1 The Start of a Dilemma

I woke up on a bench in the park near my department building. I can't remember how I got in here. I must have been so tired preparing for the midterm exams. I am now a sophomore student taking up nursing.

Nursing is not really my first choice for my major, but my mom insisted that I take this course. As she always says "Being a nurse is one of the most stable jobs. Schools and businesses may close but hospitals will never have that problem." I protested for a long time, but as everyone knows, Asian moms are known as tiger moms. They are so protective of their kids to the point that they make sure they always choose the best decisions for them. Don't get me wrong, I love my mom and she actually has a point. Most of the friends I have from the Philippines which is where my parents were born by the way took up nursing. Both my parents are nurses. So as they say, older people know better because they have more experiences.

As for my school, I chose the one near my place. I can go to better universities, but I don't want my parents to worry about me too much. In short, I can't live independently yet. I can't imagine a day without seeing my mom. She's the best friend I have. She knows almost everything about me, I mean literally everything. I'm an NBSB by the way and you may think it's because of my looks but you're wrong. I had some suitors in the past, but I turned them down. So being single was my choice. I may not be too pretty for some, just an average girl who can pass a man's standard. The problem is me. I can't stand being in a relationship. Just the thought of it makes me cringe. Like it's going to be the end of me if I get into a relationship, like duh! I'd rather spend my time sleeping than having a date or wasting hours calling or texting someone. I have a lot of movies to watch and watching them on my own or with my mom is the best.

These are always the thoughts I have when I meet someone, the person I wish I was, chatty and outgoing. In reality, that's totally the opposite of me. I spend most of my time alone since I was in primary school. Some tried to make friends with me and I appreciate their efforts. It's just that I don't feel comfortable being around others. I enjoy my company better. Now that I'm an adult, I realized how lonely it is not to have many friends. I have my best friend but she is studying in another university. Her name is Kate. Luckily, it's in the same city, so we usually meet on the weekends. She is like my twin sister. Aside from my mom, she's someone I can share all my secrets with. She knows all my thoughts, well most of them. We were classmates from primary school to high school but we separated in university because of our majors. While I study in Denver University which is known for medical courses, she chose Interstate University to take up business management.

With my backpack, I headed towards my first exam which will be held on the second floor of the nursing building. I am used to walking on this path since I use it almost every day. I noticed many eyes looking at me. Some students even tried to avoid me. I looked behind me to check if someone was there, but there was none. Some students even became quiet when I passed by them. They suddenly stopped talking and giggling. Something is really off. As I passed the first floor which is the faculty building, one professor grabbed me in the arm and pulled me towards the Faculty room.

"Miss Chavez, where have you been? You're supposed to be here 15 minutes before the start of the class. And why are you wearing jeans?" She is Professor Jefferson. She's one of the faculty staff in the nursing department. She teaches chemistry.

I was shocked and didn't know how to respond. I just stood there frozen and stared at her, full of questions in my mind.

"Here are your exam materials. I took it from the photocopy room." Professor Jennings, a man in his forties gave me a bundle of paper. He usually teaches pharmacology. I never took his classes yet but he is known to every medical student because of how strict he is with deadlines.

I took the paper from him without any thoughts. I don't even know what I should do with the paper I received.

"Are you okay?" Asked Professor Jefferson. "You haven't uttered a word since you came here."

"I think I should keep going. I need to go to my class." I escaped from the faculty room without saying more. I don't really know how to react. What's wrong with them? Why do they suddenly know me and why should I go to the faculty room?

My first test is Biology which will be held in room 203. As I entered the room, my classmates went back to their own desks and sat down quietly. No one said a word. Everyone was staring at me. I went to the back of the room and sat down on an empty chair. This is not where I usually sit, but this is the only vacant one now. I looked at my seat and Paul was sitting on it. He was also staring at me. I tried to avoid their gazes by pretending to read the paper I have in my hand. This is the bulk of paper Professor Jennings gave me. The first page says Biology - Midterms Exam.

This is the test paper! I put the paper on my desk loudly. Everyone was still looking at me. "I didn't look at the test paper. I dont know why they gave it to me." I said defensively. They might think I am cheating for the test. I picked the paper up then headed towards the front podium where the teachers desk is. I was surprised to see a book in front of the desk. It has a name on the bottom right corner. Emily Chavez. That's my name! But that's not my book.

"When will we start with the test, Professor Chavez?" One of the students asked. It's Michelle. She is always competitive and one of the top five in the class.

Professor Chavez? Did she just call me Professor?