Page 84 of Chasing Mr. Prefect

“Pilosopo.”

My phone pinged and I could not unlock it any faster.

DRESDEN MAIL

Pastor and Gibble Recruitment: Internship Offer – EXCONDE, LAVINIA

“Oh my god,” I said, eyes widening. “I got the internship!”

Gian’s eyes widened and he looked just as happy for me. He pushed me towards the direction of the stairs.

“Go tell Miss Co! She required you to pass that, right?” he said and I nodded. “Tell her na agad! Then I’ll meet you guys in the club room.”

“Okay!” I said.

I almost flew to the second floor to deliver the good news. Miss Co was there, checking papers, and she looked happy about the news.

“Well, I was hoping you would,” she said, raising a piece of paper. It had my name on it, and a red mark that said 90%. “Imagine if I had to sign off on your disciplinary case being recorded permanently and fail you after you got a 90% on the final exam!”

“Grabe ka, Miss Co. I know you were trying to help, but your tasks were so difficult!”

“You knew you could do it all, Lavinia, but you were letting your temper get the best of you. As your teacher, that was infuriating to watch. Whether we admit it or not, you needed that lesson.”

I had to take a seat to breathe.

“Thank you, Miss Co. Sobrang thank you,” I said to her. “I learned a lot this term because of you.”

“Part of the job. Teka, is Cholo talking to you again?”

“Yeah. He hasn’t formally asked for a breakup yet so I’m taking my chances.”

Miss Co laughed at me, shaking her head and muttering‘children.’She looked at her watch and raised an eyebrow.

“Election results at five. Akyat na. You’d have less chances if you’re not there once Cholo’s announced club president.”

I obediently ran off upstairs. The election committee set up a huge projector in the club room and there were already people waiting. My eyes roved around the place, searching?—

“Hey, am I late?” said Cholo, who just walked in the door.

I looked at him and took his hand, pulling him towards me. “You made it just in time.”

He weaved our fingers together and joined me in the corner of the room. Some people turned around to look at us and then focused their eyes back on the projector.

“You got this in the bag,” I told him.

“We don’t know that.”

“I do.”

Cholo tightened his hold on me. We watched the clock count down. More people entered the room and everyone was holding their breath.

PRESIDENT

VALIENTE, Charles Paolo – 90%

LIMJOCO, Pamela – 8%

Abstain – 2%