Moonlight Serenade

She played with the pen before writing on paper. Jewel listened to the professor and recorded important details. They discussed about tree crop production which kinda interest her. "We like to cut the leaf of the plant and we know it's bad."

The professor moved the power point to the next slide. An animated picture of photosynthesis flashed in the large screen.

"No human is capable of making food from the heat of the sun. And still no machinery can mimic its complex process. The function of green leaves is to convert light energy into food energy. So the leaves of plants should not be toyed with." The Professor even showed pictures of tree farms, rolling hills, cogonal hillsides, and forested hillsides.

The Professor looked at the class and smiled. "We will visit the specialized area of Forestry students next week. It is just behind the Engineering and Forestry buildings. You are ABE students so you have probably seen the 100 squared meter Domesticated Forest from your course building? But we will know more about that forest next time.

For now, I want you to realize first the importance of trees in coping up to climate change, utilizing economic growth, and improving agricultural sector of our country.

The Professor opened something. "It is way too early but I want to give your final project. This project was approved by the Director, so I am confident that we can utilize all necessary facilities."

The Professor looked up and glanced at them one by one. "By Friday, we will visit the Municipal Nursery. The Bureau of Plant Industry has not yet responded so we will first get seeds from the municipality, which we will use for your project. We will call this project... A Seed to Care."

"Professor," Simoen called.

The female Professor smiled at Simoen. "Yes?"

"Where do we plant those?"

"Good question." The Professor grinned. "The purpose of this project is not only to increase the number of local trees but for you, to apply your learnings in Nursery Cultivation. You will grow your seeds here in University. And after three months, which in that time is your final examination, I will check your seedlings if you have taken good care of them.

And after that, we will ask the consent of the dean to let you go outside the University for awhile. Seedlings will be planted in your houses. Although we should have grown in the summer to plant this month when the rainy season begins, but the point here is how are you going to grow your own seedlings."

"That's a good project." Simeon smiled.

"Yes, definitely Mr. Saavedra. Back to our lesson, we will discuss food crops and fruit trees. By second semester, we will move to Principle of Soil Science."

"Wait, Prof," she called and raised her hand. "Why outside Univ? Why don't we plant it here instead?"

The Professor smiled at her. "That's the first thing I thought but I realize that we can help the community more when you plant your seedlings outside."

The Professor turned the book to the next page and grouped them for a group discussion.

JEWEL TURNED over on the bed but she kept on thinking about the project. She wondered what seed should she get. It should be better if it's easy to grow and not too sensitive in the soil acidity of Medellin.

Her hand reached for the phone and called Hazel's number but the ringing was cut off. Even Tiara was out of reach. She sighed when Gabbi's number rang.

"Oh? What are you up to?" She heard the girl yawned on the other line. "Laine, it's eleven o'clock. Too late for an evening talk and don't forget we're still early tomorrow."

"No. It'll be fast. I only have a question."

"What?"

"What should I plant for the final project? Do you have any suggestions?"

A few seconds passed before Gabbi answered. "Banana? Watermelon? Okra?"

Jewel was stunned and helplessly laughed. "Banana propagation is not seed. Also, watermelon and okra are not trees."

Gabbi snorted. "So why are you calling me? You know that I'm not an agriculture student. Did you just call me to mock my lack of intelligence in your field?"

"Uh." Jewel was speechless. Right. Why did she call Gabbi when that girl's not even an agriculture student?

Gabbi knew nothing about agriculture. Jewel sighed and shook her head. "Sorry," she whispered over the phone.

She heard a sigh from the other line. "How about Tiara and Hazel? Have you asked them?"

"I can't reach their phones."

Gabbi yawned. "Your parents. I'm sure they know since they have the Aisle."

"Uh, y-yeah. They know." She sighed. Of course her father know and would surely give her a good advice, but ever since the incident of confiscating her x-rated books and burning them down, Jewel didn't have the courage to face them. "Or your husband? Isn't he older than you and love horses?" Gabbi chuckled. "Go on, ask that husband of yours, Laine. You should not call me if it's unnecessary, 'kay?" And the call ended.

"You ---" Jewel pursed her lips in annoyance.

Gabbi had a foul mouth and would regard her musings as unnecessary. So in the past years, she didn't have a one-to-one talk with that girl. Gabbi's just too cold-blooded for her who loves to talk about small things. Jewel had no choice but to call Gideon's number. Well, she's not sleepy yet so she impulsively called her husband.

"Jewel," Gideon's greeted. His voice was hoarse. Too manly. Her cheeks burned red as she imagined Gideon's deep gaze on her. "Jewel?" the man called again when she didn't answer.

"I know you're listening. Is there a problem?" Still, she didn't answer. Jewel just wanted to hear his voice and it lulled her to sleep. She closed her eyes while Gideon continued speaking. "I need to get up early tomorrow, Jewel." She raised her hand and put it above her chest. Her heart was beating so fast and strong.

"I know you're doing well, but don't stress yourself too much. It ain't good for your body. And knowing your records wiith this Simoen, I'm considering your transfer to other University."

Her eyes opened abruptly. "What? Transfer? No. You can't transfer me just like that?"

The other line went silent. She waited for him to say something but he remained silent. Jewel sat up. "Gideon!" she called but no one answered. "Gideon Manasseh, will you speak up? I know you're listening!"

Suddenly, she heard a buzz from the phone. When she looked at the screen, the call had ended. Gideon cut her off!

She drew a breathe when the phone vibrated. Jewel opened Gideon's text message and smoke came out of her nose upon reading it.

Gideon: Wife, you're naughty. Rest well and see you tomorrow.