I cleared my throat. I was about to say my name Saphira. But I do not want that name anymore. I’ll use my second name. “Ziara.”
He nodded, his eyes trailing down to the books I have been carrying and my big backpack as he pointed at the university ahead of us, “You’re studying at that college?”
“Yes. First-year under premed. Medical Technology course. ”
He gasped, “That’s a hard course. Are you planning to be a doctor someday?”
I nodded blushing a bit. It’s a bit embarrassing to tell my dream to other people… He then glanced at his watch, “Oh. You must be late in class.”
“Oh, it’s alright. I am glad I could help.”
“Sir? We need to go now.”The butlers said, who had been watching us in silence for a while now.
He shook his head, “Then let us accompany her to class.”
My eyes bulged out from their sockets, “What? Sir, it’s alright-“
“No, I insist. It’s my fault that you are late, and besides, it has been such a long time since I visited the place.”
“But your father sir-“ He asked the butler to come closer and said something in his ears.
I bit my lip, more nervous that I will be accompanied by a group of men in suits than the fact. that I am late to class.
“Come.” He swiftly said as one of his bodyguards pushed his wheelchair and his other bodyguards walked behind us.
I gulped, seeing the stars that we kept on receiving.
Why does she have many bodyguards? If he is, then he must be someone important.
I meekly followed behind, grasping my backpack. I bit my lip, not knowing what to do in this silence.
It was quiet except for the sound of his wheelchair stamping against the ground.
“That seems heavy, let them carry your bag.” The man said and I paused.
“Oh, they don’t have to.”
He flashed me a comforting smile, “Don't worry, you can order them around. Just say the word. They Are my bodyguards.”
One of his bodyguards then came to offer his hand to me. I hesitated, but since they keep on insisting on carrying my bags and books for me, I handed them to them without complaints.
As we walk to school, I can't help but stare at the back of his head, trying to recall if he was someone I thought I saw. Suddenly, the walk was too far run normally.
We passed by the gates and the buildings and entered the health sciences building. My class was on the fifth floor and I looked at his wheelchair.
Since this is a community college, we only use the stairs and only personnel and professors are the only people who could use the elevator. That is why I am all sweaty and panting every day just to get to my class. It serves as my exercise cardio.
And I believe he can only accompany me at this point.
“I can go to my class now, thank you, sir,” I said, but he shook his head.
“No, let’s use the elevator.” He pointed and my eyes widened. But I hid the shock on my face and masked it.
I was nervous throughout, because what if this man was not a person? But since we could use this elevator, then that means he is someone part of the school.
Is he a professor? I have never seen him here before.
We entered the elevator and when the fifth floor reached, we went inside the room. The moment we stepped foot inside, all eyes were. on us.
My hands and feet were getting sweaty and I did not dare meet their eyes.
My professor, a very strict old woman, who I never once saw crack a smile, was watching me with hawk eyes.
“I apologize, ma'am, for being late.”
“Ms. Uy. You cannot just step into my class like this. Get a late slip from the office-“
Her voice was raised. She must have not seen the man in a wheelchair behind me, but when she did, her voice instantly softened, and narrowed her eyes at me, quite shocked.
“Mr. Venesian!” she exclaimed out of surprise.
“Ms. Gwen.” The man in a wheelchair exclaimed in acknowledgment. “So you’re. teaching her ethics class?”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Venesian. you happen to know Ms. Uy here?” Ms. Gwen motioned for me to sit now but I awkwardly looked back at the man in the wheelchair which I now know as Mr. Venesian and he nodded in agreement at me, permitting me.
I am sure that I just disrupted my class discussion. my arrival. It feels a bit guilty and at the same time satisfying to see the irritated look and fake smile plastered on my ethics professor, Ms. Gwen.
I sat on the empty seat in front and Mr. Vensian’s bodyguards carefully placed my books and bag on my table.
“Here are your things, Miss.”
I offered a polite smile, “Thank you.”
“No problem.”
I went back to hearing what Mr. Vensian has to say. What kind of excuse he’ll make?
Knowing Ms. Gwen, she makes sure that we suffer. She is the strictest professor I have had so far and judging by the annoyance and jealousy on her face, I am sure I will have to hear the word of it later.
I wonder what kind of punishment she’ll give me. A minus on my grades? a sanction? Expelled?
Who knows. She likes Mr. Venesian.
“Yes, I believe she helped me on the way here, that is why I escorted her in class. To make sure to inform you.”
Ms. Gwe tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear as she shyly nodded at Mr. Venesian, “This is noted.”
Mr. Venesian smiled at that, “Great. Now that we’re settled here, I believe that I must stop disturbing your class, Ms. Gwen.”
“oh, it is fine. you were not disturbing anyone.” Said Ms. Gwen who was head over heels now.
Mr. Venesian flashed a boyish smile on his face, “Alright, I’ll see you around.” his eyes shifted to me one last time before leaving the room.
as soon as the door closed, everyone was silent. No one dared to talk as we waited for Ms. Gwen’s mood.
She’s like a storm. Changing every minute. W don't know what will happen now.
I was expecting to get an earful but she grinned at us and said, “Class dismissed. I’ll dismiss you all early. Read chapters 10-15 for the oral recitation next meeting.”
Everyone groaned in pain, some complained, but I almost let out an exasperated sigh when she looked at me, “Ms. Uy. I believe we need to talk.”