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

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

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.

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

I walked quickly ahead of him, but Lance's long strides allowed him to keep up with me. I could feel his eyes on me, but I pointedly ignored him. I just could not respond to his last question. I wanted to smack myself for being so tactless. Why did I tell him I was bothered about that girl? We reached the intersection when he spoke. "You have not answered me yet. Why were you bothered?""What? I already forgot what I told you earlier. Just forget it.""You told me you were bothered. Does it have something to do with Kristine? I will only escort her that night," he muttered. I looked around as we were about to cross the street. As I was totally edgy, I stepped quickly to the road but he pulled me back."Watch it! The traffic light's still red for us. What's the matter with you? You'll get run over by speeding buses.""Sorry. I'm just tired I guess," I answered quickly, still not looking at him.Soon, we reached our street. I was about to bolt when h