"I took up education because I plan to open my own school… for those who have no ambition too," she said laughing.
"I'm also in education. I just want to graduate and get a job back home," I said. "My dream is simple, to be Teacher Sophia and teach ABCs!"
We both laughed. It felt amazing to have someone who could relate to me, even in a place where it felt like we were on a different planet and with humor that not everyone would get.
While I was scanning the room I thought to myself, "Go ahead, classmates. You all may have expensive-looking faces, but I have Lily Gomez, and nothing can beat her comedic charm."
Then came the classic line every teacher says on the first day of class.
"Time to introduce yourselves!"
Of course Lily was ready, the first to volunteer. If you think she's funny in a one-on-one conversation, she's on another level when she's in front of the whole class. She's like a stand-up comedian with her own live audience.
"Hi, I'm Lily Gomez. And no, I'm not related to Selena, okay?" She flipped her hair like she was in a shampoo commercial. "I took up Education because I want to open a school with no exams and a schedule full of recess. Basically, we'd just hang out at the canteen all day!"
As expected, the entire class burst out laughing. Even I couldn't hold back. Seriously, this girl's comedic timing is something else.
Then it was my turn. I planned to keep it simple but of course, I had to add a bit of flavor.
"Hi... I'm Sophia Valdez, but don't assume I have anything to do with those rich Valdez folks. Honestly, we're probably nowhere close on ancestry.com to those Valdez."
Some people glanced at each other, looking curious. I even heard some murmuring. "Who is this Valdez?" So, to stop the guessing, I added.
"I'm from the province, and back there, the most famous spot is the marketplace… and I'm the princess of the dry goods section!" The class burst into laughter, and I thought, "Good job, Sophia. Just a bit of humor to keep them from taking me too seriously."
And then it happened. Someone asked, "Wait, Sophia… weren't you with Raki Zed Valdez earlier? Why were you two together?"
And just like that I was in the hot seat, with everyone's eyes on me like it was an interrogation. Why was I with Zed? If they only knew I was literally his babysitter-slash-tutor, my life would turn into a soap opera.
"Oh, Zed? We're just friends," I said trying to sound casual. "Actually, I'm just his go-to human Google when he needs something."
I sighed and added, "He said it would be better if we stuck together at university. You know.., so he'd have someone to keep an eye on him without drawing too much attention." I tried to play it cool but they were clearly still curious. Especially when one classmate chimed in, "OMG! Zed? He's so popular! I even saw his post from some social gatherings! He was a big deal in senior high!"
Popular, huh?! I had no idea. I mean, I know Zed as the guy who eats pizza faster than I can grab a slice, but I didn't realize he was also known outside his family's circle.
The entire class exchanged glances like a telenovela where everyone suddenly falls silent and I was now the mysterious girl who happened to be friends with Zed.
"We're just friends guys... chill," I laughed. I didn't even know he was that famous! But it's better to keep things low-key. I wouldn't mention the part about being his tutor/babysitter that would lead to even more questions, and I'd feel like a talk show guest.
After that we got back to the usual class introductions. But I could still feel some eyes watching me. Apparently, being connected to Zed was like having a VIP pass to the elite social scene.
"Oh well," I thought, smiling. If I hadn't gotten a reality check earlier, I might really think I was some kind of princess by now.
The class finally ended after all the introductions! And to be honest, it was getting boring. It was just "Hi, I'm so and so" and "I'm from here" over and over. Tedious! But of course, you just have to endure it. It's the first day, you need to make a good impression even if it's just through introductions.
Finally, it was lunchtime! I planned to eat with Lily, but then I remembered she was practically heiress-level. The kind who'd head to the mall to shop for lunch. Me? Well, life keeps me grounded at the canteen. If I had the budget, maybe I'd visit a fancy café but realistically, I'm more likely to stick to a rice meal at the canteen. No assumptions!
As I walked towards the canteen I almost got lost in this massive university. Where was the canteen? It felt like I'd entered a maze instead of a school map.
And then, while navigating on my own I bumped into a girl with a look that screamed attitude.
You know that face that looks like a classic lead antagonist in a soap opera? The kind you immediately know has attitude. Even the way she flicked her hair had sass. She even poked my arm!
Oh no! Is this it? The classic bully scene where suddenly Prince Charming shows up to save me?
I imagined Zed's dramatic entrance, like in those movies where he'd swoop in and defend me.
But… reality check! I was daydreaming again. Wake up, Sophia!
Instead, what happened? Zed just laughed at me! Yup, I spotted him with his group of guy friends. They were all like the cool kids while I felt like the clueless one trying to navigate an obstacle course.
Instead of saving me Prince Charming Zed joined in the laughter, like a scene straight out of a high school comedy.
Seriously, the nerve of Zed to laugh! If I weren't so nice, I might've shouted to the whole university that he didn't shower for three days!