hassle. Why do they even come up with these things?" she complained while walking into her room.

I turned off the TV and went to my room as well to grab my small sling bag—just enough to fit my keys and wallet—before heading out.

Three days after the last time I saw them, Ali and Jed called me, inviting me to eat out. At first, I was hesitant, but I figured it was about time we met up and talked about the things that needed to be discussed. Besides, I had nothing else to do since I was done with all my school tasks and was just hanging out at the apartment.

Me: Don't bother picking me up. I promise I'll be there.

Ali: Promise, okay? We'll be waiting, so don't ditch us!

Me: I won't! Geez, you're so persistent. Alright, I'll just get changed and head over there. It won't take long—there's no traffic right now. Alright, bye.

Ali: Bye.

I quickly went back to our unit, changed clothes, and got ready to leave right away.

"Lui!" Ali immediately called out as if we hadn't seen each other in years. Jed waved and smiled at me, sitting next to Georje at the fast-food place they had told me about. I simply smiled and waved back as I approached them.

"Sit here next to me," Ali offered.

"Hey!" I greeted all three of them.

"The usual, Lui?" Ali asked right away.

"Ah, let's go together. I might change my mind and pick something else," I said, standing up so I wouldn't be left alone with Georje. We could talk later—I didn't want to risk getting annoyed and losing my appetite.

"Alright, let's go!" Ali said, slinging an arm over my shoulder as we walked toward the counter to order.

"Lui, I know this is late, but let me be the one to apologize for what happened last Saturday," Ali said upfront.

"Why are you the one apologizing? Did you do something to me?" I asked.

"You and I both know I didn't, right? That's why we're here now—so you two can clear things up," Ali said.

"What else is there to clarify?" I feigned ignorance.

"Lui, come on," she pleaded.

"Ali, you know me. He led me on, and I ended up embarrassed. It's a good thing only you guys knew about it—if I had been humiliated in front of more people, I probably wouldn't even be talking to you now. He's confusing, honestly, and I struggled to understand him. And thank you for catching me when I fell—I mean, thank you and Jed for not leaving me alone," I said.

"Don't worry, I'll handle it later," she assured me.

"Why do you always have to be the one finding a way for us to talk? Does he not know how to talk to me on his own? Or make decisions for himself? Honestly, you act more like my boyfriend than he does with everything you do for me," I vented my frustration.

"Alright, we'll settle everything later so this can finally be over—no more after this, I promise," he replied.

Our conversation was interrupted when we reached the counter. I took out some money, but Ali refused to take it since the three of them were treating me.

After eating, we went up to the rooftop of the mall, where there was a man-made garden and a fountain. The view was beautiful, and the area wasn't crowded, making it the perfect place for us to talk.

"Lui, as I promised, this will be the last time we intervene between the two of you," Ali began.

"Bro, I hope you understand why. And don't forget what we talked about," Ali said to him. "But we're not staying here with you. We'll give you both privacy—make sure you settle this," he added, patting him on the shoulder before he and the others left us alone.

"Why did you do that?" I was the first to speak, wanting to get this over with.

"Sorry. I'm just not used to it… and I didn't know you'd take it seriously," he answered.

"What do you mean? That was a joke to you? Is that it?" I asked, irritation creeping into my voice.

"Somewhat," he replied, looking down.

"You know what? You could've just told me honestly what's really going on between us! That way, if we're around other people, at least I'd know how to handle things properly instead of being caught off guard by whatever I hear from you!" I said, my voice rising as I lost control of my emotions.

"Sorry. I'm just really not used to introducing someone as my girlfriend. I'll try to make sure what happened last Saturday doesn't happen again. And you are my girlfriend, and I'm your boyfriend, so that's what's between us, right?" he said.

"You know, one more thing. Can we agree that when we have issues, it should be just you and me sorting things out? Stop dragging Ali and Jed into it all the time. It's not their obligation or responsibility to fix the problems in our relationship. Okay? And about your events or shows—if they tell you to call and invite me, but you personally don't want to, then don't bother calling me. I want you to invite me because you chose to, not because someone told you to," I said, my frustration still evident.

"Okay," was all he said, looking at me.

"But honestly, I felt humiliated when you denied me like that. Do you get that? I know there's nothing impressive about me, and people even mistake me for a tomboy because of how I dress. So, I get it if you're ashamed of me," I said, looking him straight in the eyes, and I saw the shock register on his face.

"It's not like that, Lui," he said, reaching for my hand.

"All good now. You've explained, and I get it," I said. Fine, I'll let this go. Just like me, he's not used to this either—we're both still adjusting. I'll try to understand.

We talked about a few more things, just the two of us, until we finally called the others back. We chatted for a while before heading home since the mall was about to close.

Graduation day.

"Congratulations!!!" I greeted AC and Yara. The five of us huddled together for a picture, with AC—the only guy in our group—standing in the center. Our smiles were wide as we all looked at the camera.

Our apartment was packed with people, buzzing with energy. AC and James had invited a lot of guests since they wanted to have a double celebration with our friends. Of course, AC's parents were there, while only James' older brother attended his graduation. The rest of the guests were our colleagues from the organization.

"Congratulations!" I told James when we ended up near each other, handing him my graduation gift.

"What?! You actually got me something?" he said, surprised, his face lighting up with joy.

"Didn't I tell you I'd think of a way to make up for not being able to give you what you originally asked for? Since I couldn't be there, I just bought you something instead. Hope you like it," I said shyly.

"Can I open it now?" he asked, smiling at me.

"Uhmm… maybe later when you get home. I'd rather not have people see it and turn it into a joke. I even left out a greeting card so no one would know it's from me," I said in a low voice.

"Alright, alright. Thanks for this!" he said, lifting the paper bag that held my gift. I had bought him a shirt from his favorite brand since I couldn't think of anything else to get him.

"No probs! Of course!" I replied, giving him a light pat on the shoulder.

"Alright, I'll head back now," he said, motioning toward the kitchen where VM, Mama Shi, and the others were hanging out. Luckily, no one noticed because I had purposely pulled him a bit outside the apartment to avoid any teasing. The guys were drinking in the living room, and I didn't want to deal with their teasing.

"Yeah, you go ahead. If they see us walking back together, they'll start teasing again," he added.

"Okay," I said before heading straight to the kitchen.

I found them happily chatting while enjoying some dessert.

"Oh wow! Let me have some of that!" I said excitedly as I walked closer.

"Where did you even go? You just disappeared all of a sudden," VM asked.

"Oh, I just put something away in my room," I reasoned as I grabbed a small plate to get some salad that Mama Shi had brought.

"Really? Put something away or pick something up?" Yara asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Both. I put something away and grabbed something too," I replied while sitting down between Mama Shi and VM, already helping myself to the salad.

"And what exactly did you take?" Nika added, but instead of looking at me, she glanced at Yara with a knowing smirk. Mama Shi and VM, on the other hand, simply smiled as if they already had an idea of what was going on.

"I don't know. It was in a paper bag. Maybe we should just ask Lui what it was?" Yara teased, staring directly at me.

"Fine! I just gave James my graduation gift. I had already given AC his earlier," I admitted. There was no point in hiding it—I knew they wouldn't drop the topic until I told them the truth.

"Yieee!" they all teased, while Mama Shi just laughed at us. She gently patted my back as if to reassure me that it was okay.

"Mama, look at them! They're so annoying! That's exactly why I kept it a secret—I knew I'd be teased again!" I whined like a child complaining about being bullied by playmates.

"Enough of that, or the rowdy ones in the living room will hear you. If that happens, the teasing will never end," Mama Shi scolded them.

"What did you get him?" VM whispered to me.

"I couldn't think of anything else, so I just bought him a T-shirt from his favorite brand. Luckily, they had a lot of new arrivals when I went shopping," I answered.

"Oh! I did the same! I got one for my brother, and then I thought, why not get one for James too? I just hope we didn't pick the same design," she shared.

"What design did you choose?" I asked.

"Hey! It's rude to whisper in front of us!" Nika cut in, interrupting our conversation.

"It's just that the guys might hear us—you know how sharp their ears are. I was just telling her what I got for my brother and James," VM explained.

"Oh…" the two of them said in unison.

We girls continued chatting happily with Mama Shi until we decided to move to mine and VM's room, where we gathered again. We weren't interested in joining the drinking session in the living room—besides, we didn't want to leave Mama Shi alone. Since we rarely got to spend time with her, we wanted to make the most of it.