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TWENTY THREE
Huling Na-update:
2024-10-29 19:42:56ASHANTI
"I'll be there within an hour. May errands lang akong kailangang gawin," I told Kelly on the phone.
"What are you going to do ba?" Maarte niyang tanong.
I sighed. "Dadaan ako sa office. May naiwan akong files na kailangang ireview," sagot ko.
"Oh! Pakikuha na lamang din ng lipstick ko. Naiwan ko doon last time na pumunta tayo," utos niya.
"Alright. Pakisabi na lamang kina Celeste at Clio na susunod ako."
"Okie! Take care!"
"Likewise," I answered as I ended the call.
Muli akong bumuntong hininga bago nagpatuloy sa paglalakad papunta sa office. It is the office that Butler Cox gave us last time as a reward for being part of The Rank Five. We stayed there for a couple of days to study but we stopped going there because we still prefer to stay and study at our dorm or in the library.
Napailing ako bago muling kinuha a
Kaugnay na kabanata
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) TWENTY FOUR
KELLY"Where are you going?"Celeste eyed me while fixing her white ribbon headband."Library," she answered shortly."Na naman? What are you doing there ba?""I don't like stating the obvious, Kelly. But in case you didn't know, I am going there to study."I pouted and rose my eyebrow. Why is she so mean? I'm just asking!Mas lalong tumaas ang kilay ko nang maglagay siya ng lip tint at nag-spray ng mamahalin niyang pabango. That's so unlikely, huh."Do you want me to go with you? It's lonely to study alone," I offered.She looked at me surprisingly. Tinaasan ko naman siya ng kilay. "Why?" dagdag na tanong ko.Nag-iwas siya sa akin ng tingin at marahang umiling. "You don't have to," she answered."Why? Ayaw mo ba ng kasama habang nag-aaral?""Ayaw ko. I prefer
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) TWENTY FIVE
CELESTE"I think I'm such a bad friend, Markus.""Huh?" He fixed the rim of his glasses before looking at me. Nag-iwas naman ako ng tingin at bumuntong hininga."Maybe Ashanti is right. I only think about myself. I am too hung of the idea of being the first place to the point that sometimes, I don't consider their feelings anymore.""Why are you saying that?" he asked.I shrugged. "Naisip ko lang.""Is it about what happened yesterday?"I sighed and nod my head. "Kinda.""Stop overthinking, Celeste. I'm sure your friends will soon understand why you're doing this.""I don't know of that will happen, though," I frowned.I leaned against my chair and removed my glasses. As usual, me and Markus are studying in the library. Even though Kelly asked me to not meet w
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) TWENTY SIX
ASHANTI"May basketball game sina Dane mamaya, sama ka?" I asked Celeste who is busy highlighting her notes.Taka siyang tumingin sa akin. "Wala ka bang kasamang pumunta?"I nodded. "Hindi makakapanood si Clio dahil may practice siya tapos busy naman si Kelly sa fitting ng damit niya since may lalabanan siyang pageant mext week.""Well, kung wala kang kasama, then I'll go with you," she answered.Napangiti naman ako. "Mag-ready ka na kapag three o'clock na, okay?"I rose up from my seat on the couch to go to the kitchen. "Tawagin mo na lamang ako kapag paalis na," she ordered."Noted!"Agad naman akong nagtimpla ng kape at dumiretso sa kama ko. I sat there and typed my notes. I don't like taking notes on notebooks like Celeste. I prefer digital notetaking.Hindi pa man nagtatagal ang pagt-type ko nang tum
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) TWENTY SEVEN
KELLY"One bucket of fried chicken, two servings of rice, one bowl of mashed potato, one large fries and a pineapple juice for drinks, please.""Are you planning to bankrupt me?" Zev asked on my side.I rolled my eyes. "I'm just hungry.""You told me that I'm just going to accompany you while you're buying your dress. You didn't told me that you're also planning to eat," he nagged."Kasi nga, nagutom ako suddenly. Is it my fault kung nagutom ako?" giit ko.I secretly smiled. The truth is, I already planned this. I just like seeing him pissed."Alright, your highness," pagsuko niya.I chuckled before I went to our table. Sumunod naman siya sa akin matapos makapagbayad."Are you sure you want to eat here?" he asked as he sat infront of me."Why not?""I just did
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) TWENTY EIGHT
CLIO"Saan ba kasi tayo pupunta, Jarvis?"Tumigil siya sa paglalakad at tumingin sa akin. My brows furrowed while looking at him."Just follow me, alright?"I let out a harsh breath. "Ano ba kasing gagawin natin dito sa mall? Kanina pa tayo paikot-ikot!"He scratched the back of his head. "Ako ang bahala, huwag kang mag-alala.""Kasi naman, I ditched my practice para lang samahan ka. Tapos ngayon, ayaw mo namang sabihin kung saan tayo pupunta. Nakakainis ka na, ha!" reklamo ko.He chuckled while I rolled my eyes. Pasalamat siya at malamig dito sa mall. My eyes widened when he held my hand and dragged me."H-Hoy! Anong ginagawa mo, ha?"Muli siyang tumigil sa paglalakad at tumingin sa akin. Sa halip na sagutin ako ay binigyan niya lamang ako ng makahulugang ngiti. My brows snapped together out of confusion. Puwede ni
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) TWENTY NINE
CELESTE"Gosh! I'm so exhausted!" reklamo ni Kelly nang makarating kami sa cafeteria para kumain."Bakit kasi sa dami pang araw na puwede tayong tambakan ng trabaho, ngayon pa?" segunda ni Clio at padabog na umupo sa lamesa."Girls, it's our duty as a part of The Rank Five. Remember, we are the role model of this school. This is our responsibility," pangaral ko at umupo na rin sa tabi ni Clio."But isn't it weird?" Tumingin ako kay Ashanti at nagtaas ng kilay."Ang alin?" I asked."Katulad nga ng sinabi ni Clio, bakit nila tayo tinatambakan ng trabaho samantalang malapit na ang midterms? We are supposed to study during this time," she added.I sighed. "Katulad din ng sinabi ko kanina, it is our responsibility. Baka sadyang nagkataon lamang na ngayon maraming kailangan ipagawa."She lifted her shoulders in a half shrug. "It's still weird f
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) THIRTY
CELESTE"I'll go to the library first before going to our classroom. Nine o'clock pa naman 'yung start ng exam, right?"Kelly is taking a bath, Clio is busy studying while Ashanti is already at the coffee shop to buy a cup of coffee. We were all busy and panicking because the midterm exam is just right around the corner.Though I trust my knowledge, I am still nervous of what might happen. This is my last chance— and I can't miss it. Not today."Pupuntahan mo ba si Markus?" Clio asked while I'm wearing my shoes.I nodded. "We agreed to meet. I won't help him, though. We are just going to study a little bit before the test.""Baka makasalubong mo si Jarvis, tell him to study. Baka bumagsak pa 'yun nang wala sa oras. Mahirap na, mainit pa naman ang dugo ng Mommy niyo sa kaniya," bilin niya."Kahit naman hindi mo sabihin, sasabihin ko pa rin. At isa pa
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) THIRTY ONE
CELESTEMy footsteps were heavy while walking at the school's corridor. The view of the sun setting on our west gives color to the dull sky— but it won't give color to mine.I bit my lower lip as my hands squeezed into fists. I cannot believe this."Celeste," Clio called me.I heaved a sigh before looking at her and Kelly. "What?"She looked at me with her eyes full of worry. Nag-iwas naman ako ng tingin."What are you going to do?" she asked.I swallowed the lump on my throat. "Wala na naman akong magagawa, hindi ba? We already missed the test. That's it."Kelly wiped her cheeks as a new batch of tears started to roll down. Bumuntong hininga naman ako. What's the point of crying? At this point, we already knew that we lost our spot.We are out of T
Pinakabagong kabanata
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) SPECIAL CHAPTER: Celeste & Markus
CELESTE"Law or leave, Celeste?"I forced a smile before turning my head towards the direction of my friends. Nakatingin sila sa akin at tila nagtataka sa kung ano mang pinag-uusapan namin ni Mommy.Muli akong nag-iwas ng tingin sa kanila. I didn't expect that I'll hear those words even after two months since I last heard it.Ganoon pa rin ang epekto. Nakakatakot."Let's just talk about that later, shall we?" I asked.I heard her sighed on the other line. "I want your answer now, Celeste Louisse. Hindi ko hawak ang oras ko," seryosong saad niya."At hindi mo rin po hawak ang oras ko.""Binabastos mo na ba ako?" tanong niya pero ramdam ko ang pagpipigil sa bawat salitang binibigkas niya.Malakas akong bumuntong hininga at marahang umiling kahit na alam ko na naman na hindi
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) SPECIAL CHAPTER: Ashanti & Dane
ASHANTI"Let's talk."I swallowed the lump on my throat before looking at Dane. "Bibili muna ako ng kape."He was taken aback at first but he just sighed. Nakibit-balikat naman ako. Coffee is a must lalo pa't mukhang seryoso ang pag-uusapan namin."Gusto mo bang samahan kita?" tanong niya."Bahala ka."Tumayo ako at agad naman siyang sumunod. Para siyang tuta na ayaw mahiwalay sa amo. Mahina akong tumawa at napailing dahil sa naisip ko.Nagpatuloy naman ako sa paglalakad at dumiretso sa cafeteria. Kakaunti na ang tao roon kaya't mabilis kaming nakapasok."Bibili ka rin ba?" tanong ko kay Dane."Ako na ang bibili. Iced coffee pa rin ba?"Tumango ako at umupo na sa pinakamalapit na upuang nakita ko. I propped
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) SPECIAL CHAPTER: Kelly & Zev
KELLY"So, what are we doing here?" I asked as I roamed my eyes around the restaurant."To eat?" he asked sarcastically.I rolled my eyes and glared at him. "Puwede bang umayos ka kahit for today lang?"He chuckled. "I'm just stating a fact, sweetheart.""As far as I know, I never agreed to be your sweetheart.""You don't like it? Alright, babe."Muli kong iniikot ang mga mata ko. "Can you just stop flirting at me? Hindi ka funny.""Sigurado kang hindi ka natutuwa?"Awtomatikong tumaas ang kilay ko nang magsalita siya ng Tagalog. He's still sounds awkward speaking it but he improved."Hindi," sagot ko.He let out a soft chuckle. "Suit yourself, sweetheart.""I'm not your sweetheart nga, okay? Hindi ba magagal
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) SPECIAL CHAPTER: Clio & Jarvis
CLIO"Does your Mom already knew that you stole Celeste's spot?"He chuckled. "Siyempre hindi.""Why didn't you tell her?""Maybe because at some point, I wanted her to be proud of me. Even though I grew up apart from her, I still love her. Just like every other child, I want to feel loved by her just like how I love her."I let out a harsh breath. "You did well," I uttered.He looked at me confusedly. "Bakit naman? I broke your trust, right?""But atleast you did your best to make up from your mistake. That's enough."The corner of his lips quirked up. "Gusto mo talaga ako eh, ano?"Napailing naman ako at sinamaan siya ng tingin. "Gago," bulong ko."Pero kung hindi mo ako gusto..."Taka akong tumingin sa kaniya. "Ano?"
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) EPILOGUE
EPILOGUE CELESTE "You really bad mouthed Markus on National TV a while ago, huh?" I leaned against my chair and crossed my arms. "Nagsabi lamang ako ng totoo," giit ko. "Why are you like that ba? You looked so grumpy," tanong ni Kelly at uminom sa binili niyang frappe. "Try mo kayang tumingin sa labas. Nakakatakot 'yung mga fans mo," reklamo ko. She chuckled. "Hindi naman sila makakapasok dito sa loob. Don't worry," she said and smiled on the camera outside. Napailing naman ako. She's really fond of cameras now. Parang dati, papageant-pageant lang siya sa mga school. Tapos ngayon, artista na. Kelly Eiryne Carson, one of the highest paid actress in the country. "Balita ko you'll join Binibining Pilipinas. Is that true?" tanong ko. Tumingin siya sa akin at ng
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) THIRTY FIVE
CELESTEI let out a harsh breath as a sign of relief while walking at the corridor together with my friends. The news of the removal of The Rank Five system spread like a wild fire not only in Avalon High but also outside.As usual, some of the students are already gossiping things about us— which I don't mind at all. Everyone have a different opinion and I respect that.However, I stand tall and firm on my belief. The removal of The Rank Five system may not benefit the school like the previous school years but it would surely benefit the mental health of the students.A school is a place to learn and discover new things. It should not be a place for competitions that may affect the well-being of the student inside and outside the school premises. A school is a place to earn new friends that might last a lifetime and it shouldn't be a place for rivalry."I think some people are cursing us on their minds," Kelly whi
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) THIRTY FOUR
CELESTEI sipped on my milk while staring out of nowhere, trying to think if we are really ready for the challenge."Earth to Celeste! Hey!" I blinked a few times and looked at Kelly confusedly."Yes?""You're sulking. What's the matter?" she asked."I'm just... You know, nervous I guess?"She chuckled. "Oh come on! Ikaw pa, kakabahan? You're the smartest out of all of us.""You're bluffing again," I retorted and sipped on my milk again."The line up is already decided, right?" Ashanti asked while drinking her iced coffee.I nodded. "Are you confident?""Of course, I am. History is a piece of cake," she answered."You're lucky," Kelly said
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) THIRTY THREE
CELESTE"Are you really fine?"I sighed for the umpteenth before looking at Kelly. "I'm already said that I am fine, right?""I didn't know that she's hurting you." Umangkla siya sa braso ko at isinandal ang kaniyang ulo sa aking balikat.Napailing naman ako. "That rarely happens. Don't worry.""But still..."I sighed and gave her a lop-sided smile. "Don't pity me."She pouted. "It's not that I pity you. I'm just worried," giit niya."You don't have to.""Anong kadramahan 'to?" tanong ni Clio pagkababa sa kotse nila."Just Kelly acting like a baby," sagot ko."Bakit hindi pa kayo pumapasok sa loob?" Clio asked and raked her fingers through her hair. Nagf-fade na rin ang buhok niya na kulay pink kaparehas ng kay Jarvis."We are waiting for you and Ashanti to come," Kelly answered."Yeah, she insisted na sabay-sabay dapat tayo," dugtong ko.Maloko namang ngumiti si Clio. "Sweet niyo naman!"Napailing ako kasabay ng marahang pagtawa. Maya-maya pa ay dumating na rin si Ashanti na prenteng
Aim for Rank Five (Tagalog) THIRTY TWO
CELESTE"Are you sure that this plan would work, Celeste?" I sighed and looked at Kelly once again. "You know what, if you don't trust me, then you can leave," iritable kong sabi.She pouted before highlighting her notes once again. Of course, she won't leave. This is our only chance to claim our spot from those traitors."I am supposed to go London right now," Kelly uttered."Walang holiday pagdating sa pag-aaral, Kelly.""Ugh! This is so irritating na. For sure, nagsasaya na sina Kenley kasama sina Mommy at Daddy sa London tapos ako, nandito sa Pilipinas at nag-aaral," reklamo niya."Kelly, we need to do this. Gusto mo bang bawiin ang puwesto mo o hindi?" Ashanti told Kelly."At isa pa, puwede ka namang pumunta sa London anytime. Those leisure activities can wait," segunda naman ni Clio.
