Misleading of the Variance (Secondary Series #3)

06

“Ali! Over here!”

Samantha’s loud voice reaches to my location as I look around looking for them. It wasn't that hard to spot them actually because they literally stand out. Added to that is they are just a meter away from our assigned homeroom.

“I thought you suddenly backed out and decided to transfer already.” Abi says as I rush to put my bag to my table that they reserved for me.

“Sorry. I overslept for some reason.” I answered them before we went out of the room.

It’s the first time that I overslept. Mama is not home and so is papa. It was just us, the four siblings, who were in the house since mama went to Cebu to fix something there while papa is out of town with tito David.

I don’t know what happened but somehow, I wasn’t able to hear my alarm this morning. It was just kuya Adam who woke me up and when I already did, both kuya Evan and Peyton are already gone. I’m just lucky because kuya Owen slept in our house last night because he and kuya needed to do their final term paper before the end of their semester starts. He drove me here to school as fast as he can despite my rejection since I can just commute but he told me I will be more late if I do so I just ended up letting me drive here. It catches attention from the higher levels since kuya Owen and their whole circle are pretty popular during their time here.

“Well, we better hurry because they already rang the bell just a few minutes ago for us to line up.” Kait says as we hurriedly walked to the line where our familiar elementary batchmates are in.

My eyes catched Peyton talking to her friends while I was looking around. She only gave me a glance but what confuses me is her sudden rolling eyes at me. What is her problem?

Today is already our first day of high school. As usual, we have our flag ceremony and also the welcoming ceremony that happens every first day of the school year. Students are all gathered in the covered quadrangle, in front of the stage. Since we are in high school now, we are lined up at the back instead from our former line in the front.

“This will seriously take too long again.” Samantha complained.

Our attention went in front to the stage when the seniors started the flag ceremony. I stopped myself from laughing when Benj stood in the middle of the stage to do the gesture for our school hymn. He has been doing that a lot of times now but it just never gets old. It’s still funny whenever he does it, especially that most students don't sing the school hymn.

“Good morning students. I am Mrs. Cynthia Salazar, your school principal. I would like to welcome all of you to SPU!”

I did it. I enrolled again in SPU after a long argument within myself. It was all because of James. He was the one who managed to convince me to stay here. I don’t know how he was able to do it but all I know is that he is the one who made me have a clear decision.

“Just keep studying in SPU, please?”

I keep staring at his eyes as he says those. It was like I was hypnotized and had no choice but to say yes. He did this last time as well. What is he doing to me?

“Why do you want me to keep studying there, huh?” I questioned him, looking away.

“I don’t know ate,” He says, which made me look at him. “I just have a feeling that I want you to stay and keep studying there.”

“Feeling?” I asked him, confused. He gave me a glance as he pursed his lips before looking in front of us again.

“Feeling that I won’t see you again if you transfer school, ate. I’m scared of it, I don’t know why.” He confessed.

It left me confused and fascinated at the same time. James has grown closer to me like my own younger brother. His eyes have always been mesmerizing but somehow as he aged, it shines more brightly that one can be captivated by it so easily. It’s like he can deliver anything he wants to say just by looking at you. I didn’t realize that when we were younger but now, I can see it clearly.

“Maybe because you are worried you have no one to run to anymore in school when your ate Abi doesn’t want to accompany you.” I joked as he pouted.

I still remember how he usually comes for me than his sister. It’s like he sees me as someone he can rely on more than his own siblings. He listens to me well and can easily calm down everytime he is on the verge of crying. I don’t know how I was capable of making him do that but it just happens like that. Maybe that is the reason why he doesn’t want me to transfer school… because he depended on me already during the times when he feels wronged.

“Ate Abi and kuya Benj don't want you to transfer as well, ate.” He says as I let out a small smile, nodding. “But why do you really want to transfer?”

Why do I want to transfer?

“Hmm… to prevent myself from being the kind of person who always depends on others?” I answered in a questioning way which just made him confused. I laughed, patting the top of his head gently. “You will understand once you are older than your age right now, I think?”

He pouted once again which made me pinch his cheeks. Whenever he does that, I just can’t help to do it. His cheeks are not totally chubby but it looks soft and fair that makes me want to pinch it every chance I get. He doesn’t complain though. He likes it whenever I do it because he knows my reason why I do it.

Ever since then, he has always been so cute but it has changed now. The young and adorable kid I first met when he was five only wants to have someone to play with him. The kid who is basically a cry baby whenever someone he is neglected and feels lonely. That kid turned into both adorable and handsome one now. Girls in his year level often feel so shy around him with James being completely clueless why.

I just know one day, he will have girls all over him. Girls who will fall for him and I surely will watch that happen.

“What are you smiling at there?” Abi nudge, bringing me back to my senses. I shook my head in response which made her raise a brow at me.

“Are they even close to finishing this ceremony already?” Kaitlyn complained as I looked in front of the stage again.

Our school principal is still talking. We don’t listen anymore because it just goes round and round. She speaks the same topic every single welcoming ceremony ever since then so we already know what she is talking about. After all, I have been here in SPU for 5 years this year while Abi, Sam and Kait have been here since they were Nursery. We are not really new here anymore.

A few minutes more have passed before the welcoming ceremony finally ended. We felt the impatience of the higher levels now that we are in here. Every flag ceremony, high school students were always the one to leave the quadrangle first for added reminders from the school supervisor. They said it’s to prevent being crowded despite being in a different building but it’s understandable considering that the path out of the quadrangle is just in one way.

We have always been so curious about what the supervisor tells the higher levels but turns out, it’s just mostly sermon. The supervisor reminded each student to behave well and avoid acting kids, especially to our level since we are the new ones in the high school level. He said that we are not at the level to play anymore. The juniors and seniors are really cool at what the supervisor says, maybe because they are used to it already. But it’s different with the sophomores, they look irritated and bored while us, the freshmans, are listening attentively.

“Kuya did tell me to get ready to hear an earful from the supervisor today. I thought he was just kidding but now I regret I didn’t prepare myself.” Abi commented when we finally escaped the supervisor's talks.

“At least you have someone tell you in advance that it’s going to be an earful one.” Sam says, looking tired.

“The morning has just started. Why do you look so tired already?” I teases as she glared at me.

“The fact that it’s starting to get hot already and we stood in that quadrangle for longer an hour makes me just want to go back in my bed again.” She says, lazily walking.

With her actions, she accidentally bumped into someone. A new face but looks a little familiar. Sam accidentally stepped on his shoes and what’s worse is her black school shoes have an inch heel. The guy glances at her, with an obvious annoyed expression.

“Sorry!” Sam immediately apologizes.

The guy let out a sigh and just shook his head. “No worries. Just look around you next time.”

He walked away from us after that. I happened to watch him walk away as he entered the same room we are assigned in. Is he our classmate?

“Abi? Why do you look so still? Hey!”

I heard Kait say. When I looked back, I saw her shaking Abi, who was staring into the air, to bring her back to her senses. I tried following the direction where she was looking and it led to our homeroom door.

Abi suddenly went to me, both hands on my shoulder. My eyes are wide with her sudden action as I look at her in confusion.

“That’s him! The guy I told you about!” She says making me even more confused.

“What are you talking about?”

“The guy from the orientation!” She raises her voice making the three of us shocked.

Classes are just a week away. It’s our freshman orientation day so loads of 1st year students are around the auditorium right now. The four of us are seated right to the front. There’s a lot of new faces but the only ones who choose to sit at the very front are the old students already.

“Who do you think will compete with Abi this time?” I heard Kait ask us.

I keep looking around, trying to familiarize each student who will be our batchmate. From how they look, they are the type of person who likes to show off what they have. Most of them have those expensive bags that Abi also has on her closet. Some even wear glasses as if the auditorium is not dark enough already for them to wear one still. Each looks like they have different types of personality.

“Is this seat taken?” A tall guy, slightly tanned, asked us.

There are two seats left on our side, one reserve for Abi who went to the restroom and one is just vacant. I pointed to the seat next to Abi and told him that he could sit there.

I tried taking secret glances to the unfamiliar guy. He looks new here but unlike the others, he doesn’t dare to look behind. He just focuses on the brochure that the school staff gave before you enter the auditorium. Added to that, he looks like he doesn’t even care about his surroundings.

“I saw tita outside, I thought they already started.” Abi says, hurriedly taking a seat next to me while panting.

“Did you run?” I asked him, chuckling in amazement.

“I had to! I don’t want to be late, you know?” She only said as I nodded.

The orientation started with Abi’s auntie giving a short speech for everyone. She is the school’s director and owner so it’s only valid for her to say one. Maybe it’s because we only see her in important events, every student, both old ones and the new ones, listened to her attentively.

There is not much in there actually until Abi just had to have a small incident. She accidentally spilled her bottle of juice to the guy who was in front of her. It happens so fast that even Sam, Kait and I didn’t notice that someone was in front of her. We only noticed him when Abi already turned around and spilled the juice in his shirt.

“I’m so sorry!” Abi panicky told the guy as she tried to wipe his shirt with her handkerchief.

I raised a brow when he swat Abi’s hands away. Both Sam and Kait gasp with the sudden rudeness of the guy who was just Abi’s seatmate earlier in the auditorium.

“Don’t mind it.” He coldly says that almost sends shivers down my spine. “Just look around you next time.”

He passed through us with an annoyed expression. I saw the other students whispering about what they just witnessed while our old classmates approached us to ask what happened. Abi was trying to find the guy so she can apologize again but when I saw him already, he was on his way out of the school already with a new shirt.

Since then, Abi felt so guilty that she can’t stop talking about him. But the way I see it, it wasn’t only because of what happened. When Abi did something like that, she would only apologize once and won’t care anymore when the latter told her it’s okay. It’s very different this time because she looks really bothered.

“You mean the one you spilled your juice at his shirt but he ended up to be your crush already?” Kait asked.

“Yes! It’s hi- wait, what?” Abi questions in confusion, making us laugh.

“Come on!” I drape my arm on her shoulder. “He went inside our room so basically he is our classmate. You are really lucky, you know?”

“Oh no…”

Despite Abi’s complaints and struggles to stay away from our hold, we managed to bring her inside the room before our adviser could even come. Everyone has their eyes on us the moment we come in. We are not embarrassed by it but Abi is because of that guy. The guy who doesn’t even bother to look up and look at us like the others does.

“Would you please stay still? It’s not like he is going to eat you or something.” Samantha commented when Abi kept fidgeting in her seat.

We occupied the left side seats, the second, third and fourth row. I am on my usual corner side with Abi next to me and then Kaitlyn on my front and Samantha behind me. This has always been our seating arrangement since 2nd grade. We stick to this one because it’s easier to talk this way.

“How can I? I’m sure he recognizes me!” She says, whispering.

“But he doesn’t even dare to look around,” Kaitlyn says, staring directly to the other side of mine and Abi’s row.

That guy is just really there, reading something. It’s only the first day but he is up to studying so hard already.

“Still! He saw us earlier, I’m sure he knows that I’m here.” Abi nervously says.

“Clearly he knows you are here. The two of you met during orientation, remember?” I told her as she glared at me.

“I told you to not mention anything about the orientation.” She says.

“You started it!” I defended in between laughter.

Our attention went to the front when the door opened, revealing our adviser. She looks kind, not fierce, unlike our 6th grade adviser. She is actually beautiful and looks young.

“Good morning class. I am Ms. Maribeth Borja, you can call me Ms. Borja I am your class adviser for this school year.”

She went on to discuss the school’s rules and regulations that we should remember. She also reminded us about our class schedules and necessities needed when the classes are already regular which is next week. This week will be just an introduction of the teachers and some more things. She also handed us the hand book that I have been receiving for so many years now.

“Since we are done with the discussion, how about a little introduction from all of you?” Ms. Borja says which made us immediately avoid her eyes. “Just like every class, I see.”

There was a minute of silence inside our room. I just looked down and made myself busy in fake reading our hand book. There is nothing to see there that I don’t know actually.

“How about… let’s start to the front and then zigzag?”

The introduction started to the front just like she wanted to. I focused on the introduction of the new ones because I know our old classmates so well already. Each just simply gave their name, nickname, age and which school we graduated elementary. So far, the majority came from here in SPU.

“Hi! I’m Kaitlyn Corpuz, you can call me Kait or Kaitlyn which of the two you are comfortable with. I’m 12 years old and I graduated here in SPU.” Kaitlyn introduces as Ms. Borja nodded.

“Ms. Corpuz, you were the elementary batch english club president last year, right?” Ms. Borja asked as Kaitlyn nodded. “Are you planning to join the high school batch of literature club?”

“I’m still thinking about it ma’am,”

“Well then, you can inform me later. I am the teacher in-charge for that club. I would likely want you in the club.” Ms. Borja says as Kaitlyn nodded.

The attention then went to me. I simply stand up from my seat and turn to our classmates.

“Hi! I’m Alina Rachel Salvador, you can call me Alina. I’m 12 years old and graduated here as well.” I introduced myself.

“I see that so many of you decided to stay and keep studying here. That’s very good to hear.” Ms. Borja says as she gave me a smile before making me sit again.

It’s time for Abi’s introduction but she was just looking blankly in front of her. I nudge her secretly to bring her back to her senses as she stares at me in confusion. I gestured that it’s already her turn to introduce herself as she immediately stood up, apologizing for taking too long.

“Hi! I’m Abigail Mia Sanchez, you can call me Abi or Abigail. I’m 12 years old and I graduated here in SPU.” She says.

“You are your batch Valedictorian, right? And Benjamin Sanchez and James Sanchez’s sister.” Abi nodded as Ms. Borja gave her a smile. “I am expecting a lot from you then, Ms. Sanchez.”

The introduction went on until it reached the other side of our row. The mysterious guy that we have been wanting to know what his name is.

“Hi! I’m Edward Russell Villacorta, you can call me Russell. I’m 12 years old and I graduated in SHA.” He says as I nodded.

I gave Abi teasing glances as she nudged me in response. She glared, mouthing to stop teasing her. I can’t help it when she keeps reacting like that.

“You must be the newly recruited varsity player for taekwondo? I heard you excel in academics as well, Russell?” Ms. Borja says. Did she do some background check on us?

“Yes, ma’am. I graduated as our batch Valedictorian.” He answered making this whole thing even more interesting.

“So we have two Valedictorian here, Ms. Sanchez and Mr. Villacorta. I am expecting this year’s batch 1st honor position will be fierce.” Ms. Borja says.

“Surely, it will.” I whispered to Abi as she nudged me again.

The introduction just continued until we just used the allotted time to get to know our adviser. We asked her questions and many more things that we should be aware of. She also told us what she expects from us considering that we are in the pilot section. The pressure and expectation are on us.

“So he is an athlete and an academic achiever. He will be your competition this year, Abi.” Kaitlyn says while we are walking our way to the cafeteria.

“So? It’s not like I will give way easily anyway. Besides, you three will compete too. I won’t let the three of you leave me fighting for honors.” Abi responded.

“We are not planning to leave you. We are just saying that you have another fierce competitor for the honors in this level as well.” Samantha pointed out.

“You remember when Sofia and Abi really didn’t back down until someone won in that simple debate we’re supposed to have?” I remember as they nodded.

It was during 6th grade. We were just having a simple and small debate in our Social Studies class regarding the American colonization in the Philippines. We were divided into two teams, I was in Sofia’s team during that time. It all started with just simple facts that we discussed until when it’s their turn to talk, they added more information from the other textbooks and they stand to what they read. It took us time before our teacher decided to cut the debate off because it won’t end on time if she didn’t. I still find it funny because they were in each other’s neck until the finals.

“Sofia is different okay? Even though we compete for the 1st honor, we still talk really well with each other when it’s not about the academics.” She defended as I nodded.

“Agree. You two are both fans of Hannah Montana.” Samantha says.

“What is the difference with this new competitor of yours?” Kaitlyn butted in.

“First of all, I don’t know him.” Abi pointed out in which we all agree.

“Oh yeah, you don’t know him yet you already spilled juice in his shirt the first time you saw each other. A very wrong move, Abi.” I teased as she immediately stopped walking, turning to me.

“He’s a taekwondo athlete, right? Do you think Abi will be kicked in return for spilling that juice in his shirt?” Samantha joined in.

“He looks pretty well known as a taekwondo athlete. Maybe he kicks on point, you will be done Abi.” Kaitlyn added.

We three look at Abi who is about to burst already. This is not the first time this happens. This usually happens actually. One against three but we never really fight with each other. It’s just plain teasing.

“I’m really wondering why you are my friends,” Abi says, walking away first which made us laugh. We won.

“It’s because you love us!” Samantha says as we catch up to Abi.

The four of us kept teasing one another until we reached the cafeteria. It’s packed with high school students, mostly, despite it being big enough. I guess many really enrolled this year. We went to look around to find an empty table but we cannot find one. It’s not until someone stole my tray of food making me jump a little from my spot.

“Follow me,”

“Benjamin!”

He didn’t bother looking back at me despite my endless calls. The four of us follow him as he leads us to one table where his familiar friends are sitting. I don’t know them personally except his best friend, Simon, because he mostly goes to their house and we usually bump to each other there.

“You girls can sit here. We are done eating anyway.” He says, placing my tray to the empty spot in the table.

“What do you mean done, kuya? Kuya Cody hasn't finished his chicken yet.” Abi butted in as I look at the person who is still eating.

Instead of agreeing to Abi, the Cody guy glances to Benj before hurriedly eating his remaining food. He stood up from his seat and went to return his tray. I was still in confusion because everything is too sudden.

“I’m done,” The Cody guy says when he returns. “You girls can eat here peacefully.”

“Are you sure you’re done? We can look for another table anyway.” I told him as he put on a smile before nodding.

“No worries. I already ate a lot anyway. By the way,” He sticks out his hand for a hand shake. “I’m Cody, this guy’s friend.”

I shook his hand in return, giving him a smile. Simon and their other friend stood up from their seat with their food tray and went to return it. As simple as that, we were able to find a table to have our lunch in.

“What are you still doing here?” Abi told his brother and his friends.

“You have always been so moody towards us. Tell us, do you like one of us?” The other guy, who I don’t know his name is, asked Abi.

“Kuya Toby, don’t even try. She has a different crush.” Kaitlyn butted as the Toby guy looked at Abi with wide eyes before he turned to Benj.

“Did you hear that? Your sister has a crush on someone. Bro, my heart is breaking!” Toby whined as I stared at him weirdly.

“As if you stand a chance to my sister since the beginning anyway. Leave her alone! She’s already in high school, okay?” Benj defended her sister as I pursed my lips, nodding.

“Coming from you! Do you even know if you stand a chance to that girl?” Toby fired back as Benj immediately nudged him in his stomach making him groan. “Dude, what the? I just literally ate. Are you trying to make me vomit here?”

It’s already weird enough how they can act so close to us. But it’s even weirder because they don’t even mind the others looking at our direction already. Clearly, we are catching everyone’s attention.

“Do you like someone kuya Benj?” Samantha asked.

I look at Benj as well, curious. He looks flustered by the sudden question and attention he got from us. He glances at me before strangling his friend.

“You keep saying nonsense. Look at what you have done!” Benj scolded as his friend finds his way to get away from Benj’s hold.

“That doesn’t give you any validation to strangle me to death here. We are in a public space with so many students around for goodness sake, Benj!” Toby complained, making me shake my head only.

“Ignore him.” Benj told us.

I suddenly felt a heavy hand on top of my head, making me look at Benj. I swat his hand away because it’s heavy as he only laughs. He leaned his hands to the table and looked in my direction.

“Have fun and finish your food.” He patted the top of my head, gently, once again making me look at him weirdly. “We have to go.”