Chapter 12

It’s A Beautiful Day To Ruin Someone’s Day

It was already December, a month where the night breeze seems a little cold and a cup of hot chocolate that’s placed on a table beside you while you’re sitting in the balcony of your room would be nice. 

Damn… I used to love and hate Christmas. Yes, Love and hate. Two contradicting emotions and there’s no in between. 

I loved Christmas simply because I am once again free from school, from the bullies, insults, plus, we’ve got tons of holiday special dishes served almost every week. But despite all the nice things that December could offer, I couldn’t help but to hate it as I love it at the same time. 

Parati kasing wala ang mga magulang ko. They’re both a man and a woman of medicine. Dad is a surgeon, mom is gynecologist. And people who are working in the medical field don’t have holidays so, I always end up celebrating Christmas alone.

“Hija, grabe talaga ang pinayat mo! Hindi mo talaga bagay! Para kang anorexic!” Tita Karen’s voice pulled me back in reality. 

We are currently having our dinner, kumpleto kami ngayon dahil nandito ang Mom at Dad ko. And Tita Karen showed up kanina para bigyan kami noong macaroons na binili pa daw niya sa ibang bansa so, Mom and Dad decided to invite her to have dinner with us. 

“Hindi ka lang sanay, Karen… Syempre, nasanay kayong mataba siya kaya naninibago ka.” Depensa ng Dad ko. 

“No, hindi lang talaga bagay ng anak mo ang sobrang payat, Kuya! Diyos ko, Mona. Kumain ka nang marami, hija! I will send you another box of my macaroons tomorrow,” She said in horror as she looks at me like I’m someone who just catched a virus with no cure. 

“Thank you, Karen but my daughter don’t need your unhealthy macaroons. She is fine, she’s eating healthy and she does exercises regularly. You have nothing to worry about,” Mom interjected flashing her smile, that kind of smile that seems like it’s taking every ounce of her not to stab Tita Karen with a fork. 

I noticed the subtle scrunch on Tita Karen’s face. “I was just trying to help. If I pushed her to lose weight before then maybe I can push her to gain weight again… Para sa pamangkin ko naman ang ginagawa ko dahil ayokong nagmumukha siyang anorexic.” Depensa pa niya like she’s the most good example aunt in the whole fucking world.

And did she just made anorexic sound like an insult? Tangina. Anorexia is an illness, it’s not a way to describe someone’s body! 

“Look at her collarbones! My God! They’re super prominent! Okay lang sana kung kaunting collarbone lang ang litaw… Mas healthy pang tingnan.” 

I clenched my teeth. No matter how you look, fat or skinny, people will always find a way to make you feel bad about yourself, huh? 

Mula sa pagkain ko, nag-angat ako nang tingin kay Tita Karen na nakaupo sa harapan ko. 

“Tita, it’s not you who pushed me to lose weight. It’s me. It’s my choice. And I want to keep my body this way. And not because a person is skinny, doesn’t mean that she’s anorexic.There are a lot of people who are suffering from anorexia, let’s be sensitive and choose our words wisely. Excuse me, magrereview pa ako para sa exam bukas.” 

I pushed my chair backwards after excusing myself. Hindi ko na sila hinintay makasagot at tinalikuran ko na sila. I didn’t even get the chance to scan their reactions but them being speechless is enough to let me know that I have made a good point. 

“Nawawalan na ng modo ‘yang anak mo, Kuya! Manang-mana sa pinagmanahan!” I heard Tita Karen said.

“My daughter is making a good point, Karen. Tama ang sinabi ng anak ko.” Dad replied. Napangisi ako. 

“Manang-mana talaga siya sa akin! We raised her well…” Proud na proud na sabi ni Mom. That was the last thing that I’ve heard before finally reaching the elevator. 

I pressed the third floor dahil nandoon ang kwarto ko. The moment I got inside my room, I smiled. Not because I roasted my aunt but because I managed to finish my dinner without feeling guilty. 

“Eat slowly… We can wait until you finish.”

“Now, drink a lot of water.” 

Iyan parati ang mga sinasabi sa akin ni Ciel sa tuwing nagla-lunch kami o kaya kumakain ako ng something heavy. It was really effective. It was like a mind tactic that distracts my mind from developing an anxiety and the feeling of guilt after intaking such heavy meal. 

Kasi when I eat slowly, hindi ko nararamdaman iyong pagka bloated after eating my meal. Busog ako pero hindi ko ramdam iyong paglobo ng tiyan ko. And when I drink a lot of water, it feels like I am cleansing all the unnecessary food that I intake. 

I don’t know how Ciel does that. Kahit parati kaming nagbabangayan, still, I can’t deny the fact that he’s been a big help in conquering my anxiety when it comes to gaining weight again.

Umupo ako sa harapan ng desk ko nang saktong umilaw ang phone ko na nakapatong doon. Colton mentioned me in our groupchat! 

Napakagat ako sa pang-ibabang labi ko. Hindi pa kami nag-usap ng matagal through PM dahil hindi ko talaga alam kung paano patatagalin ang usapan namin nang hindi niya nahahalata na gusto ko siya and he always give replies like 'Hahaha' anong gusto niyang isagot ko doon? Say my name and everything just stops?

I tap our groupchat na natabunan na dahil may tatlong sabay-sabay na nag wave sa akin. Hindi ko naman pinapansin. Bukod sa hindi ako interisado, tamad akong magchat palagi. 

Colton:

After Christmas party, nag-aaya mga pinsan ko mag swimming sa’min

Colton:

@Cyprian @Mona Are you guys down? 

Napangiti ako nang matamis. OMG! He’s inviting me, too! 

I was about to type a reply when Ciel’s chat suddenly popped. 

Ciel:

Anong oras? 

Cyprian:

Sige G lang

I typed a reply too.

Me:

I’ll try 

Puro kasi lalaki ang mga pinsan ni Colton. Iyong mga babae niyang pinsan ay bata pa kaya sigurado ako hindi kasali ang mga iyon. 

Colton:

Sige, pag-usapan na lang natin sa mga susunod na araw. Matagal pa naman ‘yon

Cyprian:

Oo nga. Magsama ka rin ng babae para hindi mailang si Mona 

Colton:

Wala akong babaeng kaibigan bukod kay Mona gagu @Cyprian

Ciel:

Sige, ako na lang magsasama. Sama ko kapatid ko.

Ciel:

O kaya si Calline para mabwisit si Phil

Colton:

Okay lang ‘yan, Mona. Mabait naman mga pinsan ko. 

Cyprian:

Kunsabagay, Mona. Parang kami lang din kasama mo. 

Ciel:

Sige. Putangina wag niyo kong pansinin. Wag niyo na rin ako rin ako invite. May swimming pool din naman kami! Mga gago! 

Nag ‘Haha’ react ang dalawa sa reply ni Ciel. Nagtaka din ako kung bakit hindi siya pinapansin kanina pa. Gusto ko nga siyang asarin, e. Pero mamaya mag-away na naman kami.

Cyprian:

Hahaha gago! Kahit invite ka ni Colton hindi ka naman pupunta! Uuwi kayong San Fran ni Megi ‘di ba? 

Colton: 

Sa susunod ka na lang @Ciel hahaha

Me:

Aalis ka?

Fuck! I was about to remove my chat pero magmumukha akong affected kapag ginawa ko ‘yon. Ano naman ‘di ba? Bawal ba magtanong? 

My eyes narrowed when Colton and Cyprian hearted my chat. Grr! 

Ciel:

Bakit, sama ka? 

I rolled my eyes. Hindi na lang sumagot ng maayos! 

Me:

Hindi. Naniniguro lang. Tagalan mo, ha? H’wag ka muna bumalik agad. :)

Colton and Cyprian reacted ‘Haha’ on my chat. Inaantay ko ngang mag type pa sila pero mukhang mas balak na lang nila kaming panoorin. 

Ciel:

Sweet mo ‘no? Uwi kitang San Francisco, e

My eyes narrowed at his chat, making my cheeks burn. Gago yata ito, e. Ba’t ba ang hilig niyang mang-uwi? 

Cyprian:

SML 

Colton:

Speed Mo Lang

Ciel:

…tapos isasabit kita sa Golden gate bridge. @Mona

Me:

Baka ikaw pa isabit ko

Ciel:

Tapang mo ah. 

Me:

Oo talaga

Ciel:

Sige nga, PM mo nga ‘ko kung matapang ka talaga 

Cyprian:

Tangina mo hahaha

Colton:

Atta boy! 

Me:

Bahala nga kayo diyan. Mag review na tayo dahil major ang mga exams bukas!

Ciel:

Anong review-review? Walang magrereview sa pamilyang ‘to! Unblock me you coward! 

Cyprian:

Naka block ka?

Colton:

Naka block ka? (2) 

I just rolled my eyes before turning my phone into sleep mode. Bahala nga silang mag-usap diyan. 

And I will never unblock that Ciel! Binlock ko kasi siya noong grade 10 kami at hanggang ngayon na grade 12 na kami ay naka-block pa rin siya sa akin. Baka hanggang sa makapag-asawa na ‘ko naka-block pa din siya. Well, who knows. 

Binuksan ko na lang ulit ang printed notes ko. Sometimes I would send the soft copy on our groupchat pero inaamag lang naman dahil mas gusto nilang nagrereview directly sa book. Iyong mga highlighters ko, iyon ang mga gamit na gamit sa kanilang tatlo. 

--

“Happy birthday, Cyprian!” I greeted him the moment I saw him. May mga chairs na naka arrange na sa labas, two columns were parted from left and right at nando’n sina Cyprian at ang dalawa pang C. 

Cyprian turned to me, flashing that smile. “Thank you, Mona.” He said, softly caressing the top of my head. 

“Ang cute naman ng Mona namin. Naka braid pa… Pinaghahandaan mo na yata ang birthday party ko mamaya?” He teased, chuckling softly. 

“Hindi, ah. Iba ang hairstyle ko mamaya para sa birthday mo.” I winked at him. 

“Sige, galingan mo ah. Iyong maglalaway si Ciel.” 

I scrunched my face, giving the two C behind Cyprian a quick glance. They’re both busy with their books. Seryoso silang nagbabasa habang parehas na nakakunot ang noo. 

“Ew! Stop pushing me to Ciel… Alam mo naman kung sino talaga ang crush ko.” Nakanguso kong sabi sa kanya. 

“E pati nga crush mo tinutulak ka kay Ciel, e.” Natatawa niyang sagot. 

I gave him a playful glare. “Cyprian, pasalamat ka at December 12 ngayon at birthday mo.” 

Humalakhak lang siya. “Biro lang. Nakapagpaalam ka na ba sa parents mo?” 

Nasabi ko kasi sa kanila na never pa akong nagparty so they assumed na baka hindi ako payagan pero ipagpaalam daw ako ni Cyprian kung hindi. 

This is my first time attending a party actually. Hindi pa ako na-invite dati. And I’ve sheltered myself too much to even go clubbing because I was not confident enough. 

Tumango ako habang nakangiti. “Oo, pumayag sila.” 

“Anong sabi ng Mommy mo noong sinabi mong house party ang pupuntahan mo?” He asked, grinning. 

My smile slowly disappeared when the moment I heard my Mom’s voice at the back of my mind. 

“I know, parties are new to you but if someone tries to hit on you— I hope it’s one of your guy friends—” 

“Mom!” Saway ko sa kanya habang nakangiwi. 

She grinned, dismissing my protest. “Ah basta, if you’re about to have sex, make sure you want it, okay? And if you’re beginning to doubt, kick him right on the balls! Have sex because you want it, not because you feel pressured. Okay? And if you’re really ready, make sure he has a condom! No glove, no love! Repeat after me. No glove, no love! No condom, no action! You wouldn’t want to catch ST—” 

“Jesus Christ, Mom! I’m just going to attend a party! Hindi ako makikipag sex!” Namumula kong sagot sa kanya. God. Having a cool Mom is great until she starts talking like this. What the hell!

“Honey, I was just trying to let you taste the world! Enjoy your teen years because the moment you got married, you’ll only have sex with one guy for the rest of your life. Hindi mo ba alam? Being single is an opportunity to taste everybody!” She giggled. 

I looked at her flabbergasted and embarrassed. Oh my God… Hindi ko na talaga alam. 

Mabilis akong umiling nang maibalik ako sa realidad. “W-Wala… Wala naman. Mag-enjoy daw ako…” I told Cyprian instead. 

Napanguso siya at tumango-tango. “That’s great! Ipapasundo ba kita?” He asked. 

Umiling ako. “Hindi na. ‘Di ba sabi mo sa Fontana? Text mo na lang complete address tapos ipapakita ko sa driver…” Nakangiti kong sagot. 

“What a fucking slut!” Natigilan ako nang may maramdaman akong dumaan sa may likuran ko at hindi nakatakas sa pandinig ko ang sinabi niya. 

“What a fucking pathetic bitch who can slay but can’t even do a hundred words essay.” I said, still facing Cyprian. Nangunot ang noo niya habang nakatingin sa akin, trying to figure out what I am talking about. 

“What did you just call me?” I heard Gemma’s annoyed. Napangisi ako sa loob-loob ko. 

I immediately turned around to face her and I wasn’t surprised to see Gemma’s annoyed face, as if someone spill a coffee on her favorite dress. Aw. Poor thing. 

“Oh, hi Gemma. Nandiyan ka pala!” I flashed my fakest surprised voice. 

She looked at me through clenched teeth. “Anong tinawag mo sa’kin?” 

Kunwari’y napakunot pa ako ng noo. “I wasn’t calling you anything… But Cyprian and I are talking about this fucking bitch who can slay on social media but she can’t actually do a simple essay. Hindi naman ikaw ang tinawag kong gano’n… but if the shoe fits, wear it and do a catwalk, honey.” I flashed my annoyingly sweet smile. 

Ah, people. They don’t really like tasting their own medicine. 

She was about to respond but Logan was quick enough to coax her. “Hayaan mo na. H’wag mo nang patulan. Tatlo-tatlo na nga ang pumapatol sa kanya, e.” He grinned, eyeing me salaciously from head to toe. 

Gemma giggled, looking at me with a triumphant grin. 

My cheeks burned as my heart began thumping on my chest on how this guy just disrespected me. 

“Gago ka ba?!” Cyprian was about to go forward but I immediately stopped him by the chest. Ayaw niya pa dapat magpaawat but I pressed my hand harder on his chest, looking up at him. I gave him a glare while firmly shaking my head. 

“Halika na nga, Logan. Mag review na lang tayo.” Sabi ni Gemma at hinatak na papasok ng classroom si Logan. 

Review? Big word, bitch! 

“Why did you stop me?” Inis na tanong ni Cyprian sa akin. 

“Ayaw kong makipag-away ka. H’wag kang mag-alala, I got this.” I told him. 

“But he disrespected you!” Mahina ngunit mariin niyang sabi. As if he doesn’t want anyone to hear about it. 

“All my life I’ve been being disrespected. So, relax, birthday boy. I know how to handle this. Watch me,” I said giving him an evil grin.

His features slowly softens, looking at me before pushing a soft and deep sigh. 

“What the hell? Anong nangyayari sa inyo diyan?” We both heard Ciel’s voice who was about to get up from his seat. 

Mariin akong tiningnan sa mga mata ni Cyprian. “The moment he knew about what happened, there’s no way that you can stop that guy from wrecking Logan’s face, Mona. Ciel can be so hard to tame sometimes. He’s fucking stubborn.” Cyprian quietly warned me. 

“That’s why we won’t tell him…” I said with finality. 

“Ano bang binubulong-bulong niyo diyan?” Ciel said with his forehead creased when he finally made his way towards us. 

“Wala ka na do’n.” I said rolling my eyes at him. He eyed me, his face falling into a small scrunch. 

“Anong meron? Bakit hindi niyo ako sinasali diyan?” Si Colton naman ang lumapit ngayon sa amin. 

Tiningnan ko siya at binigyan ng isang tipid na ngisi. “Ah, wala. Nag-uusap lang kami ni Cyprian tungkol sa party mamaya…” Pagdadahilan ko. 

I heard Ciel let out a mocking laugh as he eyed me, ridiculously. 

“Ayos ka rin…” He said, narrowing his eyes on me. Hindi ko siya pinansin, muli ko na lang ibinalik ang tingin kay Colton. 

“Oh, pinayagan ka?” Tango-tango niyang sabi. 

“Yes! Pinayagan ako.” I smiled. 

“Nice. I’ll see you later, then?” Nakangisi niyang sabi. 

I nodded my head. “See you.” I smiled sweetly. 

Tinanguan niya ako bago tiningnan ang kabuoan ng grupo. “Sige na, babalik na ako. Akala ko napano kayo, e.” Paalam niya at muling umupo sa inuupuan niya kanina. Sinundan ko siya nang tingin habang nakangiti pa rin. 

“See you.” Awtomatiko akong napatingin kay Ciel nang gayahin na naman niya ako. His face was very sarcastic while he stares at me, ridiculously. “Putangina, tuwang-tuwa! Parang hindi nagkikita araw-araw!” Komento niya pa. 

Inirapan ko siya. “Bakit? Masama maging polite?” Taas kilay kong sabi. 

“Hindi ka mukhang polite, Mona. Mukha kang pabebe!” He fired at me, his eyes turning into slits. 

“Aba’t!” I was about to hit him but he immediately turned his back, making his way towards his seat. I just glared at him, kung nakakamatay nga ang masasamang titig ay kanina pa siya natumba!

Bwisit talaga na Ciel Alfieri ‘to! Tawagin ba naman akong pabebe! 

Iling-iling na natawa si Cyprian. “Mag review na lang tayo… Halika na.” Pagkalma niya sa akin habang nakangisi pa rin. 

--

I finished the exam early. Biology ang last naming pinag-exam and since Biology is my favorite subject, hindi na ako nahirapan sa pagsagot. I excused myself the moment I passed the answer sheet to our adviser. 

Colton was inside the room dahil Ponce de Leon ang apelyido niya. Kaming tatlo naman nila Cyprian ay nakapwesto sa labas dahil sa mga apeliydo namin na nagsisimula sa A at C. 

I was just quietly eyeing them, hanggang sa mapansin kong may gamit na cellphone si Logan mula sa likuran ng folder niya. Kung nasa harapan ka niya ay hindi mo siya makikita pero dahil nasa may likuran nila ako ay kitang-kita ko ang pagbo-browse niya ng mga sagot sa phone niya bago niya i-shade ang answer sheet niya. 

Damn… Hindi talaga ‘to titigil? Kahapon pa siya. Halos sa lahat ng subject ay ganyan siya. 

Kahapon pinalampas ko iyon… and I was about to let it slip again but then the way he disrespected me from highschool until now keeps playing inside my head. Damn you, Logan! Lintik lang ang walang ganti! 

Mabilis kong kinuha ang phone ko na nasa bulsa ko at tinap ang camera upang kuhanan siya ng video. I even zoomed it to show every detail of how he fucking cheats during exam. Hindi na siya nahiya. Humahabol pa naman siya sa rank! 

What he’s doing is so unfair for those who don’t get enough sleep dahil lamang sa kakareview! 

The video lasted for about twenty seconds. Nakangisi kong tinap ang save button bago naglakad pabalik sa pwesto ko. My triumphant smile is never leaving my face. 

Nang makaupo na ako ay saglit na natigilan si Ciel sa pagsagot at sinulyapan ako. Hindi pa rin nabubura ang mga ngisi ko, nginiwian niya lang ako bago muling nagbalik sa pagsagot. 

Imbes na mainis ay mas lalo pa akong napangisi. 

What a beautiful day to ruin someone’s life. 

I crossed my legs before unlocking my phone again. Nagtungo ako sa messenger, I scrolled through the messages until I saw the section’s groupchat. Kasama namin ang adviser namin doon. 

Mula dito sa pwesto ko ay sumilip ako sa loob. I saw my adviser, sitting on his table and browsing on his phone. 

Damn. Lucky day, Mona. Lucky day. 

Ngising aso kong sinend ang video ni Logan sa groupchat. When I successfully send it, muli kong itinago sa bulsa ko ang phone at kagat labing nag-antay dito na matapos ang isa sa mga kaibigan ko. 

Pasulyap-sulyap ako sa loob habang inaantay ang oras. My heart raged on its cage as the adrenaline rushed through me the moment I saw how my adviser stiffened while browsing on his phone. 

You are so fucking doomed, Logan.

Nagbaba ako nang tingin sa wrist watch ko. We only have 15 minutes left before passing the answer sheets, finish or not finish. 

--

“Ah, shit. Tapos na ang exam! Ramdam ko na ang birthday ko…” He pushed a relieved sigh. Sakto namang lumabas si Colton bitbit ang g-tec niya at nilalaro-laro pa gamit ang mga daliri niya. 

“Akala ko hindi ka na lalabas, Colton ah.” Cyprian said. 

“Nakita ko kasi may pinunit si sir na test paper sa harapan… Akala ko kung kanino, kay Logan lang pala.” Walang pakialam niyang sabi bago isinuksok ang ballpen niya sa bulsa ng uniporme niya. 

“Logan?” Cyprian eyes widened. 

“Yeah. I wasn’t surprised. That guy cheats like a fucking pro— well, not that pro since he got caught.” Colton said, unbothered. 

“Mona… What the hell did you do?” Pare-pareho kaming napatingin kay Ciel na kasalukuyang hawak ang phone niya. I couldn’t even read his expression. 

Before I could even answer, a livid entrance coming from a livid guy caught our attention, making us face him instead. 

Ang galit na galit na mukha ni Logan ang kaagad na bumungad sa amin. His face was all red and his eyes are glaring at me like there’s no tomorrow. 

One corner of my lips lifted up before crossing my arms on my chest. I stared at him, remaining unbothered by his mad stares. 

“You fucking bitch!” He was so angry and so ready to go after me but Colton, Ciel, and Cyprian were quick enough to stand in front of me, shielding me, looking like warriors who are ready to kill anyone who lay a finger on me. 

Their posture is way too daring and full of intimidation. Si Ciel ang nasa ginta, katapat ko siya at katapat niya rin sa Logan. 

“Umalis kayo diyan!” Galit na galit niyang sabi sa tatlo. We are getting the attention of the whole class and as well as the other sections. 

Logan was about to go after me again, looking so desperate and angry but Ciel stepped forward, pushing him on the chest. 

“Subukan mong lumapit, gago ka!” Ciel dared, giving him his most intimidating and challenging nod. It’s a damn challenge that you wouldn’t want to accept because Ciel’s aura is way too different from his pompous one. 

“Putangina mo, Alfieri! Mali na nga ‘yang ginawa ng babae niyong ‘yan pinagtatanggol mo pa!” 

“O, bakit? Sa tingin mo tama ang ginawa mo? You are fucking cheating during the exam, Logan!” 

“That fucking bitch humiliated me!” He yelled through gritted teeth, angrily pointing at me. 

Ciel slapped the wrist that’s Logan’s using to point at me. “It was you who humiliated yourself… Kasalanan mo kung bakit nangyari sa’yo ‘yan kaya h’wag mong isisisi sa iba. If you didn’t cheat, that won’t happen to you.” 

“Fuck you, Alfieri!” Sa sobrang frustration niya dahil hindi siya makalapit sa akin at hindi niya ako masaktan ay kay Ciel niya ibunton ang inis niya. 

A mocking laugh rose from Ciel’s throat. “I don’t fuck with cheaters and men who have no respect for women, Logan.” 

Logan was left speechless and before he could even recover, Gemma called him. 

“Tawag ka ni sir, Logan. Halika na… Pakiusapan mo na lang siya.” Ani Gemma at sinubukang hilain si Logan papasok ng classroom. 

Ciel turned around to face me, his dark stares are what I immediately met. Maging ako ay napaatras nang kaunti dahil sa hitsura niyang mukhang hindi natutuwa. 

“Mag-usap nga tayo, Mona.” He said through clenched jaw, grabbing me by my wrist without waiting for my response. 

“C-Ciel, sandali sina Cyprian...” I tried to protest and get away from his grip but he was just strong. Patuloy pa rin siya sa pagkaladkad sa akin. 

“Ciel, dahan-dahan naman!” I protested ngunit hindi niya ako pinakinggan. Ano ba ang problema niya? Bakit parang sa akin pa siya galit? 

Nang marating namin ang bandang likuran nitong 5th floor ay saka niya ako marahas na binitawan. He put both hands on his hips, staring at me through clenched teeth. 

“What the hell did you do, Mona?!” Gigil na gigil niyang sabi. 

My lips parted as I looked at him in disbelief. “What did I do? I gave what he deserved!” 

“And that is to send a video of him on the groupchat?” Iling-iling niyang sabi. 

“O, bakit? He cheated! Our adviser deserves to know!” I hissed. 

Naningkit ang kanyang mga mata kasabay nang pagpapakawala niya ng isang pagak na tawa. “And you let him know… through group chat? What the fuck were you thinking, Mona!” 

“It’s not like the whole class doesn’t know that he’s a cheater! Teka, bakit parang galit ka pa sa’kin?!” 

Kanina ay ipinatatanggol niya ako sa harapan ng marami tapos ngayong kami na lang dalawa ay papagalitan niya ako? Unbelievable! Kanino ba talaga siya kampi? 

“It’s because what you did was wrong and I won’t tolerate you for that, Mona. Yes, Logan cheated. Pero hindi mo kailangang i-broadcast iyon sa buong klase. You could have just approached our adviser secretly instead of putting your classmate into humiliation!” 

I clenched my fist as the most sardonic laugh comes out from my mouth. “Don’t even get me started with humiliation, Ciel! That guy and his friends— including you! They’ve been humiliating and disrespecting me for years! He deserves that! Kulang pa nga iyon!” Mariin kong sabi. 

Ciel stared at me, disappointed as he licked his bottom lip while shaking his head. “I can’t believe that I’m hearing this from you, Mona. All I wanted was for you to be brave, not to be this heartless! Where is your compassion, huh? At natutuwa ka pa dahil napahiya mo siya? What makes you different from the people you hated now, huh?” 

His words were like knives, stabbing me on the chest. I felt the corner of my eyes start stinging the moment he questioned me about my compassion. 

Ang sakit niya namang magsalita! Ngayon lang naman ako gumanti dahil sa mga pinaggagawa nila sa akin tapos parang ako pa ‘yong mali! 

“E ‘di sa kanila ka kumampi! You’ve been on their side since day one! Niloko niyo nga ako ‘di ba? Bakit pa ba ako magugulat? Magsama-sama kayo!” I firmly hissed at him and before my tears could even fall, mabilis ko na siyang tinalikuran. 

“Mona Lisa! Get back here!” He tried to call me but I just ignored him. 

___________________________

might edit this tomorrow. sorry sabog na me. And also, happy 20k followers! Maraming salamat sa inyo! Mahal ko kayo!