11 White shirt

My head was throbbing mad when I turned off the alarm. It's already 6 in the morning, and I need to prepare for today's event. I groaned as I slowly blink my eyes to force myself awake.

I look at the big circle around the date on my calendar. It's Saturday, and it's the first day of our event for the orphanage. The throbbing seems to stop, so I got up to sit down and look at the window, which again, I forgot to close last night.

Some leaves from the big mango tree outside my apartment were lying down my floor. It might have been blown by the wind last night. I got up to pick them and tidy my bed before going to the shower.

The water was cold as ever. I usually don't bath with hot water in the morning because my mom believes that I'll be far from sickness if I bath in a cold one. As I was picking a song to play while getting my shower business done, my reflection caught my attention. A lot has changed from that spontaneous decision of cutting my hair. I don't look the same. Or at least that's what I feel.

"Well, my complexion hasn't changed." I smiled at the thought because I have always had a bronze skin. My eyes have always been almond. Unfortunately, as thick and naturally formed my eyebrows are, my lashes weren't thick and curled. My brothers got that kind of genes. Why is it that girls want the curled lashes, but the boys have it?

I combed my hair, still not getting used to how short it is. Thoughts of having Aurora braid my hair and how Megan talk about that boy from our Statistic class made me bite my lips. It still stings, but I don't cry anymore. I see them in class from time to time, but I never uttered a single word nor a sound to them, and I think it doesn't bother them too. They're doing just fine without me.

I tried to cool and clear my mind in the shower. I shouldn't be moping around the thought of some so-called friends. I have an event to attend.

After eating my breakfast, I rushed to get dressed. I'm still in my towel. We don't have any uniform to wear at the event yet, so I have to pick an outfit. I just grabbed a plain white t-shirt and a pair of black jeans. I don't usually go out, so I don't have many clothes to choose from

I got one final look at the mirror to check if I was presentable. My curly hair is behaving well since it's still wet. Wait till it gets touch by mother nature's sunlight and wind. You'll see.

I pinched my cheeks to have some color on my face, smacked my lips, in an attempt to let my lips have some too. I don't wear make-up because as busy as I am, I don't have time.

Traffic was never a problem for me since I live just near the university campus. Sometimes if I don't feel sluggish, I walk to school. I don't know about you, but I find early mornings as magical as the night. That feeling when the cold air would hit your face and the street is still silent. You can see students out for school. Stores and restaurants are getting ready for the day.

I opened my phone to see what time it was. Hmm. 10 minutes to 7. I think I can walk.

Mr. Carlos, the security guard of my apartment, greeted me good morning as I walk out. He always has the usual gummy smile with his protruding belly and a coffee on his left hand. I smiled at him and greeted him back.

Once out from the complex, the cold breeze kissed my skin, causing all my tiny hairs to stand up. I hugged myself in an attempt to warm my arms. Bakeries along the streets were opening, and the smell of pastries and bread wafted through the air.

I put on my earphones and chose a song from my playlist before walking. I don't know if you find it weird, but I always have a wide variety of music. I don't care which country it came from, as long as I love how it sounds and I connect to it in any way, I listen to it. It also depends on what mood I am in on that day.

I scrolled through Spotify and found the song Kataomoi by Aimer. I clicked and headed off. Walking like this always feels like an adventure. Things you deem ordinary become something new.

Without noticing, in just 15 minutes, I found myself walking the stairs to the gate of our campus. I need to check the office first to see if I left something important there.

The campus is still empty since it's 7 in the morning, and it's a Saturday. If you're asking about university dorms, we don't have them. In our school, you either rent the dorms near the campus or have your apartment or house.

When I got into the office, I checked all the materials needed if they were already on the bus that was waiting just outside the campus ground. After checking, I dialed Rob's number.

"Hello, Rob? Good morning!"

"Yes, Drea? Where are you?"

"I'm in school. I'm just checking on the materials needed. The school bus is waiting outside for us already."

"Okay. I'll be there in 5. I'm still stuck in the traffic."

"Okay, see you in a bit." Then I turned the call off.

I sauntered down the hallway and then out from the gates to where the bus was waiting.

I must be so early finding no student standing near the bus. I climbed on to hear a very familiar voice.

"Hi, Andi!"

There he is. His eyes, almost disappearing as he smiles. His long- hand waving, signaling me to wave back as well. Unconsciously, one side of my lips lifted in a smile. I looked down to watch my steps, or I might die just from falling off the bus because he was calling me, and I can't contain my heart.

Dominic's figure was towering that his head could almost reach the bus' roof. His fair complexion was even more glowing, now that he's also wearing a white shirt.

I strolled down the aisle to find myself a vacant seat when he called me out. "Aren't you going to sit down beside me?" Dominic pouted.

The sight made me choke a little. What's wrong with him? I chuckled in defeat as I went to sit down next to him.

"Good morning, Nic." Casually greeting him so I will stop thinking about the "I forgot your birthday" incident.

Looking down at my things, pretending I was checking some notes I made last night, I tried to avoid his gaze. His eyes could pierce a hole through my head.

"How was sleep?" Confused as to why he asked me the question, I looked at him. Why? Do I look tired right now? Are my eyebags noticeable?

He might have read through my mind and continued, "No, you don't look tired. I was just asking you the question."

"Oh. It was fine."

"And?" He gave me the look of wanting me to finish my sentence. I lowered my head because I'm still embarrassed to tell him.

"Belated Happy Birthday."

Dominic roared in laughter. Some committee members and the people from the sports club looked our way.

"Oh, sorry." as he flashed an apologetic smile.

"What's funny?"

"No, nothing is funny, it's just your reaction. It's not a big deal, you know."

Not convinced, I looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

"You are amusing sometimes."

I rolled my eyes and asked him why.

"Well, for starters, you would act so innocent, then you would switch to someone feisty. I can't read you at all."

"I'm not a book that you have to read, you know."

He seems amused by my answer because he's been smiling nonstop from then on. Before Dominic can even ask me another question, Robert got on the bus. "Hello Drea, good morning."

I looked at Robert as he sat on the seat behind the driver.

"Duty calls." I shrugged my shoulders before leaving Dominic behind.