The SM guy named John Mark

I was so elated when I learned that John Mark was coming to school. Again.

It was a year ago when he stopped because of the battered reason of all times, financial deficiency.

“Irregular man ko, Jo, because I'm working at SM right now,” he shared when we had the chance to talk. I was more than elated when I learned that. Individuals who do saintly multi-tasking always amazes the envious me. How do they do that? It is not easy because even me, my time is swallowed by my studies alone. Well, I was exaggerating; I'm not doing well in my studies, either. I'm a pig personified. I even eat like a pig, with a little grace, though.

But John Mark was far from being a pig.

“I shared my situation with the manager and he understood, so, he adjusted my working sched,” he said.  He studied in the morning and worked in the afternoon. And Dr. Angel Pesirla, the gentle monster himself, even granted him a special pass in the institution without wearing the prescribed uniform, which eventually brought him some unwanted recognition, eventually earning the name, SM guy. Blame Miss Gina Mantua who baptized him with that monicker.

There was a time when I waited for Dr. Angel at his office, so I could pass my one-week late termpaper.  I already formulated and staged some crappy reasons in my head. I would cry, if I had to. I was talking to the monster, (who) happened to be in good mood, when John arrived. He hadn't finished his term paper. He was asking for some extension since he got some dilemma in inserting it in his bustling calendar, while, I made mine in between idleness and boredom.

Sir Angel accepted my term paper and he granted John Mark's entreaty. (He was in good mood, remember?)

John and I chatted for awhile. And again, unconsciously, he made me realize how dysfunctional I am. 

He asked the manager to let him use the latter’s personal computer.

“Magpabaga nalang jud ko ani, Jo. No choice.” He grimaced. I grimaced more, not because of pity but rather of my absurd attitude towards things. Here is the guy with enough initiative to make the river flow his way, while I paddled my boat out of the water.

I miss the guy wearing the SM uniform around CNU (Cebu Normal University). I missed his lame strides, his soft enunciation of words, his hair coated with cheap gel.

I haven't seen him for a while. John Mark Canja, I don't know if I'll be elated or saddened by your decision.