Chapter 27: Grave

"Ang landi mo talaga, 'no? Hindi lang pala boyfriend ng iba ang kaya mong akitin pati professor din pala," sabi ng kaklase ko na hindi ko alam ang pangalan.

I laughed hysterically. "So, is it my fault now? Hey, you listen. Hindi ko kasalanan na sila ang lumalapit sa 'kin, and excuse me? I am not even interested to Mr. Vallejos. Gusto mo isaksak mo pa sa baga mo."

"Higad! Kahit talaga matanda hindi mo aatrasan! Laspag!"

I was taken aback. What the hell? I didn't even get to touch those past flings I had! And now, laspag?

I clenched my jaw. "Filter your mouth," I warned.

She laughed with her friends. "Defensive, siguro nagpagalaw ka kay Sir kaya mataas ang grado-"

Before she could finish a sentence, my pretty fist landed on her face. "I studied well so I got the higher grades and it's not because I let him use me. That was the least thing I'd do in my life, so you better watch your filthy mouth."

"We'll get back to you," the other girl threatened.

I sighed and glared at them. "Go on. I. Don't. Fvcking. Care." I then turned around and kicked the girl in the middle on her stomach.

"Fvck off," I hissed and flipped my hair.

Inayos ko ang buhok nang nakalabas na sa isang vacant room. They're pissing me off again. Nananahimik na ako, hindi na ako nakikipag-away tapos biglang hinamon na naman ako. I really got mad because they're using Mr. Vallejos to piss me off.

That bastard.

Hindi pa rin siya tumitigil. He always make me feel special in class and I'm getting cringe. I don't know what's with him, basta simula nang lumipat ang lalaking iyon ay kakaiba na kung itrato ako.

"Valderama, dean's office now!"

I stopped on my ground and slowly turned to see a school officer, he looked mad.

"What?" I rolled my eyes.

"Pinapapunta ka dahil sa kasalanan mo!" he yelled again and went near me as he harshly grabbed my arm.

"Ouch, what the hell, you stupid!" I hit him on his head. I got a fvcking cut because of his aggresive grab!

"Bwisit kang babae ka, ang sakit! Ipapacharge ko rin kay dean iyon!"

"Get off me! I'll come, okay? Just fvcking get your hands off me, asshole!"

He did listen to me and let go until we reached the door of dean's office.

I frowned. "I didn't do anything wrong, what the hell!"

"Ang ingay mo, pumasok ka na lang."

I sat on one of those monobloc near the dean's table. I am now facing those girls who attacked me back in the storage room.

"What did you do this time, Valderama? I thought you've already changed, but what is this again?" our dean started.

I glared at nowhere before sighing and looked at our dean. "They started it. They provoked and attacked-"

"You were still wrong, bakit mo papatulan-"

"What the hell? Ano ang gusto mo, hayaan ko silang saktan ako kung kaya ko namang lumaban?" sabat ko.

This life is so fvcked up. In home, I am always the blacksheep, in university I am always at fault and the bully one. Wala naman akong gagawin kung hindi ako gagalawin! Nananahimik ako for fvck's sake.

"Bastos kang estudyante ka. Do you want a suspension?!" Dean's voice roared.

I furrowed my brows and looked down. Ako lang? How about these fvcking pigs in front of me?

"Valderama, what's the issue again? Why would you hurt your schoolmates?" she asked again.

I lifted my eyes at her. "As I said, ma'am, they started it. Bakit ka pa magtatanong sa 'kin kung hindi mo rin naman ako pakikinggan?"

Nagngingitngit sa galit sa 'kin ang dean at binuksan muna ang bottled water para uminom atsaka siya kumalma. "You three, ano ang ginawa niyo at bakit kayo sinaktan ni Valderama!"

"Ma'am, may marumi po na ginagawa iyang si Valderama," ani kaklase ko.

"And what is it?"

"Sumisipsip siya kay Mr. Vallejos kaya ang tataas ng grades-"

"Shut up!" I cut off.

"Mr. Vallejos? You mean the transferee professor in 12th grade?" si dean.

"Yes po."

Mukhang napaisip si dean at nag-dial sa telephone na nasa gilid. "Mr. Vallejos, I need to talk to you. Come to my office now."

My eyes widened in fraction. "Ma'am, why did you call him?"
I asked.

"He needs to be here, so I can ask him what is true."

I slowly nodded.

Minutes later, Mr. Vallejos arrived with an unreadable expression on his face. "What's the matter, madam principal?"

"Have a seat, Mr. Vallejos and I have something to clear out."

He nodded and sat on the vacant chair in between. Tinapunan niya pa ako ng nag-aalalang tingin bago binalik ang tingin sa harap.

"One of these students..." She pointed at the three girls. "Telling me you're giving a special treatment to Valderama, binibigyan mo ng malaking grado..."

He knotted his forehead. "Yeah, she has high grades, what's wrong with it?"

"Why would you give her high grades?"

"Because she deserved it. Why? What's the matter?"

"Sir, nakita ko ang tataas ng grado ni Valderama, e, hindi naman matalino iyan," sabat ng kaklase ko.

I gritted my teeth.

"What do you mean? Magaling si Valderama sa academics kaya malaki ang grado na ibinibigay ko sa kaniya," Mr. Vallejos reasoned out.

Dean cleared her throat. "Okay, understood. Alamin niyo muna bago kayo magsumbong dito, you're just wasting my time over a small thing."

"Ma'am, nagsasabi po kami ng totoo. Hindi naman po ganiyan si Valderama, kaklase ko rin siya last year, at hindi po siya ganoon kaactive... hindi po kapani-paniwala ang grado niya ngayon-"

"Ba't ba concern na concern ka sa grado ko, ha?" I cut off.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang pinagpuputok ng butsi nito at masyadong nangingialam sa school grades ko.

"Dahil mas mataas pa grado mo kaysa sa 'kin, halata namang mas deserve ko iyon kaysa sa 'yo."

I scoffed. "Edi, sa 'yo na. Isaksak mo sa baga mo iyang grades mo, as if madadala mo iyan sa impyerno."

"It doesn't mean she has an unsatisfying grades back then, hindi na siya maaaring magbago. Everyone can change, isipin nating nagbago na siya kaya nagsisikap siyang makuha ang grado na nararapat sa kaniya," si Mr. Vallejos.

"Okay. Both sides have their mistakes, community service tomorrow. Now, leave," she said. "Mr. Vallejos, I need to talk to you."

I stood up and walked towards the exit, nadaanan ko pa si Mr. Vallejos atsaka siya inirapan.

"Next time, tawagan niyo ako kung importante talaga. Para kayong mga elementary at nagsusumbong agad sa principal," sermon ko sa tatlo.

"Sure, we will."

I rolled my eyes and continued walking.

Our afternoon class started. Nakikinig na ako, because that's what Zian wants me to do. Last sem, I got high grades and it's because of him! Hindi dahil sipsip ako. Tuwing nandoon ako, si Zian tinuturuan ako at minsan siya ang sumasagot kaya paanong dahil sa sipsip ako?

"Sir, can I talk to Miss Valderama?"

Napabaling ako sa pinto nang nakita si Mr. Vallejos doon at kinakausap ang prof namin.

"Valderama, pumunta ka sa office ni Mr. Vallejos after class natin," our afternoon prof said.

"Why?"

He shrugged. "Just go."

So, that's what happened after our class ended, I headed to his office. I actually don't know where so I just asked.

"What do you need, Mr. Vallejos?" I asked, crossed arms, when I got inside his office.

"Take a seat." He pointed at the chair near his table.

I annoyingly sighed and obeyed him. I wandered my eyes around, and it's nothing special. Just an ordinary office. There's a papers on his table, a vase and behind it is a picture frame.

I narrowed my eyes at the picture frame. There were two people on the photo, and I guess Mr. Vallejos was the other one on his teenage life 'coz he still looked young there. And beside him was... wait... I narrowed my eyes and drew a bit closer.

My lips parted as I processed it.

It looks like Mommy.

I knew it! 'Coz I know her face when she was young, and if not I can still recognize her because she still looks like hasn't aged now.

"Valderama," Mr. Vallejos called as he stole my attention. He noticed my gaze at the picture so he took it down.

"Who's that?" I curiosly asked pertaining to the photo.

Shock was visible on his face. "Uh... this was my wife..."

Pinagkatitigan ko pa siya nang matagal bago tumango. "Okay, whatever. I don't care."

He nervously chuckled before clearing his throat. "Are you okay?" he asked.

I creased my forehead. "Sir, if you're gonna ask me that or make me feel uncomfortable, I'll leave."

"Fine. You remind me of my daughter that's why I act like this when it comes to you. Sorry."

My lips parted. "You have a daughter?"

He nodded. "Yeah, but unfortunately... hindi ko siya nakasama kahit ang asawa ko... they just vanished like a bubble."

I nodded as I realized I'm talking too much. "Okay? Since I am not your daughter, can you stop, Mr. Vallejos? Your existence's making me in trouble."

There's a hint of sadness and grief in his eyes, he then bowed his head. "I am sorry, Miss if you feel that way... but can I have a favor?"

I scoffed. "What for?"

"I promise after it, I won't make you feel like that anymore, I'll distance myself and will treat you like how I treat other students."

That sounded promising.

"Deal."

"Can we have a dinner?"

I eyed him in disbelief. "Dinner? You're insane." I brushed my hair using my fingers.

"That's just it."

I sighed. "Well, fine. Let's have one, but in the other day." I raised my one finger. "I have something to do right now."

"Okay, take care. Can I have your number then?"

I shrugged. "Abusado ka na, sir." I typed in my number on his phone and stood up to go.

"Sa Rizal."

Kuya Henry nodded and opened the door for me. I didn't text Zian since I don't feel like doing so. I have arrived in front of his house and rung the door bell.

"Hey," he greeted while wiping something on his uniform. Kararating niya lang din yata.

"I missed you," I said as I pushed him inside their house.

He chuckled. "Oh, chill masyado mo yata akong namiss," he joked when I pushed him on the couch making him sit.

I pouted, threw my bag beside, taking my shoes off and jumped over to hug him. "I missed you," I whispered again and my embrace tightened.

He let out a soft chuckle before hugging me back. "This girl, really." He caressed my hair and made me sit properly on his lap.

We stayed like that for a minute when he spoke up. "I heard your tummy complaining," he said mischievously.

"Yeah, I wanna eat."

He lifted my chin ang cupped my face. "What do you want to eat?"

"You." I smiled.

He snorted and carried me to sit beside him instead. "Hindi ako natutuwa."

I laughed. "Kabado ka ba, ha!" I exclaimed and reached for him again to give a hug. "Hug me again, please! Badly need it," I cutely pleaded.

He chuckled and shook his head playfully. He hugged me in standing position while I am sitting so I can only hug him on his waist. He drew my head closer to him.

"How are you?"

I looked up at him. "Confused."

"Why?"

I shook my head and rested my head on him again. My hand started to roam on his waist until it landed on his flat and hard stomach. I pinched it over and over again, checking.

He frowned and slightly pat my hand. "Stop it."

I smirked. "Can I see what's underneath this clothe?" I tugged on his polo uniform, he looked fresh and innocent on it.

He chuckled. "No," he said as he let go of me. He bended over and lifted my chin. "What's wrong?"

I sighed. "Let's talk about it later after we eat, hmm?"

He smiled. "Okay, should I cook?"

I nodded. I watched him went in front to open the flat screen TV and went back at me to pinch my cheek and left.

He played a worship song on the TV, I just watched it with no emotions until I felt soothed listening to it.

"Relax there a bit, I'll be cooking quickly." He put a plate with apple pie on it and a pitcher of water on the coffee table in front of me.

"Okay." I picked one and took a bite of it as I rested my head on the couch, waiting for him.

I now realized I am contented with this. Going here after class just to be taken care of him. With him, I feel complete, I feel something I can't feel in my own home.

I sighed. Nag-init ang sulok ang aking parehong mata kaya tumayo ako para puntahan na lang si Zian sa kitchen.

And there, naabutan ko siyang nakatalikod at nagluluto suot ang apron, he has now a shirt on.

I went near him and hugged him behind. "I missed you," I whispered.

He startled and held his chest. "Geez, you scared me!"

I rolled my eyes and sat on the high chair. He raised a brow and went near me. "What are you feeling? Did something happen, you know you can tell me, Persian." He examined my face and body, his brows furrowed and pulled down the edge of my skirt as my thigh revealed.

"Earlier, some girls attacked me back in storage room... bobo ba talaga ako?" I asked, confused.

"Oo," he answered then laughed. "Kidding, what are you talking about? What really had happened?"

I frowned. "So, you admit that I'm a bobo? Nag-aaral naman na ako nang maayos, ah? Don't I deserve a better grades? Why is it so big deal to them?"

He brought my arms around his neck, I can smell his manly scent. "You deserve it. You strived for it, didn't you? Inggit lang sa 'yo iyong mga iyon, trust me. Naghahanap lang ng maikakasira mo, so they can get back on you. Iyong kaaway mo pa rin ba 'yon? Hindi sila titigil hangga't hindi ka nila makikitang maghirap." He put some strand of my hair behind my ear. "I know it's hard to ignore them, but don't pay them back with rage, instead..." He gently planted a kiss on my forehead. "Give them love, they badly need it."

I looked at him in disbelief. "That doesn't make sense."

He let go of me and rolled his eyes in manly way. "Just give them love, iyan ang dapat iganti mo kapag inaaway ka."

"How could I do that when they are my enemies?"

"Love your enemies, trust me, they'll become your friends. Hindi mo aasahan na ang mga kaaway mo ay maaari mo ring maging kaibigan."

I tilted my head. "Have you experienced it?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I have this classmate of mine, she always made Ari in trouble, she hated my family especially my sister, so she did everything to ruin her, and eventually we happened to know what's behind her hatred. She had reasons and that made us friends now. She apologized, we forgave her. That's all."

"And who's that?" I curiously asked.

He shook his head. "I don't wanna ruin her image from you, so I won't tell you. Stay curious, love." He playfully smirked and caressed my cheek using his thumb before getting back on his business.

TOMORROW afternoon, Zian texted me he will be busy so he can't let me go in their house.

Me:

Why?

Zian:

I'll go with Mama to do her check-up.

Me:

Oh, right she's pregnant and she has to see a doctor

Me:

Okay, take care

"Miss Valderama, are you free later? The favor I have asked you."

I stopped on my track and looked at Mr. Vallejos. "Yeah, let's go."

I ignored the looks of some people on my way outside, pinauna ko si Mr. Vallejos dahil ayaw kong pagtsismisan.

"Audrey Valderama," someone called.

"Yeah?"

A guy scratched the back of his head. "Can I ask you for a date?"

I stared at him with blank expression. "No, I already have my true love." I continued walking until I reached the parking lot.

"Kuya, I have something to do with my prof, so I'll just call you after to pick me up, okay?"

"Sige, ma'am. Saan ho ba kayo pupunta para masigurado ko."

"Some kind of resto, it's okay I'll be fine."

Mr. Vallejos opened the shotgun's door for me. I glared at him before I got inside. We're already on our way somewhere, sa labas lang ang tingin ko nang may napansin ako.

"Wait, is that mom?" I whispered to myself as I saw Mommy outside, she's holding a flowers.

"Wait, stop the car." I looked at him and raised my hand.

"Why? What's wrong?"

I ignored him and just looked outside to watch what my mother's doing near the cemetery with a flowers on her hand.

Will she visit someone?

"I-Is that your mom?" he stuttered.

I saw Mr. Vallejos taking a peek outside too.

"Yeah, how do you know my mom?"

"What's her name again?"

"Scarlet is her name."

He nodded as if he realized something, he cleared his throat and muttered something. "She even changed her name..."

I squinted my eyes at him before glancing outside again.

"Can you wait for me? I'll just check something."

Hindi ko na hinintay ang sasabihin niya ay lumabas na ako, at sinundan si Mommy na papasok sa memorial park.

I was like a creepy stalker, hiding through walls while following her. She stopped in one of the graves and put the flowers, she stayed a bit long and when she left, dali-dali akong lumapit doon para tingnan kung sino ang binibisita niya.

My lips parted and my mind got confused as I read what's written on the gravestone.

Violet Vallejos.