Lumabas na ako sa opisina ni Coreen. She nagged me for a while for my reckless actions kahit lusot labas lang naman iyong sinabi niya sa tenga ko but I appreciate her concern though.

It's already 15 minutes before noon kaya malamang nandoon na iyong mga ugok sa cafeteria at naghihintay ng magandang balita.

I raised my arms at nag-inat. Finally it's over. Nakakaubos rin pala ng lakas ang pagharap sa mag-inang iyon.

Maglalakad na sana ako nang sumalubong sa akin si Regine along with two of her friends. Mukhang inabangan talaga nila ako.

"How does it feel, now that you're expelled?" nakangisi niyang sabi habang nakatiklop ng mga braso sa harap ng kanyang dibdib. She was grinning as if she had just won a war.

Napahalakhak naman ako. "Hate to be the bearer of bad news but I'm not expelled kaya hindi ko alam ang pakiramdam." simple kong sabi.

Naguluhan naman sila. Agad nawala iyong ngiti sa labi niya. She was expecting good news pero hindi iyon dumating.

"What?!" di makapaniwala niyang bulalas.

"You can't get rid of me that easily, Regine." sabi ko at naglakad na palayo.

It's a shame na hindi sila kasabwat ni Selena. It would've been peaceful kung mawawala siya sa landas ko kasabay ni Selena, but on the second thought, mabuti na rin iyon. It would be boring kung tuluyan nang mawawala ang lahat ng mga kalahi niya. I'll just pluck them out one by one.

"I don't know what you did to get out of that mess but hindi ka pa rin ligtas sa amin. Don't celebrate just yet." sumunod siya sa akin at hinarangan ako kasama ng dalawa pa niyang kasama.

I heaved a sigh. "Do me a favor and come at me tomorrow. I don't normally entertain bitches often, I just dealt with three today, bukas ka na uli." I tried to sidestep them pero gusto yata nilang maglaro ng patintero at hinarangan na naman ako.

"Don't get cocky with me, you bitch!" ani Regine.

"This is why I told you to comeback tomorrow. Mag-research ka muna kung anong magandang sabihin, noob." matabang na sabi ko at tumalikod. I walked on the opposite direction. Kung ayaw nila akong padaanin ay sa kabilang direksyon nalang ako dadaan, nagsisimula na rin kasing kumalam ang sikmura ko. I want to eat food o kakainin ko talaga ng buhay ang mga babaeng to.

"You little slut!" I heard her footsteps nearing towards me na parang susugurin ako. I was about to turn around when a heard a slap. Isang malutong na sampal, mas malutong pa kesa kay Terrence magmura, mas malutong pa sa fried chicken ng pinagsamang KFC, Jollibee at McDo.

"Oh sorry my hand slipped. You see, it gets extremely aggressive when they see bitches with bad tastes."

Mistulang naitulos ako sa kinatatayuan. I know that voice. Kilalang kilala ko iyon! Pero parang impossible yata iyon dahil ba't naman siya magpapakita dito? Why would she be here?

"How dare you! Who the hell are you!?" Regine was hysterical at pansin iyon sa boses niya.

I heard her chuckle. " I don't give names to fashion noobs."

"You're just jealous because you're just wearing clothes from unknown brands which is cheap." ani Regine.

I heard her snort. "Oh no, you did not just call my summer dress cheap, this is called having class, darling. You should get one. And you can't even identify the work from your own country. Pathetic."

I immediately turned around.

Her back was facing me at nakaharap siya kay Regine, who was glaring at her. She was fuming mad at halatang halata ang pulang marka ng palad sa pisngi niya.

The lady in front of Regine have long blonde locks hanging around her waist. She wore a simple red floral dress that reached the middle of her thighs.

They're having a fashion war and shots are being fired everywhere. Nawala na ang atensyon sa akin at sa halip ay nabaling sa kanya.

"I only wear clothes and accessories made from the best, that trash you're wearing is nowhere near it." balik ni Regine.

"You know, I wore this because I thought it would be nice wearing a filipino brand in it's own country and the design is really good. And bitch it's not cheap, it's limited edition."

"Who cares about some filipino brands, they're not famous. I only wear chanel, gucci, prada, the rest are trash."

Humalakhak naman ito at nag-echo pa iyon sa buong corridor. Kinikilabutan ako. "You know why you're an uncultured swine in the fashion universe? You plaster brands just because their famous. That chanel bag is so last season. And honey, that fake blonde don't really work on you. Hasn't anybody told you that warm blondes shouldn't wear pale pink and yellow? That yellow hook earrings and headband makes my eyes hurt. "

When she flipped her hair napansin ko iyong kulay ng kuko niya. Magenta.

She finally turned to me. Binigyan niya ako ng isang malawak na ngiti.

"Long time no see, bitch. Miss me?"

Nanlaki ang mata ko. I was expecting na siya talaga iyon but seeing her face right here, right now is baffling me.

"G..grace?" tanging kumawala sa bibig ko.

Naglakad siya papalapit sa akin. I was about to hug her when she stopped me with her hand.

"Don't touch me." Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin.

Naguluhan naman ako at unti-unting kumunot iyong noo ko. Ngayon pa nagsibagsakan ang lahat ng tanong sa isip ko. Bakit siya nandito? Does she not or do recognize me? Pero kinausap niya ako kanina na parang kilala niya ako despite me being in my nerdy disguise. Ano bang nangyayari?

She looked at me from head to toe at ang taas siya ng kilay. "I'm really mad at you to the point that I want to ruin your face but it turns out, you're ugly already." napaekis siya ng braso sa pagitan ng dibdib niya.

"I...I..huh?" I don't know the exact words to speak.

"You insensitive soulless wench. You just went to Philippines and forgot about us already? Did you forget how to talk now too? Ugh. I can't describe how mad I am right now, Queen, you didn't even bid us goodbye."

Kinakabahan akong napatawa. "I...I did, you know, I texted you." sabi ko. Pinagpapawisan yata ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit nandito siya ngayon, talagang gulat na gulat talaga ako. And she really recognized me despite my appearance. She even called my me Queen, na siayng tawag niya sa akin.

Sinubukan ko namang alalahanin ang itinext ko right before I left for Philippines. I think it was -- 'Be right back soon. Miss me :)'

Nagsimula na akong ma-guilty. I thought it was fine though.

She glared at me. "You call that a goodbye? You texted us with just a simple six worded goodbye and blocked our numbers. And a fucking smiley emoticon? Seriously!?" Napapaypay siya sa sarili gamit ang kamay niya. "I know that Philippines is a third world country but I was starting to think it's just a jungle with no signal because you didn't even call us, not even once! Do you know how much I want to pull your hair right now? I want to dye it red with your blood."

Napakamot ako ng batok, I didn't realize it was that bad. Talagang galit na galit siya sa akin.

Biglang sumingit si Regine. "Hey! How dare you both ignore me! You annoying sluts, I'm---"

"Excuse me honey, people who got class are talking here. Show some respect." putol naman nito sa kanya.

"You're really pissing me off!" galit niyang pahayag. Binalingan naman niya iyong dalawa niyang kasama.

"Both of you! Beat them!"

"Not a chance, darling."  Pumalakpak naman si Grace ng pangalawang beses. "Hey morons! Be useful for once!" saad nito. Naguluhan naman ako dahil hindi ko alam kung sino ba ang sinasabihan niya.

"You're really bossy. Sheesh."

"I don't want to hurt ladies, Grace"

"You do it all the time, idiot." ani Grace habang nakataas ang isang kilay.

Agad nanlaki ang mata ko ng biglang lumabas mula sa hallway sina Stanley at Derrick. "H..how? What---Why are you here?"

Narinig akong parang pag-click ng camera at nakita si Stanley na nakatutok sa akin ng cellphone niya. "For future purposes." nakangisi niyang sabi.

"Say, was it bitter Queen?" nakangisi parin niyang sabi, completely ignoring my question.

Napakunot-noo ako."What?"

"The taste of your own medicine." tugon nito at lumawak iyong ngisi.

"Bitter is all you're gonna taste when I shove dirt down your throat, Stanley." wika ko habang tinatapunan siya ng matatalim na tingin.

"There's the Queen we know and love." singit naman ni Derrick habang papalapit sa akin.

Sumingit naman si Regine. "Wait, kilala niyo siya? That ugly nerd? How is that possible?" Marahas niya akong binalingan. "You slut! Di ka pa nakuntento, kung kani-kanino ka talaga lumandi. You and that whore, malamang nilandi niyo sila, it's like that's the only thing you're good at!"

I scoffed to myself. Nagseselos ba siya dahil kakampi namin sina Stanley at Derrick? Sa bagay, both men are heartthrobs kaya malamang inggit na inggit siya.

"I don't understand Filipino but I pretty much guess it's not good since you clearly called me a whore." Tinuro niya sina Stanley at Derrick. "Both of you, beat them." sabi niya na parang ginaya lang si Regine kanina.

Natakot naman iyong dalawang alipores ni Regine at napaatras.

They looked at Regine with a frightened face na para bang nakikiusap na umalis na sila. Isang inis na tingin lang ang ginanti ni Regine sa kanila.

"Useless idiots." wika niya sa mga ito. "Wala talaga kayong silbi. Para san pa't sumasama kayo sa aki--"

"Mukhang pati pala sa kaibigan mo walang pinagkaiba ang pagtrato mo sa kanila. I doubt you even treat them as one." biglang putol ng isang taong bagong dating.

I suddenly caught a glimpse of black-silver hair that walked pass me.

Biglang sumikido iyong puso ko. My breath hitched. Kinabahan ako habang hindi maalis alis ang tingin sa babaeng bagong dating. I saw wavy black-silver ombre hair which was cut 3 inches shoulder length at kaparehong kapareho sa totoong buhok ko. Dahil nakatalikod ito sa akin, hindi ko nakita iyong mukha niya but I have a hunch.

She was wearing a black leather jacket over a top maybe, a skirt that reached the mid of her things.

Naglakad ito papunta sa harap ni Regine. She flipped her hair nang malapitan niya ito pero bago iyon ay lumingon siya sa direksyon ko. She sent me a smirk. That's when my mind suddenly went blank.

Nagsi-tayuan iyong mga balahibo ko nang magtagpo ang tingin namin. The same perfect hair, same gorgeous face, same smug expression and same confident stance. It's like I'm staring at myself. She's the exact replica of the real me.

My mouth opened but no words came out. Maraming tanong ang tumatakbo sa isip ko ngayon. But one thing's for certain...

It's Queen Eliza. It's Lizzy!

Humakbang ako papalapit sa kanya pero ihinarang ni Grace iyong kamay niya sa akin. "Let my disciple have her moment." may bahid ng pagmamalaki iyong tinig niya.

I gave Grace a puzzled expression. Anong 'disciple'? What's happening? Grace just gave me a smirk instead of an answer.

Muli akong napabaling sa dalawa. Pinagmasdan ko habang unti-unting lumalaki iyong mata ni Regine. She's stunned, pero mas lalo na ako. Who would've thought that my twin would show up in front of me looking like...me! And ironically, I was looking like her.

Narinig kong napasingap si Regine na parang nakikilala niya na ang babaeng nasa harapan niya. I think she remembered the time when I gatecrashed her house party. Ang kaibahan nga lang, it was really me that time and not Lizzy.

Tinuro niya si Lizzy. "You! You're that bitch who--"

"It doesn't matter who I am, I've come to put you to your place." putol naman nito sa kanya.

"Who are you to say that huh? All of you are complete trashes--aaah!" Napahiyaw bigla si Regine ng bigla itong napaluhod. Sinipa niya kasi nito sa likod ng mga tuhod niya.

Napanakaw ako ng tingin sa paligid. It was just us na tahimik na nanonood sa drama ng dalawa. Derrick and Stanley grabbed hold of those two girl who were with Regine dahil baka putulin nila ang drama ni Lizzy. Pero base sa nakikita ko ay mukhang wala silang balak tulungan si Regine at mukhang tuwang-tuwa pa dahil hawak hawak sila ng dalawang gwapong lalaki.

Muli akong napabaling kina Lizzy.
"Noon, gustong-gusto mong pinapaluhod iyong mga inaalila mo sayo." She squatted down to level with Regine habang hawak hawak iyong neck tie nito para hindi ito makatayo. " How does it feel now, being humiliated and feeling pathetic? Na minamaliit ng iba? Noong binubully mo iyong mga mahihinang estudyante, did it even come to your mind what they might feel---"

"You bitch! Ano bang ipinaglaban mo? Those pathetic weaklings got what they deserve. They exist only to be stepped upon." Regine glared at her with her bloodshot eyes.

"May gana ka pa palang magsalita ng walang kabuluhan. You really have no morals, no wonder you're a slut." sabi ni Lizzy.

"You're speaking for those pathetic little weaklings? You're pathetic, just like each and everyone of them! At ikaw ang malandi! Malandi ka!"

"I was expecting you to have no brains, pero pati puso rin pala wala ka. Let me help you feel more empathy for those you treated badly." Lizzy raised her palms at nagulat ako ng sinampal niya si Regine sa pisngi.

PAAAAK!

PAAAAK!--- Akala ko isang beses lang pero pareho ring nakatanggap ng sampal iyong kabilang pisngi niya.

"Hmmm, I'll give her 6 out of 10. She still needs more training." I heard Grace mumble to her self. Napalingon ako sa kanya na parang inaalisa ang bawat kilos ni Lizzy.

"Hindi pa nga iyon nangangalahati sa pinaggagawa mo at ngayon parang gusto mo na akong patayin, you really have a thick skin." I heard Lizzy pointed out in a  mocking tone.

May inilabas siya sa bulsa niyang isang cellphone then I saw a flash. Kinunan niya ito ng litrato. "You claim yourself to be the Queen of Ironhead University, nakakatawang ang mismong reynang iyon ay nakaluhod sa harapan ko na may namamagang pisngi. You're a loser. Hindi ka karapatdapat na tinitingala ng mga estudyante dito. Sa susunod na mang-aapi ka, sisiguraduhin kong mararamdaman mo ang pakiramdam ng pinagtatawanan."

Muli akong napaduda habang pinagmamasdan siya ng mabuti mula ulo hanggang paa. Si Lizzy ba talaga 'to? Considering that I have terrible parents, siguro triplets talaga kami at nakalimutan lang nilang sabihin. Maybe nakalimutan nila ito sa ospital at may isang pamilyang nagmagandang loob na kupkupin ito at ngayon lang siyang nagbalak nagpakita sa amin. Siguro ang totoong Eliza ngayon ay nasa isang bar at nag-eenjoy manood ng mga lalaking nagmamacho dancing habang sumisipsip ng pineapple juice na may maliit na payong.

Napailing naman ako at agad binura ang mga namumuong larawan sa isip ko. Ang lawak talaga ng imahinasyon ko. Nahihirapan lang na tanggapin ng utak kong ganito kalaki ang ipinagbago ni Lizzy although I really can't judge at all, after all I haven't seen her for eight fucking years.

Muli akong napabaling kay Regine dahil sa matinis nitong halakhak. "And what, na mas karapatdapat ka?You think kaya mo akong pantayan? Dream on! Kahit ano pang gawin mo, I'm better! You're nothing and I have everything!  I have many things that you don't have--"

"Yeah, like an abundant supply of cheapness. And probably plastic surgery." singit ni Grace na diring diring nakatingin kay Regine.

"STDs" dagdag din ni Stanley.

"Lice, probably. Could be fleas." sali na rin ni Derrick.

"Dogs have fleas, Derrick, not humans." kontra ni Stanley sa kanya.

"Is there a difference? But she's actually kinda hot. But hotdogs are not my type." sagot nito.

Napaikot nalang ako ng mata. Walang duda, ito nga talaga ang mga barkada ko. Ang mga walang kwentang mga bibig na walang preno ang patunay.

" It's boobs, I'm sure. If there's one thing she have that Queen don't it's boobs right?" turan ni Stanley habang nakangising nakatingin sa akin.

I gave him a deadly glare. If there's one thing I didn't miss, it's Stanley and his savage remarks. Gusto ko siyang tirisin sa inis.

And yes, maybe she's one size bigger than mine but having a flat chest is better at hindi ko sinabing flat chested ako! Flat chested women are cool! It's comfortable sleeping lying down. Mas komportableng tumakbo pag walang umaalog. Damn it!

"Shut up! Don't ignore me! I hate you!" Parang sasabog na si Regine sa galit. Her face was red all over. "You insects! You lunatics! You---C-cole!" napatigil ito sa kakasigaw.

Napantig naman ang tenga ko nang marinig ang pangalang iyon. Naitulos ako sa kinatatayuan ko habang silang lahat ay nakatingin sa direksyon sa likuran ko.

Regine managed to push Lizzy away at dali daling tumakbo papunta sa direksyon ko. Nilampasan niya ako.

"Cole, help me! They're ganging up on me! Help me, please!" I heard her beg.

I heard Regine's sobs pero sa kabila nito ay wala akong narinig na tumugon mula sa kanya.

Everything was unusually quiet, all I could sense was this feeling of someone intensely staring at me from my back at natatakot akong lumingon.

Halos isang minuto ang lumipas nang makarinig ako ng hakbang papalapit sa amin. I stiffened when I felt him stop beside me pero di ko siya nagawang lingunin sa kanyang direksyon kahit sa mismong tabi ko na lang siya. Hindi ko na alam kung saan titingin kaya nagbaba nalang ako ng tingin.

"Cole!" rinig kong daing ni Regine pero nanatili itong tahimik.

Walang nagbalak magsalita, kahit sina Grace na parang bang pinag-iisipan pang mabuti ang nangyayari.

"Eliza." after another minute he finally said in a dry tone.

My heart beats erratically na para bang lalabas na ito sa katawan ko. Umipon ako ng sapat na lakas upang tignan siya sa mukha.

His eyes were blank and expressionless pero sa kabila ng di mabasa-basa niyang ekspresyon ay ang tingin niyang parang mawawala ka sa maitim niyang balintataw.

His stare was intense but his gaze was not on mine.

It was on Lizzy's.

....

To be continued...