Chapter 1- Faith after 7 Years without Austin
Chapter 1
Faith's POV
"Faith! Sir Principal is calling you to the office, as in now!" Charie exclaimed as she nearly tripped rushing to my classroom door.
"You scared me, Charie!" I almost jumped, clutching my chest. My friend really talks like a firetruck siren.
"Why though? Isn’t it a bit early for Sir?" I asked while trying to calm myself down.
"Beats me! I was just told to call you, girl. Maybe he just wants to see you to brighten up his morning! Hahaha!" she said with a wink. There she goes again. She never gets tired of teasing me, especially since she knows how obvious Sir Principal’s admiration for me is. Yes, he’s handsome, kind, responsible, and has a position. But no matter how hard I try, I just don’t feel anything for him. Nothing at all. It’s like my heart is numb—or maybe it’s made of stone.
"Hey, you’re zoning out again! Go to the office already. If Sir suddenly checks our lesson plans, I’m doomed, I swear." Charie looked a bit worried, probably because she’s always late in submitting her lesson plans. She has a lot going on at home. I admire her sometimes—despite being tired, she’s still cheerful. That’s one of the reasons why she’s so dear to me as a friend.
"Alright, I’m going. But why didn’t you print your lesson plan last night before bed? You prioritized your K-drama again, didn’t you?" I teased her, even though I knew there was a more serious reason behind her delay.
"Oops, wrong guess! Hahaha! I was editing a post for social media, hoping it might go viral, gain followers, and earn money. You know how hard it is to stretch our salary. When will we ever get rich, huh?" I remembered one time she went live and even included me, revealing that I’m still single. She practically sold me online. So embarrassing. She’s crazy.
"Keep dreaming! Does anyone get rich in our profession? On paper, maybe." I laughed, though there was truth in what I said. Real talk—no one gets rich from teaching. When salaries go up, prices go up too. But it’s fine as long as we get by daily and save a little.
I was heading to the classroom door when Jomer suddenly appeared. Oh no… here we go again.
"Flowers for the most beautiful teacher in all of Zambales!" he proudly said, holding a bouquet. Smiling, but stressful.
"Thanks, Jomer..." I forced a smile as I accepted the flowers.
"Jomer, how many times do I have to tell you that friendship is all I can offer? I hope you understand. You don’t need to give me flowers and gifts every day." My voice already sounded tired. It’s not funny anymore when it’s repetitive.
"Sorry, Faith. But I won’t stop... not until we end up in LOVE." He even pronounced it like a movie line. Annoying but funny.
"You know what, Jomer, just pay attention to Nicole. She used to love you so much!" Charie interrupted, glancing at Nicole who happened to pass by, giving me a dirty look like she was about to throw food at my face.
"Speaking of the devil! Jomer, go woo that witch instead. Leave my best friend alone." she said loudly, making sure Nicole heard.
"Maybe I should throw you into the street, Charie? You’re like a frog that got wet. Maybe you like me, huh? Sorry girl, I don’t go for roasted pigs."
"What did you say? Pig? Frog? Excuse me! Me, like you? Never! Over my sexy body, even if you were the last man on earth, I would never go for you!" Charie’s face turned red with anger.
"You two, stop it already. Students are arriving. I’m leaving." I was tired of their endless bickering.
"Go ahead, Faith. Your love of your life might be getting impatient." she teased as I walked down the hallway.
"Stop it, Charie. Someone might hear you."
"Better Sir than Jomer who looks like a gecko. And he’s a womanizer too."
"Me, a gecko?! Maybe I should skin you alive!" I didn’t hear the rest of their argument. I just ran toward the office. In my rush, I didn’t notice Nicole—ugh, that witch—and bumped into her. Her lesson plan folders fell.
"What the heck! Are you blind or just doing it on purpose?!" she shouted while picking up the papers.
"Sorry, Nicole. I didn’t mean to. I was just in a hurry." I helped her pick up the folder she dropped.
"The hallway is wide. I’m big. You didn’t see me?!" she said sarcastically.
"I was rushing because Sir Jaecob called me."
"So? What’s it to me if he called you? After Jomer, now it’s Sir Jaecob? You’re something else, Faith." she raised an eyebrow, as if slapping me with her words. My God... please give me patience. It’s not easy dealing with people like this every day.
"Think whatever you want, Nicole. I’m here to work. Not to do anything that’ll ruin me."
"Whatever. Miss Pretty." she rolled her eyes and walked past me like I was the one at fault. Okay, I admit I was wrong for bumping into her. That’s all.
I wanted to say more, but I let it go. She’s not worth my energy. I know why she’s like that to me. Sigh. How many more people will I encounter today who’ll drain my energy? I’m just going to the office, but it feels like a whole movie already happened today. If this school weren’t so close to where I live, I would’ve left long ago. It saves me a lot on fare, yes. But in exchange: a whole barangay of stress. Almost every day. That’s just how it is—teacher life.
