3 Friendship

The day went very well. We met all of our professors for this semester. It was all about introducing ourselves, classroom policies, and discussing the syllabus. Our class ended at 5:00 pm, Sophia decided to roam around the school premises and for me to familiarize the facilities inside.

"I am familiar with the facilities inside UST because I finished my Junior High here and graduated from Senior High here also.", she said while we are walking towards the old building.

"Really? Well I think of that during recess because you are so familiar with the place.", I replied.

"This building right here is the oldest building in UST and the main building as well. It's 90 years old this year. This building functions as the university's administrative center, and home of the Faculty of Civil Law, Faculty of Pharmacy, and the College of Science. The Main Building is also the home of the Museum of Arts and Sciences.", she said while pointing at an old building.

The building was huge, as I can see it is a three-storey building. It looks old but classic. The details were very intricate. It has a clock above the main entrance of the building. There are also old street lampost in front of the building. As I walk here I feel like I am on the year 1800s, wearing a filipiniana.

"This is my dream school Sophia. I was so happy that I got a scholarship here, but my happiness right is something more. I can only see this building on Google and on TV.", I uttered with amusement on my voice.

"Wow! Really? Okay, don't let this moment pass. Let me take a picture of you here.", she said with excitement.

"No Sophia. I'm fine. I am not photogenic at all.", I said sadly.

"Just call me Sophie. Sophia is way too formal. Come on Monique please. You are pretty just smile and express the happiness that you feel right now. Please. Please. Just stay there and just smile.", she said.

*sigh*

I sigh in defeat.

"Okay. Okay. But please make it fast.", I replied to her. There are many students passing, I am so ashamed.

After a few click. I am so relieved that its done.

"O-M-G Monique! I stan you. You are so pretty just look at this and this.", Sophia said while scrolling into the pictures on here cellphone. While me on the side is so ashamed of what I looked like.

"Come here let's take a selfie.", she added.

She also ask me to took picture of her and after the picture taking we decided to go home since it is getting dark. We walk towards the exit together.

"Bye Sophie. I really had a great day because of you. I will go now. Thank you so much for this day.", I said while I smile genuinely to her.

"No worries Monique. I had fun too. We have so much in common. My brother will pick me up, come with us. We'll drop you off your house.", she replied.

Suddenly, a red car stopped in front of us and the window rolled down. A handsome man was driving the car. He has similar face features with Sophia. He has a beautiful face. Well defined, with a sharp jaw and angular cheekbones. The complexion of his skin going well, it is somehow tanned with his ocean-like eyes. He has an angelic face like Sophie.

"Oh he's here. Hi brother.", she said to the man inside the car but he didn't reply.

"Come on Mon. Come with me, we'll drop you off. Its dangerous for a woman like you to walk around Manila alone.", she said with concern on her voice.

"Thanks Sophie.", I replied then I open the back door of the car.

Her brother was so quite. From behind you can still recognized how manly he is. I look at the rear view mirror, but I found out that he was looking at me through the mirror! I think I blushed a little bit. I immediately look away, trying to look calm and normal but my heart beats so fast. I can feel the sweat on my forehead.

"Mon where do you live? You can give instructions to my brother.", Sophia said.

"J-just turn right there and then uhmmm turn uhmmm left here.", I said while pointing my hands on the directions.

"You can just drop me at the green gate.", I added.

"Bye Mon. See you tomorrow.", she said while smiling.

"See you tomorrow Sophie. Thank you for the ride.", I replied while smiling back at her.

"Thank you po.", I said while looking to Sophie's brother. He just nod without even looking at me.

I get out of the car and bid my goodbye again to Sophie.

Sophie is really nice to me. She is genuine, humble and beautiful at the same time.

But her brother, for me, is a total opposite of her. I hope that I am wrong.

"Hi Mom and Dad! I'm home.", I said while kissing them on the cheeks and then after that I "mano" to them.

"Pagmamano" or "honoring-gesture" used in Filipino culture performed as a sign of respect to elders and as a way of requesting a blessing from the elder. Similar to hand-kissing, the person giving the greeting bows towards the hand of the elder and presses their forehead on the elder's hand.

After I "mano" to my parents, I went upstairs, go to my room, and lock the door. I immediately slam into the bed to get some rest. Then I remembered the notebook.

Who could be the owner of the notebook. I was just lying on my bed, resting. Even though the first day of class was not that tiring. I was happy that I meet Sophia, not just Sophia. I even had time with a few of my classmates, they were nice to me but some are not. I feel like they don't want to make friends with me, but its okay I am here not to please anyone.

Some of our professors gave us topics and we will make powerpoint presentation from it and next week we'll have to report it. I am worried because we don't have wifi at home and I don't have a laptop or computer. I hope I can find a computer shop near our house.