#TPTG07

As soon as we got home, I went straight upstairs to my room. Nagkulong lang ako roon buong araw at nag-aral.

My dad throwed a party today in celebration of winning the election. He decided to held the celebration here. Of course, he invited the clan as well as his fellow candidates. They were downstairs, celebrating.

It's already dark outside but it seems like the party won't end anytime soon. I didn't engage with any of them because I was not interested. I was also tired as well but I couldn't really sleep so I decided to read.

Suddenly, I heard a knock at my door. Tumigil ako sa pag-aaral at lumingon doon. Bumukas iyon at tumambad sa harap ko si mama. She smiled at me and went inside. She's holding a tray filled with food and a glass of juice.

"Fey. Why didn't you come downstairs for dinner? Hindi ka manlang bumaba simula nung umuwi tayo."  She put the tray down the table near me.

I lifted my book and showed it to her. "I'm studying."

"Kain ka muna," she reminded and sat on the edge of my bed

"Later. I'm not really hungry," I lazily replied while highlighting some paragraphs from the book

"Fey. Are you okay? Pansin ko nitong mga nakaraang araw eh, parang wala kang gana kumain. You're always here inside your room. I'm worried about you."

Napahinto ako. "Nothing. I'm just a bit stress in school."

Maya-maya ay naramdaman ko nalang siya nakatayo sa likod ko. She then caressed my back. "Don't stress yourself too much Fey. Pahinga ka din paminsan minsan. Aren't you tired?"

Of course I am.

I wish I can say that to her but...will it change a thing? I don't have a choice.

"Nakakakain ka pa ba ng maayos? May sapat ka ba na tulog?"

I sighed. "I'm fine. I just couldn't sleep that's why I decided to study."

Hindi na siya sumagot.

"Is the party still not over?" I asked

"Hindi pa. Alam mo naman yung papa mo, madaming kaibigan at kakilala," she chuckled

"Okay.."

"Sige, baka nadidistorbo na kita. I'll just leave the food here in case you get hungry."

I only gave her a nod. Hindi ko inalis ang paningin ko sa libro. I can see from the corner of my eyes that she's already at the door.

"Mom," I called

Tumigil siya at nilingon ako. "Yes?"

Umiwas ako ng tingin at pumikit panandalian bago binalik ang tingin sa kanya. "Why...why do you let Dad treat you like that?"

Her brows furrowed then she went closer to me. "What do you mean?"

I stared at my book on my desk. "It looks like he doesn't even care about you. Do you even love each other?"

She blinked twice then chuckled nervously. Tumikhim siya at nilapitan ako. She caressed my cheek. "It's not your father's fault Fey. Mahal ko ang papa mo."

I let my head rest on her chest. There was sadness in her voice like she just told me a lie. I just wish she's actually telling the truth even if my gut feeling is telling me otherwise. I just don't want her to get hurt in the end.

"But does he love you?"

She sighed while caressing my hair. "Of course."

***

"Bilisan mo na tol. Pakipot pa eh."

"Tsk huwag ka ngang maingay!"

"Ang bagal mo kasi. Ibibigay na nga lang, 'di mo pa magawa."

"Naghahanap nga ko ng tyempo. Teka lang kasi."

"Hays ang bagal. Ako na nga lang. Hi Fey."

I was in the middle of studying when two boys approached me. I slowly lifted my eyes to them.Hindi sila pamilyar sa'kin kaya naisip ko na baka nasa lower level sila.

Napakamot ng batok ang isa at siniko ang kasama. "May bibigay daw yung kaibigan ko sa'yo. Ayos lang ba?"

I swallowed hard. Napakurap-kurap ako habang nakatingin sa kanila.

Then he just showed me a piece of rose and a box of chocolates. He was hiding it all along behind his back.

My lips parted as I stare at it.

"Huy! Ikaw na tol kumausap," tawag ng kaibigan niya

"Uh. Hi Fey!"

Tumingin ako sa kasama niya.

"Happy Valentines," he greeted and smiled shyly

His friend teased him. I saw how his face turned red. Umiwas siya ng tingin na parang kinikilig.

I looked down at the rose and chocolate. I didn't know if I should take it or not. I kind of felt uneasy.

"I'm sorry but..."

Nagkatinginan silang dalawa. Sa huli ay tinanggap ko rin.

"T-thanks," I smiled awkwardly

His friend teased him more after. Hindi maalis ang ngiti sa labi nito habang ang kasama niya ay hindi makatingin sa'kin.

"Naka-score din!" tawa niya sabay akbay sa kaibigan

"Sige uh. Una na ko. S-salamat ulit," I stuttered and left them

I walked faster even if I have no idea where I was going. Then I suddenly bumped into someone. I felt something wet on my uniform.

"Oh my God! Sorry Fey!"

My jaw dropped when I looked down at my uniform. Natapunan iyon ng kape. Now I smell like coffee. I looked at the student in front of me. She was holding a tumbler.

"Sorry talaga, hindi ko sinasadya," she said apologetically

"No. It was my fault. Hindi ako nakatingin sa dinadaanan ko kanina," I said and touched my uniform

"Ahh...pero palitan ko nalang-"

"It's fine." Tipid akong ngumiti at nilagpasan na siya.

I went straight to my locker to check if I have a spare uniform. I frowned when I saw a bunch of pink and red letters together with some plastic roses and a teddy bear. There are a few snacks too. I took the letters. It was all handwritten letters from random people. Tinabi ko iyon at naghanap ng tissue.

"Hey, hey, hey! Looks like someone has a date on Valentines."

Naramdaman ko nalang si Lou sa tabi ko. Sumandal siya sa locker.

"Is your locker filled with letters as well?" she asked with a sly smile

"Do you have a tissue or wipes?"

Her eyes widened. Bumaba ang mata niya sa madumi kong uniform. "Omg, what happened?"

"Do you have some?"

Umiling siya. "Sorry, I ran out."

I sighed in frustration and ran my fingers through my hair. I looked at my white uniform that's now covered in stain. Wala akong suot na sando sa loob kaya medyo halata ang bra ko.

"You should ask sa office. Baka may stock pa sila ng uniform," she suggested

I nodded and put my hair in front to cover my chest. Hindi na masyadong halata pero nacoconscious pa rin ako.

"By the way, who gave you that?" ngumuso siya sa hawak ko na rose at box ng chocolate.

"I don't know his name."

"Lower level?"

I nodded. "Mm-hmm. You want some?" inalok ko siya ng chocolates

She shook her head and looked at her new polished nails. "I've already received tons of that. Mula kahapon pa."

Tipid lamang akong ngumiti.

"Looks like Keith has a lot of date too," she smirked

I looked behind me and I saw Keith on his locker just a few meters from us. On his hand was a bunch of letters, all red and pink.

"You both kinda resemble each other. Keith looks soft on the outside but hard on the inside. You, on the other hand, looks hard on the outside but a softie on the inside," she cutely said

"I'm not a softie," I defended

"What is your type anyway?" she asked out of the blue, looking at me curiously.

"A man with principles," I replied. "And a man who knows how to respect women."

She slowly nodded before shifting her gaze back to Keith. She looks like she's seducing him by her stares.

"Do you like him?"

She scoffed. "No! Of course not. He's not my type."

My brow shot up.

She covered her mouth and hit me lightly on my arm. "I don't like guys who's quiet and cold. But he does have a sexy brain, I'll give him that." she said. "How about you? Keith seems to be your type."

I chuckled softly. "Wala akong gusto sa kanya."

"Well, mukha namang ring may ibang gusto yung tao."

My brows furrowed, waiting for her to continue. She smiled naughtily upon seeing my curious reaction.

"You know that girl named Trisha? The 3rd year transferee student. She's Keith's childhood bestfriend. Heard they're really close. Siya lang yung madalas kinakausap ni Keith. Knowing him, he's a tough nut to crack. He rarely show emotions but when it comes to her, it's different."

"Trisha? Uh, never heard of her. Not that I care about Keith's behavior and attitude to other people," I said with a hint of disgust

She snickered. "You seem to hate him huh?"

I closed my locker and faced her. "I don't hate Keith. You know what I hate the most?"

Her brow shot up while thinking. "Uh, what?"

"The police."

I didn't wait for her response anymore. Dumiretso na ko sa office para manghingi ng uniform bago pa magsimula ang klase.

"Goodmorning, excuse me. May stock pa po ba kayo ng uniform?" I asked the cashier

"Ay sorry Fey pero wala na. Pang elementary nalang itong mga natira."

Napabuntong hininga ako. "Okay...Thank you."

So in the end, I went straight to class.

"Uy, andyan na si Fey!" tawag ng kaklase ko pagkapasok ko

"Why?"

Lumapit sa'kin si Clarisse. "Can you solve this math problem for us? Kanina pa kami nababaliw dito," she begged and showed me her notebook

I sighed in relief. I thought it was something urgent.

"Ayun na Fey sa whiteboard. Sinulat na namin yung problem." Another classmate of mine yelled and pointed at the whiteboard

Tumingin ako roon.

"Dali na Fey, baka dumating na si Sir. Itong item nalang ang hindi pa namin nasasagutan." Napatingin ulit ako kay Clarisse.

I roamed my eyes around the room to search for Keith. There I saw him sitting on his armchair reading a book, completely unbothered.

"Why didn't you ask Keith for help?"

"Ah eh," sabi niya sabay kamot ng ulo. "Mas magaling ka kasi, tsaka natatakot kami sa kanya magtanong. Ayaw namin siyang istorbohin."

"I'm sure Keith can solve the problem."

Umawang ang labi niya at nilingon si Keith. I sighed and walked towards the white board. I looked at the problem very carefully. Nakapalibot ang mga kaklase ko sa'kin, nakaabang sa sagot ko.

I started to write the solution on the board. After a few seconds, I finally arrived on the final answer. Binilugan ko iyon.

"Tapos na?" tanong ng isa

I nodded and closed the marker.

"Thank you Fey! The best ka talaga!"

"Top 1 genius."

I only gave them a small smile and watch them as they copy the solution on the board.

"The answer is wrong."

Lahat sila ay tumigil sa pagsusulat. Sabay-sabay nilang nilingon si Keith. Maski ako ay gano'n din ang ginawa. Keith's eyes were on the board. He rose from his seat and walked towards us.

"Ano raw? Mali raw?" bulong ng isa

"What's wrong?" I asked Keith

His facial expression remained blank while carefully studying the problem. Tumabi ako sa kanya nung pumunta siya sa gitna. He took the marker and eraser.

"You forgot to square root the answer," he calmly said and erased the answer. "Another thing, this should be negative." Binura ang number sa parenthesis. "Kapag may mali ng isa, mali na lahat."

Inulit niya ang solution. I looked at my classmates who's paying attention to Keith. Some were staring at him in full admiration. Pinanood nila kung paano niya ito sagutan.

"And the final answer is y= -3, 6," he then encirled the final answer

He took a step back and faced us.

"Sure ka diyan?" tanong ng isa

Keith lazily nodded.

They seems skeptical that's why they looked at me for approval.

"Why?" I asked, confused

"Tama ba siya?"

Keith scoffed beside me. Napailing lang siya sa tanong nila. Binalik ko ang tingin sa board at sinuri ang solution.

"Uh yeah, he's right. May mga namali ako, hindi ko napansin."

"Why must you always seek for her approval?" I heard Keith murmured underneath his breath

I cleared my throat. "Keith is better at Math. Next time, you should ask him instead-"

"Ay guys! May letter B pa pala. Kailangan pa daw iplot yung points sa y-axis! Shit!" one of them yelled

"Okay, madali nalang 'yan."

Then they all returned back to their seats except for Keith and I who's still standing here at the whiteboard. Babalik na sana ako sa upuan ko pero bigla niyang hinarang ang kamay niya sa harap ko. He was holding a handkerchief on his hand. Napatingin ako sa kanya.

"What happened to your uniform?" he asked

My lips parted then I instantly covered my chest. "Natapunan."

He offered me his handkerchief again. I was hesitant at first to take it but in the end, I did.

"Thank you.."

Sinubukan kong alisin ang mantsa gamit iyon. "It still won't come off."

"Fey at Keith. Pinapatawag kayo sa office."

Sabay kaming napatingin sa bagong dating naming kaklase

"Bakit daw?" I asked

He just shrugged and went straight to his seat.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Keith saglit bago sabay na dumiretso sa principal's office.

"Goodmorning po," we both greeted as we enter the office

"Oh good, you're here," our principal beamed and gestured us to sit

Keith and I both sat down on the two chairs in front of her desk.

"Bakit niyo po kami pinatawag?" Keith asked

"As you both already know. I picked the two of you as candidates for Youth convention since both of you are the top pupils in your section."

"Is this about the seminar in UP?"

Agad akong napatingin sa principal. "Yes. It's not only a seminar but you will also have a tour around the campus plus activities. Ang maganda dito ay ma-eexpose kayo lalo at mas marami kayong matututunan. Someday, you can be future iska or isko, kung doon niyo balak mag-aral sa college."

I swallowed hard. My heart began to raise inside my chest. I want to experience that too more so that UP is my dream school.

Her smile faltered on her face which made me nervous. "As much as I want the two of you to go and participate but unfortunately, only one can join."

Biglang tumigil ang puso ko. "What?"

"Only one?" asked Keith carefully. He looks surprise and nervous too.

"Yes."

"W-why?"

Tumingin siya sa'kin. "Ayun kasi yung sabi sa'min. I really wanted the two of you to go but we have to follow the rules."

I looked away and chewed my lips.

"Who's it gonna be?" Keith asked

I can feel my heart beating so hard. My stomach turned upside down. Pinagdasal ko na sana ako yung napili nila.

"It's you Mr. Sanchez."

Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig sa narinig.

"Po? Ako po?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Keith

"Yes, Keith. It's you."

There was a long moment of silence and I was still in shock in my seat. Hindi ko sila magawang tignan.

The principal cleared her throat. "Based on your performance this year, I can see you have improved both in academics and your character, so you're the chosen one. You deserve it Keith. Congratulations."

"As for you Felicity."

I slowly lifted my eyes on her. She gave me an apologetic smile. "You also did well this year but lately your performance has been up and down. Your finals exam were not high as before and it also might affect your scholarship. Alam mong halos magkapantay lang kayo ni Keith. Malaking bagay ang isang puntos."

"I understand Ma'am," I muttered

"But that doesn't mean you're not good. Kailangan mo lang bumawi. I'm sure you can do better."

Dahan-dahan akong tumango.

"You two have worked hard this year. I've witnessed the both of you grow. Don't worry, marami pang opportunities ang dadating pa sa inyo. Just continue to work hard."

Pagkatapos namin mag-usap ng principal ay sabay kaming lumabas ni Keith sa office. Tulala lang ako habang naglalakad.

"Fey," he called

I turned around to face him. Before I forgot, I gave him his handkerchief back. "Thanks."

Tumingin siya roon at kinuha.

"Congrats! You finally earned it," sabi ko sa kanya at tipid na ngumiti

"I was actually surprised that it was me. I thought it would be you again."

I chuckled softly. "I guess it's not for me," I said. "Well, I already expected it somehow, I know that I did not do my best this year. It's definitely not my year."

"You're still great. You will always be."

"Babawi ako. I won't lose to you Keith," pabiro kong sambit

The corner of his lips rose, amused by my statement.

"Well, have fun in UP!" I said cheerfully

His mouth gaped open. It looks like he still wanted to say something but chose not to. In the end, he only gave me a nod.

Tinalikuran ko na siya at nagsimulang maglakad.

Honestly, I felt disappointed at myself. I could have done a better performance this year. I'm already scared that I may not graduate as Valedictorian. I became more pressured and worried. It's so hard to be consistent.

But Keith, I know he worked so hard too and he deserved it.

Maybe I'm not used to other people outshining me. Baka nasanay ako lagi ang nasa tuktok.

Nonetheless, I will come back stronger.

The next day is a weekend so I spend the whole day at the mansion. I woke up early around nine o'clock. I went downstairs to eat breakfast.

"Ma'am Fey. Gising na po pala kayo. Kain na po, handa na ang almusal," one our maids said

"Where's Mom?" I asked and sat on the chair

I looked at the food in front of me. There's hotdogs, pancakes, rice, bacon, eggs, and more. Uminom muna ako ng tubig bago kumain.

"Nasa kotse po. May lakad daw po sila ng governor ngayon."

Tumango ako bilang sagot. Nagpaalam na siya at umalis na sa harap ko.

My eyes landed at the long table in front of me together with the empty chairs. I always eat breakfast alone because my parents are always out doing errands or business. Wala akong laging kasama kumain pero sanay na ko.

"Oh, Fey, you're awake," my dad said from behind me

Nilingon ko siya. He's wearing a white uniform and black slacks. He was fixing his watch on his wrist.

"Di ba ngayon yung pupunta ka sa UP para mag-seminar?" he asked

I played with my fork. "It's on Monday."

Hindi ko alam kung paano sasabihin sa kanya na hindi ako yung pinili bilang representative ng school.

I watch him as he filled his glass with water and drank it.

"Hindi ako yung napili," sambit ko

His brows slightly furrowed as he slowly put down his glass. "What?"

I gulped. "Our principal said that only one can go and...it wasn't me."

"Who was it then?"

"Keith."

"Ahh. That kid again?"

At first I had no idea that he knows Keith. I remember I've mentioned his name before to him but it was a long time ago. My father really knows everything about me including the people around me.

"Is that so?" he said in a low tone

I nodded.

He sighed in disappointment. "Why is that?"

Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin. Should I tell him about my grades? Should I tell him that I'm not as good as I was before? I'm afraid to hear what he has to say but I don't want to pretend.

"My performance this year has not been the best unlike before..."

"Perhaps someone did better than you."

"Maybe I didn't deserve it kaya hindi ako yung napili."

I looked at him and he was thinking deeply. His expression was unreadable but I kinda have a bad feeling about it.

"Do you want it?" he asked

Kumunot ang noo ko.

"It's written all over your face. I know you want to go. It's UP afterall right?"

My lips parted. "Of course I want to but it's not for me and I'm fine with that. The principal made the right choice. He deserve it more than I do."

He sighed, getting impatient. "But you still wished it was you, right?"

I wasn't able to respond right away.

Umiwas siya ng tingin at inayos ang suot. "Don't worry. Leave it to me. Mauuna na ako," paalam niya at lumabas na ng mansion

I spent the rest of the afternoon at my room. I just read books and do advance schoolworks. Sometimes I would visit the garden to water the plants. Some of my friends including Lou keep texting me, inviting me over to their house. I declined. I'm not really the type of person who likes to go out and party. I prefer alone time.

Habang nagdidilig ng halaman ay bumalik sa'kin ang pinag-usapan namin ni papa.

Was he disappointed at me? I can feel that he is. Well, he always expect me to be on top, to be the best in everything but can he just at least appreciate my effort? No one's perfect but why am I trying so hard to be one? Just to please him? Do I always have to prove something?

I fucking don't.

***

Kinabukasan habang naglalakad sa hallway ng school ay napahinto ako pagkakita kay Keith na lumabas galing sa principal's office. Nagulat ako nung nagtama ang mata namin. He looked away and shook his head in dismay. Kumunot ang noo ko at sinundan siya ng tingin. Then I found myself walking towards the principal's office. I went inside.

"Oh Fey! Good you're here. Papatawag pa sana kita. I have good news for you," the principal greeted with a warm smile on her face

"Good news?" I asked, confused

She nodded. "Take a seat first."

I remained standing at the door. Mahigpit ang hawak ko sa shoulder bag ko. "What's the good news?"

Nawala ang ngiti sa labi niya. Umupo siya ulit at pinatong ang kamay sa lamesa. "Congrats Fey. Ikaw yung napili namin na magseseminar sa UP," she smiled again

"What?!" I exclaimed, outrage

She chuckled nervously. "I know you're surprised but-"

"Seryoso po ba?"

Mabilis siyang tumango.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "I thought it was Keith? You talked to us yesterday right? Why the sudden changes?"

"Actually, it was a long discussion between the admin and us teachers including myself. Pinag-isipan talaga namin kung sino yung karapat dapat at ikaw yun," she replied half-heartedly

My lips parted, still couldn't believe the abrupt change of their decision.

"No. I don't understand. Parang may mali e," I trailed off

"Aren't you happy?" she forced a smile

"What about Keith then? What did he say about this? Have you talked to him?"

She avoided my gaze. "Well, Mr. Sanchez and I talked. T-tinanggap naman niya."

"I don't believe you. How could you throw him off the bush just like that?"

Umawang ang labi niya. Magsasalita na sana siya pero inunahan ko agad.

"Sana po hindi niyo muna sinabi sa'min kung hindi pa pala buo ang desisiyon niyo. Sana hindi niyo pinaasa yung tao," mariin kong sabi bago siya tinalikuran

As soon as I got out of the office, I immediately searched for Keith. Tumingin ako sa kaliwa't kanan. There were so many students. It was hard for me to find him. I ran almost everywhere.Maya-maya ay nakita ko nalang siya na naglalakad sa liblib na parte ng field. I walked faster and chased after him.

My steps halted when he's already just a few meters away from me. Nakatalikod siya sa'kin ngayon.

"Keith!" I called

Napahinto rin siya sa paglalakad. I began to walk slowly towards him. Ramdam ko ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko.

He looked over his shoulder. "Are you happy now?"

I gulped. "Keith, I'm sorry."

Unti-unti na siyang humarap sa'kin. He looks pissed. He clenched his jaw and balled his fist while staring at me intently. His eyes scare me.

Nilakasan ko ang loob ko. "I didn't know how it happened. I-I talked to the principal and-"

"Ang dali lang talaga sa'yo makuha lahat no?" he said bitterly. "Walang kahirap-hirap."

Humakbang ako palapit sa kanya. I want to reach him but I was afraid.

"Keith..." I pleaded

He chuckled bitterly. "I forgot that you are privileged. Wala akong kalaban-laban. Fuck this system," he cursed underneath his breath

Umiling ako. "Hear me out please."

"So you have something to do with this? Nanaman Fey?"

I looked away and swallowed hard. "No. I don't know why but I wanted to talk to you."

"Talk to me for what? Para ipamukha lang sa'kin na ikaw ang mas karapat-dapat? Para ipamukha sa'kin na ikaw ang mas magaling?"

"No! Of course not-"

"You've always been like that eversince. You always get what you want so easily without breaking a sweat. When something goes wrong, you like to use your privileged card 'cause you hate it whenever someone tries to get in your way. Then the cycle repeats."

I inhaled sharply when he suddenly walked towards me. Ngayon ay sobrang lapit niya na sa'kin Hindi ko inalis ang paningin sa kanya. Our eyes were locked to each other. His intense gaze pierced through my soul.

I shivered. I've never seen him this mad before. I was surprised by his sudden outburst. My heart ached even more.

"Listen Fey. I don't care if you're born in a rich and influential family. I don't care about your social status. I don't care if your dad is a governor. I don't care if you're famous and surrounded by rich people. The hell I care if you have all the expensive materials and can buy whatever you want. Hindi mo pwedeng idaan lahat sa pera Fey. You should learn how to play fair. Nasa isip mo siguro ay hindi ka papayag na mahigitan kita kaya humingi ka agad ng tulong sa magaling mong ama, 'di ba?"

Umiling ulit ako. "You're w-wrong."

"You must have told him about the seminar right away and the fact that you weren't chosen, left you devastated, that's why you have to beg your father again to get what you want. And you being his only precious daughter, he gave in. That self-centered prick who's powerful enough to change things up," mariin niyang sabi sa mukha ko

I swallowed hard. "If you think that my father has something to do with this then I'll talk to him-"

"I don't think Fey. I know. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here talking to me. Alam kong alam mo rin. The only difference is that, before I even need to confront you but you always deny. You always lie and try to cover up your father. Now, it's different. Natatakot ka kasi alam mong malalaman ko agad. Alam mong mabubuking kita. Now you're here acting all innocent with a new tactics. I'm not buying it Fey. You can't fool me. Kahit na pagbaliktarin mo ang sitwasyon ay hindi magbabago ang totoo."

There's something about Keith that I feel like he knows my deepest and darkest secrets, that's why sometimes I can't stare at him for too long because he I'm afraid that he can see right through me, like he can read my mind. He can see what's behind my mask. Whenever I look at him, I can't help but to feel nervous and intimidates. He has this effect on me. Most of the time, I feel lost in his eyes.

He was right. At the back of my head, I know that my father has something to do with this. Naalala ko ang pag-uusap namin kahapon.

"There must be some sort of misunderstanding. I-I can fix it," I stammered

He smiled bitterly. His eyes were burning in rage and pain. "Who am I even kidding? I almost forgot that your father acts like he owns this school. I get that he's in authority but he's clearly abusing his powers. Malaki nga rin pala ang utang na loob ng school sa kanya kaya madali niyang itong napapaikot. It's easy for him to control someone, to wrap them around his fingers. Hindi ako bulag Fey. I know what he's scheming."

My body stiffened. I didn't know how to react---the way he disrespected my father in front of me or the fact that he's right. I'm afraid that he'll expose him.

"They're so fucking biased when it comes to the students. There's no equality in this school. Did that thought ever cross your mind as the reason why you're always the top student? May special treatment sila pagdating sa'yo. And you're abusing it. You act superior and entitled just because you're the daughter of the governor. You're so self-absorbed. Gusto mo ikaw lagi ang nasa tuktok. You treat everyone as a competition. You look down on them. Ayaw mo yung nahihigitan ka."

"So you do have a problem with me? You hate me, is that it? You just pretended not to. Alam ko naman e. Ramdam ko. You like to hold grudges," my voice began to tremble

He shook his head in dismay, avoiding my question. "Diyan ka naman magaling 'di ba? Ang manghingi lagi ng tulong sa papa mo para iangat ulit ang sarili mo. How does it feel Fey? You must be happy and celebrating right now. You must be laughing at me, making me a fool. You must think that I'm stupid and pathetic."

"Mali 'yang iniisip mo. You're overreacting!"

He scoffed. "Overreacting? Do you even know how it feels for someone like me who works his ass off everyday but for some reason, all of my hardwork felt in vain just because I am not as privileged as you tapos ikaw, idadaan mo lang sa pera? Do you even know how disrespectful that was for me? That my worth is nothing without power. It's so unfair. Kung una palang ako naman talaga yung pinili pero bakit parang pinagkait sa'kin yung bagay na dapat naman talaga sa'kin?" umiwas siya ng tingin at pumikit ng mariin

I know he's angry and I can't blame him that. Even if Keith and I are not that close, I understand what he's feeling right now. I know how hard he worked for this and he earned it. We both grew up in the same school. We worked so hard to maintain our high rankings. It's not easy to climb all the way from the top. Ayokong masayang lahat ng pinaghirapan niya dahil lang sa'kin. Nasasaktan din ako para sa kanya pero hindi niya iyon makita.

He looked at me again. "Basta may pera kaya niyong gamitin kahit saan eh. Bayaran kung sino. Mang-akit gamit ang pera. You like to play dirty. Kahit kayo ang may mali ay iba ang napaparusahan at nagdurusa. You don't care about the others who suffers. All you care about is your stupid money and reputation. I'm sick and tired of all this bullshit!" he said straight to my face

"That's not true," I gulped. "How can you say these things to me? Pati pa naman ikaw Keith, ganyan din ang tingin mo sa'kin? Naniwala ka naman sa mga sinasabi ng tao sa'kin? You don't fucking know me Keith. You have no right to judge me. Wala kang alam sa buhay ko. You don't understand and I don't think you ever will."

"How can people even understand you if you're not being real?" he fired back

I clenched my fist. "I don't have to prove myself to everyone or anyone else. I don't know what my father did so stop jumping to conclusions. Hindi ako sigurado. If you hate me then fine, h'wag ka nang mandamay pa ng ibang tao."

He chuckled bitterly. "The last thing that I want is to get involved in your family drama."

Lumayo siya at tinalukuran ako. Hinawakan ang braso niya para pigilan. Tumingin siya sa kamay ko at agad itong inalis. I see no mercy in his face. It's pure hatred and fury.

"I can fix this. I'll talk to him," I said desperately

He scoffed. "For fuck's sake Fey. Can you at least build up your own name? Hindi yung asang asa ka lagi sa papa mo-"

I couldn't take it anymore so I slapped him hard in the face. Binalot kami ng katahimikan. He slowly touched his cheek. Ramdam ko ang hapdi ng kamay ko.

My vision became blurry. "I worked hard for every accomplishment that I have right now," my voice started to shake. "It's not my fault if you can't see that because you are by the rumors about me. Or maybe, you're just jealous of me!"

He swallowed hard. I saw how his adam's apple move up and down. "Without your father's money, you wouldn't be here. Wala akong pakielam kung isumbong mo ko. That's what you're good at right? Go ahead. Go run and cry to him. Even if you hit rock bottom, may sasalo at may sasalo pa rin sa'yo."

That was the last thing he said before turning his back on me and started to walk away. Pinanood ko lamang siya palayo. I felt a tear fell from my eye. Yumuko ako at agad na pinunasan iyon.

If only he knows how tired I am of living under my father's shadow. That I can't even call my achievements my own because they always shove it to my face that it's all because of my father and that I'm 'privileged'.

Suddenly, I want to prove him wrong, I want to prove everybody wrong. I want to get recognized of my own hardwork. I'll build a name for myself.

As soon as I got home, I tried to find my father.

"Dad!" I called

I walked everywhere to look for him. I also asked some of the maids if they have seen him.

"Felicity. You're home early."

Napatingin ako sa nagsalita. I saw my dad walking down the stairs. There's a huge smile on his face as he welcomes me. Nilapitan ko na siya at huminto sa harapan niya.

"Dad. Did you talk to the principal and told her to choose me instead for the seminar?" diretso kong sabi

His brows furrowed, confused. I took a step back when he was trying to reach me.

"Fey. What are you talking about?"

"Just answer it," I firmly said

He sighed. Nanatiling blanko ang mukha niya. "You told me you want it right?"

"So which means?"

"Well, I just did the usual," he said nonchalantly

I shut my eyes and sighed. "Dad... I told you it was not for me because I did not deserve it."

"And you think that boy deserve it?"

"It's for Keith to begin with."

"It is for you Fey. Don't you understand? I'm doing this for you. I know how badly you want it so I talked to the principal-"

"Kinausap o binayaran?"

He was taken aback. It's obvious in his face that he's guilty. "I did what I had to do."

"Dad!"

His eyes widened, surprised by my abrupt outburst. "You have no right to raise your voice at me young lady." His deep voice echoed filled across the room. His expression turned stern and cold.

I didn't care if the people here were watching us. Hindi ko inalis ang paningin sa kanya.

"Why?" humina ang boses ko. "Why did you have to do it?

He raised his chin. "I am trying to give everything to you Fey and this is what I get in return? I didn't expect that reaction from you. Palaging reklamo nalang ang nakukuha ko sa'yo."

Umiling ako. "I never asked for it dad."

"See? You're being ungrateful!" he exclaimed. "You know, if you only had done better then none of this would have happened."

My lips parted. I scoffed. "So it's my fault now? So that's what it is. You could have just told me how disappointed you are at my face instead of-"

"But I didn't, instead, I just gave you the opportunity that has been taken away from you! Bakit mo ngayon tinatanggihan?"

"Because it's not mine in the first place!" hingal kong sabi. "Keith deserves it more than me."

"Why do even care so much about that boy?!" he blurted. "You better stay away from him. You're not supposed to be friends with someone like him. Pinapaikot niya lang ang isip mo para mahigitan ka niya. Don't let him get inside of your head. He's powerless and weak unlike us. You were able to step on his fragile ego. Takot siya sa pamilya natin na mayaman at makapangyarihan at hindi niya matanggap iyon. Remember Fey, we will always be above them."

Umiling ako. "That's what you've been saying to me before, not only to Keith. Pinagmumukha mong masama ang mga taong nakapaligin sa'kin. You always tell me to treat them as my enemy. You always trample on other people's dignity. You don't have power over them dad. I've had enough of it."

"I'm doing all of this for you Fey. Masama na talaga ang nagiging impluwensiya ng mga taong nakakasalamuha mo. Mas kinakampihan mo pa sila kaysa sa'kin? You wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for me! Everything that you have right now, it's all because of me. Learn some respect," kalmado niyang sabi pero halatang nagtitimpi ng galit

I clenched my fist. "No. You're doing this for yourself. I will not let you take away an opportunity from someone para lang sa'kin."