6. The First Class

I had crushes. I remember having a crush on William Santos back in Elementary because he knows how to comprehend while reading. But it didn’t last long because apparently, the guy is a jerk. I saw him punching another girl in my class and it was awful. It made me pledge not to ever have a crush on him.

In High School, the guys are not really attractive. Well, what’s attractive to me are guys who know how to form words beautifully, guys who know how to solve Algebra problems. But the guys in my High School? Unattractive. They are good-looking, but looks are not everything for me.

Looking at the guy now who’s also eyeing me with the same intensity as yesterday, gives me the chills down my spine. Sure, he’s good-looking, his black hair has this messy look which made him look like a bad boy. And his brows? To die for! It’s in perfect shape and it’s all hair I can say. It must be good to have the same brows where I don’t have to use a brow pencil or something. His nose was pointed and he has a skin that looks like has been in the derma every month. And he’s so tall! I bet he’s about 6’ or 6’1.

Looking at him, I can tell he’s from a rich family. But still, the weird sensation coming from the necklace still lingers. I chose not to mind it. People might think I’m crazy or something if I react to it.

“Done checking me out?” He suddenly asked, which annoyed me. I just scoffed and turned my back. There’s no way I’m giving this guy any attention.

I smiled at the lady in front of me and paid for our food. “May I have your name for your orders?” She asked.

“It’s Jasmine,” I answered. 

She then instructed me to wait at our table, and that my name will be called later if the food’s ready. I quickly left the counter and found a table.

Where the hell is Taylor? Why is she taking so long in the restroom?

I could tell it was the guy’s turn at the counter so I chose the seat where I couldn't see him. I don’t know why but I have this weird feeling about him.

While waiting for my name to be called, I regretted not bringing a book with me. What should I do now? I have a few minutes to spare. That's already equivalent to a few pages.

“So your name’s Jasmine, huh?” The guy murmured. His presence already annoyed me but it annoyed me more when he sat on the chair in front of me. That’s Taylor’s chair!

And I hate that he now knows my name.

Of all the places here in school, we really stumbled on the same cafe? No, I refuse to think this is destiny or some sort. There’s no such thing as that here. Not with this guy.

I still ignored him and just chose to use my phone. Maybe I’ll just text my Mom or my sisters.

“Are you really not talking to me?” He asks. He pretended to look sad, but I won’t be deceived by that. I know surely he’s just pretending.

And hello, isn’t it obvious?

Good thing my Mom quickly replied to my ‘Good morning’ text. Although I don’t know now what to reply to her text: Morning, hun. How’s school? Met anyone?

I remembered how intense my classmates were during the encounter yesterday. I wanted to rant to my Mom about it but I feel like texts won’t be enough to describe what I’m really feeling.

“Aw. You’re completely ignoring me,” he mumbled. This time, I looked at him boredly. I just can’t understand why he’s not backing down. “You looked at me, finally!” He said cheerfully. And he smiled. For a second, I thought it was genuine. But again, I won’t be deceived. He’s probably one of those guys who would do his everything to get into my pants, as my Mom would say.

So, no, thank you.

“Jasmine?” I heard Taylor. “What is this guy doing here? Do you know him?”

“Yes, Jasmine. Do you remember me?” The guy asked with a smile. I made a face at him.

“Of course, I remember you,” I answered. “Who would forget the guys who crashed at our freshmen orientation?” I added. I heard Taylor laugh at what I said.

But the guy is just smiling amusingly at me.

“Since your friend is already here, I should probably leave,” he said, standing up from his seat. “But it was nice hearing your voice, Jasmine,” he added with a smile. The way he says my name gives me the creeps.

I heard one of the crews at the counter call our names. After calling me for my orders, Flint's name was also called for his order. But I didn't move just yet.

The Flint Guy walked to the counter smilingly and took his coffee. When he was finally out of sight, that’s when I stood up to claim our orders.

“What was that?” Taylor asked.

I just shrugged because I really don’t know what that guy is up to. And he’s so smug! He might be good-looking but that’s definitely unattractive for me. A turn off, if I say.

“I bet that guy likes you,” Taylor murmured. We already got our orders and are now going back to our table.

“Oh, shut it, He’s not my type.”

“But you’re definitely his.”

-

After having our breakfast, Taylor and I went back to the dorm. There was still a little time before my first class but just like what I decided, I’ll practice being an early bird so I went to my class.

When I reached the classroom, there was no one else there so I got the chance to choose where I’d sit. And of course I chose the front row. It would be nice to be near the Professor. That would make me alert and prepared in case he decides to call my name in class. I hate looking dumb so I have to step up my game.

Since there are still a few minutes before the first class, I decided to reply to my mom’s text earlier and tell her I need to see her on the weekend so I can tell her everything that happened to me on the first day. It would require lots of coffee and cheesecake.

My classmates came in one by one until the room was filled. I should be calm but I could feel my heart pounding in my chest the moment I saw the Professor enter the room. She looks like she’s in her 40s. What’s more terrifying is the way she looks at us- like she’s gonna scare the rest of us and drive us out of the University. I wish that what I’m thinking is incorrect. Maybe she’s not like that and I’m just overthinking too much. I should give her the benefit of the doubt.

“Get a whole sheet of paper,” she said. My eyes widened in shock.

Is there a quiz already? Did I not get the memo? What is going on?

As my heartbeat doubled its pace, the Professor distributed a stapled paper. When I received mine, I could see my hand shaking. I had to put the paper down and clench my hand.

This is not good for my sanity.

“You will answer the following questions. And based on your answers, I will know if you really belong in this class or not,” she announced.

I looked at the paper and tried to make myself believe that this is easy, that I can do this, that I can prove I belong here.

Most of the questions require answers in an essay form. I believe this is to test how good we are with our words since we are Creative Writing students. I guess this will assess how much polishing we need.

After a few deep breaths, I managed to calm myself.

It took us almost the entire period of class to finish all the questions. I even crammed the last question because the Prof kept on announcing how much time we have left. I know it’s for us to be aware of the time, but what it’s giving me is panic.

I got out of the room a little bummed and proceeded to my next class. It was not that far from my previous class because it’s in the same building.

I got there just in time for me to still have a chair to sit on. God, my blocmates must have walked so fast to get here first.

“Hey, you’re in this class?” Someone at my back asked. I didn’t think it was me he’s talking to so I didn’t turn. “Hey, Jasmine.”

Oh, so it was me.

This time, I turned.

Only to see that Flint guy from yesterday and earlier.