CHAPTER 05: Anything?

CLAIRE’s P.O.V.

        After stirring my coffee, I inhaled the rich aroma coming from the black hot liquid inside of the cup. I savour the bittersweet taste before I came back to my senses. I need to start walking from our house to the school building that I was working at now.

“Alexa? Did Dad already took his meds?” I called out to my little sister.

“He’s done!” she proudly stated, revealing a thumbs up out of her tiny fingers.

“Please take care of him. I’m gonna go to work now. I’ll be back soon.” I kissed the top of her forehead before picking up my stuffs from the small chair behind our door.

        I sighed as I started walking towards our school. Our life may not be as good as others but I can proudly say that I worked very hard to provide our daily needs. There’s no shame in that.

       And one more thing, I’m a teacher and I love my profession. Being a teacher makes me relieved. I enjoyed teaching children how to read and write. I enjoy checking their works and being a part of their journey as they grow up.

“Good morning, Teacher Claire.”

        I look at the man who greeted me just now. It was Elijah, my co-worker. He’s a fellow teacher to this school and a small-time businessman. Even if he’s a part of the opposite gander, I still enjoy hanging out with him. He’s a very nice and friendly person. He was the closest human to me aside from my family. 

        To proved that he’s actually nice, he even offered me a ride home yesterday. If it wasn’t for him, I’m pretty sure that all of my paperworks will be soaked in the heavy rain yesterday. I wish I could’ve at least invited him inside of our home as a way of gratitude after giving me a ride. But I couldn’t do it. And it was all because of that arrogant man. Thanks to him I couldn’t offer Elijah even just a cup of coffee.

“Are you okay? You looked anxious...”

“I’m fine. I’m just thinking about something.”

“Something? Is there any chance that it was someone instead?”

“Teacher Elij...”

“I know, I know. Sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

“I forgot to introduce you to my friend yesterday. He’s name is Darren Herrera, and I have his phone number. Do you want to have it?” He grinned at me.

        As if I want to talk to that arrogant man ever again. His nothing but a walking bad attitude. I can still remembered how he averted his eyes towards another direction when I tried to smile at him inside of Elijah’s car.

“Ha! He wish! I will never, ever, never talk to that man ever again. He’s the epitome of the word ‘arrogance.’ Am I right, Teacher Elij?”

“He’s my bestfriend, Claire.”

        I looked at him, scared to death if he’s going to be mad at me or what. But he’s not. In fact, he just laughed at my nervous reaction before he started walking fast, leaving me behind him while shaking his head.

“Teacher Elijah! Wait!”

        I nearly stumble and fall when I tried to chase after him. Good thing that I didn’t lost my balance. But now, all of my books and folders were already scattered on the ground.

“Are you okay?” Finally, he looked back.

“I’m fine, Teacher Elij...”

“You’re still clumsy...”

        He helped me picked up my things before we went to the teacher’s lounge.

“I heard that our batchmates are organizing a high school reunion. Will you come?”

“I’ll think about it.”

“I heard that Gabriel was already here in the Philippines. I’m sure he’ll come there.” He looked at me with his mischievous smile.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Maybe he’s still into you, Claire,” he seriously stated.

“Well... He’s just a friend. Nothing more, nothing less. And besides, I don’t want to be the center of attention when that day comes. I’m sure that rumors will spread like a wild fire again if I stick with him during our reunion. Specially with Kate around.”

“K-Kate?” His face was suddenly invaded by confusion.

“Why? What’s wrong, Elij?”

“I think I heard that name before... Or maybe it was just my imagination.”

“She’s my high school bestfriend. Gabriel’s ex-girlfriend, as well... Though I don’t know if the two of them officially labeled their relationship like that.”

        Mixed emotions were now visible in his eyes. I could see the amusement, surprise, and mostly, disbelief.

“I can’t believe it...”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. It’s just that... I think I knew someone named Kate. I’m not sure though.” I just sighed at his unsure response.

“I need to get to my class now, Teacher Elijah. Bye.”

“Wait!”

       I was about to leave when I heard his voice. I turned my gaze on him and raise one of my eyebrows.

“What now?”

“Do you need an extra job?”

        I instantly smile at that thought. Extra job? I hope that this is not another joke coming from Elijah. I badly needed to have an extra job aside from being a teacher.

“Are you serious?”

“Of course I am,” he proudly stated.

“Then yes, I do need an extra job. Do you know any? I’ll do anything for my family, Elij, always remember that.”

“Anything?” he asked and I nodded. “Are you sure, Teacher Claire?”

“Yeah. Why does it look like you are the one hesitating now?”

“Nothing. It’s  just that... Promise me you won’t be mad at me or what. And also, please don’t slap me.” He laughed nervously.

“Of course I won’t! Why would I?” I asked, confused.

“Promised me.”

“Fine, fine. I promised.”

“Then come with me later, after class. I will introduce you to someone. Someone I know. Maybe your future boss.”

“Alright. I trust you on this one, Elij.”

        He just smiled timidly before looking away. I just sighed as I continue walking into my class.