Chapter 7 Consider myself lucky,!

TOMORROW, I prepared early for college. The midterm exams were over, and after the finals, it was finally semestral break. I hurried my steps as I could already see the building under construction. Workers were busy with their tasks, probably dizzying if they were positioned up there. I felt nervous, hoping Marcus was already there.

I clutched my sling bag tightly as I approached the construction site. I discreetly observed each person there. Perhaps when Marcus's friend saw me, he would come out to accompany me to college.

But I was disappointed. I had passed by and gone beyond, yet Marcus did not appear. I checked my cellphone; no text. I glanced subtly at the construction site; people were still preoccupied with their work. I furrowed my brows, and my shoulders slumped. I sighed, "He didn't even bother to tell me he couldn't pick me up!"

Throughout my class, Marcus occupied my thoughts. I discreetly kept my cellphone under my desk, waiting for his text. Surely, he would pick me up later. He didn't want me to go home alone. Even during lunch break, my vacant period, and the last class of the day, my attention was solely on my cellphone. I almost got caught by my professor for constantly checking my phone, but nothing-no text or missed call from him. Nothing.

Exiting the campus with my classmates, they were chattering animatedly, but I was uninterested.

"Hey, you seem off! What happened to you?" April, my classmate, nudged me. We stopped in front of the tikka vendor near our campus's main gate. I just followed them, feeling like a statue. I didn't engage in their conversation.

"Nothing... just tired," I mumbled weakly. I looked around, hoping for a surprise when he arrived. But I became more disheartened.

I was fooling myself.

While my classmates ate, I remained absorbed in my cellphone. Should I text him? Maybe he's busy. Should I call him? What if he thinks something else! Stupid me!

I was busy with my phone, and my classmates were busy eating and chatting when suddenly a blue car parked in front of me. I glanced but quickly returned my attention to my phone.

"Claudia..."

I lifted my gaze again, and there was Martin, standing by the still-open door of his car. My eyes widened upon seeing him. "Martin!" I knew my classmates noticed because they fell silent. I glanced at them, and they were almost gaping, like statues. I turned back to Martin, who was now approaching me.

Everyone was looking at him. Drooling. Especially the girls and some students. Who wouldn't look at Martin? Gray shirt, obviously branded faded blue jeans, and a well-built physique. Add the fact that he had a shiny car. Good catch, they say.

He smiled at me, revealing his white and even teeth. "Hi, are you going home?" he asked warmly.

I was a bit surprised, so I didn't respond immediately. "Uh... yeah. Just hanging out for a bit. What about you? What are you doing here?" I smiled back at him.

He scratched his nape, and one hand was in his pocket, looking a bit shy. I couldn't help but smile secretly. "I came here on purpose. I wanted to accompany you... if it's okay with you?"

I was surprised. He's into something. I didn't know how to respond. I felt embarrassed, even though it wasn't the first time someone picked me up from college. But knowing it was Martin, and he's my suitor, it felt a bit different. Unlike with Marcus, my constant companion, whom I was used to. Even if he was a bit laid back and not officially courting me, I felt more secure with him.

I was startled when the person next to me nudged me and whispered, "Hey! Who's that? Handsome, huh!" with a teasing grin.

"Martin, by the way, these are my friends, April, Ai, Zera, and Denise. Guys, Martin..." I hesitated, trying to find the right words. Friends, maybe? Now, I couldn't think of anything to say.

"I am courting her. Nice to meet you."

My lips parted slightly, and it felt like I blushed. My cheeks warmed. Of course, I wasn't used to this. I even heard some of my classmates gasp, but later on, they also greeted Martin. When I looked at them, I saw raised eyebrows and smirks on their faces. I would be bombarded with questions tomorrow.

"Alright, Claudia, we're heading home. Goodbye! And nice to meet you, Brother Martin! Take care of Claudia, okay? Straight to the house." April jokingly said her goodbye. So, I subtly pinched her side. Martin just smiled and looked at me.

"If you guys want, you can come with us?" Martin suddenly offered.

My friends immediately shook their heads. "Oh no, thanks. We're good here. You might not be able to make a move! Go ahead! Goodbye!" Just then, a vacant jeepney arrived, so April signaled to stop, while Denise continued on her parked motorcycle. I just waved at the departing jeepney.

"Let's go?"

I looked at him and smiled. He held me by the elbow and guided me to the side of the driver's seat. I felt a bit nervous and embarrassed. I know this is one of my dreams. I admit I feel happy, but there's still a "but." As he turned to get in the car, I glanced outside. What if Marcus arrives, and we cross paths? Should I text him? Or should I not? He'll text me when he picks me up. Let him be.

Martin safely brought me home, and for the next four days, I didn't see a trace of Marcus. I thought he couldn't resist not bothering me, but I almost texted him. I didn't miss him, okay? I'm just shy about Martin always picking me up, maybe interfering with his work at the office. Although I told him not to pick me up, and I could manage, he always replied, "It's part of my courtship, Claudia."

So, I couldn't help but admire him. He's determined. And for a poor girl like me whom he likes, well, I consider myself lucky, right? Another valid reason to give him credit.