In an Alternate Universe

Starting from the Present

2 Months Earlier

June 2016

Philippines

“Love?” “Hm?” “Kindly look here please.” “What fo-“ CLICK! “Beautiful.” A deep, warm voice said with a satisfied sigh as he admire the captured image. The girl photographed pouted and casually walked to his side. “Let me see then.” She told him, her palm stretched, gesturing him to give the camera. With a resigned smile, the young man took off the lace of the camera from his neck and handed it to her. “But no deleting. Got it?” He said which earned him a nod from the woman beside him. The young lady opened the camera’s gallery and started viewing the photos. The shots were from all the places he took her during her stay in London. From the view of the city at night from the peak of the London Eye, day paddling at the Thames to see another view of the London Bridge, their countless walking tour around the city, watching Sound of Music(her favorite musical) at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and the beach in Botany Bay at Kent. It was all beautifully taken yet beside those places they went to, most of the photos were her. Looking out the window of the train thoughtfully, her face with glee while she was watching, her exhausted face after their paddling and so much more. She looked up, mixed emotions welling up her chest, and saw those pair of azure blue eyes, her new favorite color( not that she’ll tell him though), shining brightly while smiling sheepishly, making a slight dust of pink adorn her cheeks. Clearing her throat before she could say something that would embarrass her forever she looked down and gave back the camera. “Sheesh. This is what you call beautiful? Well, in that case, you really have poor taste, my good sir.” She said teasingly while unknowingly smiling beautifully at him. When the man saw her smile, he internally held his breath before he smiled back and took her hand, “I’m afraid not, my fair lady. You see, the lady whose face adorns all the photos you’ve seen is one of the most beautiful creatures I have seen.” He said as he kissed the back of her hand, his sandy blond hair, slightly brushing her wrist. Slowly he inched closer to her, his eyes never straying from her face, linking their hands together as he said, “Karissa, I- ” BEEP.BEEP. The loud beeping of her alarm clock woke a 19 year old Karissa Perez from her sleep with a start. On her right, the menace that is her alarm clock was still blaring like a foghorn in her ear. She took the clock and turned the alarm off. Looking at the time she yawned and stretched. It was 7 am and her class doesn’t start till 10. Getting up she made her bed and started opening one of the windows and curtains in her room. Doing it in a daze she remembered her dream and heaved a long sigh, inwardly telling herself stupid multiple times.

The sunlight streamed down the windows, blinding her a bit and waking her up fully. Going down, she can already hear her family and their chaos downstairs. As she reached the dining room, she saw her younger brothers Dent and Louis finishing up their dream house projects and arguing with each other about a tree model gone missing. “7 am and already arguing boys? What a wonderful way to start the morning.” Karissa said while walking past them. “ Morning Issa.” Both boys greeted her while completing their models not really minding what she said. As she made her way to the kitchen, she was bumped by her youngest brother, Raf who’s holding his tumbler of milk and assorted cookies that fell to the ground. “Oh my dear. Raf, baby I’m sorry.” Karissa said as she knelt down picking up the cookies. “Good morning Issa.” The five-year old boy said softly making her elder sister smile. “Well, good morning to you too baby. Are these your snacks for school?” She said while holding the cookies. Raf nodded, “Auntie Mary gave them to me.” “Oh ain’t that right. Shall we put it in your bag?” She asked her brother who nodded in return. Smiling, Karissa held her baby brother’s hand and went to the counter where his bag was and put the snacks inside. “Raf, have you seen Mum?” The 19 year old asked as they finished putting his food inside his backpack. “She changed clothes.” Raf said and ran towards the living room continuing the game he paused in his tablet. As if on cue, their mother entered the kitchen. “Morning mum.” Karissa greeted her mother and pecked her in the cheek. “Good morning sweetheart. Good to know you’re already up.” Her mother, Glinda said with a smile and patted her cheek softly before going to the dining room and started putting the blueprints she made for a client in a thick envelope while Dent and Louis are still making final touches on the project. Rummaging through the refrigerator for breakfast, Karissa looked at the little clock hanging at the wall and saw that its almost 7:20. “Boys, I think you’d better go. Your flag ceremony’s about to start in five minutes.” She told her brothers who inwardly cursed and took their bags and projects and ran through the door. From the outside you can still hear them saying “Bye mum, bye Issa, bye Raf, Bye grandma.” “Well, I guess we should also be on our way Raf. Say byebye to your grandma outside.” Their mother said picking up her brother’s bag and her envelope, kissing her good bye and having a kiss and a big hug from Raf who just came back from saying goodbye to their grandmother. Alone inside the house, Karissa took a deep breath and started preheating the breakfast her mom made. After that she went up and did some reading, took a bath and by nine she was already on her way to school. Her family lived far from the city, a good hour’s trip using a jeepney and if you’re lucky enough, maybe a half an hour ride if the driver drives fast and there is no traffic.

That day was apparently, one of those lucky days and she arrived early enough to school and use one of the university’s crappy elevators which is so far, isn’t cramped with students and faculty. Pressing the button for the eighth floor, Karissa put on her panda designed headphones and started humming softly to Savage Garden’s Truly Madly Deeply playing on her smartphone, while waiting for the lift to arrive at her floor. A verse and a chorus later she arrived at the eighth floor. With ten minutes to spare. Walking out she went to peek on the little glass part of her room’s door and saw that the class before hers was still ongoing. Sighing, she went to a vacant plastic bench near the vending machine and sat down and started playing Candy Crush. She was in the midst of a difficult level when she heard the bell rang and felt an arm slung on her shoulder. Without leaving her eyes from her phone she greeted the unknown person beside her. “Hello Zack.” Beside Karissa was a young and very attractive man, with a well-built body, clearly a result of an intense gym workout and diet, his slightly tanned well-toned arm ripples on his fitted v-neck navy blue shirt. His dark brown eyes were shining, and his fine, black hair was in an undercut fashion, he was indeed a sight to behold, but what makes him make the girls’ panties drop, or so Karissa says, was his smile. It was dreamy looking, and even though he wears dental braces, his smile still look downright charming. With a laugh, Zackery, or Zack as he prefers everyone to call him, laughed and pinched her cheek and said, “Why so grouchy at 10am in the morning Karissa?” “Ha.Ha. I was in the middle of an important game.” “Candy crush? Seriously? I would understand if it was one of your RPG games but that?” Zack said disbelievingly, making Karissa roll her eyes and stand up. “Funny. Zack. Extremely hilarious. Where’s Elaine by the way?” Zack stood up and stretched. “She was called to an emergency meeting of the school paper. I told her I’ll just wait for her but she refused.” Karissa nodded in understanding and said, “I take it she might not attend our class?” “Apparently so.” “So that also means I’ll be stuck with you the entire time until we meet her during break if Gemina won’t attend class today as well?” “It’s your lucky day my cute, fluffy friend!” Zack answered with a laugh. “Yay! Best day ever!.” Karissa said with a sarcastic smile and went inside their room. “You know, you’re no fun!” The young man said with a pout as he followed her inside. Students were filling the room as Karissa sat down on her seat at second row near the aisle, Zack behind her when a small woman entered the room, beads of sweat running down her forehead, holding a big pink backpack, which clearly contains a lot of heavy things. Her brown bangs swept straightly to the side and the back of her hair was held by simple black hairpin. She was wearing cute floral romper paired with a thin blue cardigan and pink closed wedge heels. “Oh am I late? How many minutes was I late? Oooh I hope I’m not that late? Did I miss so- ” The woman rambled on before Karissa cut her off. “First of all Gem, breathe! Dear lord, are you trying to hyperventilate? And secondly, you’re not late. Ms. Cruz isn’t here yet. You’re on time!” She said pulling her down to sit beside her. “ 9:57. Congratulations Gem! You broke your record of reaching school by 3 minutes!” Zack said looking at his wristwatch while giving a thumbs up at Gem. “Well, isn’t that great! You broke your own record!” Karissa said trying to hold her peals of laughter as she fist bumped with Zack. “Laugh you two. Those stairs were a menace because the elevator got broken! BROKEN! I have to run five fleet of stairs! FIVE!” Gem said annoyed chugging down water like her life depended on it. “We were just joking Gem.” Karissa said while leaning her head on Gem’s shoulder. “Where’s Elaine?” Gem asked looking around. “School paper meeting. She might not attend class. But we’ll still meet her during break.” Karissa answered fishing out a bar of chocolate, opening it and sharing it with Zack while offering some to the brown haired woman who eagerly took a piece and ate it wholeheartedly. The bell rang again and a tall, fair bespectacled middle aged woman entered the room. She greeted the class and started collecting last meeting’s assignment and proceeded on writing the topic for the day about Edgar Allan Poe and his works. The class went on swimmingly, and after an hour and a half the bell rang to end the class for the day. Leaving the students with a three page essay about Edgar Allan Poe due next meeting, Ms. Cruz took her belongings and strode off the room. Karissa and her friends followed suit, Zack whining about how the essay would add to numerous essays he was to make for his major classes. He was a political science major and although he just looks like a person blessed with an attractive face and wonderful physique, he’s a consistent deans lister with a general average ranging from a 91 to a 93. “Sucks to be you Zack.” Gem said patting his shoulder softly as they went for the stairs. “Oh, by the way, last semester’s deanslists and college scholars lists are posted.” She added while latching on to Karissa’s arm. “Lets go take a look then. Its on the bulletin board at the 6th floor right?” Zack said, going down. As they reached the sixth floor, the three immediately went to the left corner of the hallway where the bulletin board is situated. “I’m getting nervous. What if I didn’t make it again? It’ll be twice in a row now.” Gem said quietly. “You’ll make it! I believe you got in this time.” Karissa told her smiling assuring. “Now, go take a look.” With a deep breath, Gem walked towards the board and scanned the list.

DEANS LIST

Arts and Sciences

1.Zackery Felis 92.85

2.Louella Ali 92.43

3.Liezl Real 92. 32

4.John Tan 92.32

5.Charles Gomez 92.20

6. Rhea Suh 92.00

7.Gemina Ramos 91.65

.

.

10. Isaac Guzman 91.00

“Oh my… YES!!!! I got in.” Gem sighed with relief. “Congratulations Gemina! Now that is a comeback!” Zack said ruffling the short lady’s hair. “Well not as a great as yours. I only got seventh place, you got the first. So, I guess we know who’s going to buy us lunch today.” Gem said. “Whoa! Hold on just a minute. There’s still Elaine and this girl.” Zack said pointing at Karissa. “Go look at the College Scholar’s List.” Gem looked at the other side of the bulletin board with Zack on her back, reading the other list.

College Scholars

Arts and Sciences

1.Karissa Olivia Perez 96.55

2.Elaine Valdez 95.75

3.Roel Alcantara 95.53

4.Wes Rebel 95.18

5.Nestor Carin 95.06

“Uhm. Wow. 96.55. Damn Karissa.” Gem whistled as she stared at the raven haired woman. “Its just a list with averages on it. Like it would matter if I’ll be looking for a job after graduation.” Karissa said leaning on the wall. “But hey! It means she’ll be the one paying for lunch later!” Zack joked around. “You will pay for lunch right?” He asked seriously and earned a silence from the two ladies. “W-well, desserts then?” Another silence. “W-what about drinks?” Karissa and Gem looked at each other and kept quiet. “Seriously guys! I’m broke as hell right now!” Zack said sadly and sighed making the two girls burst into laughter. “Geez Zack. Don’t worry! Your lunch would be free today. What’s the panicking about?” Karissa said chuckling. “Seriously. I’m asking myself why Elaine started dating you in the first place.” Gem said snickering. “Funny guys. Real funny.” Zack said with a cute pout making all the women passerby look at him and bite their lips and whisper with each other while batting their eyes at him as they move along. "Is someone really going to buy us lunch, though?" The dark-haired man asked the girls. “It most definitely isn"t me since I"m broke as the homeless person sleeping at the bus station.” Karissa said as-a-matter-of-factly while standing straight up. Gem laughed and put her arms on her two friends" shoulders, with much difficulty on Zack"s shoulder and said, “ It"s going to be my treat today. Consider it a thank you for your encouragement and support this past semester. Now, stop pouting Zack!” With that Zack"s face brightened up and hugged Gem tightly. “Alright! That"s what I"m talking about! So where would you take us? I"m cool with anything as long that it would be satisfying.” “Well then, that crosses out the fancy cafés you go to Gem. Elaine and this guy” Karissa said patting Zack"s arm, “have stomachs that can be described as bottomless pits.” “Hey!” “Don"t argue with me it"s the truth. I got broke the last time I treated you. I learned my lesson.” The young man grinned sheepishly and muttered a sorry which was sincere. “ Okay you two. Let"s just pick up Elaine, then we"ll go.” Gem suggested slightly pushing the two forward. Going to the small passage to the Science building, the three ran for the closing elevator and made it in. Pressing the 5th button, they began discussing where they will eat later, rather loudly for the discomfort of the others. A few moments later, the lift opened to their floor and they went out and walked towards the school paper"s office located at the right end of the hallway. Just as they are making their way, the said door"s room opened and a group of people went out bidding goodbyes to each other before going their own ways, some acknowledging Karissa and Zackery"s presences with a greeting or a pat in the arm. The two greeted them back as a petite figure went out. The young woman was conversing with the school paper"s editor, and a few moments bid her goodbye when she saw the three smiling at her. Her brown eyes widened but softened as she made her way to the three. "I"m sorry I didn’t attend the class awhile ago. The deadline for the paper is fast approaching. Everyone"s on edge. Did you wait long?" She asked worriedly. "Nah. You"re just in time." Zack said as he wrap his arms around her, looking at her lovingly. "I missed you love." He added softly and gave her lips a small peck. "I missed you too." She replied and kissed his cheek. "And I miss you both." Karissa said sarcastically as she stood in front of the two. "Now, can we leave?" Gem chimed in and laughed. The short girl pouted and both Karissa and Gem grinned doing the peace sign. "We"re just kidding Elaine." They said with a sweet voice. Elaine was always easy too tease. Not as easy as Karissa but easy enough to get back at. But despite that, the petite brunette was a force to be reckoned with. She never lost an argument and had always been a head-strong girl. She is extremely talented and a very active student. Karissa puts her on high regards and even admits that the only reason why she got the highest rank is because Elaine has a lot of extracurricular activities. "Oh by the way, Congratulations on making on the DL Gem! We knew you could do it! But do I even have to congratulate you Zack. Or even you Issa?" The petite brunette said as she hugged Gem. "That"s why we came to pick you up. Gem"s treating us lunch as a form of celebration." Karissa said. Hearing the word treat and lunch, Elaine"s eyes brightened and her smile widened. "Well, what are we waiting for? The new year? Let"s go!" She said pushing the three towards the elevator. Fortunately, it was only them who were inside and taking advantage of it, they argued on where they"ll go for lunch. The lift opens to their floor as they finally decided to go to the newly-opened diner who was already known for their huge servings. As it was a bit far from the school, Zack offered they use his car and so they went to the parking lot where his black Toyota Vios was parked. A few minutes later they were driving towards the other side of the city smoothly as there was no traffic at that place. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the said diner and found a good table. Lunch was splendid. The food was delicious and the talk was, as usual, loud and happy. As Karissa looks at the three, a bigger smile bloomed on her face at their antics as she inwardly thinks, "This is my life... now."