Even though the queue was hot and very long I did not leave there and just remained in line.
I knew that with so many people in line, I was unlikely to be able to take the exam inside. But I still try to endure the fatigue and heat just to take the exam at this school.
I picked up my book and read it over and over until I could memorize it. I also review my other notes in my notebook while listening to music.
It's noon and the dean still doesn't call me. I know it's a long process I'm going through. So choose whether to work harder and be patient. Praying that I will be able to take the exam.
I don't want my family to fail. I don't want them to not see me graduate. With my effort and work, with the help of my family and support. I will also achieve what I have long hoped for.
Even if life is hard and there is no cost yet. I'm still not going to lose. I will study and graduate from college. I don't want to work together without a course done.
I will also be a chef throughout the process, I will be a chef. I would be proud if I graduated and hopefully, I can find friends too.
"Hear--,"
I didn't even make the woman laugh at my name and I came in front of her. I could see the shock in his eyes, but he still smiled. He showed me my chair and handed me two thick pieces of paper.
"Miss," I called and it turned to my band.
"Can I use a cellphone for a calculator?" I might ask.
The woman raised her eyebrow and I could easily understand that.
"Of course, it's forbidden," I said to myself.
I have arranged the thing that I'll use and prepared myself for possible test paper questions.
We all waited a few minutes before the old man returned with a clock and thick papers.
"Good afternoon to you all," he greeted us all.
"Good afternoon too," we greeted him together.
He smiled and called us one by one until my last name was next.
"Heart, Heart is your name?" He asked while looking at me.
I smiled before he answered.
"Yes, my name is Heart sir," I responded and he nodded slowly.
"What is your dream course?" He suddenly asked me.
Our companions looked at each other and smiled waiting for me to answer.
"Ah, I want to be a chef. Pastry chef if I'm lucky," I replied and smiled shyly.
The whole room roared because of my answer. They don't know that pastry chefs like the course. They praised me and said good luck.
I was glad to hear the words they gave me. I thought they would laugh at my course, but they didn't.
"Okay everyone, you have 4 hours to answer to answers all the questions. Snacks will arrive during snack hours, it's free no need to worry." The old man uttered and wink at me.
I smiled and nodded like I understand his words of wisdom. Everyone is happy and cheering their selves before the test paper is served.
It has 2 different sheets with 400 questions each and solutions aren't needed. We all have calculators provided by the school head of entrance exams.
My eyes were shut as I recall all the notes and words that I read and studied for how many weeks.
"Time starts...now," The old man announces and everyone was opening their tets papers.
I prayed first before answering my sheets. May God bless me with wisdom and knowledge in this test.
May I pass these exams to full fill all my ambitions and dreams?
"You can do this," I cheered myself and started to read the first question.
The whole two hours is getting closer to 3 hours. We stop for a bit and had a 30 minutes break so we could all eat our snacks.
Someone knocks on the door and Mr. Faustino stood up to open it. A couple of 4 men went inside bringing 3 cartons with plates.
We all didn't have any hints on whats going on. Maybe these were the snacks, Mr. Faustino mentioned lately.
He mentioned that there will be a 30 mins break. Moreover, there's nothing to worry about because the food is already paid for.
"Ehem," Mr. Faustino cleared his throat and everyone is turning their heads to face him.
I did the same too and was about to say something when someone speaks.
"Sir! was this for us?" The boy asked him with a smile.
"Yes kiddo. Now lined up so y'all can eat," He answered and led his hand to guide us on how to fall in line.
Mr. Faustino is like my father, ut always been like this every time I saw old men. I always thought and imagined it was dad whos talking in front and who was in front.
His voice sounds familiar to me. Though I know it shouldn't be seen that I'm curious about him.
Can I be her daughter?
Can he be my 2nd father?
"Silly," I nag in my mind.
I put spaghetti and get some chicken nuggets with pineapple drinks that they serve.
Everyone was busy eating talking and having group talks with each other. Others are memorizing and reviewing some of their books while eating.
After a minute we were informed that it was already time. We all need to continue answering our answer sheets.
Before we take our snacks. Mr. Faustino took all our papers before we eat, we are not allowed to eat with papers on our desks.
Others might cheat and opened their books. He was expecting that we might answer those questions that we all left and didn't understand. Also, it might cause conflict in checking our papers so it would be better.
"Alright students! time ends answering will begin. Kindly settle down your selves and please be seated properly." Mr. Faustino announced and count all the papers before serving them one by one.
When our papers were back in us, everyone was shocked at what they saw. That is not the same test papers before, it was the last 200 chapters of questions.
Then we all realize that he took all the answers sheets that we already answered. He left and remained with all the test papers who don't have answers yet.