“Maria Christina Samonte. Can I please have your attention?”
I snap back to reality and see a growling creature in the midst of the room.
Oh. It’s just my literature professor, Mr Aligada. More like Aligaga.
He frowns at me and his eyebrows start meeting each other. Like a unibrow. He looks like a prehistoric mammal. A Homo Sapien perhaps. I stifle a giggle but he sees the smile on my face.
“What’s so funny Ms Samonte?”
“Nothing Sir.”
“So tell me Ms Samonte, were you listening to me a while ago?”
I look at him agog but I answer, “Of course Sir.”
“Well answer me Ms Samonte, what does the A on Hester Prynne’s dress mean?
We were learning about The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. I read the whole book actually. I dare not dream of myself being in Hester’s position. But right now, I feel like it’s just like that.
“It signifies adultery Sir.” I reply.
“Good Ms Samonte, I guess you were really paying attention.”
The bell rings and students start to stand up and leave the room.
“Ms Samonte, please stay for a bit.”
As the other students disappear out of the room, I make my way to his desk and study his face. He doesn’t really look that bad. I mean he’s in his late twenties yet he looks…. sad. He has dark wavy hair that I find sexy. He has a bit of stubble but he looks good in it. His body is toned and he is well groomed. I heard he goes to the gym five times a week. Yet, I see shadows under his eyes and he has a short temper.
“Sir. I’m sorry I was just lost for a moment there.”
“Yes. I know. I understand. Ms Samonte, you are one of the brightest in the class but lately, you’ve been failing your quizzes and exams. Is there something wrong? Are you stressed about something?” he looks at me with tact.
“No Sir. I just haven’t been studying that much. My part time job is keeping me busy. Perhaps I can make it up to you? I’ll clean your house and walk your dogs for a week. Just please sir, don’t fail me. I will lose my scholarship.”
My parents died in a car crash about three years ago. They were also in debt. So now, I have to fend for myself.
“I understand what you’ve been through Ms Samonte but this is the last passing grade I’m giving you. Finals are coming and you must pass that or you will fail this class.”
“Thank you very much Sir.”
“Now go on, or you’ll be late for your shift.”
I’m about to turn away when suddenly I felt his body pressed against mine.
I hug him back until he pulls away. He’s been like family to me. After mom and dad died, he gave me advices and pulled a lot of strings for me. He has become my second father.
“Thank you again Sir.” I tell him as I turn away and go.
