Chapter 18

JOAQUIN MENDIOLA, isang English instructor sa isang institute sa Quezon City, madalas tuksuhin ng kapwa instructors na maraming estudyante ang nahuhumaling sa gandang lalaki niya. Kakaunti lang ang tinatanggap niyang klase dahil sa nature ng trabaho niya bilang isang musikero. Pagpasok niya lang ng building nila na may anim na palapag, marami na ang bumabati sa kanya mula sa guwardiya.

‘Sir Joaquin’ siya sa paaralan, pero madalas ay Sinatra Blue ang tawag sa kanya ng mga nakakakilala sa kanya sa labas.

He chose not to talk about his career as a musician between his co-instructors but they are well aware of his reputation, however little it may be.

He doesn’t engage his students with talks of gigs and which bar he frequents or what event he’s doing tonight. It doesn’t sit right with him that they are too close for comfort. Although his media presence doesn't hide the fact of his whereabouts, he kind of wanted to ignore those familiar faces just because.

Sometimes he would nod, sm