Into Her Book 1: Clyde Hernandez

04

04

For the next few days, I only stayed in the house because of mom’s fear that I might suddenly faint again once I encountered the outside world. No one knows what can actually happen that could lead to my fainting but I think they are exaggerating too much. I know that they are all worried for me, even lola and tito, but I have been roaming around in Ilocos back then and I was fine.

Even though I wanted to come with Azi to his swimming classes just so I can accompany and watch him swim, I can’t do so because mom wouldn’t let me go. In short, I can’t go out by myself unless I start attending my treatment. It was the doctor’s suggestion to have me visit a psychiatrist for my posttraumatic disorder. Mom and dad did not hesitate in agreeing with them though, even lola and tito agreed with the idea of attending treatments.

My treatment won’t begin until two weeks since the psychiatrist that the doctor who checked on me suggested is still abroad. We do have some virtual checks up as of now but it’s only for half an hour. Once he was back here, he told me that the treatment could last for an hour depending on my reaction. I just hope it will really help me though.

After days of being locked up in the house, I will finally have a chance to go out today. I fixed the tucked of my white long sleeves blouse into my skirt, making sure that it is not wrinkled and properly tucked. The next thing I did was put on my white high socks with a pair of black oxford heel shoes that Gen picked out for me when we went out to buy some school items. I also put on my cross tie into the collar before putting on the blazer.

“You’re all set.” I told myself into the mirror, feeling like I am seeing a different kind of person in front of me.

My first day in Rydell International School has finally come and it will be today! Dressing up in this uniform and preparing myself, starting from light makeup that Gen told me to put on and styling my hair a bit, it really seems like I have become a whole new person. I do make sure that I have come prepared every time I go to class back then but I never felt nervous and feel like everything needs to be perfect until today.

If I will be honest, I’m scared to enter that school. I’m not sure how they are like and what kind of personality they want someone to have. I'm not even slightly sure if they want to be friends with me! Most of my friends mostly came from middle class families where they have small shops and parents who are away in order to provide them comfort but in that school, things are different. The school itself already tells me that it is a school where only really rich people can go. Their lifestyle is completely different from mine.

“Will I be fine?” I whispered to myself, letting out a deep sigh.

A knock from the door interrupted me from my negative thoughts. When it opened, it revealed my adorable brother dressed in his school uniform. This school year will be his first school year of wearing school pants instead of school shorts that are for the lower levels. It’s a waste because I didn’t even manage to get a chance to see him personally in his school shorts back then except for photos.

“Is there something you need, Azi?” I asked in a soft tone and a smile.

He approaches me with a bright aura that can even take away the negativity in my head. The way he smiles, I could really tell that he looks after dad because both of them have that bright smile that could catch everyone’s attention. His presence alone can really ease the atmosphere.

“It’s time for breakfast, ate Bella!” He said excitedly that made me chuckle shortly. He reaches for my hand, attempting to pull me with him. “Let’s go!”

“Okay! Okay! Just let me get my things first,” I said in between chuckles.

I picked up my backpack that only has my iPad and some personal things since it’s the only thing that could fit in. I also took my clearbook which has the logo of RIS in front as well as my phone to take with me. After that, Azi and I went downstairs together with him holding my hand like he always does whenever he sees me.

If my sibling relationship with Gen is complicated and really hard to explain, it’s different with Azi. Maybe it’s because he is a kid but I could really feel that he likes me. Whenever he comes home from his swimming lessons, he will look for me after meeting mom. He would even go to my room from time to time just to play with me which I gladly do with him because I’m also fond of kids. He is naughty but surely, he is sweet and he is my brother.

When we arrived in the dining room, our parents and Gen were already seated in their designated chairs. The foods are being served already as well which I am starting to get used to actually. I used to help them serve the food because that is what I did back then but manang Julia told me that it’s not my job. If I insist on doing it, mom and dad might have a wrong idea that the maids are manipulating my kindness even though they don’t.

“How are you, Bella? Are you excited for school today?” Dad questioned while I went to my chair.

“I’m excited, dad, but a little nervous.” I honestly answered before settling next to Gen. As always she gave me a sweet smile which I can only see whenever our parents are around.

“There’s no need to be nervous, Bella. Your sister will be there to help you. Right, Gen?” Mom turned to Gen which made me do the same thing. “Look after your sister for now, okay?”

She puts on a convincing smile that made me stare. “Of course, mom! I will take care of ate.” I almost jumped to my seat when she turned to face me. “Just stick with me later, okay ate?”

I nodded my head despite the thoughts in my head. I just surely hope she really means it.

We ate breakfast in peace and silence which I have already gotten used to with almost a month of staying here already. What I actually noticed in this household is that they do talk and catch up with one another while we are at the table. But once the food is served, it’s almost like we are prohibited to talk with one another already until the elders speak first and ask you. It’s like a golden rule.

I know that it is meant for respect because we really shouldn’t speak while we have food in our mouth but I am just not used to it. Back in Ilocos, it was just the three of us but the table was full of fun and it’s really bright! We can easily talk to one another even though lola is much older than us while keeping the respect to her. Lola even liked it when the table was loud with useful information being laid out.

When we finished breakfast, the nervousness kicked in once again because I am probably just less than an hour away from entering a school that is a highly different world. I start showing signs of nervousness because of my fidgeting fingers, blinking countless times as well as biting my lower lip. I wanted to stop but I couldn’t afford to do so.

I jumped a little to my spot when I felt a hand on my shoulder. When I look who it is, it was dad who gave me a worried look and confusion written in his eyes. My eyes caught mom who was walking out of the main door with Azi on her right side while Gen was following behind. They all gave me the same expression as dad except for Gen who raises her brow at me instead.

“Are you sure you are okay, Bella? Do you want me to drop the three of you to school today?” Dad worriedly asked me, caressing my back to help me calm.

“I-it’s okay, dad. It’s only the first day jitters, I think?” I tried responding in a calm manner but I couldn’t help but stutter instead.

“Okay. But if you need help, you can go to your sister or call me instead. I will come if you want to go home and if you don’t feel comfortable. Are we clear?” He reminded me as I nodded in response.

Dad gave each of us a hug before hopping into his car and left first for the company. The only one who will be left today in the house is mom but I doubt she will stay inside for the rest of the day. I noticed the past few days that she juggles her time with bonding with us, taking care of us as well as hanging out with her friends. She told me that they usually go and play golf to kill time so she will probably do it today.

Before I could even hop in the car, manang Julia called for my name in a hurry making me turn to her. She walks out of the main door with mom giving her a confused look. My eyes immediately caught the card she has on hand. It’s my card.

“Bella! You left your card in your room.” She told me, sticking out the card in front of me so I can take it.

I just stare at it, hesitating whether I should really take it. Dad gave me that card last night which has all of my savings that was given by him and mom. He told me that I could use it anytime if I want to buy something so I won’t ask for money from them anymore. He told me that there is thousands of money in that card which is why I hesitated a lot.

This morning, I really thought hard whether I should take it with me or not. At the same time dad handed me that card, mom also handed me my weekly allowance for school which is a lot and beyond from my usual allowance weekly. I thought that they already gave me a card that had thousands of money in it, why do they still need to give me cash? Isn’t that wasting money at the same time? I don’t need that much money!

“Why aren’t you taking it, Bella?” Mom butted in, bringing me back to my senses. I bite my lower lip, hesitating to answer her. “Is there something wrong, dear?”

“Do I… really have to bring it with me? I mean… you already gave me cash last night to use as my weekly allowance, mom.” I said, trying to point out my side.

“Are you uncomfortable with the amount of money we have given you, Bella?” She questioned honestly which made me sigh at the end.

“Well, I think it’s a little too much. My weekly allowance back then is not even as half as the day allowance you have given me. I’m just afraid that you are wasting too much money for me.” I answered honestly that made her smile. “I appreciate that you want me to buy things for myself and treat myself with expensive things but… I’m just not used to spending too much money especially if I don’t really need such a big amount.”

Being on Lola's side, who is not privileged enough to get whatever they want easily, I have learned the importance of money so much. She taught me at a very young age that I should differentiate the wants and needs, thinking about what I really need in my daily necessities and what is only to give pleasure to myself. That is why since then, I always prioritize what I really need already which is food, school items and my daily transportation to school. No money is wasted.

Mom let out a sigh before approaching me, making Manang Julia step aside to make way for her. She reached for my hand and held it gently. “I get your discomfort, Bella, and I’m sorry if we made you feel that way. It’s just… we wanted to give you the kind of life that Gen and Azi have grown up with but we didn’t realize that we already forgot that fact that you grew up in a different environment than them. So, I’m sorry for that dear.” She explained which made me slightly guilty.

“I-it’s okay, mom. There’s really no need to apologize.” I said, reassuring her. “But thank you mom… for listening to my side.”

She put on a sincere smile, pulling me to her and hugging me. “Thank you for telling me about your concern, Bella. I rather like that you speak out what is on your mind whenever you can.”

“Actually, ate,” We both turned inside the car when we heard Gen’s voice. “The food inside Rydell is expensive, that is why mom would give a big amount of weekly allowance. We also have some things to buy in the galileo sometimes so the remaining money is for those. You can keep it to add to your savings as well, if you want to, that is what I do.”

“Gen is right. If you have some money left then we can just add it to your savings, that way you can still save some money.” Mom said as I nodded.

Despite not wanting to take the card, I ended up bringing it with me for emergency purposes. Gen is right, I might need something if I won’t bring it with me. We ride in the car in silence to RIS as all I can do is look out the window and ready myself.

Just when I thought that already calmed down, the sight of the RIS gate ruined it again. I could feel my heart beating so fast and my breathing became slightly unstable. We first dropped Azi in his building because it comes first before the high school building. I have been here already almost two weeks ago but it still feels odd that I am stepping foot in here.

The car stopped just a few steps away from the main door of the main building where our classes will be held. I hopped off first because I am closer to the van’s door instead of Gen. I couldn’t help but stare at the building and look at my surroundings where some students are also coming out of their own cars as if they don’t care about their surroundings based on their airpods.

“Are you just gonna keep standing there or not?” I moved away when I heard Gen’s voice behind me. I was so focused on paying attention to my surroundings that I didn’t even notice she was actually behind me, waiting for her turn to hop off the car.

“I’m sorry, I was-”

“Mesmerize? By how different RIS is from your previous school? Yeah, don’t worry, I get it.” She says in a mocking tone that kind of pisses me off because of the amount of disrespect I am getting from her. She hugs her clearbook before looking at me as if she has the upperhand. “Let’s get things straight here. Don’t come to me. Don’t find me. Don’t bother me.”

“W-what?”

“I have a reputation in this school and I want to keep it as much as possible. I also don’t want to take care of someone older, knowing she can handle herself anyway and is just being too picky because things do not go the way she wants.” She took a step forward to me, which caught me off guard. “Rydell is a different world and I know that you have already noticed it. So don’t make any trouble that would ruin my name. Is that understood?”

She didn’t even wait for my response and just turned to her side, attempting to walk away. I could feel my hand, forming into fist as I heard more from her. “Don’t you think that everyone will still notice that we are related even though I won’t tell them?” I told her before she could even walk away further.

“I know that clearly, and I’m not dumb to not notice that. What I’m just trying to say is,” She gave me a piercing gaze. “You and I are not the same. We may have come out from the same womb but we grew up in a different environment. While you are mesmerizing with all this stuff around you right now, I grew up seeing those things right in front of my eyes. So please…” She glances down to my hand before a smirk forms her lips. “Don’t bring your embarrassing habit to this school if you don’t want our relationship to be ruined any more.”

The moment she is out of my sight, I let out a shaky breath in anger and frustration. I don’t really get why she is so mad at me! The moment I stepped in the house, I can already see that she is not cool with having me around and I proved that to myself when it is just the two of us. I could manage and take it all because all she does back home is ignore me out of our parents' sight but it’s different now.

“Calm down, Bella. Ignore her… don’t ruin your day.” I whispered to myself before letting out a deep breath.

When I manage to calm myself down, I walk inside the main building where some students are walking around casually. I’m not even sure if I am going in the right direction because mom told me to head to the principal’s office first. I nervously walked around like that usual new transferee girl in the school.

“Hi!” I jumped a little to my spot when a girl suddenly appeared in front of me. I let out a heavy breath because of the impact of her sudden appearance. “Sorry! Are you new here?”

“Yeah… sort off. And it’s okay, you don’t have to say sorry.” I told her when I calmed down.

“Well, welcome to Rydell International School! By the way,” She sticks out her hand with a bright smile on. I stare at it first before looking at her again. “I’m Kimberly Shane Gomez, you can call me Kim! And you are?”

I accepted her hand for a handshake and gave her a small smile. “I’m Arabella Jo- I mean… Arabella Fay Santiago. It’s nice to meet you, Kim.” I said with a small mistake. Great job Bella!

“Santiago? I know someone who has that surname,” She says, thinking. Before I could even say it myself, she beat me to it. “Genevieve Santiago!”

“Yeah… she’s my sister.” Her lips formed an ‘o’ with my reveal. But beyond my expectation, she didn’t ask me about it. Maybe because we don’t know each other yet?

She decided to accompany me up to the principal’s office. Before I could even knock into the door, it opened, revealing Mr. Llamarez whom I have met already. His eyes went to Kim who is still standing behind me with so much excitement plastered on her face. What a happy kid.

“What are you doing here, Ms. Gomez? With Ms. Santiago?”

“Oh! I saw her lurking around so I thought she was new, sir. She told me that she is, so I decided to accompany her since she doesn’t know the way to your office.” Kim explained which Mr. Llamarez nodded.

“Well then, you wouldn’t mind if I leave Ms. Santiago in your care? I have an urgent meeting to attend,” He turned to me with pity. “As much as I want to accompany you to your first class, Ms. Santiago, I’m afraid I can’t. But I will be leaving you in good hands. Ms. Gomez is also one of your classmates so it’s better if she is the one to accompany you instead.”

I couldn’t do anything about it anymore and just let him leave because I have no reason and basically no rights to make him stay anyway. I’m just a mere transferee who is lost in this world of elite school and students. Maybe I’m just lucky because Kim is not that kind of rich student that I have in mind.

When I first saw her earlier, I was completely deceived by her branded bag, luxury phone and items. Even the way she talks has an accent which is why I managed to judge her a little that maybe she approached me out of pity. But when she decided to accompany me herself, my view of her changed and I realized that she is actually talkative and really friendly! Added to that is she is so pretty as well.

“I have a lot of things to tell you about this school, especially the social class.” She told me that it made my arch brows.

“Social class?” She nodded.

“The students here are actually divided into groups. But the one you should look forward the most is t-”

I barely heard her voice when shouts filled our whole surroundings. I had to close my ears because of the girls' high pitch voices that can actually make me deaf any moment now. My eyes caught my sister as well in the middle of the crowd, looking all excited while fixing herself. What is going on?

“The 3 Aces,” Kim suddenly whispered next to me.

“What did you say?” I asked in confusion but her eyes were fixed in front of her. But before I could even look where she was looking, she suddenly shouted, which made me flustered.

“It’s the 3 Aces!”