I had crushes. I remember having a crush on William Santos back in Elementary because he knows how to comprehend while reading. But it didn’t last long because apparently, the guy is a jerk. I saw him punching another girl in my class and it was awful. It made me pledge not to ever have a crush on him.
In High School, the guys are not really attractive. Well, what’s attractive to me are guys who know how to form words beautifully, guys who know how to solve Algebra problems. But the guys in my High School? Unattractive. They are good-looking, but looks are not everything for me.
Looking at the guy now who’s also eyeing me with the same intensity as yesterday, gives me the chills down my spine. Sure, he’s good-looking, his black hair has this messy look which made him look like a bad boy. And his brows? To die for! It’s in perfect shape and it’s all hair I can say. It must be good to have the same brows where I don’t have to use a brow pencil or something. His nose was pointed and he has a skin that looks like has been in the derma every month. And he’s so tall! I bet he’s about 6’ or 6’1.
Looking at him, I can tell he’s from a rich family. But still, the weird sensation coming from the necklace still lingers. I chose not to mind it. People might think I’m crazy or something if I react to it.
“Done checking me out?” He suddenly asked, which annoyed me. I just scoffed and turned my back. There’s no way I’m giving this guy any attention.
I smiled at the lady in front of me and paid for our food. “May I have your name for your orders?” She asked.
“It’s Jasmine,” I answered.
She then instructed me to wait at our table, and that my name will be called later if the food’s ready. I quickly left the counter and found a table.
Where the hell is Taylor? Why is she taking so long in the restroom?
I could tell it was the guy’s turn at the counter so I chose the seat where I couldn't see him. I don’t know why but I have this weird feeling about him.
While waiting for my name to be called, I regretted not bringing a book with me. What should I do now? I have a few minutes to spare. That's already equivalent to a few pages.
“So your name’s Jasmine, huh?” The guy murmured. His presence already annoyed me but it annoyed me more when he sat on the chair in front of me. That’s Taylor’s chair!
And I hate that he now knows my name.
Of all the places here in school, we really stumbled on the same cafe? No, I refuse to think this is destiny or some sort. There’s no such thing as that here. Not with this guy.
I still ignored him and just chose to use my phone. Maybe I’ll just text my Mom or my sisters.
“Are you really not talking to me?” He asks. He pretended to look sad, but I won’t be deceived by that. I know surely he’s just pretending.
And hello, isn’t it obvious?
Good thing my Mom quickly replied to my ‘Good morning’ text. Although I don’t know now what to reply to her text: Morning, hun. How’s school? Met anyone?
I remembered how intense my classmates were during the encounter yesterday. I wanted to rant to my Mom about it but I feel like texts won’t be enough to describe what I’m really feeling.
“Aw. You’re completely ignoring me,” he mumbled. This time, I looked at him boredly. I just can’t understand why he’s not backing down. “You looked at me, finally!” He said cheerfully. And he smiled. For a second, I thought it was genuine. But again, I won’t be deceived. He’s probably one of those guys who would do his everything to get into my pants, as my Mom would say.
So, no, thank you.
“Jasmine?” I heard Taylor. “What is this guy doing here? Do you know him?”
“Yes, Jasmine. Do you remember me?” The guy asked with a smile. I made a face at him.
“Of course, I remember you,” I answered. “Who would forget the guys who crashed at our freshmen orientation?” I added. I heard Taylor laugh at what I said.
But the guy is just smiling amusingly at me.
“Since your friend is already here, I should probably leave,” he said, standing up from his seat. “But it was nice hearing your voice, Jasmine,” he added with a smile. The way he says my name gives me the creeps.
I heard one of the crews at the counter call our names. After calling me for my orders, Flint's name was also called for his order. But I didn't move just yet.
The Flint Guy walked to the counter smilingly and took his coffee. When he was finally out of sight, that’s when I stood up to claim our orders.
“What was that?” Taylor asked.
I just shrugged because I really don’t know what that guy is up to. And he’s so smug! He might be good-looking but that’s definitely unattractive for me. A turn off, if I say.
“I bet that guy likes you,” Taylor murmured. We already got our orders and are now going back to our table.
“Oh, shut it, He’s not my type.”
“But you’re definitely his.”
-
After having our breakfast, Taylor and I went back to the dorm. There was still a little time before my first class but just like what I decided, I’ll practice being an early bird so I went to my class.
When I reached the classroom, there was no one else there so I got the chance to choose where I’d sit. And of course I chose the front row. It would be nice to be near the Professor. That would make me alert and prepared in case he decides to call my name in class. I hate looking dumb so I have to step up my game.
Since there are still a few minutes before the first class, I decided to reply to my mom’s text earlier and tell her I need to see her on the weekend so I can tell her everything that happened to me on the first day. It would require lots of coffee and cheesecake.
My classmates came in one by one until the room was filled. I should be calm but I could feel my heart pounding in my chest the moment I saw the Professor enter the room. She looks like she’s in her 40s. What’s more terrifying is the way she looks at us- like she’s gonna scare the rest of us and drive us out of the University. I wish that what I’m thinking is incorrect. Maybe she’s not like that and I’m just overthinking too much. I should give her the benefit of the doubt.
“Get a whole sheet of paper,” she said. My eyes widened in shock.
Is there a quiz already? Did I not get the memo? What is going on?
As my heartbeat doubled its pace, the Professor distributed a stapled paper. When I received mine, I could see my hand shaking. I had to put the paper down and clench my hand.
This is not good for my sanity.
“You will answer the following questions. And based on your answers, I will know if you really belong in this class or not,” she announced.
I looked at the paper and tried to make myself believe that this is easy, that I can do this, that I can prove I belong here.
Most of the questions require answers in an essay form. I believe this is to test how good we are with our words since we are Creative Writing students. I guess this will assess how much polishing we need.
After a few deep breaths, I managed to calm myself.
It took us almost the entire period of class to finish all the questions. I even crammed the last question because the Prof kept on announcing how much time we have left. I know it’s for us to be aware of the time, but what it’s giving me is panic.
I got out of the room a little bummed and proceeded to my next class. It was not that far from my previous class because it’s in the same building.
I got there just in time for me to still have a chair to sit on. God, my blocmates must have walked so fast to get here first.
“Hey, you’re in this class?” Someone at my back asked. I didn’t think it was me he’s talking to so I didn’t turn. “Hey, Jasmine.”
Oh, so it was me.
This time, I turned.
Only to see that Flint guy from yesterday and earlier.
The moment I saw his mischievous smile, I felt like running away. But why the hell would I run away? I have a class here. Why is he here? He should be the one to run away! I believe he has no business being here. He’s not a freshman! This class is exclusive for freshmen! Even in this class, he’s gonna crash? I grunted and went back to facing the front. The Professor’s already in front and anytime now, the class will start. Just the mere look on his face, I can already see he’s just playing. I just don’t understand why he’s making the University his playing ground, and why does it seem like I’m the toy? God, how dare he. And the necklace is really bothering the hell out of me. I should stop wearing this but as Mom said, this will protect me. Maybe to protect me from assholes? Maybe this is some kind of necklace that can detect assholes? Because everytime Flint is near me, the weird sensation always comes out from this necklace. Huh, I should really ask Mom about this. The Professo
My first week as a University Student flew by so fast. The classes were somehow okay. Most of the classes for this week are more on introduction of the courses. So far, I’m slowly adjusting to the environment. I still miss home though. Sean’s still the only friend I got from the bloc. I tried talking to them, opening up to them, but I don’t think the problem is me. I was pleasant enough to introduce myself and approach first but these people just won’t talk to me. Seriously, what the hell is wrong with them? As much as I want to know these people in my bloc, I just decided not to think so much about it. After all, I have Sean as my friend so I didn’t mind as much. Although he said joining the sem starter of the bloc will probably help. So I decided to go. It’s a Friday night. The very first thing I did the moment my class ended earlier was take a nap. After an hour, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to join the sem starter. “Hey, Tay?” I called. I’m still lying on my bed becau
“Hey, JV,” Flint greeted cheerfully. I quickly looked away and read the menu instead. I don’t think giving him attention will do any good to my mood.“JV? Why is he calling you JV?” Taylor asked. I just shrugged at her. Although I know why it’s JV- Jasmine Victoria. I don’t prefer to be called that way. I’m Jasmine!I heard Flint’s chuckle and that made me roll my eyes. “Do you mind?” He asked. I saw him pointing at the vacant chair at our table. We occupied the table with six chairs.“No,” Taylor and I quickly replied in chorus.“Wow, that was quick,” the guy in glasses commented laughingly. Can’t they feel we don’t want to share the table with them?“Look, I know we started rough, but can we start over?” I heard Flint ask. I scoffed.Maybe this is me being judgmental, but this is also me being careful. I can’t just let these strangers continue forcing their presence in my life.“You’ve been annoying me the entire week,” I finally said. I looked at him and maintained a straight face.
I didn't care about having friends before. One or two was enough for me. I thought, what would I do with a lot of friends? It's not like I'm running for Mayor or something.But I was good with being civil with everyone. The kind where I know they don't hate me for something. Sure, sometimes they're intimidated or can't stand the thought of me because I was competitive. But not competitive enough that I would harm anyone. No. I'm not friendly, I don't have that social skill, but I don't wish harm on anyone.Seeing my blocmates throw me looks that I don't understand, I realized I can't stand it when people treat me like an outcast. All these days, I tried my very best to show interest in knowing them because again, high school isn't like college. My Mom said
I saw him and his friends enter. Upon seeing him, I quickly looked away, afraid he'd see me. I don't want him to think he has an impact on me. Okay, I admit that he makes me feel all sorts of things, but to hell, I will never admit that to him. Everytime I see him, I can't help but feel these things- mostly annoyance. "Just don't mind him," I said. I also saw Sean looking their way. "I guess he hasn't seen us yet. Do you want to just go back to the dorm?" But we just got here and we haven't even finished our food yet. Also, this is the first time in this week that I don't have to look around and feel the atmosphere of the campus. My routine has been classroom-dorm-food halls or cafes, basically just around the campus. It was depressing so being outside feels so freeing. I feel like I was sentenced in jail- our dormitory being the jail. "You know what, we don't have to go. He doesn't own this place so we just have the same rights as him to be here," Taylor said as she munched on her
It's really true that time flies by so fast when you're enjoying it. I was excited for the weekend but it seemed like it didn't last long. I saw my family and got to spend time with them the entire weekend. We roamed around the City. While Mom and Dad were taking a rest, my sisters and I went coffee shop hunting. We went to different coffee shops and tried their signature coffees. It was so fun. I had a lot of caffeine that day. It felt like heaven.But as they say, all good things must come to an end. The weekend was over. Now I'm back to my room, alone and lonely. My family just dropped me off here and hurried back home. Dahlia and Hyacinth still have classes tomorrow early, and my parents have work as well.Come to think of it, I forgot to ask Mom about
I used to think that being pursued is something romantic. I thought it would feel nice when a guy does everything to get the girl of his dreams. I thought I wanted a guy who would cross rivers and swim oceans to get a 'yes' from me.But maybe, that's just what I think. Maybe all the romance books I've read gave me too much expectations. And maybe I shouldn't try to find someone to reach that expectation. Because in reality? Everything sucks and not everything is as good as you think it is.And the things Flint is doing just to get my attention? Not that appealing. In fact, I find it annoying.I'm not sure wh
The following day was clear. There was no Flint who was following or chasing me. No one annoyed me in ways I cannot explain. I don't know if he's just busy or he got tired of chasing me. Either way, that's fine for me. At least I don't feel like hiding myself every time.But somehow it felt weird. It's weird that I felt weird without having him around. I should be happy and at peace, but...No.Nope.I don't feel anything.I shook my head continuously until I felt dizzy. God, what is wrong with me?"Are you okay?" Sean asked. We're currently in the common area in our dorm. We decided to meet so we could share the notes we had taken during our class on one of our major subjects. We'll have a quiz on Friday and even if it's just Tuesday, I have already started my review. This way, I'll have more time to absorb all that we discussed in class. Also, I would not feel the need to cram. And guess what, I think I have a great influence on Sean. Because he's here with me, also studying even if