Melissa Grace

Fourth Year High School

Back to school. Back to student life.

I exhaled when I saw the new school I am in.

I already told Mom that I wanted a new start even if we are in the last year of my High School, I just wanted a clean slate.

My record in my previous school was already a lot to take in. And I just couldn't fathom what will happen if I will stay longer there.

"Grabe! Ang gwapo pa rin niya!"

"Kelan niya kaya ako mapapansin?"

"Gaga! Ilusyunada ka talaga!"

"Pero, aminin, mas pumogi siya ngayon!"

"Totoo! Ang fresh niyang tingnan!"

"Teka, besh! Balita ko may new student daw!"

"True! Narinig ko rin yan!"

I shook my head at the swarm of bees starting to get into my mind.

Hanggang dito talaga, may Marites pa rin?

Unbelievable.

I clung tight to the strap of my shoulder bag and sighed as I stood in front of the bulletin board.

Amethyst.

It's as good as it gets.

Forty students per section.

Okay na ito. Kesa yung napakarami namin at hindi naman natutukan lahat ng estudyante.

I scanned the paper to see where it was located and I heaved a deep breath.

Room 403.

Fourth Floor.

Great, just great.

Thank heavens, I'm wearing jeans and hindi ko pinairal kaartehan ko ngayon. I wouldn't be struggling with a skirt at times like this.

I began walking in the direction of Bautista Building and into the stairs for the classroom. Students started coming in as well.

I didn't stop walking until I reached my floor. I tried to catch my breath as soon as I arrived at the landing.

"Bakit naman ngayon ka pa huminto, Ate Girl!" I almost jumped in surprise when I realized someone was behind me.

I had the chance to look at her and she was kind of pretty.

She has this small chinky eyes, a cute nose and a plump lips. Her short hair makes her cool and chic.

"S-sorry. Akala ko walang tao sa likod." I said, nervously.

To my surprise, she giggled and flipped her hair. She winked at me and I began to feel comfortable around her.

"Hala! Don't tell me, natakot ka sa akin!" She exclaimed and she pulled me to the side of the rooms away from the stairs. "I'm Jessica Lim. You can call me Jess. New student ka, noh?" She asked and I nodded.
"I knew it! You have that new kid aura like me!"

"Bago ka lang rin?" I asked in confusion. "You don't look like one."

"Actually, I'm a returnee. I transferred to another school when I reached first year but something happened and I decided to return here. I don't know but this is like my second home already. Except for the bullies part." She said and I didn't realize we already are in front of our room. "Oh, andito na pala tayo. Amethyst ka rin, right?" I nodded and smiled at her.

"Glad to be your classmate, Jessica. I'm Melissa. You can call me, Mel." I said, introducing my name.

Suddenly, I don't feel so alone anymore.

Few more moments came and our teacher arrived.

"Okay. I see a lot of familiar faces and I am glad some had even returned here, right, Jessica?" Mrs. Tiongson said and she giggled as she raised her hand.

"Good morning po, Mrs. Tiongson." Jessica said brightly on her seat beside me.

I like her already. She's perky and seemed so full of life.

I just hope that she won't mind being my friend.

Then, a movement caught my attention at the back.

An oddly familiar guy came rushing in with his friend.

"I see, may mga late pa rin at nandamay pa yata?" Mrs. Tiongson asked and the class laughed.

"Sorry po, Mrs. T." The guy with tousled black hair apologized as he  scratched his head. "Nalate po ng gising."

"Sorry and good morning, Mrs. Tiongson." He said sincerely and she nodded at him.

"I'll let this pass. But, you know, I hate lates." She pointed out and everybody settled on their seats.
"Oh, before I forget, care to introduce yourselves, Miss Cruz and Miss Natividad? We have transferees this year."

Without wasting another moment since she has cued us for introduction, I stood up and faced the class.

"Hello. I am Melissa Grace Cruz, 16 years of age. You can call me, Mel." I said briefly and sat. I met his gaze and he raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Thank you for that brief introduction, Melissa. How about you, Miss Natividad?" She said and moved on to the other girl at the other side of the classroom.

As our classmate introduced herself, my thoughts travelled back to him. I blushed seeing how his mere presence affected me this much.

Our next teacher arrived and we all got engaged in his lecture. It was only during recess time when we had our much needed break.

"So, nice meeting you again, Melissa." He smiled at me when I got to the canteen.

"Hello! Alex here! Bestfriend ni Andoy!" His best friend and also our classmate grinned at me.

"Are you alone? You can join us at our table." He offered and I barely nodded.

"Smooth, brad! Hindi ko alam, speed ka pala!" Alex laughed and he nudged him as his ears turned pink in embarrassment. I giggled at how cute he looks as if he's been busted.

"Thanks, Drew. Nice meeting you, Alex." I said and sat on the vacant chair with them.

Maybe, my last year of high school in a new school wouldn't be so bad after all.