Friday was the last day of school. I brought an extra set of casual clothing with me just in case the class decides to carry on with the proposed last-day film watching. I rode to school with Mica, as all seniors need to get ready for their graduation exercises. I saw her run over to her section, and the Senior students were occupying a big chunk of the school grounds for their rehearsal. Members of the Music Club were near the platform, testing their musical instruments. I saw Lance carrying a big, black bag. I remember he was a member of the Club and plays the keyboard. I went up to our room and immediately looked for Charm and Val. They were roaming around the hallway that morning, checking in with other section students. Our room was also lively with discussions on how to spend the last day of school. I placed my bag on my seat then ran out to join Val and Charm. We did not have any classes, as the faculty was busy preparing for the graduation eve

That Monday morning, I was up bright and early to get ready for school. I showered and then dressed with special care. Last night, prepared my new black shoes and ironed my new set of uniforms. This year, I had longer hair, which I usually kept well-groomed by wearing headbands. My old hairdo was getting on my nerves because it simply helped to make me look younger. I wasn't sure whether Lance would join me because it was only the first day of school and kids generally arrive late or not at all. We also didn't get to meet because he was too busy assisting his sister in running their shop.Lance was nowhere to be found at the jeepney station or on their block. I was a little upset, but when I saw Izzie, I felt better. Izzie shrieked upon seeing me and proceeded to chat excitedly about our class. We were so preoccupied with discussing the new students coming in, that we almost passed over our school.We disembarked and noticed some kids entering at a leisurely pace. We p

One morning, I came in later than usual. Most of my classmates were already inside the room and there were tittering and loud calls for Lance. I was surprised but did not think too much about it. I sat down and whispered to Izzie, “What’s up? Why is there so much excitement so early this morning?” Izzie whispered back “Someone left a love letter and a big chocolate bar on Lance’s desk. Must be from an admirer.” I gasped. “Really? Well, that’s a first. Whoever that was must be one brave girl.” Izzie snickered. “Brave? Pretty stupid for me.” I looked back at Izzie. I asked “Why stupid? I mean Lance is really popular. He has no girlfriend yet so I can say he is still pretty much on the market.” Izzie turned her icy stare at me “Lance has you. He doesn’t seem to be courting or going out with anyone else. Whoever did that must know about you being Lance’s best f

Lance told me everything while we hung out at our favorite cafe, hungrily munching on burgers and fries. “I thought at first it was that Sophomore. I was about to tell her off when Jessie came. Naturally, I was speechless and a bit surprised. Jessie confessed to me everything and asked me to not be mad at her. Honestly, I wanted to choke her. Lucky for her, I have very good self-control. She told me she had a thing for me since last year. She went bragging about her getting the top spot in the afternoon session just to get into our class. She really gave me a nasty headache.” I could see he was trying to control his emotions, except his furrowed brows and red cheeks gave him away. “I told her she should not have spread lies about you and threatened you. That I could not accept.” I asked quietly, “What did she say?” He went on, “She apologized, but I told her she should apologize to you and not me. I told her I

After weeks of frenzied preparations for the Junior-Senior I.Q. Competitions, the Junior team composed of Jon, Joseph, Len, Carly, and I won via an upset of the indomitable Senior team. Our class was exuberant. It was quite an honor to be part of the group that toppled the very brilliant and top-ranked team.  We all hugged each other after going through several taxing elimination rounds. Lance and I bet on which team will reach the Finals. He won the bet and he teasingly reminded me that I would be paying for our mall visit that weekend. I was thoughtful after that. I need to suck up to Becky and Bree for extra cash.  Lance was already planning on the things he wants to do at the mall.  One afternoon, Charm asked me to go around with her before going home.  She looked so sad and distracted.  We went to the Square and checked out the new stores and ate pizza. She told me she broke up with Franco. They had a misunderstanding and she's not really very p