Chapter 2 Marcus's baby loves!

Frustrated, I tossed the blanket aside and nearly turned the pillows on the bed inside out. It's our midterm examination today, and I'm running late! Oh no! I've been looking for my foot sock for quite some time now! I just can't find it. "Hey! Have you seen my foot sock?!" I grumbled as I sweat, rummaging through my drawer. Seriously! When it's not needed, it's scattered everywhere, but when you need it, it's nowhere to be found! So frustrating!

A moment later, Grandma peeked through the door, "Claudia, I just folded your socks last night, and I put them away." Grandma Paloma said, holding a ladle.

I rolled my eyes. "Well, Grandma, I've been looking for it here since earlier, and I still can't find it. I'm going to be late for my exam!" I was getting irritated. I took a deep breath to calm myself. Should I keep searching, or should I just leave?

Then Grandma walked over to my cabinet, attempting to find my foot socks. "I told you to neatly fold your clothes so you can easily find your things. This room is a mess, and your clothes are scattered everywhere, like a typhoon hit. Despite being a young lady, your room has a masculine arrangement. In our time, Mom would punish us if our rooms were messy. She'd make us kneel on mung beans if we didn't obey..." Grandma continued lecturing.

I heaved a sigh. Grandma started her sermon again, and once she begins, it's sure to last until later.

I glanced around my room. Yes, it was a bit messy. Just... a little bit. Can she blame me for being more focused on studying than sweeping the floor? I'm already in my third year of college, just one more year, and I'll graduate. I'll find a good job in Los Angeles, get a condo, and a wealthy suitor will court me. Then we'll get married and live in America. That's the life I've been dreaming of-a fairy tale, ensuring we rise above hardships!

I smiled when I finally found what I was looking for, "Grandma, I found it!" I quickly put it on, almost struggling to get it properly on my foot. Grandma looked at me and shook her head. I could sense her annoyance in her voice, but her concern remained.

After putting on my socks, I grabbed my bag and kissed Grandma on the cheek. "I'm going now, Grandma. Love you!" I hurriedly left the room.

"Aren't you going to eat first?" Grandma shouted after me. I've already avoided her long lecture. I know she loves me.

"No, Grandma, I might be late. I'm leaving now!" I waved my hand at her and rushed out of the house. I'm grateful to have Grandma in my life. I know she has incredible patience with me. But I promise myself I'll make it up to her for all the hardships she's endured for me.

As I walked to the corner, I noticed one of the construction workers I often see. They're building something there-probably a condominium. As soon as he saw me, he smiled and looked up at the building. I rolled my eyes. I knew what he was going to do; he does it almost every day.

"Marcus! Marcus! Your baby girl is here!" he shouted.

A familiar voice responded, "Claudia? Where?" He appeared on the second floor, stepping out from the terrace of the unfinished building. He was tall, with an average build. I couldn't deny that Marcus was handsome. He might be the most handsome construction worker I've seen. I've only known him for a month since he recently moved to our barangay. But since then, he talks to me almost every day. Sometimes, it gets annoying. He's not my type.

Upon seeing him, I winced. He was wearing a white T-shirt, but it was covered in dirt-from cement, sand, and his sweat was evident on his face.

In short, he was filthy!

When he saw me, he immediately smiled, revealing a perfect set of teeth. In fairness, they were white, but he still wasn't my type. Why doesn't he just go for study and look for another job? I know we're almost the same age.

"Claudia! Are you going in?" he said with a cheerful tone. He brushed his hands together while peering at me.

"Isn't it obvious?" I replied, irritated. I quickened my pace. I didn't want to engage in fake pleasantries.

He laughed. "You're so grumpy this early. Got a problem?" Both my cheeks warmed up. Did he really have to announce that? And it had to be in front of all those guys.

I glanced at him and gave a sharp look. "I have an exam, and I'm in a hurry because I'll be late. If you don't mind, don't bother me!" I almost gritted my teeth in anger. I was trying not to show him that his teasing affected me, lest I end up snapping at him.

He raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, easy, relax, chill. It was just a joke, Claudia. You know I don't want you mad at me. Want me to walk you to class?" He added a teasing tone to his voice.

"No need. I'm not crippled," I replied sharply, taking larger strides.

He laughed again. "How about I pick you up?" he shouted.

Whatever! I didn't respond because I knew that even if I said no, I'd still see him on campus, probably waiting inside the campus. He's good at this, probably because our afternoon guard is a woman.

He shouted again, "Claudia baby loves! I'll pick you up, okay? Wait for me!" I could almost roll my eyes at his shouting. Whatever! I increased my pace towards the jeepney stop.

After the last class, I quickly packed up my things. I headed straight home, as I had a lot of assignments to do.

I am taking a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. I study in a private college because my aunt covered the tuition fee for me to finish my degree. She now lives in America, so she's a bit well-off.

"Hey, Claudia! Want to join us at Ai's place? Let's watch a DVD! Come on! It's just once! It's a good way to unwind after midterms!" April, my classmate, invited me. I immediately noticed her newly rebounded hair. Her face was noticeably lighter because of the powder. That's their routine-touching up their makeup after class. I just shook my head sometimes. I slung my bag over my shoulder and hugged my books.

"No, not this time. I'll pass. I'm tired, and I have pending research to do. You guys go ahead." I declined. I really need to use my time for studying. I don't want to fail and embarrass my aunt. The tuition here is quite expensive.

April pouted. "Oh, what a waste. It's just once. Come on, join us. The deadline is still far away!" She insisted. I smiled at her. I knew that, but there's no one at home with Grandma.

"Crazy! You guys go ahead. I'll leave now." I said my goodbyes to avoid a longer conversation. I walked out of the classroom, not hearing April anymore.

As I approached the gate, I immediately saw Marcus standing next to our lady guard. Both hands were in the pockets of his worn-out jeans, wearing a faded blue shirt. It looked like he'd turn it into a rag in a few days. I sighed.

When he saw me, he smiled and waved. I sighed again. He's really persistent! He ran to meet me. "Baby loves, how are you? Are your exams okay?" he said with a smile, grabbing my bag and books. He slung my bag over his shoulder. If it were any other guy, they'd probably refuse to carry a girl's bag. But for Marcus, he loved it, and it seemed like he had no issue with it.

"It's okay. I was able to review somehow," I said lifelessly as we left the campus. As we stepped outside, he grabbed my elbow and pulled me towards the row of vendors selling fish balls, Tikka, Hot Dogs, and Batagor.

"Well, you probably aced it. It's you!" He winked at me, and my heart skipped a beat. Honestly, Marcus is handsome; he just lacks refinement.

"I don't know about that," I said, grabbing a plastic cup and skewering a fish ball from the pot. "You're treating me to this, okay?" I teased while skewering and choosing the ones to be cooked. On my side, I felt him smile and gaze at me.

"Sure, as long as it's for my baby loves!" He said enthusiastically. I just rolled my eyes at him

As we walked, we also indulged in Tikka. My books were wedged under his armpit. I felt sorry for him, thinking he might have a hard time eating. "Let me carry these books. I'll take care of them."

"No, it's okay. I'll carry them for you, baby loves," he said while munching.

"Just so you won't have a hard time eating," I added.

He stopped chewing and looked at me like I was crazy. "Are you now concerned about me, baby loves?" he said, wide-eyed. He even opened his mouth in surprise.

I rolled my eyes. "Just take them; otherwise, you might think I'm treating you like a slave." I said with annoyance.

He swallowed what he was eating. "Sure, treat me like one, that's okay with me, baby loves! Forever! You can use my soul and body, no problem! It's all yours, baby loves! I'm trembling!" he said with enthusiasm.

I smiled at his words. "You acting like a fool. What do I need with your soul and body? Will that make me rich?"

He smirked. "It's up to you; it depends on your plans. I surrender." He winked at me.

"Whatever! Fool!" I teased. We both laughed.

We took a jeepney home. He insisted on paying for my fare. After a while, the jeepney gradually filled with passengers, and I found myself pressed against him. I was at the far end, so Marcus was the only one beside me. Occasionally, he looked at me to check if I was okay or if it was too crowded for me. I always replied that I was fine. I'm used to this anyway. As the jeepney started moving, I noticed two students who were a couple. They were being overly sweet, hands touching, the girlfriend leaning on the boyfriend's shoulder, whispering to each other. Wow, they were so sweet. I saw Marcus looking at them too. Was he jealous? I don't care! To my surprise, the two even kissed right in front of us!

These kids! Still in their uniforms, and they're all over each other!

I looked at Marcus, and he seemed a bit shocked, mouth hanging open. I nudged him on the shoulder and raised an eyebrow. He looked at me, and his gaze dropped to my lips. I gasped. He swallowed. It seemed like I knew what was running through his mind! He swallowed again, so I flicked him to snap him out of it. I gave him a stern look. "Behave, Marcus!" I whispered forcefully. He slightly bowed and brought his face closer to mine. My eyes widened, and I leaned back. The air almost stopped flowing through my nostrils.

"I'm behaving just fine," he said, smiling slyly at me. I glared at him.

"Your face! You won't fool me..." I said, but something was fluttering in my stomach that I couldn't identify.

His deep-set eyes narrowed. He grinned. "I won't deceive you, Claudia. Take that to your heart." He said, and I couldn't help but stare at him for a moment. It was like something was pulling me just to look at him. Weird.