I hate online classes. There! I said it. At first, I thought it was cool. I get to feel homeschooled. After three years in this setup. I might as well enter a Virtual World. I wonder when will people make a breakthrough to make those dreams come true. Just like sword ar online, but I hated that mainstream anime. I gave up after desperately holding on in the first two episodes. Hate me, people always have so it ain't new.
I tampered with my eraser mold, imagining as if I was Michaelangelo creating a one-of-a-kind structure. I stared at my hideous abstract that if compare to aliens they would look more pleasing at sight. And yes, I am currently "listening" to my instructor discussing inorganic chemistry in the laboratory. I shifted to a more comfortable position laying my chin on the edge of the bed still facing my diabolical work and between us, tiles of different faces.
This could have been better if I get to wear a lab coat but no. No lab coat for any of us, staring at a screen and watching a youtube video of another scientist experimenting. Sometimes, it becomes difficult with their heavy accents, you missed out on words in the procedure. So I need to repeat it a couple of times to at least deduce what in the world he's saying.
First of all, I'm not smart, just your average joe who can do sorts of tasks but never excel on any. It was as if during my years in high school I was high. Disclaimer, not that I know how it feels to be high. Asian kids tend to be uptight or we ought to be. For the first time in my entire life, I loved studying. Maybe what I love was someone near me while studying. The glimmer I see in his eyes while teaching us seems so bright. It was as if he was in another dimension, which I in return tried hard to enter. Looking back, love made me do lots of things. Lots of weird things.
With only my instructor's voice, I hear in my earphones. Suddenly, a huge yawn woke us up to be followed by a comment that person will soon regret for the rest of his college life.
"When will this end?..." someone said.
Silence came banging us. For a few minutes, we are suffocating from awkwardness and fear. Even our current instructor, Mr Rendoza didn't speak a word for some time for him to process what we all just heard. Then he opened his mouth.
"Yes, Mr... Mr Abuan, do you have something to say to the class?"
Tumble noises were heard then some curse before he turned off the mic. Oh god. Why would you leave that open?! Do you have a death wish? Tsk tsk.
"Okay, class. Let's finished today's lesson and get ready for the lab report needed next week" He paused and stopped the presentation. He stared at us for a moment. Contemplating, maybe on how he'll react.
"Mr Abuan?"
"Yes sir?"
"Do turn off your mic during the lecture unless you're permitted to speak"
"Yes sir"
"That's all. Class dismissed"
Before we could even react to what took place, the meeting link collapsed kicking all of us out. Oh, he's mad alright. I do get his point. If I were in his shoes, I would roast that student there and there. He'll feel as if the screen is his only barrier from me. Speaking of which, would I still aim to be a teacher? I mean, I already got dumped. Being in the same field rises the probability of awkward encounters.
Every hair in my body stood straight. Just imagining seeing him married hand in hand with her or their future son sends shivers. Maybe I'll just get my license and run away abroad. I look out the window seeing the Mayon covered with clouds. Once again, easier said than done.
I stood up instantly which made my eyes swirl. Oh, this body is getting old. I need exercise.
Do I?
Nah, too tiring.
I flop on the bed almost knocking my laptop in the process. Thankfully, my reflexes save it from utter destruction. Don't you dare die, you still don't have a replacement.
Ring!!!
I checked my phone and it was already 11:39 am. Right! I need to go out. I slipped inside my black jeans without bothering to remove my shorts, ran downstairs and search for aunty.
I saw her near her plants, diligently watering them. I ran up to her.
"Aunty, Tita said that you'd give me money," I said. She turned around to look at me. Her right hand placed the dipper on the wooden mahogany table next to her and reached for her pocket.
....
The sound of my steps drowned among those of others and the numerous honks of horns. I stand staring at the huge fortress in front of me. Even with my pants on, I feel naked.
I am in front of a mall once again, the very same mall no less. I still feel like people are staring. Even though I knew it was just in my head my stomach went on and backflips on its own.
I could feel the sting on both of my cheeks as it reddens from my solid slaps. I need to stay focused. It's nothing... It's all in my mind. I know that I'm an overthinker. Things aren't that bad. I breathed slowly to ease my anxious nerves and proceeded with caution.
Thankfully, all the things on the list could be bought on the first floor. No need to go up. I sighed in relief. It's not that I'm petrified or developed a trauma on escalators. It's just better to be safe than be in those awful situations again.