2 Companion

I arrived at school exactly 7:56 in the morning I run fast because I thought I will be late from the first day of class. I see new faces and I am hoping that I can build friendship from each one of them. The school bell rings, I am relieved because I am already inside the classroom. Our first professor arrived a couple of minutes after the bell rang.

"Can I sit beside you?", said a pretty girl on my right side.

"Yes. Of course.", I replied with a smile on my face. It seems that she came from a wealthy family. I can sense it, the way she act says a lot.

I stopped staring at her when I hear our professor.

"Do you understand our classroom policies? Any suggestion or comment?", he said and no one replied instead most of us nod our heads. It seems like everyone is still in the shy stage since it is our first day.

"Okay now is the time for everyone to introduce themselves. Let's start with you my dear.", he said while pointing to a girl sitting near the door. And the introduction began, I am glad because I sit on the last row. My nervousness is driving me crazy, my hands are so cold.

The girl beside me noticed my actions or maybe she felt it because of my facial expression.

"Hey? Just relax and be yourself.", she told me with her angelic smile. If I will describe her I can say she is a goddess. The way she look is a pure epitome of a goddess or an angel.

"I am Angelicka Sophia by the way.", she added while smiling and she extend her hand.

I am not mistaken. She is truly an Angel.

"I am Elliesah Monique.", I replied while smiling back at her and meet her hand for a little shakehands.

After that I felt a little relieved knowning that she could be my first friend from this university.9

After how many minutes, it's my turn to introduce my self. I stood up and I am trying to look calm as I can be. When I reach the front area of the classroom I nervously introduced my self.

"Hi. Good morning everyone. My name is Elliesah Monique G. Cortez. I am 18 years old and was born on October 27, 1999. I currently live at Tolentino St., Brgy. 564, Sampaloc, Manila. Actually we came from Mindanao and we transferred here because of my fathers' work..."

I see them smirk and even saw disgust in their faces. I was thinking that the stigma is still there that when you are from Mindanao you are an outcast, and they even look at you like you are rebel or ignorant. I feel ashamed but one thing caught my attention.

Angelicka Sophia was smiling at me. It feels like she's cheering me at mouthing the words "You can do it". My confident boost up. I smiled back at her and continued introducing my self.

"...and because I got a scholarship here in UST. I am hoping that we will get along well. Good morning once again.", I smiled to them and walk back to my chair.

I saw Angelicka smiled at me while saying,

"You did it.", I smiled back to her and said,

"It's your turn now. Good luck.", she then walk towards the front.

"Good morning everyone. My name is Angelicka Sophia Velasquez. 18 years old. I will turn 19 on July 16. I live at Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes, Garden Road, Otis, Manila. Our family owns some business here in Manila and some on Mindanao area since my parents initially lived there for about 12 years. And I guess that's all.", she said without feeling nervous. I really like her attitude, you will notice her sophistication but she is still humble as well.

The introduction went well. I noticed that most of them came from a wealthy family. Most of them have businesses. Now I feel outcast.

Minutes later the bell rang and it means break time or recess. don't have any plan on going out of the room because I am not familiar with the place. I don't know where the cafeteria is located that is why I decided to stay inside the classroom. I started scrolling on my social media accounts to wait for the time to pass.

I suddenly remembered the guy this morning and the notebook that was left because he was in a hurry. I did not open the book yet, maybe when I get home I will check if there is a name or address of the owner. Then, out of the blue someone called me.

"Elliesah? Or Monique? What should I call you? I'm confused.", she said while laughing a little.

It was Sophia.

"Uhm. You can call whatever you prefer either Elliesah or Monique. But most of my friends back in Mindanao call me Monique.", I replied to her. I can't hide my shyness towards her.

"Okay. Monique it is. And you can call me Sophia.", she said with a smile.

"Join me for a snack at the cafeteria. Don't be such a loner here. From now on, I will your friend.", she uttered.

For a while, I was shocked about what she said. I don't know what to say.

"Uhmmm. I don't know what to say. Thank you for your concern and for being my first friend here in UST.", I said while smiling at her genuinely.

"No worries. Come on. Let's go! We only have 10 minutes left before the next professor arrive.", she said.

We walk towards the cafeteria. We ordered some snacks and she insisted that she will pay for everything. Again, I was shocked. I told her that its okay and I will pay my own snack but she really insisted. That's why I let her pay for our snack but I told her next time I am the one who will pay for our snack, and she agreed. We had the chance to talk about ourselves. I learned a lot about her life and I shared some about my life too. After the chitchats we head back to our classroom and the day went on. I am so happy that I meet Sophia and that she is my friend.