Charlie’s PoV

“Charlie! Good news!” I looked at Kim who’s running towards me.

She’s wearing T shirt and pants along with her messy hair. If you saw her, you might think she fought in an effin war.

“What would that be? Is there a salary increase?” I doubtfully said while chewing skewers.

It’s good that she cooks some before going at work because the kitchen and I are the greatest frenemy. I only know to eat and to eat.

“Sly girl! I’ve got our salary for this month from the old man. He’s looking for you so I said that you woke up late than usual after that he gave me this envelope” She cheerfully said while waving the brown envelope in front of me.

She’s so happy. Does she feel it’s her birthday or there’s an event of her life? She is giving the vibe of winning in the lottery ticket. You know the people who sells at the fish market? Her voice sound like that.

“So what?” I sigh and continue to eat. She wants to surprise me but to her dismay I’m not into it. My life would be ‘food is life’.

I stuff my mouth with lots of rice and lots of meat.

“We’ve got a scholarship at SIS!” she said while jumping and clapping.

I choked and was on the verge of vomiting all that's in my mouth. My chest hurt and I coughed a lot. I drank as soon as I could since there was water on the table. Because if not, I might die right away.

“WHAT?”

SALVADOR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL??

“You’re surprised too right? Me too! And guess what? We’re going to attend on Monday! I’m so excited! It’s Saturday so we must buy some stuffs for our first day of school!” She cheerfully said.

“No way! I’m not going there!” I shouted at her and slammed my hand in the table. Fudge, that hurts but I’ll endure it.

“Are you crazy?! This is a blessing! Don’t you say that!” She shouted back at me. She was about to beat me but I stick out my fork with to frighten her so she back off.

I get up and putted my used dishes to the sink and washed them. Kim sits at the sofa while taking off her shoes. She pouted when she saw me finished and making my way in stairs.

“Wa-wait up! Have you studied there before?” She asked me and blocked me.

“Nope so get out of my way” I pushed her a little at the corner so I can go upstairs.

I haven’t studied there but there is a person that I don’t want to see if ever. The person who has been part of my past that I can’t go back with.

“Hey! You’re ruining the happy atmosphere! KJ!” She shouted and I just ignored her. It’s irritating me.

It’s feels like I have a loquacious partner. Every move and every word I make, she always notice.

I hurriedly get some clothes and take a bath.

Scholarshit? No way. Why in private school? Why not in public so I can relax and not thinking of ways on how not to meet that person. Only rich people can be there not me.

As soon as I finished, I dressed and drove my motor to my workplace.

Jam’s Bar

A bar slash restaurant.

Almost two years since I worked here with Kim. We are all-rounders. Cleaning, cooking, waitress depends on where are we assign. I’m not a choosy person, except that scholarshit, because the salary is quite huge. I also sing to the costumers every Saturday so I have some big tipping.

As soon as I enter the office of Mr. Guzman, which is old man, I saw him sitting in his swivel chair while not facing the door. I seeing his shiny skinny head.

I knocked three times even though its already open. I leaned on and crossed my arms.

“Hey old man!” I called him so he turned away slowly to face me. Does he feel like we are on a movie? Really?

“Good morning Charlie! How is it going? Why did you visit me?” he looked me up and down and smile right away.

The fudge?

“About the scholarshit old man, I don’t want it, I’m sorry.” I went near him and placed the papers at his table.

"Get the papers and bring your uniforms. Kim forgot those because of her excitement. That silly child hahaha"

"My answer is no. Can't you find a decent school so that I'll live my life to the fullest? I mean I'm grateful, truly grateful but can you move it to other school?" I don’t want to be there especially near to the person who replaced me like I’m a shit.

"State your reason before I'll agree"

"That school is somehow-- will take your money a lot! Also, I'm not used to private schools so they might her me and Kim?" I blurted out. I can’t think of ways tsk.

"That's it? Your reasoning is lacking" He shrugged.

"No, it's not old man so I'm not getting your scholarshit!" I said and about to walked out.

"If you disagree, I'll fire you and Kim. This is the greatest opportunity you have and you must be happy. It's a scholarship Charlie, don't you want to be an Engineer?" He’s getting my weakness. Kim is my friend and this old man is making my temper to the highest level.

"It's my dream but not that school because it's full of shits so please I'm begging you?" I heartedly said hoping that it will work.

"Still a no. Remember this child, if there are great opportunity always be grateful and accept it. In this world you must not beg hence make this as a stepping stone for yourself. Life is full of ups and downs so cherish what ups you found and make a step for every down you make." He is firmed to his decision. I’m ****-up.

Why is it have to be there? I mean there are a lot of public schools so why must be in private? But I can’t lose this job also the motor that I have is not even finished in payments and the apartment is not free. Kim would be mad if she loses her job too.

“Are there no options?” I depressing ask.

“None. My grandson is also there. He is an introvert so might as well help and watched him for my sake. He’s been bullied every day." he said.

That nerd? Tss.

“In exchange of the scholarship, you must perform every Friday in that school. You also must join a talent and sports club. Your grades must not be below 90, understand?” He explained.

Even though you didn’t say it, I already know.

“How about my work?” I arched my eyebrow.

“Like wise. Weekdays 6-10 PM. Saturday you have the 9 PM schedule.” He spoke.

“We need the full-time work old man. Why would it be four hours?”

“Your salary will be the same as the eight hours work as long as you watched my grandson" he smiled as if he knows that I can't reject it now but-

The heck? We’re going to be a baby sitter?

“Whatever old man. I’m leaving!” I bid my goodbye and saluted to him.

Looks like I don’t have a choice. I looked at the papers that I hold. My head hurts every time I’m thinking about it.

How can I face the person I’m avoiding and hiding of?

I feel like I’ve been fooled by a scammer. They benefited while I lost.

What will I do if ever I faced them? What will I say? Who you?

It will be better if I acted like I didn’t know them. Right! I wished that they’ll not notice me.

My performance is about to begin. There are a lot of people as usual so there will be a lot of tipping. It’s already midnight when I got home. The apartment is far from the Jam’s Bar so the beautiful thing is the bar and our apartment is somehow far from people or in the city. That’s why I like it there.

Also, that old man is kind to us. Where can you find a work that has a high salary with a good boss, and now a scholarshit is waving.

Tss, speaking of the devil, it’s already Sunday yet we don’t have some school supplies might as well buy some later at lunch. We’re already late on school because the semester just started a week ago. I’m hoping that it will not cause so much attention because of us. God, if you may, don’t let them know me but it is impossible.

I suddenly remember a girl whom I knew, she dyed her hair because she wanted a new life. I will never forget her kindness and beauty. We both know how to sing the difference is I know how to play guitar and she knew piano. She’s one of my friends that I can lean on even though she’s far away. I need to apply her advice long time ago.

“DON’T LET YOUR HEART RUIN YOUR LIFE”

As I enter the house, all lights are turned off. Kim might be sleeping so I just went to my room and lock it. I laid down my guitar and bag and entered the bathroom. After doing my necessities, I lay down my bedroom and closed my eyes. I feel exhausted than usual.

Alexander’s PoV

“Catch me if you can! Prove to me that you love me” She smirked at me and I just laughed before chasing her.

As soon as I caught her, I wrapped my hands around her and shower her my kisses.

“I love you. Don’t be jealous of Camille cause she’s just my best friend”  

“Just make sure because I don’t wa-”

(phone ringing)

I woke up because of the noise that my phone makes. I just shake my head knowing who the caller is.

“What the **** Christian?!” I shouted.

[“Hello my friend, hello Philippines, mabuhay! Don’t be like that bud. It’s a happy day, cheer up!”] He laughed.

“You just disturbed my sleep shithead!”

[“I’m sorry my brother! You know I’m just worried that you might be lazy to go to school. Basketball, remember?”]

“I will not skip class okay? So ready your face at the gate!”

[“Bro-”] I hung up the phone and slumped my boy to my bed.

What a nice yet boring day. I sigh.

I miss you. Wherever you are, I hope you know how I’m’ longing to see you.

James’ PoV

“Babe! Good morning!”

I called my girlfriend as soon as I wake up. Well, you’ll know it why when you have one.

[“Good morning to babe!”]

“Get up now okay? Don’t forget to love me more and eat breakfast”

[“Okay~ Thanks for reminding me babe”] She forcefully said the word ‘reminding’ to me.

“For you babe! Do I need to fetch you?”

[“No need. I’m with my twin. Let’s just se each other at school okay?”]

“Okay! I love you babe! Take care and be safe. We will get married soon okay!”

[“Alright. I love you too! See you!”]

My smile widens after the call. My day is now complete! It’s good to have inspiration before going to school. I texted Trace Mendoza, my best friend and the twin of my girlfriend, Trisha Mendoza.

To Trace

***             Hey my brother-in-law! See you at***

school. Bring my babe safe and sound, we’ll get marry soon so take care!

I started stretching out, grab my clothes and walks towards the bathroom. Trisha will fall over me again because of my dashing looks.

As soon as I finished, grabbed my bag and headed towards the kitchen. Mom, Dad and Yaya Ling greeted me good mornings and I greeted them back.

“Why so handsome my son?” Mom said and kissed my cheeks.

“Inherited Mom” I winked at my Mom.

“Join your parents James, I’ll ready your plate” Yaya Ling said and I just saluted to her.

Even though my parents are quite busy with our business, they allocate some time for me. I’m a spoiled child, what I want is what I get. My family is perfect, my attitude is not. I’m childish and a bully but I’m thankful that I have my family who loves the way I am.

After eating, I bid my goodbyes to my parents also to yaya Ling. I maneuvered my car which is Dad’s gift.

I parked an waited at the Gate to meet my girlfriend but they are not yet here so I’ll just wait.

I leaned on my car and waited patiently until 6 expensive cars are coming and parked at the same time.

The ‘Devils’

They are popular here at SIS. All of the students feared and looked up to. They also have a gang in the school.

They get of their cars. They saw me so they smiled and walk towards me.

“Hi James!” Alexander, the team captain of basketball team, greeted.

“Hi captain!” I greeted back. Luckily, I’m one of the Varsities so I manage to talked to them and be with them.

“Why are you here?” He arched his eyebrows.

“I’m waiting for my friend and girlfriend”

“Is that so? Okay we’ll go first! Let’s go guys.”

“HEY YOU THREE!” He shouted at the three males making their way to campus.

“CARRY OUR BAGS, MY ARMS SORE!”

The Devils are really strange and amazing. Just few words and he manage to order the three. They are fourth year students while me and the twins are third years.

“BABE!” I turned my head and saw my babe running towards me and hugged me.

“Missed me?” I gave back the hug.

“EHEM!”

Trace coughed exaggeratedly.

“Bro! You’re there? I didn’t saw you, my bad”

“It’s just my shadow bud. Let’s go, we might be late. Your cheesiness sucks”

“Your just envious. Have a love life twin!” Trisha said.

We laughed and entered the Campus. We directly go to our Physics Class. Rumors says the Professor is an old lady, a strict old lady. As we sat, the professor entered.

“Good Morning Class!” She greeted and we greeted her back.

Two ladies tailed the professor but what the **** dude, one has a pink hair. Really? A pink hair? What an ugly sight.

I hide myself with the physics book to restrain myself for laughing hard.

“We have two new students. They are the scholars of SIS so treat them well. I’m Ms. Melissa Ocampo, your Physics Teacher and the adviser of this section. Introduce your selves.”

The small girl walked in the center while the pink haired lady went to the corner.

Wow? Ashamed because of your looks? She must be an ugly duckling. What a confidence you have to dye your hair in pink. What are you? A Barbie?

“Good Morning everyone! I’m Kimberly, just call me Kim. Nice to meet you all.” She finished while the other girl went near.

“Morning. I’m Charlie” she said and smirked.

I suddenly let go my book so it made some noise.

“Sorry~” I said and picked up the book.

Why am I nervous? The ****?

She’s quite good looking and also a cutie but she has this serious voice and she looks like she is conceived in resentment.

But nevertheless, I’ll never let you go pink hair. You have an awful name and the way she introduces herself; she might have some bad manners.

I felt the luck day! She’s sitting in front of me.

Welcome to the fucking hell, Ms. Pink hair.

Alexander's PoV

“Boring!”

“I hate waiting my gosh”

“I can’t stand it, teachers are supposed to be early than students”

“Just read, it might help you”

“Hey!”

“Who are you calling?”

“Duh? Them of course. Dare them to do shits. I’m so fucking bored”

“Shitheads! Dance for this fucking princess or else”

I shrugged my head and looked at the window.

Why of all things, you remember her even though she's gone. So weird of me. Just like what's happening to me right now. I'm seeing her in the hallway with a pink hair while chatting with a girl whose smiling while she's frowning.

I've imagining things again. I feel like my heart tightening. I know it's impossible because she will be never be at a place where there's me.

She really secured that our paths would never be crossed.

"Hey baby, you okay?" I turned to Samantha whose smiling.

"Of course" I grab her hand, smiled at her and kissed the back of it so she'll not ask again.

once again, laid my eyes at the window hoping that she's there and unfortunately, she's not, cause she's really never been there. Illusions sucks.

Charlie's PoV

After we introduces our selves, we are now at our designated seats.

"Since we have scholars and they are late for a week on our topics, let's try how high is their IQ's to be qualified here at SIS"

Tsk. If we didn't manage to answer, we'll be laughed at our whole stay here.

Lord God, I'm a good child of yours so please save me from this sinners. Amen.

"Ms. Kim, stand up and state the meaning of Chemistry to us."

She has has wits so she'll be fine. : don't know if I can.

"Ma'am, Chemistry is the study of science concerning the study of matter, its properties, composition, and structure. the changes it undergoes, and the principles that explains these changes." Kim answered it bravely. Wow. I hope me too.

"Very good. You may seat down. Every material in existence is made up of matter. Even our body is made up of matter. Chemistry is involve in everything we do, from growing and cooking food to cleaning our homes and bodies to launching a space shuttle. Chemistry is one of the physical sciences that helps us to describe and explain our world.

"Ms. Charlie, stand up and how many and name the branches of Chemistry"

"Bet that she can't answer that" sad the guy at my back.

"There are five branches Ma'am. First, Analytical Chemistry use qualitative and quantitative observation to identify and measure the physical and chemical properties of substances. In a sense, all chemistry s analytical/ Second, Physical Chemistry combines Chemistry with Physics. Physical chemist study how matter and energy  interact. Thermodynamics and quantum physics are two of important branches of physical chemistry.

"Third is Organic Chemistry specifically studies compounds that contain the element carbon. Carbon has many unique properties that allow it to form complex chemical bonds and very large molecules. Organic chemistry is known for 'Chemistry of Life' because all of the molecules that make up a living tissue have a carbon as part of their make up. Fourth, Inorganic Chemistry studies materials such as metals and gases that do not have carbon as part of their makeup. Lastly,  Biochemistry is the studies of chemical processes that occur within living organism." I answered half nervous and half tired.

Thank you Lord God you gave me your wisdom. I'll five it back but not now.

I'm shocked because of the claps of my classmates and professor.

"Excellent! You explained everything. All the important details are mentioned. I am impressed. I didn't imagine that I'll have a smart student like you. I hope all of you will be like Ms. Charlie" She praised me in front of the class.

" Thank you Ma'am" I sad and sit down. But before that I secretly look at the guy behind my back and smirk at him. and he's pissed.

"What a luck" he said.

" Cha, I'm so amazed" she whispered to me.

" Of course" I said and listened to the teacher and write down some notes.

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Kim's PoV

It's already breaktime! So I manage Cha to lurk around and find the canteen.

"Where's the Cafeteria? I'm so hungry!" I ask. Why this school making it  so hard for us.

" Why are you asking me? Do you think I know it? Wanna search in my pockets?" Cha answered.

See? I can't even have a sensible answer.

Our room is only at the second floor so it is easy for us to go down in the first floor. How lucky.

"The Cafeteria is over there. Faster! I'm hungry" Cha said and pulled me.  As if that's the cafeteria.

"Are you crazy? How did you know?" I asked.

"Gut feel. Seriously? If your not in, leave them." She said and left me.

The eff?

"Hey! Wait for me!" I followed her but she's too fast.

"How did you know that this is the way to cafeteria?" I ask her as soon as I catch up to her. you know short people's struggles.

"Gut feel" she answered.

WHAT?

"You're not even sure! You're crazy!" I said with a tone. Who would be gentle enough to react that? tell me? why would I be gentle with her gut feel?!

\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

"WAHHH YOUR FEELINGS ARE RIGHT CHAPINK!" I exclaimed.

We entered the cafeteria and all eyes on us, I mean on Charlie who was wearing a hoodie jacket with his long pink hair.

"What will you eat? I'll get it so you won't drool there" she said.

"I'm so sorry Ms. Pink hair~ I want spaghetti and water please. You're treat?"

"Yes then yours is lunch. Wait here" she said and left me.

Brainy *** hmmp

She came back and bought my meal but I'm not seeing hers. Fishy!

"Where's yours?" I ask

She put he hand on his pocket and wave in front of me her biscuits.

"You bought that? Where's your water?"

"I didn't bought it and my water is in the room" she answered and started eating.

 "But you said you're so hungry that's why we almost fly out there to find this canteen then you'll just eat that?" I said to her.

"That doesn't mean that I will buy though. Just eat fast so we can go back earlier." She said back while moving her eyes around the canteen while hiding her face?

"Whatt are you doing? Why are you-?"

"Just eat"

I started eating while looking suspiciously to Charlie. Then I remembered the job given to us here in school/

"Hey Cha? Have you seen the nerd?"

She looked at me confusingly. My bad, she had forgotten our job.

"Nerd?" She ask.

"Yep. The nerd which is the grandson of our oldie boss, have you seen him?"

"No. Just finish eating and we'll find him after the class.

I replied a thumbs up and continue to eat. After that, we came back to our room earlier than expected. I asked her to tour around the the academy but shee refused and just seated in her seat .

Hmmmm somethings are not right and I am bothered by it.