1 - Transferee

“Erato! Wake up!” My sister Calliope called out, her voice sharp as she flung open the curtains, letting the morning sun flood my room. She tugged at my arm, trying to rouse me from my sleep as I lay still in bed.

Cali is always like this, every morning. Simula mga bata palang kami, hanggang ngayon

I groan. “No! I'm still sleepy, Cali! Let me sleep!”

Binawi ko ang braso ko sa kay Cali at muling ibinagsak ang katawan sa higaan. “Isa! Sasabihin ko kay mommy na huwag kang bigyan ng allowance!”

Muli akong napaungol sa inis at kaagad na napaupo at sinamaan ng tingin si Cali. Tumawa lang naman siya bago tuluyang lumabas.

Alam na alam talaga kung paano ako inisin! Bagay na bagay talaga sila ni Thaddeus! Palaasar!

I went through my morning routine as usual and took a selfie in front of the mirror, admiring my look. My reflection showed off my green eyes, a trait I inherited from my father. Unlike my sisters, who share our mother's chestnut brown eyes, my green eyes stand out prominently. My eyebrows are impeccably groomed, framing my face perfectly. My eyelashes are long, thick, and naturally curled, adding to the striking look of my eyes.

My nose is elegantly pointed, a blend of Ukrainian, German, and Filipino features, contributing to my distinctive appearance. My face is heart-shaped and small, giving me a delicate and refined look. I take meticulous care of my flawless porcelain skin, which rarely shows any blemishes or injuries. My lips are soft, seductive, and pinkish, completing the picture of my well-maintained and attractive appearance.

I wore my SIA uniform—a white long-sleeve polo with maroon accents on the sleeves. Though there are short-sleeve options, I opted for the long-sleeve to keep it stylish. I tucked the polo into my maroon box-pleated skirt, which barely reached my knees. I paired it with long socks and three-inch-heeled school shoes.

As I walked out of my room, Melpomene remarked, “Kikay na kikay ah.”

I flipped my hair and replied with a playful smirk, “Eww, kikay ka diyan.”

Nakarating kami ni Mel sa hapag-kainan, where our maids serve us food. Cali is eating while holding a book, just as Ke and Nia are bookworms. While Lia is eating while holding her phone, she is hitting some notes. Thena was eating peacefully until Poly disturbed her.

Ganito ang hapag-kainan sa tuwing magkakasama kaming siyam. Funny how my parents wanted to have more than two children while others already had enough for them to have two to three kids. My mom's obsession with Greek mythology led her to have us represent nine muses. Calliope, Kleio, or Ke for short, Erato—me, Euterpe, which is Ali—she doesn't want to be called Euterpe, kaya second name nalang niyang Aliyah, Melpomene, and Thalia—who's twin, Polyhymia, Terpsichore Athena—we called her Athena or Thena, just like Ali, Thena doesn't want to be called Terpsichore, and lastly, our bunso Urania.

Sinadya talaga nilang magkaanak ng babae at siyam kami. Galit na galit si Daddy dahil ni isang lalaki ay wala man lang para may tagapagmana siya sa kompanya. Kaya now, as Cali is the firstborn, she will inherit the company—kaya labis ang pagbabantay ni Daddy kay Cali, especially her grades.

As soon as I stepped out of the car with Melpomene and Thalia, who were twins, Rian approached me with a big smile.

Ali is not with us as she is excused from studies today—well, may shooting lang naman siya. She's a young actress, singer, and dancer. A versatile artist. Gustong-gusto niya ang buhay niyang iyon, kaya kahit ayaw ni daddy, pero dahil kay Cali ay napapayag nila si daddy.

Cali will do everything to have our dreams with us—even if she's sacrificing herself for us. I love her. I admired her.

Ke is not with us, as she has her service. Well, may sari-sarili naman kaming service, pero gustong sumabay ng kambal saakin. As for Poly, Thena, and Nia, they're still in elementary school, and their rooms are on the other side of SIA. Cali is in her first year of being a college student.

“Hi, Mel! Lia!” Rian greeted my sisters. They greeted me back at Kaagad na Nagpaalam.

Nagkukwentuhan lang kami habang naglalakad papasok sa school, and as we're walking inside, people stare at us. Bakit hindi, ang gaganda naming lahat. Especially boys, na ang lalagkit ng tingin saamin na parang gustong-gusto na kaming tikman. While the girls are glaring at us—probably jealous. Who cares, though?

Nang pamakapasok kami sa loob ng classroon, Ri asked. “Mall later?”

Napalingon naman ako sa kanya at ngumiti. “Sure,”

Alam niya namang hinding-hindi ko tatanggihan iyon. Mall is life. Shopping is life.

The class started at Boryong-Boryo Ako. I looked at Timothy, who was sitting beside me, as his stares couldn't take off from me.

I grinned and went closer to him and asked, “What? Do you need something, Tim?” I seductively said. Napalunok siya ng laway niya, kaya mas lalo akong napangisi.

And now, we've found ourselves in one of the storage rooms inside the school. Making out. Timothy's lips couldn't take off from my neck as he lifted me and pinned me to the wall. His hands are roaming around my body as he thrusts into mine.

The small room was filled with shallow breaths and small moans, not minding what people would think if they could hear us.

As soon as we're done, I clean and fix myself up. Timothy, on the other hand, stayed still in his position, staring at me with amusement in his eyes.

“Be mine, Era,” he said in a deep and firm voice.

I chuckled and walked towards him, gently tracing my hands over his bare body. "I don't do relationships, Tim. Dapat alam mo iyon since we've been classmates for a decade now." My voice was soft with a hint of a bitchy tone.

His hands were clenched, so I smirked more and tapped his shoulders. I was about to leave the room when he spoke, “Ganon nalang, Era? After what happened to us, you will leave me nothing? I love you, Era.”

My laughs became louder and bitchy. “I will not be called playgirl for nothing, Tim. Oh, and since you pushed yourself to me, that will be the last time. Sayang, you're incredibly fucking so good. By the way, nice groin.” With that, I left him while his face turned red. Maybe because of the anger or embarrassment. But I don't care, though.

Nakakairita. Why do they want to have a relationship with me? Kahit na alam naman nilang hindi ako pumapasok sa isang relasyon.

Ganda lang ang ambag ko. Niloloko pa nga. Damnit.

I went straight to the girl's powder room to have my makeup retouched. Gosh, ang bruha kong tignan. Mabuti nga at medyo malapit lang ang storage room sa powder room, kung hindi baka naglakad na ako na bruhang-bruha ang itsura. I just used a lip balm and brushed my hair with my fingers.

I went inside the cubicle to clean myself. Fuck. I admit that Tim is fucking good. He has a long and big groin that almost made me lose my sanity.

I was about to leave the cubicle when a group of girls went inside and talked sh*t about me.

“Ang landi talaga ng Era na iyon! Kumukulo talaga ang dugo ko! My boyfriend broke up with me because of her! Tangina talaga!”

I couldn't help but smirk. Apparently, my mere presence was enough to incite jealousy. If only they knew how little I cared for their drama. Kasalanan ko kaagad kahit na hindi ko pa naman kilala. Ganda ko naman para pagselosan niya.

“I swear, kapag nakita ko siya mapapatay ko siya.” Sunod niyang sabi.

Oh, really?

I stepped out of the cubicle, and their faces turned ashen when they saw me. Their expressions were a mix of shock and fear as if they'd seen a ghost. I could almost hear their hearts racing.

“Why are you scared, little girl? I thought you were going to kill me when you saw me,” I teased, striding confidently towards them.

Their fear was palpable, and I reveled in their discomfort. I made my way to the sink to wash my hands, catching their terrified reflections in the mirror. They stood frozen, their faces as pale as the walls.

“My, my. You shouldn't have said that. If you keep running your mouth, you might find yourself in a coffin before you know it,” I said coldly, my eyes glinting with a dangerous edge.

I turned to face them, my smile icy and unyielding. I reached out and tapped one of them on the shoulder, making her flinch. “But don't worry, I'm not the type to kill someone over petty jealousy,” I said, my voice carrying a sharp undercurrent of disdain.

I leaned in closer, my tone low and menacing. “By the way, if your man is into women or me, then you should break up with him. Masyadong red flag. He knows no loyalty. It's pathetic to cling to someone who doesn't even value you. Don't waste your time on a man who doesn't appreciate you.” My words were laced with bitterness, each one cutting deeper.

I walked towards the door, and before I could leave, I watched them again: “You must take my advice seriously, Camille. I've been there. And isa pa, hindi ako pumapatol sa may girlfriend na. I'm not too low to be a mistress, eww.”

Their eyes widened, their initial bravado crumbling under the weight of my words. I could see the realization dawning on them—the harsh truth settling in. With one final look of contempt, I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving them to grapple with their insecurities and regrets.

Kaagad akong naglakad palabas at tahimik na tinatahak ang daan papuntang classroom ko. Liliko na sana ako para umakyat ng hagdan nang may mabunggo. The notebooks fall, and I help him pick up the notebooks.

I was about to say sorry when I saw him. The man who made me broke. The reason I played with numerous men in this school and even outside was because he cheated on me.

“E-Era.” He called my name.

Malamig lang ang tingin ko sa kanya at pinagmasdan siya. He changed—getting hotter and fuck. It makes me want to fuck him again, but no. I promise myself not to get involved again with him.

Binangga ko ang balikat niya at aakyat na sana nang hawakan niya ang kamay ko. The way he touched my hands sent shivers down my spine.

“Can we go back, Era baby, please?” he pleaded.

Funny how it turned out this way. I loved him so much. We were my first in everything. We've been dating since seventh grade. I know it was puppy love, but my love for him is real. Hindi naman ako magkakaganito kung hindi ko siya mahal.

I laugh at his misery. “Go f*ck others, Dom. 'Yun naman ang gusto mo since you're not contented with me. And why would you get back to someone like you? Cheater, jerk.” Nanggigilaiti kong sabi sa kanya.

Nang mag-bell ay kaagad kong hinila ang kamay ko sa pagkakahawak niya at umakyat na papuntang classroom.

Pagkaupong-pagkaupo ko ay sermon agad ni Ri ang narinig ko. “Where have you been?” Her brows furrowed.

Nakita kong nakayuko si Timothy sa upuan niya, looking so devastated. Pero hindi ko na pinansin at tinuon ang atensyon kay Rian.

“Sa tabi-tabi lang,” I nonchalantly said, clearly not in the mood to talk.

Rian's face went closer to mine. “Did you fuck someone again?” She asked in a lower tone. I nodded in response.

Alam naman ni Ri iyon, bakit hindi, e best friend ko na siya simula preschool pa ata. Our start isn't good, though. Lagi kaming magkaaway sa preschool sa pagkakatanda ko. But eventually, we became best friends.

“May transferee,” kwento niya. Tumango lang ako dahil busy ako sa cellphone ko.

"He's hot, though."

Napataas ang kilay ko kay Rian nang sabihin iyon. “How did you know?” I asked.

She played her hair before responding, “Nakita ko kanina sa office ni Ma'am Karina.”

I furrowed my brows. “Paano ka naman nakarating doon?”

Medyo malayo kasi ang office ni Tita Karina, at nasa pinakadulo iyon, kaya walang masyadong pumupuntang estudyante doon unless kung may kailangan or pinapatawag sa opisina niya.

“Duh, baka nakalimutan mong president ako ng section na ito. May inutos si Mr. Gomez saakin." Tumango nalang ako kay na nakakapagtaka.

Ibabalik ko na sana ang tingin ko sa cellphone ko nang makita ang pamumula ni Rian. “I knew it,” I playfully said to her.

Napasandal ako sa inuupuan ko at pinagmasdan ang pamumula at gulat niyang mukha. I smirked at her.

“Bestfriend mo ako, Rian. You can't lie to me.” Iling-iling kong sabi sa kanya while grinning.

Kinuha niya ang cellphone niya at nagtipa. Ilang sandali lang ay nakatanggap ako ng mensahe mula sa kanya.

From: Riri 💜

He's so freaking hot! I can't resist. Yes, we fvk okay na ba? Delete this after bebe Era. Love you!

Natawa ako sa sinabi niya at dinelete ang message niya. Bruhang 'to! Malandi din!

“Bitch,” I muttered. Napatingin naman siya sa akin at kay Timothy, sabay tingin ulit sa akin, “bitch.”

Natawa kaning dalawa hanggang sa pumasok ang adviser naming si Mr. Gomez.

Napatingin naman ako kay Rian na mas lalong namula nang pumasok ang maestro namin. Cute. Forbidden love, huh.

“Settle down, class.” Inilibot niya ang tingin niya sa amin, at napangisi ako nang napatingin siya kay Rian. Napalunok siya bago iniwas ang tingin.

Well, Mr. Gomez just graduated from college. At naging adviser, kaagad namin siya dahil nag-resign ang teacher namin noong kalagitnaan ng pasukan, kaya siya ang pumalit.

And as Rian said, he's fcking hot and gorgeous. Hindi ko lang type is too old for me. I mean, the 9-year-old gap. So, a big no.

“May bago kayong classmate,” Pagkasabi ni Mr. Gomez iyon ay nagbulong-bulungan ang mga kaklase ko.

“That must be the hot guy from earlier.”

“Oh my god, nakakatakam ang kagwapuhan niya!”

“Laglag agad ang panty ko, be.”

I chuckled as Mariam said that. A low-class bitch, ey.

“Ang gwapo, mukhang may lahi.” Sabi pa ni Agatha.

“Malamang girl, this is an international school!”

I shook my head while grinning. Na-excite din ako. By their expression, mukhang lalaki.

“Magsitahimik!” Sigaw ni Mr. Gomez para magsitahimik ang mga malalandi kong classmates. Malandi din naman ako, but not a low bitch like them.

“Please, come in, Mr. DePiero.” The moment the door swung open; my heart skipped a beat. He was dressed in a sleek black shirt and matching black pants, his ensemble perfectly complementing his commanding presence.

His gaze, cold and piercing, locked onto mine. I felt a thrill run through me, and despite my best efforts to project warmth and friendliness, he responded with a mere lift of his eyebrows. Was he not swayed by my smile? The challenge only added to my excitement. I was eager to see how he would react as I continued to unravel the enigma of that new guy.

“Class, let's all welcome Mr. Josh DePiero. He's from Italy but can speak English. He doesn't know or understand Tagalog. So, please be kind to him.”

The room erupted in a chorus of murmurs and curious glances. I watched as Josh moved further into the room, his every action imbued with a magnetic charisma that drew all eyes to him. It was as if he was surrounded by an invisible aura of allure, making it impossible to look away.

Mr. Gomez roamed his gaze once again and found the seat next to me.

“You can sit beside Ms. Devin, Mr. DePiero.”

Love na agad kita, Mr. Gomez! May malalandi akong bago!

Josh approached my table with an easy, almost nonchalant demeanor. He placed his bag on the table and sat down, his movements smooth and calculated. I watched him with keen interest, noting every subtle gesture.

“Hi! I'm Era. Erato Adeline Devin.” I introduced myself, extending my hand for a shake. His gaze flickered briefly at my outstretched hand, but he chose to avoid it, turning his attention elsewhere. The slight dismissal stung, but I maintained my composure, though my cheeks flushed slightly with a mix of embarrassment and resolve.

Ramdam ko ang kahihiyan nang magsitawa ang mga kaklase ko sa ginawa ko sa lalaking ito.

“Oh no, hindi tumalab charms mo sa kanya, Era,” Mariam teased, her laughter a stinging reminder of my awkward moment. I smirked back at her, not letting the embarrassment get the best of me.

But instead of getting annoyed, dahil sa panghihiyang ginawa niya sa akin, I smiled. The sweetest smile I could ever give.

“Pakipot ka, huh?” I mused silently. “Don't worry, Josh DePiero. You'll fall for me eventually. I won't stop until I've tasted every bit of what you have to offer. You're mine, and I'm just getting started.”