My days as a student are much more…smooth now. I had completely adjusted, except for the cold see stares in my direction as I passed by the hallway.
I am not that dumb. I know what they are thinking about. it’s about Mr. Venesian again. I am not deaf as I could hear their whispers about me.
“Whore.” “Slut.”
They are hating me just because I am the only one who could talk to Mr. Venesian. even my other female professors were not in the mood. give me good grades even though I did well.
Just yesterday, I was surprised to see Mr. Venesian’s bodyguards at my dorm and. drove me to his house, just for him to ask me for help with his upcoming presentation.
Being close to the dean is both hell and heaven. Hell because of the rumors and whispers about me, but also heaven because I get to experience the good side of this bad reputation I have.
The professors might have hated me, but they couldn't give me the confinement notice. And Ms. Gwen, who had been rough with me, mysteriously left the school due to unknown reasons.
It is like I gained a perk of being close with him. or Mr. Venesian. purposely threatened them? I am not sure, whatever it is, I am grateful.
But the community college felt a bit strange. Mr. Veneisna would give each of the students gifts for passing the scores. Some got bags, and I know those are not just typical bags, they are all from high-end brands, while the boys got motors. He said from the announcement speaker earlier that this is a reward just so everyone would work harder for good grades.
He also added new microscopes and lab equipments in the laboratory rooms, and its obvious that our department had more presents than the other courses.
Since I passed, I also got my bag, but this doesn't mean anything to me anymore. The past. I would have been excited. But I will not use this. I already have my school bags, and this one is tiny and can't even fit one book.
I have to return this to Mr. Venesian. If he won't accept, I will sell it.
It was like yesterday when everyone was throwing thirty and disgusted looks at me that are now replaced with smiles at me.
What's gotten into them?
Did they think that I am responsible for this?
“Keep on seducing him, whore. This is good.”
one of my boy schoolmates taunted me as they passed by me.
“Ugh, those nasty shits, ignore them.” Said Dana as we both were walking to our next class.
“Yes, I am not even affected by them.”
Dana nodded, “Yes, speaking of which Mr. Venesian never gives us presents. He just donates his money to orphanages, but that’s just it.”
I shrugged, “He must have a lot of spare change that he decided to treat everyone.” And knowing him, since he has a high profile and many bodyguards,s that damn guy is massively rich. Giving us this thing is not even a big deal for him, it’s just a spare change from his wealth.
Hours passed and when my last class for the day finished, I immediately went to Mr. Veensian’s office. I spotted I'm working on some papers that hadn’t even noticed me on the door.
I knocked, and when his eyes looked up, he smiled warmingly.
“Hey there, Z.” He greeted me, calling me by the nickname he made for me just recently.
I cringed, slowly entering the office and sitting on the chair just in front of his table.
“I told you not to call me that.”
“Why? It is adorable. suits you.” He said, still working on his papers. Looking at him now, I could see that his beard was gone.
He looked younger and alive. And more handsome.
The beard definitely made him look older. His raven black hair and blue eyes popped more.
“Why are you looking at me like that? I look handsome, right?”
I shook my head, rolling my eyes.
“What did you come here for? This is new, you never came on your own, you would wait for me to call you with that grumpy look as if you don’t want to be with me. What change? Did you finally enjoy my company?"
"I came for this.”
I placed the Louis Vuitton handbag on his table. His eyes then followed my hand, “Oh, the bag? Did you like it?”
“No. I am going to speak frankly, sir. You don’t need to do this.”
“Do what?" He asked, feigning confusion.. “And sir? I told you to call me Rameo or Jace.”
I sighed, “Rameo, I know you are that rich but buying everyone this gift is a bit overboard.”
‘awe, didn’t everyone like it? and I told everyone that this is a reward for doing a great job.”
“I never heard of any dean who gives their students these presents.”
“Oh, that means I am cool right?” The way he talks to me is more comfortable now. As if we are in the same age and position. Gone were the formal Mr.
Venesian. Well, we look like we are the same age, but that does not change the fact that he is the dean.
I sighed, “I do not like this. Return this or I’ll just sell it.”
“What? no way, I already purchased that for you.”
“But it is too small, My books won’t fit.”
“oh, is that your concern? I’ll replace it with a bigger one then.” was about to grab his phone but I stopped him.
I sighed, “You don’t understand. Everyone thinks we are a couple. won’t it be? baad reflection on your part as a dean?” Why can’t he understand what's good for him? He just does what he wants freely.
"Oh, but isn't it for the better? Your schoolmates and even your professors won't treat you badly now."
My jaw dropped in shock, so this is his way of buying them off?
"They are not..treating me badly," I responded.
"You don't have to lie to me. I have eyes placed around here. I can hear anything so you don't have to worry."
"You giving them presents just escalated things."
He then grabbed a box from below. there was a ribbon as he pushed it to me, “I forgot toe also give this to you.”
I scoffed, “Did you even listened to me? I told you that i do not like your presents.”
“Just open it.” He said and i sighed, doing as he told when I gasped.
Right inside the box was a stethoscope. it’s pink colored, with my name engraved on the metal.
Saphira Ziara Bernadez Uy, RMT, MD.
I knew this brand. it is too expensive.
I stared back at him i shockk, speechless as I could my heart full and saw him smiling.
“I was planning when to gie this to you.”’
“Tsk, why did you bother? I am not going to proceed to medicine.”
“Awe, you need to. isn’t it your dream?” He asked.
I paused, surprised that he remembered that.
“oh, not anymore.” And i admit i was just being too overachiever that time when i said that. i could never afford the tuition fees, I’m barely getting by now, what more if i proceed to med school?
And it's too time consuming. I need to have a stable job as soon as possible to feed myself and survive. There is no time for dreams.
“I know you can do it. just proceed to med school. Wearing a white lab gown suits you. and there are not enough beautiful doctors like you….’ I rolled my eyes, but hearing him say that, felt a bit comforting at least.