Wednesday came, and it’s time for me and Eion to present in front of the class.
For me, I had been sweating profusely. It’s not that I am a coward. But bad things happen to me every time it’s my turn to present something in front of them.
I’ll always end up embarrassing myself… And believe me, quite a few got so used to it that they consider it as a routine for me. Which is not good!
And may I remind you that I. AM. WITH. EION!
Was the offer I made last month even valid? Eion hasn’t mentioned it, and I always forgot to bring it up. Well, screw that.
Mrs. Johnson didn’t waste a minute that as soon as she came into the room, she called out random names to present in the class. Time sure flies by so fast that the next thing I know, it’s our turn already. I almost froze in panic. Keyword: Almost.
But one thing caught me today… Eion. Something seemed off to his mood rather than usual. I mean, he is usually quiet but today, he didn’t glare at me even when he got all the chances he got, with me even letting down my pride and casting him a nervous glance every now and then.
He noticed it, and he didn’t even bother to hide it. Instead, he just met my gaze straight on and stared at me blankly.
It’s not like I’m not asking for his help and telling him to do his best…
Oh, damn it. No no no no, no asking for help, no good luck. Nothing’s going to happen, nothing worse. If ever, it just made me more anxious about whether he is judging me with his eyes or also nervous.
He should have frozen me with those deathly eyes but no, he ‘encouraged’ me, letting me realize that I won’t let my dignity and pride be taken down.
And with that, I stood up graciously and proudly, although inside I was dying in tremor. We went first to pass the five-page essay to Mrs. Johnson.
After that, I held out my flash drive to present our project and stood at the platform in front.
I gulped. Then cleared my throat, looking at anyone but Mrs. Johnson sitting at the back of the classroom.
“21st century. An age in which technology, social media, are part of our everyday life, an essential for us human beings.” I gulped, looking at Eion when I said ‘human beings,’ he scowled at this.
“And yes, we live in a world where changes are immobilized and nurtured. But what are really the causes of the changes in this world? Why are there changes?”
I continued, feeling a sense of comfort looking at everyone’s eyes. It was always my greatest trauma in speaking in front. I think everyone has it. But mine affects me the most. Literally.
Cue the mental block, speech defect, tripping, and stuttering… But today, it was different. Everyone’s eyes are on me. They don’t have these judgmental looks on their faces. And with that, I was relieved.
Then I glanced at Mrs. Johnson, seeing her face twist into a slight frown.
I blinked, licking my lips in nervousness. “I-uh-Uhm…” I knew it was coming. Mental block. Where was I again? Where am I? Dammit! Swallowing my pride, I looked to Eion for help, he was on the other side of the platform. I cast him a look of help, fearing that will get low for this. We’re screwed.
I looked at the class again, looking so lost and helpless. Why did I let my guard down? Way to go Snow.
“Ms. Snow?” Are you okay?” Mrs. Johnson asked. I feel so sick. My head was swirling and slowly, my vision blurred.
Then someone cleared their throat. “Time.” I heard Eion started.
“What really is the cause of the changes in this world is time.” He completed it. I gave him a small smile to continue, feeling so weak to get my pride and dignity together, and started to bicker at him for helping me.
“With everyday development, the economy, society, people around the world will only trust time. Why? Because it is the most abundant thing. Yes, it’s about technology, social networks; this generation will be all gone. Time. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Ticking and ticking, changing everything, and yet, not changing itself.”
He continued on and on, it was just the introduction part, and here I am, doing nothing but stare at him in silence, with everyone staring at him in awe, not expecting where this side of Eion came from.
He looked confident, convincing, and true with his speech. He went on and on, explaining everything in detail. I glance at Mrs. Johnson, looking at Eion with a slight interest.
It’s better than the look she gave me.
Good. We won’t fail right?. Slowly, I regained my consciousness. My vision got back to normal.
“Any clarification?” He asked when he finally wrapped up our presentation.
Everyone shook their heads. “If there is none, then it is the end of our presentation. Thank you.”
They all clapped and I turned to Eion, smiling at him so wide I could really hug him right now. Then I remembered my broken dignity. So much for ‘making him eat his own words and impress him’.
“That was great.” A girl said to Eion. I don’t know what but I saw Eion just glanced at her, then brushed her off as though she’s a fly. Wow, that’s harsh. I feel sorry for the girl… but I also felt satisfied… Great job Eion!
The bell rang and we arranged. “You did a great job. You two.” Mrs. Johnson smiled at us, or specifically, to Eion when she approached us in front. We thanked her and went outside. I breathed in a sigh of relief.
“Thank-“I caught up to Eion’s fast pace and I was about to start thanking him when he stopped me.
“If you think thanking me is enough, then no.” He speaks up, staring straight ahead while skipping down the halls.
My mouth hangs open at this. What the- Gritting my teeth, I yelled at him. “I’m not thanking you!”
“Good, I’m not expecting you to do it anyway.” He walked in the other direction to a hallway.
Breathing in, I took all the courage and said what I wanted, “Why are you like that!”
He didn’t answer me and I continued. “I was just about to thank you, appreciating your effort earlier.
“If you think I had saved your butt there, no. You are hallucinating. It was only for my grade.”
Wow. Just wow. I did most of the project. And just so you know? I just forgot the presentation… I still did my part right?
“Oh sure. Even when you look like you are going to pass out any second,” he commented, and I grit my teeth. “You little stupid asshole robot!” I stomped hard to the ground and walked past him.
It was a few steps when I noticed something.
I looked behind, noticing that I didn’t get any grunt or snort from Eion when I saw him looking at the ground. His face is pink.
I smirked. “Wow. Who knew you would get that sorry looked easily. Good thing it’s one of my charms. Now, quickly, apologize now. I don’t have all of the time in the world.
He looked up and there was a hard stare. I furrowed my eyebrows. Oh, that escalated easily. From irritating to ashamed to angry. Who knew?
“Don’t scream when I do this.”