Chapter 2 Happy Faith

Faith's POV

"Really, sir... we were chosen?" I couldn't stop my voice from trembling, as if a sudden warmth surged through my chest-mixed shock, joy, and deep gratitude. I swallowed softly. I never expected to hear that news directly from Sir Jaecob.

A well-known company was set to donate a new classroom building to a selected school in Zambales. All schools were asked to submit a proposal. I was assigned to write ours-I stayed up late working on it, carefully crafting every word, shaping each idea from the heart. Only one school would be chosen. And now, we were the one.

We really needed it. We lacked classrooms, so we had to do shifting schedules-morning and afternoon classes. Some students had to wake up extremely early just to attend, while others got home late. Even the teachers felt the burden, especially when kids were left behind in the afternoon because their parents couldn't pick them up on time due to work.

So, despite all the stress and irritation earlier, it felt like a thorn had been pulled from my chest. At least now, I knew there was a good reason why I was called to the office.

"Yes, Ma'am Faith. Congratulations. You did great," said Sir Jaecob, serious but with a smile in his eyes. "I wasn't wrong to entrust the proposal to you. You really nailed it."

"Thank you, sir. I just did my best. For the kids," I replied, trying to hold back tears. I didn't know if it was from happiness or the sudden weight of emotion in my heart.

"You impressed me even more, Ma'am Faith," he continued. "With the new building, the shifting schedule will end. Things will be easier for everyone."

I sighed. That's how Sir is-calm, professional. It's true he has feelings for me, but he never forces it. He never embarrassed or pressured me. In front of teachers and students, I'm just another teacher-a colleague, a partner in purpose.

Sir is a widower. Thirty-five years old. His wife passed away five years ago during childbirth. He was left with one child. People say he's only recently started smiling genuinely again-and that I'm the reason. I don't know. I still can't accept the possibility of loving again. Not yet.

"Oh, by the way," added Sir Jaecob, "the secretary from A.G. Company called. They asked if you teachers had any other needs."

"Really, sir? If it's for the teachers... maybe a printer. Most of ours are broken. We share, so sometimes it delays the preparation of materials."

"Noted, Ma'am Faith. I'll pass that on. Thanks again."

"Okay, sir." I nodded and forced a smile. As I walked out of the office, I felt lighter. Now, all the sacrifices felt worth it.

"Hey! You're still here, Charie? Don't you have class?" I asked upon returning to the room.

"Just needed to print something. Sorry, I used your printer. Mine's broken," she replied innocently with a peace sign.

"That's all? It's fine. Maybe the donor will include printers along with the classroom."

"WHAT? We were chosen? OH. MY. GOSH. FAITH! You're amazing!" she nearly screamed.

"You're so extra, Charie," I said, shaking my head with a laugh. "That was just one sentence, but you reacted like fireworks exploded with all those punctuation marks!"

"Yeah, Sir said there'll be a meeting at lunchtime. He'll announce it officially. We just have to wait for his message in the group chat."

I said it with a smile, but my voice still trembled slightly, as if my heart hadn't stopped pounding. I still couldn't explain the joy.

"So, if there's a meeting, why did Sir call you in alone?"

Her voice had a teasing tone, paired with a raised eyebrow that seemed to probe what I couldn't say.

"I don't know," I shook my head at her persistence. "Maybe... he just wanted to personally congratulate and thank me." But in my mind: "Thank me? He didn't even say thank you earlier."

"Aww! He just wanted to see you longer, I bet." She poked my side. I flinched, laughing-not out of giddiness. Or maybe just a little. But I didn't want to admit it.

"Stop it, Charie," I tried to sound serious even though I was smiling. "Finish printing and go back to your classroom. Your students might be fighting again."

"Oh! She's blushing! Kids, look! Your teacher's blushing!"

And she even dragged my students into her antics.

"Yes, ma'am!" A brief silence, then they all answered in chorus, like it was rehearsed. "We'll have our uncle from Japan court Teacher Faith so she can be our aunt!"

I nearly facepalmed. The laughter in the room was loud.

"Kids, your teacher doesn't want a boyfriend yet. Let's focus on studying, okay?" My voice tried to sound playful. But deep inside, there was a sting. Not from the joke-but from the questions I kept avoiding.

"Yes, teacher!" Again, in chorus. So playful, but endearing.

"You're the one to blame, Charie," I said to my unfiltered friend. "Dragging the kids into your nonsense. Get out of here before I lose my patience."

But my tone wasn't angry-just a reminder that jokes have limits. There were wounds I was still trying to keep closed.

"Hey, I didn't break any rules. It's not class time yet. The bell hasn't even rung."

She was still grinning, like nothing happened.

"The bell hasn't rung, but you've already clocked in, right?"

"I'm working, okay! Working with a bit of chitchat. That's how it is when you enjoy your job."

I shook my head and laughed. "You're something else. So loud."

But behind the laughter, teasing, and banter, there was depth. Behind every joke, there was a story. Feelings wanting to be expressed but held back. And in the middle of it all, I kept holding on to a promise I kept whispering to myself: Not yet. I'm not ready.

Our playful exchange continued. It felt so light being with Charie. Like a sister. She's the only one who knows my life story-the wounds left by the past. She's the only one who knows why I'm not ready to love again.

"But seriously, Faith... Sir Jaecob... is there really no chance?" Charie asked, her voice tinged with sadness.

"Charie..." I replied softly.

"Is it still him... even now?" she asked again, more gently. And in her eyes, I didn't see teasing-only concern.

I didn't answer. I just forced a laugh.

"Haha! I'm curious about what he looks like. Why can't you forget him?"

"He has two hands, two feet, and a nice nose," I joked. "Small teeth, loves to eat. Small tongue but knows how to lie."

"Wow, you're good at singing-even if the lyrics are different," Charie teased. "But... is he well-endowed?"

"CHARIIIIIEEE!!!" I shouted while pushing her out. I laughed too. This girl is crazy. But thanks to her, somehow... each day feels a little lighter.