Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Princess Pedregosa

I heard my phone rang for multiple times. I kept on turning it off pero walang nangyayari. It still ringing. I sighed in annoyance and grief.

Ayoko pang gumising. Pwede bang gabi nalang ulit? Kulang pa tulog ko. Bitin.

"Another day, shall be fine," I stood up from bed and stretch muscles — moving side to side.

Moving to my morning workout routine. I started to warming up my muscles, stretching. Thirty seconds jumping jacks, thirty reps of squats, thirty seconds high stepping, and additional, 30 reps of sit-ups.

After a couple of minutes doing my routine. Sweats trailed down from forehead to cheeks. Time to cool down.

I heard someone knocking unto my door. "Princess, gising ka na ba? Bumaba ka na," tawag ni Mama.

"Cooling down," I answered, panting ang catching my breath.

Alam na ni Mama kung anong ibig sabihin ko. Alam niyang nag-e-exercise ako tuwing umaga kaya alam niya kung ano 'yon.

After my normal heart beat went back. I stood up from sitting down on the cold wooden design floor and went down to the kitchen to rinse my face at the sink. I dry off my face using the towel placed on my shoulder.

Nang pumunta ako sa dining table ay bumungad sa 'kin ang kapatid kong gabi na umuwi kagabi. He's already eating his breakfast with Mama.

Padabog akong umupo sa tabi ng kapatid ko na kaharap si Mama. "Hindi niyo man lang ako hinintay," biro ko sa kanila.

"Ang tagal mo kasi kaya nauna na kami," Duke explained.

"Binibiro lang kita, kapatid," I chuckles, pinching his cheeks. "May kasalanan ka pa sa 'kin," paalala ko sa kaniya.

"Aray naman," he groaned in pain.

"Kayong dalawa talaga," she stated. "Umayos nga kayo. Nasa harapan kayo ng pagkain. Mamaya nalang kayo maglambingan," she added, wiggling her brows repeatedly.

"Yuck," I protested, looking at my brother full of disgust. He shifted his gaze same intense of disgusted look, rose side of lips in gross could turn my empty stomach upside down — wanting to vomit.

My we heard Mama laughed, we stiffed for moment and laughed before continue eating our breakfast with huge smiles in our faces. Best moments to start mornings.

"Hmm," narinig kong tumikhim si Mama habang nakatingin sa wall clock na nakalagay sa tapat ng mesa sa taas ng isang abstract painting na ginawa ko.

"Mukhang napasarap ang kain natin. In less than half an hour, y'all going to be late," she announced a warning.

My eyes widened in shock. I immediately scoop up my last spoon of rice on my plate and run directly to the bathroom without any clothes to wore. I took a bath for only five minutes than the usual time I take bath.

I'm going to be late.

When I walked out from the bathroom, I saw my brother already wearing his uniform. Did he already took his bath earlier this morning?

I almost sweep off my wet feet from the ground. In shocked, I tightened the grip on my towel around my body, panting in nervous of almost sweep while running towards my way to my room.

I fished out my undergarments from the mini cabinet inside my closet and immediately worn it with my cycling shorts.

I didn't wear any sando, so much hassle to find one quickly. I took off my long sleeved shirt hanged on hanger and buttoned on. Halos magkamali pa ako sa pagpapasok ng mga buttons sa butas. I swiftly zippered up my skirts, running towards to bed to wear my ankle length white socks and ran to the front door to get my shoes bringing my bag with me, as well my phone.

Nakalimutan kong ilagay sa kwarto ko kagabi ang sapatos ko. Nakita ang kapatid ko na prenteng naka-upo sa wooden chair sa living room at chill na nakatanaw sa 'kin.

"What the hell you looking at, lazy ass? Let's go," aya ko sa kaniya para matauhan siya.

"Oh," he's bit surprised that I'm ready to go with my messy hair that I haven't combed yet.

I walked out the house. I saw Mama watering the plants on the garden. She waved at me bidding goodbye. I smiled and wave, too.

When I start walking on the sidewalk, I ransacked my bag searching for my brush to combed my doomed hair. I saw a hand handing me a familiar comb which is mine.

I started to combed my knotted hair strands and the cold humd air whooshing and hitting my hair and lifting my hair while I almost ran down the street way to school while my brother is just walking behind me.

"Kasalanan mo 'to," I protested, brushing down my hair.

"Hwag kang nega, ate. Hindi ka ma-l-late," he assured me. "Okay lang naman sa'yo na pumasok ng late dahil kalat na sa school ang pagiging bagong member mo bilany first-rate elite. Sila na ang halos magpatakbo sa school kaya takot lang nila sa 'yo," he added.

I grunts quizzically, looking at him. "Hindi pa naman ako pumapayag," I questioned.

"You haven't said yes but you entered their premises. It's counted as yes to them. You are now part of elite students council," he corrected my statement.

"Paano mo nga pala nalaman na nakapasok ako sa HQ nila?" was all I said in shock.

"Photo with one of the elite student walking on the corridor up to the door of their HQ was already posted on Bulletin of Rate Elites. Zoom na zoom ang mukha mo, panigurado maraming makakakilala sa 'yo," he looked up holding his squared jaw, recalling the photo.

"Bye ate," paalam niya.

Hindi ko napansin na nasa loob pa pala kami ng school premises. I'm too preoccupied with the photo he talked about. Baka panget ako doon.

Where the hell I could found the Bulletin of Rate Elites?

I was thinking to find where it was placed in the school but I remembered that I am almost late on my first subject.

I was orientated last vacation with my schedule. Like college students, we need to change place for every subject we need to attend. I know would be hard, what if it's too far?

My first subject is in AAP 135 4th F CSPP Building. Good thing, nasa first floor na ako ng building na nakalagay sa schedule ko.

I immediately ran upstairs. Halos ilang baitang sa hagdan ang hindi ko tinatapakan para makarating agad ako 4th floor. I was panting and sweating when I reached the 4th, out of breath.

I started walking on a clean corridor no students roaming around, isa lang ang ibig sabihin. Late na nga ako.

I tried to stifles panting while walking, looking at the number on top of every door. When I saw the number I'm searching for — room AAP 135. I pursed my lips when I saw it close, hearing a loud feminine voice discussing.

Knock three times, then greet and excuse. Number one rule for respect.

I stood in front of the white wooden door with a rectangular shaped glass to see what's inside. I saw there's a lot of students and a woman standing in front. I sighed to calm myself and gulped in nervous.

As I knocked three times, the whole class shut in silence even the lady in front, looking at the door I opened and slid my head to greet.

"Good morning," I greeted the teacher.

"Name?" She asked nicely.

"Princess Pedregosa, Miss," I replied full of honestly and respect.

She looked at me from head to toe as I entered shyly the classroom. She smiles mile wide and gestures to come and join her in front. I glaced her face she looks like young, a fresh graduate indeed.

"Princess Pedregosa," she paused flipping her attendance sheets if I'm in the right class. "Oh, I'm Miss Lorna Flores, your adviser. Don't be shy," she boosting up my confidence to smile. "You may now introduce yourself in front of the class."

She moved aside, giving me the floor to speak. I can't help to grunt in nervous. "I'm Princess Pedregosa. 17 years old," I gave them an awkward weak smile.

I wasn't aware how should I act in front of their judgement looks. Halata sa mga itsura nila na mula sila sa mayaman na pamilya. The way they move and rolled their eyes — spoiled brats.

Sinundan nila ang tingin ang galaw ko papunta sa isang upuan na malapit na nakita kong vacant at walang naka-upo. Perfectionist.

Uupo na sana ako nang marinig ko ang boses ng teacher ko na nagsalita. "Miss Pedregosa, that seat is already taken."

"Ah," was all I said.

I looked around to find another seat to occupy. I found one beside a familiar body built of a person I've been known. He's resting his head on the armrest using his arm as a pillow. When I saw his bag placed on the side of his chair I confirmed who he is.

I poked his shoulder to wake him up. "Renz," I whispered.

Napa-angat naman ang ulo niya kaso ay nakapikit pa rin. Nang minulat niya ang mga mata niya ay halos manlaki sa gulat kaya natawa ako.

He blinked twice to confirm that I was true. "Princess?!" he shouted in hoarse voice.

"What's wrong, Mister Hernandez?" takang tanong ni Miss Flores.

"Nothing," blankly Renz answered. Then, he shifted his gaze to mine. "Why?"

I pointed the vacant chair beside him. "May naka-upo ba dito?"

He didn't answered my question instead he pulled me down to sit beside him. A loud harsh thud of chair hits the ground when he pulls me. All of our classmates look at us even Miss Flores but Renz didn't mind it at all.

He's staring at me attentively and playfully. "Nagtatanong ka pa. Wala ka namang nakikitang naka-upo," he tsked.

I lowered my head when I noticed some of my classmates — the bitches — still gazing, throwing some death glares to me.

I heard Renz chuckles. "Ang cute mo talaga kapag nahihiya ka," he commented.

I shook my head. He's making the situation worst. He's scandalously speaking, making scene. I saw the brats are murmuring something to their gals.

"Ba't parang nahihiya ka ata ngayon?" he paused, recalling the scene yesterday. "Parang kahapon na magkasama tayo, komportable ka lang pero ngayon..." he trying to conclude something.

"Iba kasi ngayon," I whispered and look around.

They are still watching and listening to our conversation than listening to the teacher in front discussing something. Babae man 'yan o lalaki nakatingin sila samin na parang ka-abang-abang na palabas na tinututukan ng lahat.

"Hindi lang talaga ako komportable sa atmosphere ngayon," I whispered, lowered my gaze back to the floor.

He tsked. "Hwag mong pansinin ang mga 'yan. Hindi lang kasi sila sanay na may katabi ako at kausap dito sa room."

"Lumipat nalang kaya ako ng upuan. Baka may.." I paused, trying to figure out the right words to use, "mangyari na naman na masama. Ayokong ma-bully."

"Hwag na dito ka nalang. Hindi ko hahayaang may mangyari sa 'yo na masama. I can be your knight in shining shoes," he joked that made me laugh.

I hit his shoulder, laughing. "Hindi ba knight in shining armor yun?" I asked, innocently.

"Iba kasi yung akin. In shining shoes, kasi ayun kumikintab sa'kin," his manly laugh can made every girl's panties fall. "I'm in a shining shoes," he lifted up his expensive black leather shoes.

"Loko mo," I hit his shoulder, lightly.

He massage his arm where I hit him. "Pinapatawa lang kita ang serious mo masyado, eh."

We just laughed at the whole. He's trying to crack some jokes, elaborate and explain, and end up laughing. We stifle our laughs to be loud.

"Mister Hernandez and Miss Pedregosa, mukhang nagkakatuwaan kayo dyan, ah," sarcastically asked Miss Flores. "Are you even listening to my discussion? Did you get what I was saying here in front. Ha?" Pagsusungit ni Ms. Flores.

"Ha?" He mimicked Miss Flores. "Hano ba kasi sinasabi mo," he whispered, audibly.

Tinignan siya ng masama ni Miss Flores. I know she didn't hear what he said because he's afar from her. "Mister Hernandez?" he shook his head, biting his lips to stifle his smirk.

She shifted her glance to me. I heard her tsked. "What about you, Miss Pedregosa?"

I harshly grunts. "Hindi ko po narinig, mahina po pandinig ko," I admitted.

Kung may nearsighted at farsighted. Ako naman near heard — hindi ko kayang unawain ang sinasabi ng isang tao kapag nasa malayo lalo na kapag kulob ang isang kwarto. Sound waves can't travel enough with same intensity to a far distance.

"YOU! BOTH OF YOU! GET OUT OF MY CLASS!" galit na sigaw niya.

Halos mabingi ako sa lakas ng boses niya. That's shout I heard loud and fucking clear. She growled like a hungry beast in the forest.

Her face is turning burning red cause of so much anger. Renz and I glance each other. I questioned him if we'll going to oblige her command. Without second thought, I saw Renz stood up and walked outside living me inside the room.

I am still torn between my thoughts if I'm going to follow him walking out. He stops walking and glance to me, shaking his head.

He walks back to our seats and hold my wrist pulling me up. Kinuha ko agad ang bag ko dahil bigla nalang niya akong hinila, without minding everyone.

"Nice meeting you," he greeted blankly, gives me goosebumps down to spine.

"NOW!" loud growl echoed to the fout sided room.

He didn't let go my hand pulling me out of the room. His face is still blank and ready to fight. I heard him sighed and smiled to me.

He laughed after his anger cooled down. "Grabe, ang hot sa room kahit naka-aircon," he joked. "Init ng ulo ng adviser natin ngayon, ah. May dalaw yata," he added.

We walked to the corridor. Kami lang ang naglalakad doon dahil hanggang ngayon may klase pa rin sadyang napa-aga lang kami ng kaunti — mga kalahating oras para sa susunod na klase.

He's still not letting go my hand from his tight grip like I'm going to be lost on the way if he let me go.

"Ikaw kasi, eh. Dinaldal mo kasi ako," I blamed him.

I didn't see it coming. For the first time in my high school life I was punished to go out. Nice, another experience of life.

"Sinisi mo pa ako. Ikaw nga yung nagsimula, kung hindi mo ko tinanong kung may naka-upo sa vacant seat sa tabi ko. Hindi ako magigising," he returned the blame to me in nice teasing way.

"Talagang sinisi mo pa ako," i stopped walking and faced him, raising my brows. "Pwede mo namang sabihin na, 'wala'," I mimicked his voice. "Tapos balik ka na ulit sa pagtulog."

He laughed because the sudden change in my expression. "Joke. Ayan nahawa ka na kay Miss, pati ikaw high blood na din," he chuckled. "Kanina ko pa gustong umalis doon. Ang boring kasi ng klase niya. 'Di ako makahanap ng tyempo sakto dumating kaya sinangkalan kita," he admitted.

My rose eyebrow remained. "Talagang sinama mo pa ako," I heard the gnashing of teeth.

"One for all, all for one," he punched nothing at the mid air. "Tsaka yung dini-discuss niya kanina about sa Rules and Regulation, kaya bored na bored ako. Twelve years na ako o higit pa sa school na 'yan kabisado ko na 'yan. Pwede na akong bigyan ng loyalty award," pagmamalaki niya.

"Hangin," I walked passing to him. I stopped when Renz grabbed my hand and pulled me back to him. "Bakit?" I innocently asked.

"Mahangin ako pero may mas mahangin pa sa 'kin," then he smiled at me, walking to nowhere leaving me alone.