CHAPTER 1
JEANN POV
I slowly opened my eyes and realized that today is the deadline for the project. I wanted to pull my hair out because of my stupidity and I almost wanted to bang my head against the wall because of all the things I could forget. Why my research paper?
Argh!
I quickly grabbed my bag and said goodbye to my mom. She tried to stop me, but I was already ahead of her. I immediately called Dianne for help, but she wasn't answering my calls.
When I arrived at the parking lot of Hustone University, I ran as fast as I could to catch up with the subject of my research, but I failed because Mr. Lim was already leaving. I approached him, panting heavily, while fixing my hair.
"Ms. Vasquez, why are you late for my class?" He asked with annoyance, but I managed to smile as if nothing had happened.
"Sorry sir, my mom was brought to the hospital. That's why I woke up late-"
"Ms. Vasquez, you have been late to my class several times, and every time you are late, you always have an excuse," he said while still furrowing his eyebrows.
I let out a sigh as I closed my eyes.
Sorry, mom!
"Sir, this won't happen again!" As I lowered my head, I could see him let out a heavy sigh.
"Is it always going to be me getting my head boiled because of brats like you?" He let out a sigh and I swiftly intercepted my hand to stop him.
"Excuse me, sir, I know that I'm wrong, but I would like to request an opportunity for my research paper. Please, sir, I am willing to do whatever you ask as long as you give me one day to submit my project." I'm pleading with him because if I fail in one subject, it will be the end for me with my parents.
I noticed the strange smile that suddenly appeared on his lips and I did not like it.
"Sure, I'll give you a chance, Ms. Vasquez, you have until tomorrow to pass your project because I also have something for you to do," he replied before quickly turning away.
I was not sure how to respond if I should be happy or amazed because of the strange excitement on his face.
"JEANN!"
Ugh! I couldn't help but roll my eyes when I saw Dianne waving at me with a smile on her face. It annoyed me that she didn't answer my call.
"I've been trying to reach you for a while now, why didn't you pick it up?" I questioned her, and all she did was laugh while showing me her phone.
She explained, "My phone's battery is dead," while grabbing my arm. "Let's go, our next subject awaits."
"Next time, you should definitely get yourself a new phone! It's like you're struggling with that one, seriously." I complained to her while rolling my eyes.
"My mom and dad have control over my bank card, so I'm careful with spending money, Jeann," she replied with a smile and even winked at me.
"Whatever."
I stopped complaining and requested her assistance with my research paper. She nodded in response.
When we arrived in Chemistry class, I made sure to prepare my lab coat in case we had an activity. This is how it is in Chemistry, because we use chemicals that may be harmful to us. It's better to be cautious.
We glanced at the door as it swung open, revealing the assistant principal stepping out in her red skirt, along with her matching red glasses.
"Alright, students! Unfortunately, your Chemistry professor has bid goodbye." She said, and everyone looked at each other. I was even surprised too.
I think it's because of his age, so he decided to resign. He's getting up in years. Now I won't have anyone to joke around with during Chemistry class.
Oh, I totally forgot to mention that I'm a really kind person. So incredibly kind!
"But there's a person who will take his place. Mr. Gonzaga, you can now come in," the assistant principal said as a man walked into the room.
Our eyes widened as Mr. Gonzaga entered the room. Time seemed to slow down as he walked in, surrounded by a dazzling aura. All I could see was like an angel descending from heaven-no, it was a very handsome angel standing in front of this room now.
"Class! I want you all to meet your new Chemistry teacher, Mr. Gonzaga." Miss said. "It's all up to you now to take care of them," and he nodded in agreement.
"Yes, thank you," Mr. Gonzaga replied with a smile, and Miss bid her farewell with a cute gesture.
My heart started beating faster as if it was about to jump out of my chest. I've never seen anyone like him before. He truly looks like an angel sent from heaven to earth to find the woman who will love him.
"Alright, class, I'm Ice Farthen Gonzaga, your new Chemistry teacher. Just wanted to let you know that I'm only 21 years old and currently single," this got everyone excited, but I must admit, I was totally starstruck by him.
A lot of students get giddy when he speaks. Wait, does he even speak? His mouth opens, but it's like I can't hear anything except the beating of my heart.
What is this feeling I'm experiencing?
I was just staring at him for a few minutes when, suddenly, our class president raised his hand.
"Sir, allow me to be your assistant." She said while similing.
I quickly raised my hand. I just feel like I'm digging my own grave. I don't know why I'm acting like that.
"M--me," I uttered.
I saw the gaze of my classmates, and even Dianne didn't know how to react.
"It would be great if the class president became my assistant. Thanks, Miss, for your cooperation," he said while smiling towards me. He stood up and took the class president with him, while I was left stunned by what had just happened.
"What are you doing, and why are you raising your hand? Are you trying to get the attention of Sir Gonzaga?" Dianne asked me.
"What?! No, okay?" I rolled my eyes.
"Wait, why do you look like that?" Dianne poked my face, causing me to sit up straight.
"What?" I asked her, confused.
"You're blushing, Jeann," she said, and I reluctantly turned to look at her.
"Me?! Blushing? Impossible," I said irritably as I grabbed my bag and faced her. "Aren't you leaving ?" I asked with raised eyebrows, and she chuckled as she took the bag.
Dianne follows me to the cafeteria because it's already our lunch break.
Why can't I stop remembering my teacher's face? This is the first time I've felt this way about a man. Oh my goodness!
Dianne asked, "Jeann, are you angry?" which made me furrow my brow. "If you're mad because sir didn't choose you as his assistant, don't drag food into it, okay?" she said with a smirk, as if insulting me.
"What? I like Sir Ice? No way! I won't fall for someone so picky like him," I explained to her.
"She still refuses to admit it," she said while shaking her head.
I told her, "I really don't like Sir Ice, okay?"
I just realized now that I was already standing on the chair while people around me were staring. I slowly sat down feeling embarrassed about what I said.
Ugh! It's really annoying! I don't like him, okay? I only said that because it's the truth. I will not like him! End of story.
After finishing our meal, Dianne and I headed straight to the teachers' room because I had forgotten to meet Sir Lim for our deal in exchange for submitting my late project. When the door opened, I saw Ice - I mean, Sir Ice - and Kayla talking while Kayla had a smile on her face.
She's so flirty, you'd think she didn't have a boyfriend...
Dianne whispered, "Jeann, Sir Lim is calling us," as a reason to wake me up and go to Sir's station.
"Good thing you did it, Ms. Vasquez, because now I will tell you what you need to do in exchange for submitting the project tomorrow," he said as he opened a folder and handed it to me.
"What should I do here, sir?" I asked.
"I need you to deal with that guy," he said while massaging his temples. "You're known as the tough one in your class, so I want you to be the one to teach that student. I want you to always have him by your side at every activity. And if you manage to help him pass the entire subject, I'll give you a high grade in my class."
I don't know why, but I found myself staring at the photo in the folder. A man who looks like a tough guy. And those tattoos on his arms.
"Hold on, are you telling me I'll be in charge of this?" I pointed to the photo, completely shocked.
"Yes, Ms. Vasquez. That's it, because you agreed," he said while handing me a small sheet of paper. "That's your section. Starting today, I'll be transferring you to his section, Ms. Vasquez. The principal and your other teachers have already signed it as a sign of approval," he explained as he stood up and extended his hand.
My throat felt dry as a bone while the person beside me looked like a clueless fool with her mouth wide open. Sir quickly grabbed my hand, a smirk evident on his face.
"You can leave now," it said, shooing me away.
"Sir, but I'm not-"
"Ms. Vasquez, if you don't want to fail in all your subjects, do it." He said irritably.
I walked out of the room in a huff, frustration written all over my face.
"That old man really gets on my nerves!" I exclaimed as Dianne and I walked towards the room.
"Wow. I never expected you to become a bodyguard, Jeann. That's awesome!" Dianne exclaimed loudly, causing my eyebrows to raise at what she said.
"Are you mocking me, Dianne Torres, or are you trying to make me angry?" I asked her irritably, facing her. She raised both hands as if surrendering.
"Relax, Jeann, alright? I'm not teasing you. I'm just pointing out that it's also your fault why you ended up in that situation."
"Ugh! Annoying!" I muttered to myself as I continued walking, with her trailing behind me. Many people greeted me, but I just ignored them because I wasn't in the mood to talk.
As soon as I arrived in the room, I hastily grabbed my bag. What else should I do, but transfer to a room in the right building.
"Have you heard the news that she will be a student assistant for a student in section 20, that's why she was transferred?"
"Really? Oh! Poor thing."
I heard the whispers of my two classmates.
"Do you guys have anything better to do in life? That's why you're gossiping about the person behind their back?" I asked in annoyance as I slowly faced the two of them. I could see the surprise on their faces.
"Apologies, Ms. Jeann," they quickly said in unison and bowed their heads.
"The next time I hear you gossiping about me again, I won't hesitate to bring someone like you down!" I said angrily to both of them, and they quickly nodded.
"Yes, definitely not happening again."
I grinned as many of my classmates looked at us and whispered. What I dislike the most is being talked about behind my back.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the guy standing by the door, none other than the notorious campus playboy, Kaito Rin Sebastian. I gave him a questioning look, but he seemed unfazed and didn't bother to leave.
"You two better stand up because I don't want to waste my precious time on you useless people," I angrily told them as they quickly stood up and left in front of me.
Dianne shook her head and said, "You still haven't changed."
"Come with me to my new room." I closed the door with a bang before walking away.
That old man better watch out because I'll do whatever it takes to get out of that section for Pete's sake! Seriously, I can't stand being around people like them!
"Don't fret, I'll drop by there," Dianne said with a chuckle, seemingly insulting once again.
"Shut up!" I told her.
To be continued...