12 HE'S QUIET THE CHARMER

Three days passed by and Joshua reported back to his work. His mom was reluctant for him to go back, afraid that he'll bury himself with work again, especially that Summer breaks should be long and enjoyed.

With three days leave given, he only went out for two nights with his friends, staying at home during mornings, doing his school reports, leaving the third day for family time; not to mention he got drunk on his first day of leave for a petty reason.

She's feeling a little bit worried for her eldest. Since she is a sickly mother, Joshua has taken over the responsibilities off his parent's shoulders. Although at a very young age, he already acquired the duties like an adult, it's inevitable that he'll get over-fatigued one of these days.

It may sound ridiculous for others, but that's how every mother feels. Her children were her pride in this entire lifetime. However, her son's not a dependent child like before. He could take care of himself much better now.

Joshua felt helpless seeing his mother worry so much for him, when he is only doing it for them.

He assured his mom that he'll go home right away when work's over to make her feel at ease. "Okay, mom. I promise I will not bring home works and will not do overtime works either."

Then he went to work, riding his car.

Carlos Fontana University.

It was still early when he arrived at the university parking lot. Joshua went upstairs to his office, where his other co-department teachers shared the place. Overall, they're total of 5 teachers for the Business and Accountancy department. It was still Summer time and few teachers are not yet back from their leave. He swift a glance at the transparent glass window to see whether his colleagues already arrived. Luckily, he's always the punctual one. He unlocked the door; went over his table and start going over his list of to-do's for the day.

A little later, someone knocked at the door. "Come in." Joshua said without looking up.

"Mr. Fajardo," a girl in a formal light green dress came in, bringing with her files tuck in folders. "Here's your report file, which the department head already checked. All you have to do is to revise some things on this folder, sir." the girl said in a gentle voice, handing him a white folder reported. Joshua opened the folder and skimmed through the papers, nodding as if to agree, unbeknownst at how the girl looked at him with adoring eyes of a fan girl.

Joshua looked up, flashing his million dollar smile and said, "Anything else?" Startled, she faked a cough, masking her feelings. Keeping a professional tone to conceal her admiration, she added, "Here. You have to sign these papers. These are the academic business plans that you recently affirmed from your junior BA students. The students already revised and handed it in, but you were out for three days."

"Hmm. Okay. I will sign this later after I'm done reviewing the plans."

"And by the way sir, --" the girl paused, still standing, obviously trying to look cute for this bachelor in front of her. When she cannot hide her attraction she continued, stuttering, "H-H--Have you eaten your b-breakfast?" Blushing her feelings away like a high school girl in love.

'I cannot contain my heart any longer.'

'Shit! Say Yes! It'll be on me.'

Conspicuous to the girl's intention, he decided to decline the offer. "I haven't yet, though I'm not hungry for now. Just go and get me a cup of coffee. Thanks." Joshua said, in a pleasing manner.

Upon hearing his reply, the girl in the green dress felt dejected, however, she masked it again. She smiled and bowed before going out, heaving out a sigh. She went straight to the teacher's lounge to make coffee for Joshua.

The rest of the teachers of the BAAA Department came. Greeting each other and went on about the things they did within the three-days leave. Right after, they all bury their heads down on their works.

After a while, the young girl in green came back and went inside to give the beverage Joshua asked for.

"Thanks. Just put it down." Joshua busily continued with what he is doing, not even sparing her and the coffee a glance, to avoid leading her on, as she might think that he's interested in her.

"You can go back to your table now." Joshua said, getting uncomfortable with her standing there, like a servant waiting for her master.

Joshua's colleagues who were also busy with their summer reports, noticed how the girl intently gazed at the young man, with her face and cheeks flushed.

'Poor girl.'

'She's so transparent.'

'Gosh. Whatever she does, her charms won't get through.'

'He's quiet the charmer. He gets all the females' attention even without doing anything. Poor maiden.'

Others were feeling sorry for her, others were sneering at her, others just looked at her disdainfully, and others felt Joshua cocky for a sole reason that they can't . For Joshua, she's just a colleagues, a girl who admires him.

"Ms. Cecile," one of the professors called her out. Startled, the girl in green briskly walked to the person calling for her. "What is it, Professor Lu?" Cecile fixed her glasses, standing with both hands in front, clasped.

Handing her a blue folder, Professor Lu said, "Kindly go to the Media Center and have these files photocopied." The girl took it and hastily went out, sensing that the old professor saw through her. Old professor Lu, grinned. Got up and walked towards the drinking station, which is near the young bachelor's table.

"You sure are an ultimate chick magnet, kid." Professor Lu chuckled while getting water from the dispenser. Joshua looked up, raised his brows a little and grinned. "Girls you meet are dying to have a taste on you. They might even willing to take off their garments if you say so."

"Women are scary creatures." Joshua shakes his head and laugh.

"If you're always oblivious to it, they might resort to that." Old Lu pointed out. He's one of the oldest among the five of them in the department.

"Old Lu, are you even mocking your wife?" Joshua smirked.

"Hell no. That woman's already a pain in my old arse."

Joshua coughed. "You made it sound like I should stay bachelor all my life, Old Lu." Old Lu walked towards Joshua's table and took a stool from an empty teacher's table beside Joshua's area.

"If you do, women will cry. Not to mention, you are not even willing to open your heart to anyone." Old Lu said as a matter of fact, continued, "That secretary of ours sure do have eyes only for you. Haven't you noticed?"

"I'm still 25, no need to hurry." Joshua smiled.

Old Lu lightly nudge Joshua. "You sure love the attention, boy."

Joshua coughed. "What a joke, Old Lu. Just buy your waifu a bunch of roses."

"You sure do know how to be romantic. Too bad coz you are too infatuated with your work."

"My family is my topmost priority for now."

"Hey, want me to set you up for a blind date? I have someone in mind. She's a pretty woman."

"No thanks, Old Lu. If it's meant to be, it will be."

"Well, it's up to ya, kid." Old Lu said while looking at his watch. "Just remember to invite me ya wedding day when you've found 'the one'. Boy, let's go and grab some lunch. I won't take no for an answer."

Before Joshua could protest, Old Lu already dragged the young lad away.

At the Cafeteria.

There were only few students and teachers at the cafeteria, eating lunch, so it was easy for the two to line up. While they were choosing what to eat, "Old Lu, Joshua," One of their colleagues called out to them. "Here, there's still two vacant chairs left."

The professors in BAAA department were there: Professor Lu, Prof. Chavez, Prof, Qian, Prof. Fajardo except for Professor Sanchez, who was still busily meeting his students for their thesis. They talked about their lives, and of course exchanging ideas related to their work.

"Josh, how's your good old ma doin'?" Prof. Chavez suddenly asked.

"She's a bit frail, but she's doin fine, Prof."

"How about your father? I haven't seen him for ages." chuckled Professor Qian. Professor Chavez and Professor Qian are his dad's classmates way back his college days.

With a nonchalant expression, Joshua replied, "He's doing fine alone at the US." Sensing Joshua's mendacity, they didn't ask further. They continued eating.

"Just send our regards to your parents, Josh." said Professor Qian as they got up.

"Sure. I'll make sure to tell them." Then they went back to their office.

The day ended up with almost all Joshua's work done, leaving some syllabus to work on on the next few days. Sure, he might not have summer classes yet, but the preparation for both Summer class and regular class days are quite heavy.

Joshua wrapped up his work for the day and bid goodbye to his colleagues.

While on his way home, he took his phone out and called his mom.

Joshua: "Mom, I'm going home now. Do you have some things you want me to buy while I'm on it?"

Mom: No need. Just get back here safely. Do you want mom to cook your favorite Sinigang?

Joshua: Oh mom! Sure, I'd love to eat that again.

Mom: Okay. Drive safely.

Joshua bid goodbye and drove off, smiling.