Dennis…
Few weeks had gone since the start of the semester and the student’s work is starting to pile up. They have assignments, projects, reports at the one thing that most of them hate, the research. All of the students are busy on their work. It is funny to see the Senior High being busier compared to the College students. Maybe because the priorities changes when you change levels. The senior high still has that industry at work that they had when they were in junior high.
I also see Ledesma coming to class regularly. The instructors and his classmates notice it too. But at times when he is missed and cannot be found, I know where to find him. Definitely, he is there at the Acacia tree at the back of the University. He is sitting alone enjoying the peace and quiet while texting and enjoying his favorite “choco-choco”.
Sometimes, I am watching him from a distance while he is sitting there. When he didn’t come to class or during his free period. He is always spaced out and looking afar. There is this one time when I caught him smiling out of nothing, like he thinks of something funny.
Sometimes, I see him holding his phone. Maybe he is texting or playing games on it, I don’t know. But even during classes I see him holding his phone a lot. I told him one time to keep his phone during classes because it is prohibited. But I still see him using it on his other classes. He is just good at keeping it on the side that’s why his instructors do not catch him.
As an adviser, it is one of my jobs to know the background of my students. Even if they are almost adult already, it is still necessary for me to do so. Most of my students have common family backgrounds except for one, Jefferson’s. His portfolio is very impressive. He has a lot of awards from different competitions in his previous school. His academic performances are excellent. I cannot see any bad records or comments from his teachers. But why am I seeing differently now?
When I ask some of his classmates about him, their stories are far different from his track records. They do not get along with him that much when they have classroom activities or join them during break time. He prefers to be alone and isolated.
Jefferson’s grades are on average across different subjects. He is responsible in meeting deadlines. But he is always doing things alone.
“Do you already know what your class is going to present in our Acquaintance Party?’, Sam interrupts my thinking.
“What is that again?”, I asked. Confused.
“You’re lost in your thoughts again. I said, what are you going to present for our Acquaintance Party?”, Sam repeated his question.
“Oh my, I forget about that. All classes must present something.”, I remembered. “Why didn’t you tell me. Is that what you’re practicing recently?”
“Exactly! We are not going to lose again this year that is why we are practicing our ass off for this presentation.”, Sam said confidently. “Also, I am not going to let the Computer Studies win again. They are always winning. They are not great actually. They just have the advantage in using technologies that’s why their performances are becoming crowd’s favorite.”
“Don’t say that. All first years are great. They just always present something new and creative. That’s why. Don’t worry, do you best this year so that you will win the second place.”, I said.
“Hey, what do you mean by second place. I just said that we are going to beat the Computer Studies this year so we will be the first.”, Sam corrected me.
“You are missing something my friend. My STEM class is here and we are not going to be easy.”, I brag.
“Haha, is that so? Then may the best section wins.”, Sam accepted the challenge.
My cubicle was filled with silent laughter and chatting that afternoon. Truly, the Computer Studies are always on the lead when it comes to University presentations. Not only because their students are talented but because they always have surprises to show. Their presentations are legit. Their smoke screens are the best. Their use of technology is so advanced. One time, they use harness and hang students on the gym’s ceiling in one of their presentations. Unlike us that only rely on pure talents. We do not have that “wow factor” for the win.
I do not know what Sam is preparing with his class but the thought of the Acquaintance Party gives chills on my bones. I haven’t even mentioned it to my class yet. I don’t even know if they have something to prepare already for the party. Because of tons of work they have to finish, I don’t know if they have time to prepare for it.
I abruptly excuse myself to Sam to run to my STEM class. It’s not yet four o’clock so I still have time to take at least five minutes to make this announcement. When I get to their room, I saw Mr. Bontoc was still inside. I softly knock on the door to get his attention. He comes to the door and I had a quick talk with him to excuse Rafael, my class president. I gestured Rafael that this won’t take long.
“Rafael, you’ve heard of our Acquaintance Party already?”, I asked him when came out of the classroom. “All classes are required to perform on the night of the party. That means, our class has to present something.”
“Yes sir. I’ve read about it on the bulletin board of the Student Council.”, Rafael replied.
“Good. So, have you come up of something yet?”,
“We are thinking of a dance presentation sir. But we do not know who can teach us to dance.”- Rafael.
“A dance presentation? Is that our only option? What did your classmates say?”
“That’s the majority sir. They prefer the dance presentation over a song number.”, -Rafael.
“If that’s what the class wanted, then a dance presentation it is.”,
“The class is considering to hire a choreographer from the outside sir since none of us can. Is that okay sir?”, Rafael asked.
“No, you cannot do that. It is prohibited. There was an issue about that last year. The presentations should be prepared and created by our students only.”, I informed him.
“Oh, that is going a problem. Sir, how about you, can you choreograph?”, -Rafael.
“I’ll try to think of something. For now, practice whatever you have. I’ll get you a permit so that you can practice inside the University premises okay.” I told Rafael.
After our quick chat, Rafael get inside the classroom. I gave Mr. Bontoc a wave and said thank you before I leave. As I was walking back to the faculty room, my mind was wondering and thinking of what could we possibly prepare for the party. I couldn’t let them alone on their own.
I saw Sam walking on the ground leading his advisory class. Seeing Sam so busy about this makes me feel nervous. They really preparing for this. I have to do something.
I don’t want to sit in my cubicle because definitely, I wouldn’t accomplish anything. Instead, I head to our hiding spot at the back of the University. I am not sure how long will their practice will last but I think Sam will text me if he wouldn’t join later at dismissal.
I grab a cup of coffee before going to our spot so that I could think clearly. I am walking very carefully because the Styrofoam cup I am holding is very hot and I don’t want to burn myself. I was about three classrooms away from our spot when I notice that there is somebody sitting there again. I stop for a moment and figure who the student was and recognize that it was Jefferson. I don’t know if I continue heading for the tree or go back to my cubicle. But I need to think and that is one of the spot where I could do that.
I come to the tree as quiet as I can to not disturb Jefferson and sit on the other side of the spot. He may be thinking so deeply that he didn’t notice my presence when I sat. I sit comfortably on a bench and sip my cup of coffee. Like Jefferson, I quietly watch the grounds of the University in silence. The wind blew gently and makes the leaves of the tree rustle. This place is a very good place to think. I take another sip of my coffee when I hear Jefferson yelp on his seat.
“Oh my g*sh!”, he exclaimed.
Because of his reaction, I slightly spill my cup on my hand that brings a searing pain.
“Ah! Sh*t”, I stood frantically while shaking my burnt hand.
“Oh my! Sir, I am sorry.”, Jefferson approached me. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I was surprised to see you. I didn’t notice you sitting there.”, he apologized while handing me his handkerchief to wipe my hands.
“That is okay. It’s just a small burn.”, I told him while resisting the pain. I pulled my own hanky from my pocket to wrap around my hand but Jefferson hurriedly wrap his to my hand instead. He is very gentle with my hand. I see the concern in his eyes. He palms his hands around mine while gently blowing it to ease the pain.
I felt the warm of his breath. I kept on doing while apologizing for what had happened. I was speechless at that moment. I didn’t even move a muscle. I was standing there just looking at what he is doing.
I once again get to see his face closely. He really is skinny and his cheeks are still sunken. Nevertheless, Jefferson is good looking guy. He’s charm is not noticeable from afar or when you just came across him. I didn’t even notice it in class. But you will notice it when you take a good look at him.
His pale white skin is smooth. His eyes are hazelnut which radiates when hit by sunlight. His hands are soft and thin. His nose is cute and in right size for his gentle and lovely face.
“Does it still hurt?”, he asked while looking at me with his worried eyes. Still, I was speechless. My attention was fixated with his face and those pink moistened lips of his.
A gentle blow of wind that kisses my cheeks awaken my consciousness.
“Yeah I’m fine. Don’t worry too much. It’s just a spill.”, I said casually as I pulled my hand from his.
“I am sorry again, sir. I didn’t notice you earlier. I was listening to music that’s why I couldn’t hear anything.”, he pointed at his earphones that were still in his ears.
“Again, don’t worry about this. I am okay.”, I assured him.
After I said that, Jefferson moved a few paces away from me. I saw that the felt shy for acting that way he did. On my end, I gathered myself because I still couldn’t remove my stare at this lovely guy. I somehow recognize those hazelnut eyes from somewhere but I couldn’t remember.
“So, you are missing your class again Mr. Ledesma.”, I asked in my attempt to change the topic.
“Ah, I’m sorry sir. My mind was caught up into something. I’ll come to my class tomorrow.”, he said bitterly as he is walking back to his place earlier.
“I cannot blame you for choosing this place to think. I find it very relaxing also and very conducive when you want to focus your mind into something.” I said. “and that’s why I am here too.”
Jefferson returned to his spot and resume his quietness. I don’t know how to start a conversation again because I, myself, has nothing to say that might interest him. I don’t even know what he is thinking.
“Our class is going to have a dance presentation for the Acquaintance Party. You have to join.”, I told him. I think it is a good way to start because that is also the reason why I come here.
“I’ve about it sir on the bulletin board. Do I really have to attend the party?”, he replied negatively.
“Of course! All classes must participate in the party.”, I said encouragingly.
Jefferson did not respond to what I said. He went back to his thinking moment again.
“Do you know how to dance?”, I asked.
Jefferson looked at me, straight into my eyes. His forehead creased like he was thinking hard about something.
“I am not sure.”, he said softly, almost inaudible.
“What do you mean? it’s only a yes or a no. Do you know how to dance?”, I clarified.
“I don’t know. I feel like I know how to dance but I couldn’t remember dancing before.”, he replied with a very confused look on his face.
I find his answer weird. How can someone do know if he can dance or not? And if he does, how come he couldn’t remember dancing at any occasion?
“I think you can dance. You are just shy to do so.”, I confirmed his confusion.
“How can you say that sir?”,
“Your shoulders have rhythms. I notice it when you were listening to your music earlier.”, I said while pointing out the earphones that are still in his ears.
“Those weren’t intentional. I just put them on, listen and just let it move. Does that mean I know how to dance already?”, he said unconfidently. Not believing what I told him.
“Just come to practice when I set it okay. Then, let’s see what you got.”, I invited him.
I got to my feet and about to go back to the faculty when Jefferson called out to me. “Sir wait.”,
He again gave me that hollow stare in the eyes. His brows crossed. He was like trying to figure out something about me that he couldn’t identify. He always gives me that look every time we see each other in this spot.
“Nothing sir. I’m sorry.” - Jefferson
“Okay. See you in class then.”,
“And please come to the clinic first to put first aid on your hands, sir.”, he called to remind me.
I was about four classrooms away from the tree when I looked back at Jefferson. He returned to his peaceful trance again. What is this guy thinking?
When I get to the clinic, I asked the nurse to mend my burnt hand. I was sitting on a clinic chair when my phone vibrates again in my pocket. It was a message from kulit that reads, “Another glimpse from the past is what I am going to discover tomorrow. Wish me luck.”
Until now, this kid is not getting tired of sending none sense text messages. When will he stop?