While I was walking in the school corridor towards my first subject, I couldn't believe what I was feeling. It was my first time to feel ashamed because I looked simple and not sophisticated.
The embarrassment I felt still haven't faded when my friends suddenly approached me.
Like I said earlier, I have friends, but it's only because i have some money; if ever I become poor, I will be bullied by them.
That's just how the world is - it's mostly lies, maybe seventy-five percent lies and twenty-five percent truth. Isn't that unfair?
Well that's life..
As soon as they got close, Marry immediately linked her arms with mine. That's just how she is, especially when she needs something.
" Let's go together,Ira!"meet my friend Mae. She's nice as long as you have something to offer, but when you don't, let's just say she could be satan's daughter.
Yes she calls me Ira, that's because she thinks Quira doesn't suit me, saying it's too sophisticated, especially Joza, because she says I'm not pretty. Isn't she sweet?
I might as well just be quiet. While we were walking to our classroom, they were chattering loudly. I was just listening. I'm not one for gossip, well maybe with Ayana, i can manage.
When we got inside our classroom, we sat in our usual spot by the window, which I prefer. I like the view from our classroom window; you can see the big school garden and the beautiful flowers.
I hadn't even warmed up my seat when I feel someone nudged me.
"Ira, do you have your homework? Can I borrow it? We went clubbing last night, so I didn't make mine. Please, it's just this once." Meet my other friend Tina. She's the one I least like because of what one's happened when I was with her. But even though I dislike her, well, because I'm me, I can't refuse others, so i complied.
I took my scratch homework and give it to her, just my scratch because I didn't want us to have the same answers; we'd end up with a zero. What kind of sensible teacher would allow their students to copy their homework?
Tina quietly copied what I gave her, so I was thankful for it was peaceful.
Before long, our professor came in. I even heard Tina whispering, wondering why our professor had come in when she wasn't done copying yet.
I just ignore her. Our professor started our class but I can't understand a thing of what he was teaching, i can't focus.
I wasn't like this before. I used to understand what our professors were teaching because they were great at teaching. But why is it that now my mind doesn't want to listen or learn? When I concentrate on what our professor is teaching, different thoughts come into my head.
I want to bang my head against the wall. Why am I thinking about him when we just met?
And why do I care if he found me unattractive or awkward in what I was wearing?
I've always dressed like this and many people think that way about me. Why is it a big deal what he thinks about me now?
I must be going crazy,I'm even talking to my own mind. It would probably be better if I never see that guy again, when they hangout with Aya, I'll just avoid him because i think if i keep seeing him, I might lose my mind.
"Right!" I was nodding at my thoughts.
I was surprised when Mr. Narciso suddenly called me.
"Miss Dizon! Is there anything you would like to share with us?"he asked.
I was embarrassed to talk so i just shake my head.
"Really? It's as if you're dreaming. Are you daydreaming, Miss Dizon? Because if you are, you can go home and daydream there. I don't need a student who isn't listening." His tone was stern.
"Pay attention to what I teach." I just nod, I can't speak due to embarrassment
I'm trying to concentrate on our lesson so I won't get scolded.
I was so grateful when the bell rang for lunch. The schedule really gets hectic when exams are approaching.
I sighed as I packed my things. All four of us ate together in the cafeteria.
" I'm so excited about the upcoming game! How about you guys?"Mae asked us. My friends squealed and giggled.
"So true, friend! You know this is the first time they're participating in a game and it's being held at our school!" Mary said with excitement.
"Yeah! I really like Jake! He's the most handsome among them. My God, I can't wait to watch them play." My heart suddenly raced upon hearing the name Jake.
I stared blankly at Tina. I couldn't get what they were talking about. Surely they must be referring to a different Jake than the one I met earlier. Jake is a common name, right?
I just hope I'm right, that they are referring to a different person.
Please god, For the sake of my sanity.
"You, Ira? What do you think?"Tina asked while chewing her sandwich.. I furrowed my brow at her question.
"Think about what?" I asked, confused.. Mae rolled her eyes at me and spoke dramatically
"About the upcoming game, Ira" I swallowed, as I wasn't interested in the game they were talking about, so I had no clue.
I shook my head while looking at them.. The three of them widened their eyes as if they couldn't believe it.
" Are you serious? You don't know how big of a deal the upcoming event is?"Mae asked me in disbelief.
" What's the big deal about the upcoming game? It's just like any other before."I uninterestedly sipped my juice.
"Duh! It's a big deal, because it's the first time the hottest and coolest football player will join the game against us wealthy schools!"The way she said it made it sound impossible back then.
"Who are you talking about? All football players play the same way.."I nearly choked on my juice under the gaze of the three of them because when I said that.
They looked at me as if I were about to be slaughtered. I swallowed suddenly.
"Jake Reyes is not like everyone else. He is the hottest football player!" Mae whispered to me, and in her tone, it felt like she was saying that if you contradicted her, you would commit a great sin in the world.
They are unbelievable.
" Who is that football player, where does he study, and why is it that their team is only now able to play in the international school competition?" After I asked that, I immediately regretted it.
What if that person is the same? Well, if that's the case i just need to make sure I can't go.
"His name is Jake Reyes, and he is the best football player here; it's a pity that they have only just been given the chance to play in the ESC because they couldn't afford the entry fee for previous games. And even though they are just from a public school, they are talented and hot too!"
I felt like I went deaf from what I heard. Lord! Why didn't you hear my prayer, they are just the same person
That's alright, I just won't watch it.
" And because you don't know him!"Pleaselord dont let her say what I'm thinking.
"You need to come with us to watch the game"Nooooooo!
"And I won't accept any reason for you not to come. You know how I hate people who disagree with me, so you need to be there."
I'll just prepare myself mentally so that when I go crazy, everything will be ready.
Help me, Lord.
Where is Ayana when you need her the most.