Mariely arrived at the faculty room. It was quiet—maybe everyone was already in class. She immediately noticed a vacant table.
"Are you the new teacher for third-year Section D?" a woman suddenly asked, startling Mariely.
She simply nodded, still taken aback.
"Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you." The woman gave a friendly smile and scratched her head.
"I'm Veron Camille Ronda, by the way." She extended her hand.
"Ah, Faith Mariely Celestial." Mariely shook hands with her new colleague and smiled.
"Let me walk with you. I'm headed that way too. Our classrooms are right next to each other," Veron offered.
"Thanks, Veron. This school is huge—I might get lost," Mariely replied with a chuckle.
Veron laughed, and they headed to their classrooms together. As they walked, they chatted easily. Mariely instantly felt comfortable with Veron and learned that she, too, was a fresh graduate and a new teacher. Veron was an English major, also preparing for the board exams like her.
Before they parted ways, Veron turned to her with a sincere smile.
"Mariely, even though Section D is noisy and unruly, they still need a teacher who understands them."
Mariely simply smiled and nodded. Veron's classroom was Section C, just next door. She took a deep breath before stepping in front of her own.
From the outside, she could already hear the chaos inside—students shouting, laughing, and—
—Fighting?!
She pushed the door open and was shocked to see two students throwing punches. The entire class paused briefly, glancing at her, but no one even greeted her. Then, just like that, they returned to their noise, some even placing bets on the ongoing fight.
Oh my God, please give me patience with these unruly students, she silently prayed.
Without even putting down her things, she immediately rushed to break up the fight.
*******
"So, is that the new teacher?" he asked the woman seated across from him.
"Yes, she's a fresh graduate," Becca replied without looking up. "So, what are you doing here again, son?"
"Oh, nothing. Can't I visit my own mother at school?" he said as he casually sat in the vacant chair.
"I know you too well, Zean Frank Jordan Montero. What are you up to?" Becca eyed him suspiciously. When she used his full name, it was serious.
"Whoa, Mom. Chill," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender.
She raised an eyebrow.
"Seriously, I just came by... to evaluate the new hire," he said with a smirk.
"And?"
"Do you honestly think she can change those kids?" Frank asked directly.
Becca looked up, saying nothing, waiting for him to go on.
"In today's world, even educators need money. I don't buy your idealism anymore. Believe me, she'll give up. It's a waste of time."
"Young people today are different. Nothing changes overnight," he added.
"Are you done?" Becca returned to her paperwork, ignoring his pessimism.
Frank sighed.
"Yeah, yeah. Bye, Mom. I've got work to do," he said before walking out of her office.
He respected his mom deeply. Since childhood, she had managed to balance her work as a teacher with being a mother. But despite that respect, Frank held no fondness for the profession. Teaching, in his view, didn't lead to success or wealth.
His mother, on the other hand, came from privilege and still chose teaching.
As he passed by other teachers, he couldn't help but smirk. Their youthful energy reminded him more of high schoolers than professionals.
Women will always be girls, he mused with a shake of his head.
Still, the new teacher intrigued him. There was something different about her—not like the women he usually met.
Hmm... let's see, he thought, speeding off in his car.
*********
"Stop it, all of you!" Mariely shouted, managing to get between the two fighting students. Despite the fear in her chest, she couldn't let it show. She already felt like fainting.
The class fell silent. She quickly separated the two boys—one with a nosebleed, the other with a bruised face. The latter looked like he was about to strike again but froze when she stepped in.
Taking a deep breath, she addressed them.
"Can you tell me why you're punching each other?" she asked, trying to remain calm.
"Eh? Who are you?" A student called out lazily from his seat, sizing her up.
Patience, El. Patience... she reminded herself.
"Before I introduce myself, everyone please sit down." She looked around the room. One student groaned in annoyance, but the rest obeyed. Turning back to the fighters, she said, "You two—we'll talk later. Go back to your seats."
She caught their tense stares and knew the fight could break out again at any moment.
"Now, please," she said more firmly, locking eyes with them. They hesitated but complied.
Mariely finally picked up her things and walked to the front. The room was still as everyone watched her closely.
She cleared her throat. "First of all, I'll be your adviser here," she said.
Laughter suddenly erupted—from the same boy who had questioned her earlier.
"Guys, we've got another teacher to make cry and quit!" Someone cheered, his dyed hair making him stand out.
"Think you can handle us?" another student smirked.
Mariely's blood boiled at the disrespect, but she kept her cool. She glanced around, spotting about ten girls in class—one of them clearly scared and shaking her head.
Breathing deeply, she continued, "I'm Ms. Faith Mariely Abad Celestial. I'll be your homeroom teacher starting today."
More laughter followed.
She pressed on. "For now, I won't be giving you any rules. You're free to act however you like. But once I lay them down, you'll follow them. Understood?"
"Let's see how long this one lasts. Who's taking bets?" someone joked.
Mariely just shook her head. "Think twice before you bet on me. I'm about to start class." She paused and smiled confidently. "Oh, and by the way, I'm a Filipino major."
"Ugh, Filipino," she heard a student groan.
Let's give it a try, she told herself.