CHAPTER 1

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.

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