Their teasing continued and honestly I really felt like I'd stumbled into a fantasy rom-com. But hey, despite the curious stares and whispers from everyone around us at least I was hanging out with a group of royalty. And in my own story I'm the underdog Disney princess 'Cinderella' who happens to work as a tutor and nanny in real life.
Finally, the endless banter in the cafeteria wound down. Whether I should feel happy or just plain weirded out, one thing was clear. I somehow had an instant squad. Wow congrats, Sophia!
But honestly I felt a bit out of place. Them? They looked like brand ambassadors for high-end fashion lines. Everything they wore looked tailored for the runway. Me? Well, I looked like a freelance fashion disaster the type your mom would call "happy in her own style" but deep down you know you look like a rag compared to them.
I was about to leave when Zed's Chinese-looking friend chimed in. "You're fun to be around Sophia. Not only your cute, you're beautiful too. Nice meeting you." And yes... He even winked! What's this? Are they all auditioning for the lead role in my life?
I almost wanted to reply "Wow, I didn't know I was on a promo period buy one compliment, take one free!" But I stayed calm. It was a little embarrassing but hey, free compliments? Thank you kuya!
Then there was Mr. Mysterious again. I caught him glancing at me with a look that seemed to carry a deep message. But since I'm Sophia the overthinking expert I couldn't help my imagination.
Did he see ketchup on my shirt? Or do I have something stuck in my teeth?
With my heart racing I started to wonder. Wait what's your deal kuya? Why does it always seem like you're living in a telenovela moment? If I had a signature move today it would be the way my shoulders dropped from all the awkwardness. But I powered through! Strong independent woman vibes even if I look like a rag!
And of course as we walked away I found myself spaced out again. So what if he looked? I'm probably not a big deal to Mr. Mysterious right? But here I am... Day one and it seems like fate is already intent on making my life complicated.
Sophia stay calm. It's only day one and you're already starring in your own rom-com!
It's only two in the afternoon, and classes are over? Wow, is this really how it goes in university? It still feels like summer vacation! Apparently the rest of the day is for clubs or other activities you can join.
Clubs? I can't think of any club to join unless there's a club for people who are too lazy to think of a club.
Suddenly Lily pulled me. Lily the energetic queen but she's funny too... so I don't overthink if this friendship is a good idea.
"Sophia! Come on, let's roam around campus! Let's go sightseeing for cute guys!" She sounded like she was on some kind of mission. Well okay I don't have anything to do anyway so I let her drag me along.
So there we went strolling around the campus. It was surprising. This place looks like a movie set. Every path we took had a handsome guy. Wow, is this a university or a talent agency?
"Look, Sophia!" Lily whispered. "Oh my gosh the basketball varsity players! They're legit heartthrobs!"
And there they were the basketball varsity players. It was like a scene from a rom-com movie. Girls were squealing and running to the gym like there was a sale on good-looking guys. Okay now I get why Lily chose this campus. Not for academics but for the handsome population.
I just went along with Lily's energy but deep inside I felt shy. I hid a bit behind her while we watched. Lily was having the time of her life like she'd reached her life goal for the day.
"Oh my gosh Sophia, look at that one! He's so tall! Like he could probably reach the moon!" Lily said almost ready to fly with excitement. Me? Well, I was a little nervous. I'd probably faint if I made eye contact with any of them. I just couldn't handle it!
After a whiIe I noticed a familiar figure walking toward the court. Its Zed! And of course he was with his handsome squad. But he suddenly shifted into athlete mode. He became focused and serious while trying out. His friends? Total cheer mode. Lily and I? Silent mode more like we couldn't believe we were witnessing this kind of scene.
Then as usual Lily noticed I was off in daydream mode again. "Hey, Sophia! Don't be like that! You might end up being their target!" she laughed.
Me? The target of varsity players? Oh no I think I'd rather join a knitting club than consider that possibility.
By the way Zed? I've known him for ages! Even before I was a twinkle in my mom's eye my mom was already around the Valdez family so technically before I was even here Zed's family was already a celebrity in our lives.
But you know what? Zed wasn't always this Prince Charming type you see in stories. Back when we were kids he was the ultimate chubby bully! Just seeing him from afar my siblings and I would start running because we knew he'd tease us. "Hey, you country bumpkins!" If you ever got caught in front of him you'd be stuck getting teased for an hour.
I don't know he's changed a lot. From chubby bully to total heartthrob varsity player! Who would've thought right? I'm probably the only one left who remembers the timeline where he was the chicharron-eating bully who babysat my siblings and me. And now? He's the daydream material of the girls on campus.
And of course Lily the ultimate fangirl is out of control. "Sophia! Let's cheer! Cheer for Zed and his team!" She was so loud that I just had to join in her noise. But deep down I was confused. Cheer? For Zed? Isn't he the bully of my past?
But Lily as usual had no brakes. "Go, Zed! You need our energy!" she yelled almost losing her voice. I on the other hand just stood there pretending to be cool but I was clearly thinking. What are you doing Sophia? Remember you're here because you're his nanny!
"Hey Sophia! Don't just stand there! Cheer too!" Lily brought me back to reality. I didn't have much choice so I joined in. But of course my cheer was low-key. "Go Zed… or… whatever," I muttered softly.