Ayesha Point of View
The meteors known as falling stars or shooting stars became a hot topic in school both school personnel and students. As expected, some made a wish. Some did some rituals. They went for a country drive or a camp-out to get to a viewing zone or site as far as possible from bright lights. The sky needs to be dark, clear and free from barriers like tall trees or buildings. But others preferred to stay in wide space where they can see the sky as Ron did. The rooftop in our building was a perfect spot for stargazing that's why she chose it. After I leave her an hour before midnight, I didn't have a chance to talk with her about the shooting stars aside from wakening her up for her to go to work.
Though I didn't show any interest, I knew the feeling after watching and wishing upon a falling star because I also did it before. I even spread a blanket on the ground and got laid adjusting my vision in the dark. I was even excited. That was before but for now, it was just a memory and I want to live in the truth that my wish will not come true no matter how I wish countless times for it to come.
I may sound bitter but it's the reality actually so I no longer join the conversation.
I attended my two classes in the STEM and ABM strand, respectively. The day went smoothly as expected. More on discussions and formative assessments since it was required for their upcoming performance.
My classes ended successfully though I was exhausted.
I quickly went to the faculty to fix my things and prepared myself to go straight home. I was about to go when I thought back to a small box I put into the drawer. I remembered it was supposedly last week that I should give to him since he kept on teasing me a souvenir. I know that he was joking but I believe that when you are joking, it was half meant true.
"Sir Jeffy, " I called for his attention. He turned his gaze to me. "Did Mr Costello already went home?" I asked since he was close to him, maybe he knows.
"Yeah, right after his class, but I don't know if he dropped by in the coffee shop," he answered.
"Okay, thanks," I got the box containing the mug porcelain keychain with a dog engrave on it and put it onto my bag. "I need to go. I'll just go first."
I went straight to the waiting shed to wait for a bus or any public car. But to my surprise, I saw Vener sitting in a long chair sipping for his coffee one sit apart where I decided to sit. At first, when you're looking at him, you won't expect that his family have a successful business and a teacher by profession. Vener was a typical guy you would admire too. He's not like the other guys around there wasting their time for unnecessary things and not a foolish jerk like the guy I used to know based on my observation.
He's good-looking, though physical preferences depend on one's eyes. He was smart, have a typical skin type complexions of a Filipino, tall and neat. When he smiles seems like you are mirroring into his eyes, so beautiful.
He lifted his head and he caught me off guard looking at him intently. He met my gaze and suddenly he smiled. I feel embarrassed thinking if he notices that I checked on him. The girl who sat between us stood up and started to walk away from the waiting shed. Vener made a swift move closer to me. I didn't expect him to do that. I felt like my knees trembled so I decided to stretch my legs. I looked at him.
"Going home?" he asked. As I wanted to talk, I chose not to and just nodded as a response.
I don't know what's happening inside me. I felt lost.
"It's a surprise knowing that you will go straight home without dropping by at the coffee shop," he stated. I looked at him but I promptly diverted in front of me since it was starting to pour the rain. It's a good thing that the roof of the waiting shed was newly replaced, we didn't get soaked. A few minutes later, a public bus came and all of us waiting in the shed hurriedly went inside.
I chose to sit in the second row. I didn't know what's brought this hour. Vener chose to sit beside me since it was vacant. I got my jacket inside my bag and wear it.
"Cold?" he asked.
"Slight," I shortly answered. Then suddenly remembered that I'm looking for him earlier to give him what I bought during the nature adventure. I pulled it out from my bag, got the box and handed it to him.
He looked puzzled but I manage to respond since I was sober from what I felt earlier. "A souvenir from our nature adventure. I recall that once you're joking about souvenirs so I buy you one."
"Thanks! I'm glad that you remember. I was teasing you that time but you take it seriously," he laughed.
Vener opened the box. Based on his facial expression, he gladly appreciates it. "a mug porcelain keychain. The dog engraves on it was very artistic. Thank you!"
He gave me a genuine smile that made my organs twirled which seems like it was new to me. He, then put it into his bag and brought out a small box-like mine but the shade is not the same. He gave it to me. "Open it."
I opened the box and I saw a hairpin with a design of leaves of horseradish. I laughed softly. "You?"
"It reminds me of your photo that your friend posted when I saw that hairpin in the girl accessories in the mall," he explained.
So bad!
The feeling of shame I had has increased even more. I looked like a dumbhead while Vener can't get enough laughing at my expression not minding what will people say riding in this bus.
But how did his laughter made music in my eyes?