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Chapter XXX: Final Counting
As expected, the next two weeks were a flurry of the mad, exhausting pursuit to the finish line. Alfred and I barely managed to see each other, except when he drops by my room or during quick lunch breaks. He apologized for what happened that weekend, and he sounded so remorseful I had to forgive him. Charm came up to me to make amends as she was very bothered by what happened. I had to assure her that everything's fine. We focused more on our projects and campaign. It was a tight race between Alfred and Lance until Alfred revealed his last card in the final week of the campaign. I should have known he was holding on to something.
Alfred and his classmates set up a booth just near the stage area one afternoon, and they put up his posters and banners showcasing his print ads and previous competitions won. Not only that, but he also brought in his fellow models to stand and invite students to buy ballots. The students literally fell to the wiles of both male and fe
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Romancing the 80's Chapter XXXI: Prom Night
Alfred and I were sitting at the cafeteria, drinking soda. He was so cool, vibrant, and as usual, babbling non-stop about his victory. "I went to my father's company yesterday and he told his friends to buy the remaining ballots from me. My mom also bought the other batch. I just came back to school today and almost missed that final counting. Good thing my adviser called up the house to remind me." I congratulated him after the furor died down. He was able to approach me after extracting himself from the adoring crowd in the faculty area. He won by a mile over his nearest competitor. I just listened to him, waiting for the chance to ask him what happened in the nearly 5 days he was away. Students kept coming to him, congratulating him over the victory that it would be impossible to talk over something so serious. Soon, the school bell rang to signal the start of the next classes. I stood up and waited for him. He was still chatting with some of his classmates. He waved at them then
Romancing the 80's XXXII: The Revelation
"May we now request our newly-crowned Mr. Valentines, Alfred Umali, and his court, to choose the special ladies they will be dancing with," the host announced loudly. The crowd cheered and the girls were all clapping and tittering noisily in anticipation. Alfred went to the center of the stage, bowed, and smiled at the audience. He looked so handsome as he went down to the dancefloor and started surveying the crowd. My classmates were all hooting, while Noah and Izzie were cheering and waving at him. They also called out my name to catch his attention. However, he did not seem to hear nor listen to them. He kept looking around as the spotlight followed him. The other winners waited on stage as the song "King and Queen of Hearts" started playing. All eyes were on Alfred as he sauntered confidently towards the Junior classes. Surprisingly, Alfred walked past our section and stopped at a table occupied by Section III-2 students. He then smiled widely and offered his hand to someo
Romancing the 80's Chapter XXXIII: When I See You Smile
I stayed in bed the whole morning of Sunday. I did not want to take calls (I asked Mica to handle them for me). Just after lunch, Becky came up, took a quick look at me curled up in bed, then dragged me downstairs. "At least eat something. We'll go out after this and hear mass. I also have to get my haircut. Bree and Mica will also come with us," she announced. I ate sparingly, took a bath, and went out with my sisters. We went to mass, then proceeded to our neighborhood salon. Mica and Bree both opted for a manicure, while Becky talked to the hairstylist and instructed him to cut and style my hair. I just let her decide, although I requested that I get the best cut and style to make me look decent. It was a quiet afternoon for us, and I relaxed on the chair while watching him trim my hair. I realized that this was a rare bonding moment for us sisters. On weekends, the three would usually go out with their friends while I stayed at home with Nanay. The stylist buckled down to
Romancing the 80's Chapter XXXIV: Moving On
I was rushing back to our room after dropping by the Faculty Room. As I make a mad dash up the stairs, I almost bumped into Albert. He immediately clutched my hand to prevent me from losing my balance. "Watch out! You could have fallen down the stairs," he told me. I was breathless from running and mumbled, "Oh, I am sorry. I'm running late." Suddenly Alfred popped out from behind him, and said, "Hi, Nia." I was stunned and could not speak. I forgot my resolve and turned my back, pointedly ignoring him. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to him. Albert muttered to him, "Hey, Brod. You're hurting her." Alfred did not answer him but whispered to me, "We need to talk." I tried to break free however, he was holding on to me too tightly. "I will not let go unless you promise you'd talk to me," he said. I glowered at him and snapped back, "We have nothing to talk about. You're hurting me. Let me go." Alfred did not budge and we continued glaring at each other. Albert was trying to pul
Romancing the 80's XXXV: On To The Next
The weeks that followed were dedicated to doing all schoolwork and extra-curricular activities until March. Not to mention the preparations for the Finals. I went on with my school life like before, having lunch at the cafeteria with my classmates, visiting Val in the afternoon, and hanging out with Lance in malls and their store during weekends. It was really difficult seeing Charm and Alfred together at first. But with the support of my best buddies Lance, Izzie, Noah, Val, and the rest, I was able to look the other way. Even Albert, Tina, and some of their classmates would greet me whenever they see me at school.We had an assembly on Thursday morning conducted by the principal and some select Faculty members. They announced the honor students of the lower years and special awardees. One Freshman copped all the honors and special awards that morning, an announcement that drew our attention. Theo was a gangly, very fair boy with an intelligent expression on his face.
Romancing the 80's XXXVI : Seniors
We had a full schedule that year, especially with the inclusion of more subjects in the afternoon. The Citizen Army Training (CAT) was conducted on a Friday and we were assigned our own fatigue uniforms and boots. I actually like wearing the set and moving around in combat shoes. Doing the military drills and exercises in the afternoon, though, can be tiring and make us sweat like crazy. The girls had separate afternoon CAT classes from the boys. A lot of us had to let go of some club and other extracurricular activities because of the tight schedule. I did not join the Volleyball team, primarily because I also did not want to see Charm. I haven't seen her since March of the previous school year. My classmates and I came to an agreement to stay focused and maintain our rankings, as preparation for our graduation and college examinations. "Ms. Tamayo, please go to the Principal's office," announced our adviser, Ms. Felix. Izzie and I both looked up and saw the Sophomore
Romancing the 80's Chapter XXXVII: Izzie's Blip
We became busier with our demanding load, extra-curricular activities, additional projects, and personal issues. I lost unwanted pounds as we find ourselves staying late until past 7:00 pm to do rehearsals, meetings, and other ad hoc activities. Izzie was looking grim as she tries to squeeze in time to meet Theo, Noah was getting even more impatient and the boys had to forego time with their girlfriends or dates. Lance and I missed days of manning their shop.Our group was having lunch when Noah nudged Izzie and me. He pointed at a group of girls approaching Lance and Archer who were at the cashier paying for their order. I thought they were from the top Junior class. The girls obviously were chitchatting and flirting with the two. Lance and Archer were just standing there both looking perplexed. I saw Jon just grinning widely at the two, both discomfited with the attention given them. Izzie just shook her head and said drily, "They never learn. I bet they are trying to
Romancing the 80's Chapter XXXVIII: Distractions
"Don't you think that Noah's suggestion is good and can work both ways?" Lance asked. I was incredulous. "You mean Izzie to go out with Archer and for you to go out with me? You know that Izzie's totally infatuated with that cutie Theo and me...I just got out of a problematic relationship a few months ago. I told you I will take it easy and focus on my studies," I responded. He frowned and opened his book. Honestly, I felt tingly when he brought up the subject. I thought about it since Noah mentioned it. I imagined going out with Lance and it's...well, tempting, to say the least. After all, he's the total dreamboat with his looks, height, brains, admirable traits, and moral values. But I told myself to keep my hands off Lance since he's my best friend. I also promised Nanay I'll concentrate on my studies especially after what happened with my sister Mica.Mica eloped with her new beau Jed just after summer. She was restless and did not enroll in coll
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