The hallways that were once populated by college students was all but empty. It was an unusual feeling for Michelle, Ella and I to walk nervously inside the classroom this late in the day.
I naturally recalled the third term of our fourth year when we were promptly getting slots for the next trimester. There were two conflicting schedules for video production class: one at 11:20 a.m. every Monday and another at 2:40 p.m. every Wednesday.
Regrettably, Michelle and I enrolled in two afternoon classes that were scheduled every Monday and Wednesday: photography at 11:20 and film production at 2:40. Each lasts for 90 minutes, which represent the equivalent of a particular 150-minute class per week.
As for Ella, she did not enroll in photography class because she did not possess any particular interest in capturing professional pictures. She enrolled instead in magazine design which takes place around the same time as photography.
When I showed Charissa the schedule, she was initially disappointed to see me take up a night class. But then again Charissa recalled a few instances in which she worked inside the newsroom overnight.
In the end, Charissa wished good luck and cautioned me to stay out of trouble. Michelle's devoted mother Karina equally offered the same advice to her dear daughter.
As a result we ended up on a night class for the first time in our college lives. As the sun sets and a pitch black sky emanates, we expected nothing more than an evening full of lively discussions and exciting activities.
It was already 6:00 p.m., and the professor had not shown up yet. While waiting for the professor to arrive, we went outside for a brief chat.
"This must be a haunted place right now," I shrieked to Michelle and Ella. "I'm scared. There might be terrible ghosts around here."
"Hey don't worry about it," Ella assured me. "There are no ghosts here. As long as Michelle and I are with you, we'll be fine."
At that moment I detected a creepy sound. Then the door next to our classroom suddenly closed by itself.
Upon looking at the window, the lights were off and cobwebs were in abundance. This must be one frightening evening.
I ran back to Michelle and Ella while screaming for my life.
"There might be a ghost or two inside that classroom," I whispered fearfully to Michelle and Ella. "I'm so frightened right now."
"Could you please stop imagining things?" Michelle sternly warned me. "There are no terrible ghosts here. It may be just a fierce wind that merely knocked the door shut. Don't be scared."
Just then, the professor arrived and all of us scampered back inside the classroom.
"Good evening students," the professor greeted us.
We sat on the second row where we were introduced to Jaime and Jamie, a pair of senior college students. They were also identical male twins.
"Good evening ladies," Jaime and Jamie welcomed us.
Jaime and Jamie have been active members of the university's drama troupe since their freshman season. Each of them undoubtedly possessed square faces, curly hair, medium white skin, a five-o-clock shadow, well-sculpted physiques and brown eyes.
Their good looks and charming personality endeared them to the rest of the group. They aspired to become talented actors one day.
As class began, the professor naturally decided to introduce ourselves one by one. A young woman dressed in a sleeveless shirt, skinny jeans and low heels stood up from her seat, ready to introduce herself to the class.
"Good morning fellow students. My name is Amanda, and I am undoubtedly the smartest person in this class."
"Did you see that?" I quietly said to Michelle and Ella."She claims to be the smartest person in this class."
"In fact, I've recognized this girl before," Ella explained. "I was classmates with Amanda at a school from my home province and she always boasts to be the smartest in her class."
"But the truth is, Amanda was only a middle-of-the-pack student." She was never a consistent honor student in our class up until I transferred before fourth grade."
"So how was Amanda in your class then?" Michelle reasonably questioned.
"To be honest, she was very obnoxious," Ella responded. "To claim she was smarter than all of us was something I couldn't stand. Even if her grades prove otherwise, Amanda still possessed a seemingly superior ego that my classmates couldn't comprehend."
As Amanda sat down, she noticed Ella from afar.
"Greetings there Ella," Amanda sarcastically said. "Long time no see."
Michelle stepped in for some advice.
"Ella, just ignore Amanda," Michelle said. "As long as the job is accomplished, we'll be fine. Let's leave her alone."
After all the names were called out, the professor lectured about the history of video production and the types of equipment used to produce moving imagery. Next, he divided us into six groups of four and gave us the first assignment which was to create a 15-minute video about any topic we desired.
Unfortunately, only one of either Jaime or Jamie would join my group with Michelle and Ella. After playing a game of rock-paper-scissors, it was Jamie who made the cut.
Jaime was naturally disappointed but not discouraged as he entered an all-male team. Now that the groupings were out of the way, it was time for a brief discussion.
"What do you have in mind Christine?" Michelle inquired me.
"I was thinking if we can go to Laguna and produce a video about Mount Makiling," my thoughts made loud and clear within the group. "I was interested in the so-called 'Magnetic Hill' and perhaps we can create a video out of this."
"We can also take pictures for our other assignment with Taylor and Erin," Michelle exclaimed.
"Who's Taylor and Erin?" Jamie questioned us.
"I can politely introduce you to those two this weekend," Michelle gleefully announced to Jamie. "They are also very decent people."
At around 8:20 p.m., class was dismissed for the night and we were thrilled to head home. After we bade farewell to both Ella and Jamie, Michelle and I headed home to her trusted Vios.
While braving another traffic jam, I fell asleep after surviving a particularly tiring day. At that precious moment, Michelle whispered tenderly to my ear and said:
"Don't worry Christine. I'll carry you home. You undoubtedly had a heck of a week, and your body rightfully deserves all the needed rest."
Michelle gently kissed my forehead and rode her Vios straight towards the condominium. She later helped me walk to my room and the wide-open arms of Charissa.
"Take care of her," Michelle gently told Charissa.
"Sure thing Michelle," Charissa positively assured her. "Much appreciated for bringing my daughter home."
Michelle gently waved her hand goodbye, and Charissa carefully carried me to the bedroom. She tucked a bedsheet under me, stroked my forehead and turned off the lights.
"Good night," Charissa whispered tenderly as she closed the door.