"Please! Please, Bivianne, just this once. I won't bother you after this game." Yeshua pleaded, her hands clasped together as she followed me walking towards our classroom. I didn't turn to show how reluctant I was to fulfill her request. More like, I couldn't.
Before I could enter the room, Yeshua slammed her palms against the door, blocking my way. One of her proud traits was her determination. It could be annoying to others, but she didn't care. If she wanted something, she would do everything to get it.I had no choice but to look at her with my usual poker face. We had only recently become friends, but I already knew how persistent she could be. I couldn't stop her no matter what."What do I gain from joining? I could get hurt or seriously injured just playing that game. Are you willing to take responsibility? Are you ready to trade legs with me if something happens?" I raised my right eyebrow, challenging her.She raised hers in response. "What are you talking about? It's just intramurals, Bi. No one gets permanently hurt in intramurals.""And I could be the first. Besides, how can you be sure? No matter what you call that program or competition, the game is still risky. Sports will always be risky."Yeshua sighed and ruffled her hair. "You'll just be filling in for the team, Bi. I'm not telling you to play seriously or anything. The girls' team will be disqualified without even fighting back because we lack one player. We don't even have reserve players.""And how does that concern me?"She looked taken aback. "How can you be so heartless?"I started walking away from her, and she followed. We sat in the last row near the window. Our classmates briefly glanced at us, thinking we looked like a couple having a disagreement. Yeshua acted like she owned the place, even though this wasn't her room."Who's the heartless one between us? You want me to play something so dangerous without considering what might happen to me. You should research what 'heartless' really means before using that word.""Like I said, intramurals aren't dangerous. Just fill in for the team, try kicking the ball into the goal, try defending or just stand in the middle of the court. Don't worry! We'll take care of the playing part. We just need to be complete on the field."I took a deep breath before turning my head in her direction. "Aren't you leaving? Our instructor will be here soon."She sighed again, seemingly giving up. "Thanks for nothing. Don't ask for my help in the future because I won't help you. Ever."As soon as Yeshua left the classroom, our instructor arrived. Let's see about that. I know you won't give up until the intramurals actually arrive.I don't understand why that game means so much to her; it's just intramurals. Their opponents are from another section, and since we're in grade twelve, they'll likely be younger. Aren't they ashamed?I tried to focus on the lecture, but I couldn't. I've been thinking about Yeshua's offer since earlier. Even if I hide it deep in my mind, it keeps coming back.I'm about to enter college, so I don't have time for anything that might distract me. Clearly, joining futsal will just be a disturbance, a distraction from my studies.It won't only hinder my studies; once my mom finds out I joined futsal, she might get angry again. No one wants to anger a Zenith Cordova. Not even me, her daughter.After class, I went to my favorite store and ordered Taro milk tea. Ever since Yeshua convinced me to try it, I've been buying it at least once a week. I remember how reluctant I was to try it at first, but now I crave it.I was looking for an empty seat to relax when someone bumped into me. I muttered a curse under my breath. I looked at my spilled milk tea on the floor. It didn't stain my clothes, but it was still a waste of money."I'm sorry," the guy in front of me said. "I didn't notice you."He sat down and tried to pick up the spilled milk tea, but one of the staff stopped him."Let's clean it up for you, sir. Just leave it there.""I wasn't looking either, so I'm sorry too." I continued staring at the spilled milk tea on the floor as it was being cleaned up by the staff. I wanted to sip it right now, but I didn't want to spend again for another one. I'm saving money because I need to."Let me buy another one for you," the guy offered.I was about to protest when he disappeared in front of me. I tried to stop him from buying, but he was too insistent."You don't have to buy me another one. I'll drink it next time.""It's okay. Here," he said before handing me the cup. "I'm really busy right now, so I need to leave if it's okay. Just enjoy your cup of milk tea."Before leaving, he slightly bowed in front of me before turning away. I was still surprised by what happened, unsure of what to say or do. In the end, I couldn't do anything because I already had another cup of milk tea in my hands.While staring at the cup in my hand, I smiled discreetly. "I only drink Taro for my milk tea, though," I whispered before sipping the chocolate-flavored milk tea.Instead of staying in the store, I decided to call Mang Kiko, my driver, to pick me up. I didn't want to linger around many people while drinking. I might bump into someone again, and I might not get another milk tea next time."How's your day, Ms. Bivianne?" Mang Kiko asked when he sat in the driver's seat. He maneuvered the car and left the parking space before heading home.Leaning back in the seat with my eyes closed, I sighed. "Tiring! They're giving us so many activities like we're some kind of factory machine or something. And they didn't extend the deadline either." I sighed again before opening my eyes.Mang Kiko smiled at my response. "But you'll finish them all on time, Ms. Bivianne." It wasn't a question."I know, but at least consider my classmates. And I told you to call me Bivianne or Biv. Drop the 'miss'; it's too formal.""I can't do that. Mrs. Cordova will surely punish me if I do."She pouted. "At least call me by my name when we're together. I won't tell my mom.""Okay. I'll try my best, Bivianne."Kiko Fernando is a thirty-year-old driver. He lives in the Cordova residence with his wife, Cassady Fernando. He's also the son of James Fernando, my mom's driver. Their family has been serving ours for several years, making us very close. He has been my driver since childhood. On the other hand, Cassady is one of our household help. One of the reasons they got to know each other and got married.As soon as the car stopped, I got out while finishing my milk tea. A household staff opened the door for me before I entered. I hopped on my way to my room, while Mang Kiko parked the car in the basement. I don't have any assignments tonight, so I plan to watch an anime I started a few weeks ago.A soft and cold voice stopped me before I could reach my room. "I told you those drinks are not good for your health, right?"I slowly turned and forced a smile. "I don't drink this every day."She stood in the hallway, leaning against the wall. She was still wearing her white long sleeves and black slacks, but her black blazer was now hanging on her arm.I wasn't prepared to see her now. I thought she was still on a business trip and wouldn't be home for two weeks. But now that she's in front of me, my heart rate increased, and I felt a shiver."But it's still not good even if you only drink half of it. Am I wrong?"It's just one drink, I wanted to say.I bit my lip to stop myself from responding. I knew the outcome wouldn't be good if I answered. And it's not like I have the courage to answer back.This isn't the first time my mom scolded me for what I eat and drink. But no matter how many times it happened, I'm still not used to it."I heard you weren't paying attention in Mr. Carter's class earlier. Care to explain why?"I almost cursed loudly after hearing that. "I did. I just lost focus, but I was listening."I was surprised when she suddenly slapped me hard. I instinctively touched my cheek. I clenched my jaw, but it was too late. Even though I knew it would happen, I couldn't avoid being shocked."And do you think that's good for your college application?" I couldn't answer. "If you don't listen to every lecture, there are things you might miss. And those things can be important. So, what do you need to do? Listen from start to finish. Don't let any distractions stop you. Do you understand?"As expected, it was pointless to explain that to her. But even so, at least I tried."Yes. I'm sorry. I won't space out in class anymore.""Good. And since you have time to buy such drinks, I assume you have more time to study for the upcoming entrance examination, am I right?""I do. Don't worry."After she left, I still stood in front of my room. I tightened my grip on the doorknob. I took a few deep breaths before counting backward from ten. This way, my head wouldn't explode from anger. It wouldn't be good if I let my temper win every time she lectures me.It's my fault for not listening carefully in class. I know I need to excel in everything I do. As the only child and heir to my mom's company, I need to do better. I need to excel even more so that my mom's friends won't have anything to say.Above all, I need to become like my mom. I need to be as good as her. But for now, I'm not even halfway there. My mom was a valedictorian in our school, so I also need to be a valedictorian. In college, she was the summa cum laude.So if I slack off, I might not even get valedictorian, especially with Yeshua Yada, my close friend and rival, around. She doesn't care whether she becomes valedictorian or salutatorian, but she's already smart even without giving her best. She doesn't even make an effort in studying; sports are always on her mind. What if she decides to study hard? I won't allow her to take my spot as number one in our batch.One wrong move, and everything I've worked for will be gone. And I won't let that happen.I rode in the car without saying anything. I knew that Mang Kiko noticed my mood that morning, but he didn't ask. I knew that when he saw my mom earlier, that was explanation enough. No need for a verbal one.My mom left early, and she didn't even wait for me in the morning. That's better for me, though. Because I don't want to be with her and receive another sermon. I don't want to get slapped again.When we arrived at school, I got out of the car. I was about to enter when Mang Kiko stopped me. I faced him."Take this." I looked at the lunchbox he handed me, along with a small box. "My wife prepared this for you to bring. The other box has medicine for the wound on your lip."I slowly took it and looked away. "Thank you."He gave me a tight smile before letting me go. I sighed when I reached the room and looked at what he gave me. Instead of being happy and grateful for the small gesture from the couple, I couldn't help but pity myself instead.This is how they've been treating me a
"Do you know each other?" Yeshua asked while glancing back and forth between us and her cousin.Oxem messed up her hair, making me envy it. "Yes. I accidentally bumped into her and spilled her milk tea, so I bought her a new one.""Lucky she didn't get angry," Yeshua chuckled. "She has a temper when her milk tea is spilled or when she can't buy one.""Really?" I smiled at the amusement in her tone. "Good thing I replaced it then."Yeshua furrowed her brow. "By the way, what do you do at the milk tea place? You don't even drink it?"I shrugged and messed up her cousin's hair even more, leading them into another argument. I couldn't help but watch them bicker, even though Yeshua seemed annoyed, she appeared used to it. On the other hand, Oxem seemed to enjoy teasing his cousin.I am an only child. My mom is also an only child. So, I don't have any cousins on my mother's side. As for my father's side? I would never know. I never met him, so I wouldn't know if he had siblings or if I had
After finishing organizing the papers, I took my bag. I wasn't planning to look at Oxem again, but our eyes met, and I couldn't resist. On the other side, he was sitting, but his gaze was still fixed on me, even though he was talking to Peter. I felt more flustered when he stood up and started walking towards me."Done?" he asked."Ahm… yeah. I should probably go ahead. They seem to be enjoying their conversation. I won't bother them. Where's Auntie? I'll say goodbye."Mang Kiko and I followed him inside the house to bid farewell to his mother. Yeshua just waved goodbye to me as I left. It seemed like they weren't planning to go home yet because they still had many stories to share. I wonder where they're getting all those topics?Inside, we saw Auntie fixing things in the kitchen. She looked at us when Oxem called her."Why don't you stay for lunch?" Auntie asked. "I'm cooking for the kids. There's plenty, and they might not be able to finish it all."I forced a smile before replying
"I’ll need you to get an exclusive interview with the owner of the farm you featured on your project," Ma'am Aquino began.I held my breath, fearing she might add more requirements. She could do that, but I couldn't afford it. I already had too much on my plate with all the other tasks."Of course, ma'am. Noted. I’ll secure a document and a short video for the interview," I replied. She seemed pleased with my response, and after wishing me good luck, she dismissed me from the faculty. Yeah, I needed that.I released the breath I'd been holding as I exited the faculty. I can handle that. Editing the video would be easy as long as I had enough clips. But that meant I had to go back to Oxem's house.After our class, I immediately informed Yeshua and asked her to accompany me for the interview. Unfortunately, it turned out that they were working on their own project that day, so I was the only one available. Fortunately, Kenneth offered to come with me and handle the video while I conduct
Bivianne"What's the matter?" aunt asked. "Oxem, what's going on?"I looked away and immediately took my things to get out of there. I don't want to be rude to aunt but I don't want to stay here with her son anymore. Her son's making me uncomfortable. Really uncomfortable."Let's go first, aunt," I informed. "Sorry for the trouble and thank you very much. I have to go home too.""Okay. Be careful. I'll take you all the way outside."I couldn't look at Oxem anymore and quickly left their house. If I stay there any longer, I might not be able to breathe forever. Fortunately, Kenneth didn't ask any more questions about what happened. I don't know what to say.I said goodbye to aunt again before leaving. Oxem never left their house, thankfully, so I never saw him again.I leaned back in the chair and sighed. What the hell is wrong with that guy? How can he say that without stuttering? Pay him more attention? Why? Why do I have to do that? I pay the same attention to him and to other peopl
BivianneI sighed when our Earth Science teacher left. Our class is over for the day so I can go home.It's been a few days since Yeshua's game, but the events are still fresh for me. How could I not forget, well, Oxem was there.I sighed again.He has been the stuff of my brain for a few days. I am very thankful that it does not affect my studies. But after my eighteen years of existence, just now I was disturbed by a man. At least it's my brain.There were many people who made me feel bad even when I was in junior high school, but none of them touched me. I had a crush but not so bad that I always think about it wherever I go. I was just so focused with my studies before that I didn't have time for boys.And now that Oxem came into my life, my thoughts were divided. Before, all I could think about was studying and milk tea. Now he is with her. It has become studies, milk tea, and Oxem.And it's like fate is still teasing me because he's here right now in front of me. He was looking
Bivianne"Bivianne Cordova," called ma'am Teresa who is our Gen Math teacher. "You seem busy lately."At first I didn't get what he meant. But when I saw my grade in the exams last time, my mouth dropped. I felt as if I was frozen in place while staring at my paper."Two mistakes. You know I can't do anything when your mom asks about your grades, right?"I was just dumbfounded and stared at the two circles on my paper as if that would change. But not. Two of my answers are still wrong. And no matter what I read in the questions, that is really wrong. I don't know why even though I know the correct answer now, I still got it wrong on the exam day itself.Until the end of our class for the whole day I was just stunned. There's no use listening to the class. Because I will definitely be locked in the basement again and mom will hurt me. Thinking about it makes me shiver.I remember the last time I had a low grade. She dragged me to our basement and assaulted me there. He doesn't let anyo
BivianneMy classmates are looking at me strangely again. I know they know what happened even though I don't say anything. It is that obvious. Even if I put on a jacket, I still can't hide my wounds. Heck, I think the jacket is even one of the reasons why I'm getting so much attention right now.So even though it was irritating I still did my best to ignore their looks. It's up to them to stare at that. I do not care. I need to study more and my new Gen Math tutor called me. As I expected, I will have a private tutor.Ma'am Cynthia Joson is said to be a good teacher in any branch of math. She's a licensed engineer too but she says she really likes teaching more. She's one of my mom's few friends in high school.I can't wait to meet her. According to the information I read, he was one of those who tried to beat mom to the valedictorian position in high school. It's like Yeshua and I. I wonder if Yeshua and I will still be friends in the future when we have jobs.Before the class starte