Alice woke early, abiding by her personal vow to strive for more productivity in her days. College classes didn’t commence until 10 a.m., affording her ample time to tidy up the house leisurely and do some grocery shopping.
And so she did, putting everything in order, watering the little plants, and then popped out to the supermarket just a block away from her apartment to buy milk and eggs. Next, she prepared a delightful breakfast and settled down to enjoy it in the living room while watching television.
An hour later, Alice decided to shower and get ready for college, but her cell phone started ringing persistently, audible even from the bathroom, though she couldn’t dash out all lathered up to answer it.
Alice - Darn it!
She cursed when she hit her elbow on the shower enclosure.
Alice - Bet it's Tom, I'm not going to answer!
...
Time slipped by, and Alice didn’t wait for her friend to pick her up; she took the bus instead and arrived early at the institution.
*Alice!*
A loud voice called out from a distance; Alice turned to see who it was.
Alice - Oh, it's you, Lea!
Lea - Wow, such enthusiasm to see me!
They moved closer and embraced.
Alice - Why haven't you been coming to classes?
Lea - It's complicated!
Together, they walked toward a tree, sat down to enjoy the shade its leaves cast over much of the area, and placed their bags on the freshly watered grass.
Alice - Something happened?
Lea - I have to travel tomorrow, will be gone a few days.
Alice - Why?
Lea - My mom's having surgery, so I need to look after my little brother, you know...
She sighed and rested her head against the tree trunk; Alice did the same, and both lapsed into silence for a brief long while until Lea broke the tranquility.
Lea - Heard the big news?
Alice - Hmm?
She didn't show much interest and kept her head relaxed against the tree.
Lea - Professor Brandon's father passed away last night.
Alice - Really?
She turned her face immediately, a shade of concern in her voice.
Lea - Yeah... just found out, overheard some talk in the faculty lounge. Probably no class today since most of the teachers will be at the funeral.
Alice stayed motionless, lost in thought. She didn't know Brandon’s father, but a wave of sadness hit her, empathizing with how the man she harbored feelings for must be feeling at that moment.
Alice - Where will it be?
Her friend, eyes closed, was enjoying the breeze on her face.
Lea - What?
Alice - The funeral, of course!
Her friend opened her eyes and looked puzzled at Alice.
Lea - Huh, you planning on going?
Alice realized she was revealing too much and tried to appear nonchalant.
Alice - Me? (laughs)
Lea - Why do you always act weird when it's about him?
Alice - A... act weird how?
Her laugh wavered, betraying a hint of the emotions she was trying to mask.
Lea - You like him?
Alice's eyes widened and she quickly stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
Alice - Are you crazy or did you have a drink? No way!
Her friend also stood up, facing Alice.
Lea - Can’t blame you, the professor is hot, truly a piece of work. (laughs)
Alice - You're wrong this time, I don't like the professor!
She began to walk ahead, and Lea with a smile hurried to catch up.
Lea - Hey, wait up! (laughs)
Alice - Stop spouting nonsense!
Lea - Okay, okay...
Alice looked upset as Lea could barely contain her laughter.
Lea - I'm not saying anything.
Alice - Sure...
They hugged and laughed, making their way out as indeed classes were canceled; they received confirmation in a group message from their class.
Lea - Where's that goofball friend of yours?
Alice - He's not a goofball.
Lea - He doesn't like me, and you know it, right?
Alice rolled her eyes and burst into laughter.
Lea - And I can't stand him either.
Alice - And might I ask why?
Lea - Ah...
Without a concrete answer, Alice seized the moment to tease her friend.
Alice - Aaah... wait a minute!
Lea - Wait for what? Don't you start!
Alice - You like Tom!
Lea - Have you lost your mind? I do not, for heaven’s sake!
Alice - Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.
Lea - Secret? What the heck! (laughs)
Alice - Well, well, how life turns out, right?
Lea - Fine, I'll play your game!
Alice put her hands on her hips, anticipating her friend's next words.
Lea - You know my secret, and...
Alice - And?
Lea - I know yours! You're head over heels for the psychology professor.
Alice - Oh, shut up! (laughs)
They crossed the street and walked further to hail a taxi.
Lea - I'm coming with you!
She showed the message sent by the college to the psychology students, detailing the location of the wake and the site for the afternoon burial.
Alice - Alright.
She signaled for a taxi, and they both got in, heading for the Ramsey mansion. Upon reaching the street, they had to get out earlier due to a seemingly endless line of cars and a throng of people in black arriving for the last farewell to a significant figure in the business community.
Lea - We should’ve worn black too!
They exchanged a glance and continued into the mansion, amid many distinguished members of high society gathered for the wake. Once inside the vast room with the casket, Alice spotted Brandon looking very downcast alongside Professor Nina.
Lea - There's your love!
Alice - Stop it, Lea!
She whispered softly.
Alice - Show some respect!
Lea - Sorry, was just trying to lighten the mood.
Alice - Let’s go offer our condolences to the professor.
Her friend nodded in agreement and they approached; Brandon had his head down the whole time. Nina noticed them coming closer and raised an eyebrow.
Alice - Excuse me, professor?
He looked up and met her eyes, and Alice cleared her throat.
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