I. Cassidy

Wednesday

     I woke up all sweaty and warm with my hair almost strangling me. I reached for my phone to check my messages and the time; it was noon already. I’m not a sloth or anything; don’t get me wrong. I usually wake up early for school, but today was different because I’m suspended for talking back to a teacher. I DID wake up early today; it’s just that I have nothing to do but sulk and ended up falling asleep.

     I took a quick shower. My mind wandered as the cold water rinsed the soap and suds off my skin along with all my grogginess. I couldn’t help but think about all the schoolwork I missed because of my suspension. It’s part of the school rules that missed activities during suspensions automatically receive a failing score.

     It’s the last quarter of my junior high school life, and I got suspended. Way to close the school year, Cass. I guess there’s nothing I could do except to get over it. Yeah right, like I could get over my tarnished record. I’ve had a clean slate since kindergarten and it only takes one argument with a teacher to ruin everything. At this rate, I may have risked my chances of getting into my dream school for senior high. I’m ashamed of myself—scratch that… I hate myself.

     After my soul-shattering shower, I looked at myself through the mirror: what a pretty face; too pretty if I may add. Something just didn’t feel right. Looking at myself irritated me.

     Somehow, my final braincell managed to get a hold of a pair of scissors and chop a good length off of my hair. My eyes widened with shock, and my heart raced with dread. What did I just do? I messed up real big this time. Mother will strangle me for this. She’ll assume that I'm acting up, and she hates that. Everything must be according to plan: well-thought and flawless. That’s my mother for you.

     While I was dreading for my death sentence, a knock on my bedroom door startled me. Is mom home from work this early?! I panicked; I can’t let my mom see me right now. I grabbed a towel and quickly wrapped my hair with it. There was another set of knocks on the door followed by a voice, “It’s Val and Trish, open up.”

     Valerie and Patrice? I wondered why my friends suddenly showed up. It’s way too early for classes to have ended. If my suspicions are correct (which they probably are), they must have cut classes by climbing over the school walls AGAIN. I breathed a sigh of relief and opened the door. They were still wearing our school uniform: a white puff-sleeved blouse and a midi-length jumper skirt; it has a patch on the blouse’s collar which holds the logo of our school, St. Claire's Academy, a catholic school for girls. Yes. I study in a catholic school. Don’t judge our decisions, we’re teenagers.

     "We have good news, Cass! We have invites for a mixer. A lot of hunks and cuties will be there, and it's tonight! Get dressed; we're going!" Valerie practically shouted as she dove in my bed.

     "I can't go. Have you forgotten that I'm suspended? I'm practically on house arrest,” I answered, closing the door.

     “Well, I don’t see a warden,” teased Patrice.

     “I’m quite sure that this party will be full of more regrets in the near future. Must I really go?" I let out a sigh as I squeezed myself between Valerie and Patrice.

     "You must," Val answered. “First, this will be our last party together as junior high schoolers. We’ll be in different schools once we reach senior high school, remember? Second, Josh Lacanilao will be there! He’s like the hottest boy in that all-boys academy. Not to mention he’s the captain of the basketball team! He is waaaaay out of our league, so we decided that you have to charm him and make him yours. That IS your gift, right?"

     "I told you guys before, it’s not a gift; it’s a curse. Boys only like me for my charms and not my wits. It’s just so superficial. Anyway, I have no use for Lacanilao; besides, even if he’s my type, I heard he has a girlfriend," I disagreed.

     "Do you know who?" Patrice turned to me with a grin on her face.

     "Should I know?” I irked.

     "You should, cause it's Tracy," Valerie said, stressing on the name Tracy like there's a mystery. There is no mystery with Tracy Macasaquit. She's one of the most annoying flat-chested girls I have ever known in my life, and not to mention the captain of the pep squad who used to bully Val and Trish.

     "Well, now that I think about it, I guess I have nothing to lose. Just for tonight, I must put my decency on hold. It’s not everyday you get to go all-out and crush your nemesis,” I decided.

     “There’s only one problem,” I continued. I removed my towel to reveal my catastrophe of a hair. The two gasped in disgust.

     “What the hell have you done?!” exclaimed Val in between her cursing.

     “What’s done is done. Can’t you guys do something about it? For starters, maybe make the cut even?” I pleaded.

     “Wait. You said something earlier about going all-out. How serious are you about that?” Trish asked as she playfully scanned my hair with her fingers.

     “I guess a hundred percent?” I answered. Val and Trish shared this look and smiled.

     “No regrets?” they both asked.

     “No regrets…” I agreed, swallowing. My mom’s already mad at me so what the hell. No second was wasted; my two enthusiastic friends started clipping on my hair.

     “Ta-da!” the two said in unison as they turned my chair to face the mirror. My eyes couldn’t believe what they were seeing. I didn’t expect my two closest friends to cut my hair this short! I felt betrayed. At least they had the decency to leave me with side bangs. I stood up and walked closer to the mirror; it’s amazing how cutting your hair short changes your appearance drastically. Sure, it’s the same face, but somehow it seems like my reflection in the mirror is a completely different person.

     “Gorgeous, don’t you think?” Val complimented. I honestly couldn’t respond. For the first time in my life, I was speechless. All I could do was look at my friends with so much confusion.

     “Don’t give us that look. You’re even more beautiful! You’re just not used to having your hair this short, but trust us when we say you’re drop-dead gorgeous,” Trish pointed out. She’s right about one thing though, I am gonna drop dead as soon as my mother sees me.

     “No regreeeeets, remember?” Val and Trish reminded me. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and once again looked at myself in the mirror, trying to absorb my new look. It doesn’t look bad, although it needs some getting used to. No use in regretting; time to prepare for Tracy’s downfall.

     Having nothing else to lose, I texted my mom that the girls and I will be spending the night over at Valerie’s house to catch up with lessons and watch some chic flicks as a way of celebrating the last day of my suspension.

     My mom must have been in a very pleasant mood because she gave me permission without an argument despite having been angry at me just recently. Is this really my mom? I had to take advantage of this fortunate situation, so I sent her another text telling her that I was going for a haircut. I had my fingers crossed while waiting for her response. Please say yes. Please say yes. Moments later, I received her reply saying, “A change of hairdo wouldn’t be so bad, just don’t go bald.” YES! It feels like a thorn was pulled out of my chest. What a relief! LUCKY!

     We spent our afternoon getting ready until it was finally time to head to the party. Upon arriving, I recognised popular teenagers from different schools, but my predator eyes were busy looking for my target. I found her on the balcony talking to her basketball team captain of a boy-toy Joshua Lacanilao who I admit looked really hot, however not as hot as my burning passion to destroy the pep hag herself, figuratively or otherwise.

     "Cass, what's the plan?" Valerie whispered. I caught a glance of Lacanilao going in; I grinned and whispered back, "Ready or not, here I come."

     Valerie, Patrice, and I started strutting toward the hell hole where my darkness was bound to unfold. My two friends began to mingle and flirt with every hot guy in sight. Who would have imagined that these two were catholic schoolgirls? I can’t blame them; being in an all-girls academy makes some students desperate for male attention.

     On my way to the kitchen to get a drink, I saw Lacanilao getting himself a slice of pizza. Honestly speaking, he’s really good looking. He has a pair of deep-set eyes, a refined nose, pinkish plump lips, and a chiseled jawline. No sight of the witch, that’s my cue. I pretended to fiddle with my phone and proceeded to the kitchen isle where my target was casually eating his pizza.

     “Why is everything alcoholic?” I muttered to myself, trying to catch Joshua’s attention. I ran my fingers through my hair and let out a subtle sigh as I pretended to do something on my phone. I noticed Joshua staring at me with his jaw wide open. He was about to take a bite on his pizza, but the toppings slipped off and fell directly on his shirt.

     “Butterscotch!” he winced, trying to remove the pizza toppings from his shirt.

     “Butterscotch?” I asked with genuine curiosity.

     “Yeah. I think it means clumsy or something,” he explained, still removing the pizza toppings off of himself.

     “Don’t you mean butterfingers?” I corrected him.

     “Now that I think about it, you’re absolutely right! Sorry, I’m not really good with words. I bet you think I’m stupid or something,” he apologised as he tried his best to compose himself.

     “You missed a spot,” I put down my phone and took out a handkerchief to wipe the sauce off his shirt. “And I don’t think you’re stupid. In fact, I think it’s cute,” I added, trying to sound sincere.

     “You do? Thanks! That means a lot to me. Did you want a drink? Something non-alcoholic? I think I still have some juice box left in the fridge” the guy’s face practically lit up. He opened the refrigerator and took two juice boxes. He handed me one, and he opened the other for himself.

     “Thank you so much! Nice party, by the way,” I complimented him while leaning over the kitchen counter.

     "Thanks, but it's actually..." he caught a glance at me and was stunned. Who wouldn't be stunned if I stared at them the way I stared at him? I looked directly into his deep brown eyes, forcing my charms in my gaze.

     "It's not actually MY party. My varsity-mates though it’d be cool to end the school year with a bang. So, basically, it’s a team effort, I guess?” he continued, smiling and biting his lips. He's humble for a basketball star, how unique, annoying, and cute. I just smiled at him and agreed to everything he said. I know the feeling, here I am ending my school year with a bang, hopefully a huge bang on Tracy’s face.

     There was a short awkward silence between us; however, it wasn’t a completely bad thing because I could see Lacanilao blushing. He looked really shy and sensitive. It’s not everyday you get to meet an incredibly handsome guy with humility; almost all the guys I’ve met before are overbearing and full of themselves. Wait a second. I’m supposed to be charming him, not the other way around. I need to get my game on or else I wouldn’t fulfill my objective.

     “Wait a minute. You look really familiar. I know you from somewhere. Where have I seen you before?” he asked, breaking the silence. Can he be anymore cliche? If this is his way to pick up girls, I am so not falling for it.

     "Not during your games, I'm sure. I don't like sports,” I answered, insulting him indirectly. This is one of my greatest tactics. By undermining something a guy is passionate about, subconsciously, he'll look for a good comeback to impress me.

     "Me neither. I’d rather be an average student. I just had to uphold the Lacanilao legacy. My two older brothers are basketball superstars and I’m just trying to meet my family’s expectations,” he replied. Awwww… I can totally relate. There’s nothing harder than trying to meet your family’s expectations. Now I’m kinda feeling bad for him. Poor thing.

     "So, Mr not-so-into-sports basketball captain, where have you seen me exactly?” I replied, changing the subject.

     “Now that I think about it, you changed your hair, but I totally recall you. You’re part of the SCA’s drama club, aren’t you? Cassandra, is it?” he explained. It turns out he really does know me. How annoying! I thought it was just a pick-up line. I just have to go with it for now; then, I'll think of another way to turn the cards on him.

     "Actually, it's Cassidy not Cassandra, St. Claire’s Academy drama club president. Nice to meet your acquaintance, Mr?" I answered, pretending not to know him.

     "Oh, Joshua Lacanilao. Err... Joshua will do. Or, Josh. Call me whatever,” he chuckled.

     “So, Josh, how did you know I’m on the drama club?” I inquired.

     “My little sister is a freshman at you school, and she’s in the dance troupe. I've seen your performance when I visited to support my sister’s dance routine during a recital. Believe me, I’m very impressed with your acting; I know passion when I see one,” Josh explained. I can’t help but blush from his compliment. For the first time in forever, a boy admired me for my talent and not my appearance.

     “Thank you. I-I appreciate that,” I stuttered in gratitude. This is getting out of hand! He's supposed to be obnoxious and arrogant! Why is he so charming and different? I can't let my guard down.

     “By the way, what are you doing in a party like this Ms drama club president?" he asked.

     "I'm here to have some fun. Unfortunately, I haven't encountered anyone interesting this evening except for you," I'm trying my best to negate his charms with my own charm, I hope it works.

     "What do you find interesting about me Ms drama club president? Is it the way I smile like this? Or the way I dribble my ball? Wait, that sounded wrong," he laughed and started staring at me accompanied with that impish smile on his face.

     I'm starting to lose myself, or rather being myself, my vulnerable and weak self. I looked at his eyes and for the first time, I saw my reflection in the purest, most innocent way. Everything felt like a dream. His glances were piercing right through me. I never felt this delicate and fragile before. I can't stop staring at him: his sweet smile and his warm hazelnut eyes drilling through my heart, my soul.

     "I... I... I refuse to answer that question Mr. MVP. In fact, I want to take back what I said," I hesitated. Usually, this conversation goes the other way around during my past hunts. It's the first time a guy made me feel uncomfortable in a comforting way.

     "Too bad, captain. 'Coz I find you particularly interesting. Say, how about ditching this party and go somewhere else? We could shoot some hoops or something," he replied. It's adorable that he thinks shooting some hoops is interesting for a girl of my caliber, but infatuation aside, he just stole my line. My plans are going sideways. I have to abort mission.

     "Sorry hotshot. You're not gonna take me anywhere. I have no plans in playing ball in these heels. I have to go, and besides, I don't want your girlfriend getting jealous," I tried to sound as confident as I can, and I turned my back from the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on and started walking out.

     He chased after me and grabbed my hand saying, "Maybe not tonight, but I'm gonna find a way to sweep you off those high heels. And, for your info, I’m not dating anyone.”

     “Really? I saw you on the balcony earlier all cozy with a girl. I assumed that you two are together,” I told him.

     “You mean Tracy? Yeah, she hangs around me a lot, but there’s nothing between us. I just couldn’t bring myself to break her heart because she’s my coach’s daughter,” Josh explained.

     “That’s a relief, but I really must go,” I bid him goodbye, giving him a smile as I remove my hand from his; however, my smile slowly vanished when I saw Tracy going down the stairs with a distasteful frown on her face.

     I stepped out of the kitchen and quickly looked for Val and Trish all around the house. I found them, but I don’t want to ruin the fun they were obviously having. I had to leave this place, and it looks like I didn’t have any other choice but to walk home.

     Fortunately, it looks like my efforts weren’t completely wasted; seeing Tracy’s face curl up like a pug was priceless. Although, I must admit that Josh made me feel something that no guy has ever made me feel before: genuine. To think that I only came here for revenge on that breastless hag; who would have known I’d leave with such delight all because Joshua made feel special?

     It was a long way home, so I decided to remove my heels and walk barefoot. The concrete felt cold and rough on my feet; the street was lonely, and there I was, practically dragging myself home, one arm embracing my cold body, and the other carrying my heels.

     However I deny it, I felt things towards Josh that I know I shouldn't have. He was only supposed to be a mark to annoy Tracy, but if this goes on, I might be the one ending up with the broken heart. Getting to know Josh felt nice, but it made me feel confused inside. He’s messing up my principles big time.

     I breathed the cool midnight air and tried to clear my head. All I could do for now is escape once again from this reality and drown myself with music, so I took out my earbuds and reached in my purse shuffling for my phone. It took me a while until I realised that my phone's not in my bag. I must have left it on the counter when I wiped the sauce on Josh’s face.

     I don’t plan on returning to that place; maybe I'll just ask for a new phone from my dad. I wish Val and Trish would find it and recognise that it’s mine; however, it wouldn’t hurt if Josh finds it and return it to me personally. I could feel myself blush with the thought of seeing him again. Sigh… I’m not happy about this at all. It’s probably hormones or something; being head over heels for someone is nothing like me.

     As I was feeling sorry for myself in this solitary midnight, I was taken aback by a guy sitting on a bench alone and still. The lamp post was directly above him and all I can see is his figure and clothes. He wore a tattered grey hoodie and a white shirt inside. He had his head down, and upon closer look, I noticed that his shirt was stained with blood. I paused for a while. Is he dangerous? Or is he just drunk or high on something. I stepped out of the shadows to take a better look because if he is dead or injured, I might be of help, so I had to make sure. Wait a minute, he had blood on his hands, too; it can't be his because upon closer inspection, there were no visible injuries on him. Maybe he committed a crime and got his victim's blood on him.

     I swallowed and stepped back very slowly. He started moving; my body jerked, and I felt all the hairs in my body stand up. I was really scared that I lost grip on my heels. Upon hearing the noise that I just made, the scary hooded man put his head up. I stopped and this time I'm sweating. I didn't want to make any sound nor a sudden movement, I did not even blink. He looked at my direction, very slowly like a doll turning its head. He was wearing a white mask and was looking directly at my direction. His mask was completely frightening for it had a terrifying grin on it as if it took pleasure in killing. A chill ran down my spine. I wanted to run, but I couldn’t move my legs. It felt like the pavement started swallowing my feet. I was petrified that I couldn’t even gasp for air. Damn it! Move Cass! Come on!

     The masked man suddenly began standing up without averting his gaze. I tried to scream as loud as I can, but my jaw just trembled, and my voice failed me. What's happening?! I feel cold and I am literally shaking with fear. The man took a crooked step toward me. I couldn't step back nor escape; my eyes started to well up with tears. He took another step and shifted his weight to one side. My feet are still pinned to the ground, and this time, I’m weeping. He took another step and almost tripped. The hooded man draws closer and closer. I'm just frozen. God, I'm done for. He raised his hand and I saw that he was holding a peculiar-looking weapon. It was the same size as a knife, but the material was completely white and was filled with crystal-like thorns. Come to think of it, it resembled a rose stem without the leaves nor the rose. It was clear that he’ll use it to end me.

     My life flashed before my eyes. To my surprise, Joshua Lacanilao's smile kept me warm and gave me a bit of hope. All I could do was pray; pray for salvation. I didn’t want to die. As the masked, hooded man was about to lunge at me, I shut my eyes tight, waiting for a stab through my heart; instead, I felt someone grab me by the arm and pull me to an embrace. I opened my eyes and hoped deep inside to see Joshua, but the guy who saved me was a complete stranger.  He wore a black leather jacket and a black mask with a lifeless and intimidating expression. He had one arm wrapped around me and held a big sword with the other, stopping the hooded man’s attack. I wondered how he could wield that massive sword with just one arm; it sure wasn’t light weight, so it only meant one thing: this guy is incredibly strong.

     The man who just saved my life finally let me go; however, my legs were still paralyzed from the shock so I couldn’t help but fall to the ground. He then held his sword with both hands and forced the attacker away by pushing his great blade forward, making the foe stumble to the ground. My savior started walking toward the fallen attacker and raised his weapon overhead. That’s when I noticed that his sword was black similar to his mask; it shimmered and had intricate engravings on the blade itself. I wanted to stop the guy in the black leather jacket from killing the man in the grey hoodie, but something inside me was holding me back. I don’t understand; morally speaking, I shouldn’t just let this person get killed, but my heart was racing to see my attacker get what he deserved.

     A split second was not enough to contemplate things; in the end, I decided to be humane about the situation. I wanted to stop the killing but my body did not respond to my will at all. I’m grateful that someone saved me from a creep, but to witness my own savior brutally slay someone in cold blood is not in my bucket list. I couldn’t do anything but watch the guy in the leather jacket deliver his final judgment; however, to my surprise, he did something completely unexpected. He twisted his sword and let gravity do the rest, smacking the hooded guy’s mask with the sword’s face. The hooded man must have lost his consciousness and fell to the ground.

     I finally caught my breath; I rubbed my eyes. The man with the black leather jacket was standing victoriously over the motionless body of my attacker. Moments later, I noticed that my attacker’s body began crumbling like a sand sculpture. I tried rubbing my eyes again to make sure that my vision wasn’t deceiving me, but it was as it appeared to be: the hooded man crumbled into white sand. My savior caught a glance of me with my jaw wide open. I suddenly felt embarrassed sitting on the ground like that. When I looked up, his sword was gone, and he extended his hand to help me stand up.

     "Th-thank you.. Whoever you are," I said with my hands still trembling.

     "Stay away from the dark side,” he said, letting go of my hand. He turned his back on me and vanished into the darkness of the night.