CELESTEI sipped on my milk while staring out of nowhere, trying to think if we are really ready for the challenge."Earth to Celeste! Hey!" I blinked a few times and looked at Kelly confusedly."Yes?""You're sulking. What's the matter?" she asked."I'm just... You know, nervous I guess?"She chuckled. "Oh come on! Ikaw pa, kakabahan? You're the smartest out of all of us.""You're bluffing again," I retorted and sipped on my milk again."The line up is already decided, right?" Ashanti asked while drinking her iced coffee.I nodded. "Are you confident?""Of course, I am. History is a piece of cake," she answered."You're lucky," Kelly said
CELESTEI let out a harsh breath as a sign of relief while walking at the corridor together with my friends. The news of the removal of The Rank Five system spread like a wild fire not only in Avalon High but also outside.As usual, some of the students are already gossiping things about us— which I don't mind at all. Everyone have a different opinion and I respect that.However, I stand tall and firm on my belief. The removal of The Rank Five system may not benefit the school like the previous school years but it would surely benefit the mental health of the students.A school is a place to learn and discover new things. It should not be a place for competitions that may affect the well-being of the student inside and outside the school premises. A school is a place to earn new friends that might last a lifetime and it shouldn't be a place for rivalry."I think some people are cursing us on their minds," Kelly whi
EPILOGUE CELESTE "You really bad mouthed Markus on National TV a while ago, huh?" I leaned against my chair and crossed my arms. "Nagsabi lamang ako ng totoo," giit ko. "Why are you like that ba? You looked so grumpy," tanong ni Kelly at uminom sa binili niyang frappe. "Try mo kayang tumingin sa labas. Nakakatakot 'yung mga fans mo," reklamo ko. She chuckled. "Hindi naman sila makakapasok dito sa loob. Don't worry," she said and smiled on the camera outside. Napailing naman ako. She's really fond of cameras now. Parang dati, papageant-pageant lang siya sa mga school. Tapos ngayon, artista na. Kelly Eiryne Carson, one of the highest paid actress in the country. "Balita ko you'll join Binibining Pilipinas. Is that true?" tanong ko. Tumingin siya sa akin at ng
CLIO"Does your Mom already knew that you stole Celeste's spot?"He chuckled. "Siyempre hindi.""Why didn't you tell her?""Maybe because at some point, I wanted her to be proud of me. Even though I grew up apart from her, I still love her. Just like every other child, I want to feel loved by her just like how I love her."I let out a harsh breath. "You did well," I uttered.He looked at me confusedly. "Bakit naman? I broke your trust, right?""But atleast you did your best to make up from your mistake. That's enough."The corner of his lips quirked up. "Gusto mo talaga ako eh, ano?"Napailing naman ako at sinamaan siya ng tingin. "Gago," bulong ko."Pero kung hindi mo ako gusto..."Taka akong tumingin sa kaniya. "Ano?"
KELLY"So, what are we doing here?" I asked as I roamed my eyes around the restaurant."To eat?" he asked sarcastically.I rolled my eyes and glared at him. "Puwede bang umayos ka kahit for today lang?"He chuckled. "I'm just stating a fact, sweetheart.""As far as I know, I never agreed to be your sweetheart.""You don't like it? Alright, babe."Muli kong iniikot ang mga mata ko. "Can you just stop flirting at me? Hindi ka funny.""Sigurado kang hindi ka natutuwa?"Awtomatikong tumaas ang kilay ko nang magsalita siya ng Tagalog. He's still sounds awkward speaking it but he improved."Hindi," sagot ko.He let out a soft chuckle. "Suit yourself, sweetheart.""I'm not your sweetheart nga, okay? Hindi ba magagal
ASHANTI"Let's talk."I swallowed the lump on my throat before looking at Dane. "Bibili muna ako ng kape."He was taken aback at first but he just sighed. Nakibit-balikat naman ako. Coffee is a must lalo pa't mukhang seryoso ang pag-uusapan namin."Gusto mo bang samahan kita?" tanong niya."Bahala ka."Tumayo ako at agad naman siyang sumunod. Para siyang tuta na ayaw mahiwalay sa amo. Mahina akong tumawa at napailing dahil sa naisip ko.Nagpatuloy naman ako sa paglalakad at dumiretso sa cafeteria. Kakaunti na ang tao roon kaya't mabilis kaming nakapasok."Bibili ka rin ba?" tanong ko kay Dane."Ako na ang bibili. Iced coffee pa rin ba?"Tumango ako at umupo na sa pinakamalapit na upuang nakita ko. I propped
CELESTE"Law or leave, Celeste?"I forced a smile before turning my head towards the direction of my friends. Nakatingin sila sa akin at tila nagtataka sa kung ano mang pinag-uusapan namin ni Mommy.Muli akong nag-iwas ng tingin sa kanila. I didn't expect that I'll hear those words even after two months since I last heard it.Ganoon pa rin ang epekto. Nakakatakot."Let's just talk about that later, shall we?" I asked.I heard her sighed on the other line. "I want your answer now, Celeste Louisse. Hindi ko hawak ang oras ko," seryosong saad niya."At hindi mo rin po hawak ang oras ko.""Binabastos mo na ba ako?" tanong niya pero ramdam ko ang pagpipigil sa bawat salitang binibigkas niya.Malakas akong bumuntong hininga at marahang umiling kahit na alam ko na naman na hindi
"Damn, hindi ba nila alam ang salitang opinyon?" Reklamo ko sa kausap ko sa teleponong si Clio habang tinitingnan ang sarili ko sa salamin."Whatever Celeste. Sabi mo nga, opinyon mo lang. Hindi palaging masusunod ang opinyon mo, okay?" I rolled my eyes before pouting."So haharap ako sa camera habang suot ko 'tong napakapanget na dress? Ugh!""Stop throwing tantrums and just fix yourself, okay?" I heaved a sigh before nodding."Tss, as if I have a choice. Alright, I'll hang up na." She just laughed and I ended the call.