As Mrs. Dimaculangan led Rainan and Angelo through the bustling hallways of the school, her enthusiasm was contagious. They walked past classrooms filled with excited students, their laughter and voices echoing in the air. The school, despite the years that had passed, still felt familiar. The scent of old wood and chalkboards lingered in the hallways, the echoes of their own youthful footsteps now distant memories.
Rainan couldn’t help but smile at the nostalgia that filled him. It had been years since he last stepped foot here, yet the school felt like home. Mrs. Dimaculangan, ever the gracious guide, led them to a quieter part of the school, away from the noise of the intramural events, to a small garden area where they could sit and talk.
"Here we are," she said with a smile as she gestured toward a bench under a tree. "A bit more peaceful, don’t you think?"
Rainan nodded, feeling the calm of the space settle around him. He had forgotten how much he had missed these quiet moments, these small corners of the school that had shaped his youth.
As they settled onto the bench, Mrs. Dimaculangan turned to him with a soft, curious smile. "So, Rainan," she began, her voice warm and kind, "it’s been a while. I’ve heard so much about you. Your accomplishments... You’ve done so much since you left."
Rainan chuckled softly, slightly embarrassed by the attention. "Well, it’s been a journey," he replied, his voice modest. "I’ve been working hard. Got into architecture, you know, just like I always dreamed of."
"I always knew you would," Mrs. Dimaculangan said with a proud smile. "You had that spark in you. I remember when you showed me your first sketches. Even then, you were different from the others. You were determined, focused. It makes me so happy to see you’ve followed through with your dreams."
Rainan smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude. "Thank you, Mrs. Dimaculangan. You’ve always believed in me. It means a lot to hear that."
She gave him a knowing look, her eyes twinkling. "Well, I didn’t just believe in you, Rainan. I knew you were capable of greatness. And look at you now."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sound of distant voices and laughter filtering through the garden. Mrs. Dimaculangan, always the curious and attentive teacher, then leaned in slightly, as if about to ask something more personal.
"So, how about you, Rainan?" she asked with a playful smile. "Is there anyone special in your life? Someone to share all your successes with?"
Rainan’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the question. He shifted uncomfortably on the bench, unsure of how to answer. "Uh, no, not really," he replied, a slight chuckle escaping his lips. "I’ve been pretty focused on my work. You know how it is."
Mrs. Dimaculangan raised an eyebrow, her teasing smile never faltering. "Hmm, focused on work, huh? I see... Well, I suppose I understand. You’ve always been driven, Rainan."
She glanced at Angelo, who was standing a few paces away, focused on taking pictures of the school grounds. "But what about your friend there?" she teased, her voice low but playful. "You two were always so close back then. You don’t think he’s the one, do you?"
Rainan’s face flushed, a mix of embarrassment and confusion. He quickly glanced at Angelo, who was completely unaware of the conversation, engrossed in his task. "No, no," Rainan stammered, his voice laced with nervous laughter. "Angelo? He’s... he’s just a friend. We go way back."
Mrs. Dimaculangan chuckled, clearly enjoying the teasing. "I remember how the two of you were inseparable. You were always together, always looking out for one another. It’s nice to see you’re still in touch."
Rainan smiled, his nerves easing a bit.
There was a brief pause, and then Mrs. Dimaculangan’s tone softened. "But it’s good to see you again, Rainan. Really. I’m proud of the man you’ve become. Sometimes, I wonder if I had anything to do with it," she said, a gentle laugh escaping her lips.
Rainan shook his head, his expression sincere. "You had everything to do with it, Mrs. Dimaculangan. You were the one who helped me find my way when I was lost. You believed in me when I didn’t know what I was capable of. I owe so much of who I am to you."
She smiled, her heart full of warmth. "You’re too kind, Rainan. But I’m just glad to see you doing well."
The conversation then shifted to lighter topics—how the school had changed over the years, how the students now seemed so much younger than they had been, and how much she missed teaching. But despite the lightness of the conversation, there was an underlying sense of connection between them. A bond that time had only strengthened, even though they had been apart for so long.
After a while, Mrs. Dimaculangan stood up, brushing off her skirt as she smiled down at them. "You know," she said, her voice bright, "this school event is a tradition. We have the school fest going on right now, and it would be lovely if you two stayed and celebrated with us. Just like old times. What do you think?"
Rainan exchanged a quick glance with Angelo, who was still lost in his photography. He wasn’t sure if Angelo would be interested in staying, but the idea of reconnecting with the school and celebrating with the teachers and students felt like the perfect way to wrap up their visit.
"I’d love to stay," Rainan said with a smile, looking back at Mrs. Dimaculangan. "It’s been years since I’ve had the chance to join in something like this."
Mrs. Dimaculangan beamed, clearly pleased by his response. "Wonderful! It’ll be just like when you were students here. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of."
As they began to head back toward the crowd, the noise of the fest growing louder, Rainan felt a sense of peace settle over him. There was something comforting about being here again, surrounded by the familiar faces of old teachers and the memories of his youth. And with Mrs. Dimaculangan’s invitation to stay, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude—for the woman who had guided him, for the past that had shaped him, and for the future that was still waiting for him.