Secret, Hidden

One

The people we meet in our lives are not accidents. They were not an accident because they played a big role, even the one we bought salt in the store, the child we left behind, and the person we met inside the ship.

I know that God destined us to know them because they are part of the story of our lives. The end of the story of our lives would not be complete if we did not interact with them, and no one played the role of the character who would make up the story. We are only lucky if we can spend a long time with the people we know. There are people whose role they play in our lives is only temporary, with whom we can be with them for a short time because that is the only role that God has in them.

Nonetheless, importantly, they leave a good imprint on our hearts and characters. The lesson and experience we have with that person will live on in our memory until our last breath. Like the people we temporarily spend our lives with, there is a limit. But these things give us the strength to continue our journey on the earth’s surface. We can go back in time and remember that this person taught us the meaning of life. We can remember the wonderful moments with that person.

I sighed because of my thoughts that I couldn’t seem to forget everything that happened.

“What did I say, huh? This niece of mine is really good. She just inherited that from me. . . “Even though I’m ashamed of what Aunt Daphne is saying, I still can’t help but be happy.

Of course! I am already a Licensed Professional Teacher!

I was just thinking about it then, so I am also very grateful to Tita Dap for helping me reach my dream.

Tita laughed at their conversation. “Just eat because next time I won’t be free. . . it won’t be on me. It’s Winona’s!”

Everyone laughed, so I couldn’t help but keep up. It’s funny that even though they were able to gossip about me back then, I was still able to graduate.

They gossiped that I would get pregnant early even if I didn’t have a boyfriend.

That’s rude!

Lots of laughter filled the place. Tita’s friends have also been drinking, so it’s noisy. And when it is noisy? Priscilla should be out of here.

“That nephew of yours is really good. You see, she’s quiet but deadly.” I even heard one of Tita Dap’s friends say. Both of them are staggering, and their eyes are no longer fixed.

I finally left the place. Apart from the fact that I am not good at interacting with other people, I am also tired from what I did throughout the day; the Oath Taking Ceremony.

“Winona? Are you okay, dear?” I confronted Tita Dap again when she was able to follow me.

Always the thoughtful and caring Tita!

“Yup. I’ll just rest,” I replied, so she nodded quickly and smiled broadly.

“Yes, I already know that! You’re drunk, so you’re going to cry,” I teased and immediately attended to her.

It’s a good thing I don’t drink. We can do embarrassing things when we get hit by alcohol, so it’s good that I am like this.

“I’m proud of you, Winona. You’ve finally achieved your dreams. I’m sure your mama and papa are also very happy with you.”

My mama and papa. I know they are proud of me too. Ever since, they have had no other choice but for me to fulfill my dream.

But I thought that was very impossible. I am not fond of children. I’m not good at talking casually, but I’ve been able to improve that all now.

I led our evaluation in the Final Demo, and I also became the favorite of the students I met.

I may be an introverted kid before, but it’s really different when you have a dream, right? You’ll do anything to make that dream come true.

As a child, I really wanted to be like my mother. She was good at teaching, and the students really loved him. I could clearly see all the effort and sacrifice, but that didn’t stop me. As a child, I knew what I wanted.

But then. . . when mom and dad got killed by a monster, everything I wanted seemed to disappear as well. I have no other dream but to get justice for my parents. I do not know how and what the motive of the suspect is, but according to the authorities, the reason is clearly carnapping.

The suspect was caught. The case was closed. . . but no one believed me.

They are used to doing that a lot. They are covering up the big people behind their crimes.

It wasn’t a carnapping incident. It was an ambush. I’m pretty sure there.

My mom was a teacher, and papa was the governor of the area then. That campaign period happened, and because my father planned to run for the next term, this is what he got.

How can they do that? The case reached the court. The process slowed down, but in the end, carnapping was the result of the court, which was immediately announced as “case closed”.

Carnapping but obviously removed the CCTVs at the scene? Carnapping, but they had clean workmanship?

I was still in high school then, and maybe not everything is clear yet, but now it’s different.

Now I have got the dream of becoming a teacher. It’s time to build my next dream.

I’ll make them pay.

“I’m telling you! I shouldn’t have mentioned them. Wipe away your tears, Winona. The day is too good for the drama.”

I laughed as I wiped away the tears. “You’re the only one who’s being dramatic here!”

“All right, you should rest. Later I’ll drive the crazy ones away as well.”

I nodded and then turned away. “Don’t get wasted. . . I don’t want to be a caregiver tomorrow.”

* * * * *

“Yes, Ma’am. No worries. It was actually on my plan. . . well, it must be on my plan.”

Early in the morning, the call from the President of De Jesus College became my alarm clock. I haven’t even been able to wash yet, she had to talk to me.

“Good to know, Winona. I’m sorry I called you early. You know, I’m going to fight with anyone these days for you, so I won’t give up. Besides, it’s also included in your scholarship. So, what’s the plan? I’ll meet you here at school?”

I still smiled even though she couldn’t see. “Expect me to be there, Ma’am.”

When the call went down, I couldn’t help but jump on the bed in delight. Day after the oathtaking, someone contacted me immediately—well, it may really be about the scholarship, but I’m still happy.

I graduated college at De Jesus College. It’s a private school, so it’s also open for high school students and elementary. Too big, with high-quality education and high-class, so I’m lucky I got in now as a scholar. Now, I just need to go back for my service.

Who knows, maybe after two years they will give me another chance or maybe I will be recommended to a public high school?

Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics is the program I completed. I graduated as Magnacumlaude and earned the top 8 slot in the Licensure Examination of Teachers.

“Is this even real? Next school year, I will go to school, but I am no longer a student but a teacher!”

* * * * *

“First-year college? I. . . I don’t think. . .” Startled and wide-eyed, I looked at the lady in front of me, the president of the DJC.

“But is that even possible? I’m in secondary education–”

“Calm down, Ms. Caesar.”

My shoulder dropped at what she said. I guess her decision is final. I’m really going to handle college. But how can I do that? I am not an experienced teacher to teach in college.

“I know you can do this. The whole faculty knows. Many of your teachers used to recommend you for the spot. They trust you. In fact, it’s only an extra year if you teach in Senior High School, right? It’s just a coincidence that we don’t have a teacher for that subject but don’t worry. You still have to teach mathematics.”

When I heard Math, it was as if a thorn had pulled out of my throat. My teaching adjustments won’t be that big, but I’m still not sure if I can handle it.

“Their age brackets are between 17-19. . .”

“But, Ma’am–”

“I know, Ms. Caesar. . . but the school really needs you. You are fit for this job. I am really asking you a favor, Winona.”

I am a ‘born-to-be-ready’ teacher. Like my mother, I can give up in any fight.

I won’t disappoint everyone.

“I’m in, Ma’am.”

The lady was ecstatic when I said that. She probably didn’t expect it, and she really just took chances with my consent.

“That’s our brave Winona Caesar.”

Somehow, that’s where I got excited. I can teach now. I can make my dream come true.

I was born for this.

I am destined for this.

I won’t disappoint.