Our class advisor Ms. Garcin made a surprise announcement the following week. "We are sending a representative to the February Mr. and Ms. Junior/Senior Valentines pageant. I did a quick survey amongst you and other students and teachers to see who has the most number of possible votes. And I got the name of their favorite student." We waited with bated breath she made the announcement. She was smiling at us as she looked around. "Mr. Lance Javier, we would be honored if you will represent Class III-1. I am not going to be happy if you decline, of course," she said grinning while putting on her intimidating stance. I clapped my hand on my mouth and quickly glanced at Lance. He was sitting there, looking totally dumbfounded. My classmates cheered and clapped their hands. Jon and Ira were loudly cheering and jeering at the same time. Noah was shrieking, and totally drowning the others. Archer tapped Lance's shoulder, saying "You go, Mr. Heartthrob. Time to shine." Lance looked like he
The largely girl-dominated population of school resoundingly cheered on the male candidates for the upcoming Mr. and Ms. Junior/Senior Valentines pageant especially when Lance and Alfred were introduced. The boys were quiet and glowered at the candidates. The girls were all noisily calling out the names of the two and the host of the introduction program in our assembly had to yell in her bid to shush the excited students. The rest of the candidates were like backdrops for the two. Lance was wearing an immaculate white long-sleeved polo tucked in light brown pants, while Alfred donned a black, long-sleeved polo tucked in black pants. The contrasting look of the top two candidates only heightened the delirium of the girl students. I was the one behind it as I knew beforehand what Alfred would be wearing and I instructed Lance to wear the exact opposite. I was grinning like mad as I saw the effect of their complementing looks. I also assigned Ira to take pictures using his own camera.
Alfred and I were dining at his favorite Italian restaurant when he broached Val and Charm. "How long have you been friends with them? And how come they are not in your class?" I explained our story and why they were not in my class. He just nodded, then said, "Why don't you bring Charm to our date next Saturday? It might be nice to have her so I can get to know her. I will bring Albert with me. He asked about her. He seems interested." I was a bit surprised by his suggestion. He told me he did not really like double dates. "I have to ask her first. I am not sure if she is interested in your friend. I'll get back to you." He smiled at me, "Make her come. Come on, babe. Use your power of persuasion. Albert will be so happy." I made a mental note to call her up as soon as I get home. "Charm, can you do me that just one tiny favor, please? You don't have to like the guy. Just come with me on Saturday." Charm said no the first time, but she sounded as though a bit interest
As expected, the next two weeks were a flurry of the mad, exhausting pursuit to the finish line. Alfred and I barely managed to see each other, except when he drops by my room or during quick lunch breaks. He apologized for what happened that weekend, and he sounded so remorseful I had to forgive him. Charm came up to me to make amends as she was very bothered by what happened. I had to assure her that everything's fine. We focused more on our projects and campaign. It was a tight race between Alfred and Lance until Alfred revealed his last card in the final week of the campaign. I should have known he was holding on to something. Alfred and his classmates set up a booth just near the stage area one afternoon, and they put up his posters and banners showcasing his print ads and previous competitions won. Not only that, but he also brought in his fellow models to stand and invite students to buy ballots. The students literally fell to the wiles of both male and fe
Alfred and I were sitting at the cafeteria, drinking soda. He was so cool, vibrant, and as usual, babbling non-stop about his victory. "I went to my father's company yesterday and he told his friends to buy the remaining ballots from me. My mom also bought the other batch. I just came back to school today and almost missed that final counting. Good thing my adviser called up the house to remind me." I congratulated him after the furor died down. He was able to approach me after extracting himself from the adoring crowd in the faculty area. He won by a mile over his nearest competitor. I just listened to him, waiting for the chance to ask him what happened in the nearly 5 days he was away. Students kept coming to him, congratulating him over the victory that it would be impossible to talk over something so serious. Soon, the school bell rang to signal the start of the next classes. I stood up and waited for him. He was still chatting with some of his classmates. He waved at them then
"May we now request our newly-crowned Mr. Valentines, Alfred Umali, and his court, to choose the special ladies they will be dancing with," the host announced loudly. The crowd cheered and the girls were all clapping and tittering noisily in anticipation. Alfred went to the center of the stage, bowed, and smiled at the audience. He looked so handsome as he went down to the dancefloor and started surveying the crowd. My classmates were all hooting, while Noah and Izzie were cheering and waving at him. They also called out my name to catch his attention. However, he did not seem to hear nor listen to them. He kept looking around as the spotlight followed him. The other winners waited on stage as the song "King and Queen of Hearts" started playing. All eyes were on Alfred as he sauntered confidently towards the Junior classes. Surprisingly, Alfred walked past our section and stopped at a table occupied by Section III-2 students. He then smiled widely and offered his hand to someo
I stayed in bed the whole morning of Sunday. I did not want to take calls (I asked Mica to handle them for me). Just after lunch, Becky came up, took a quick look at me curled up in bed, then dragged me downstairs. "At least eat something. We'll go out after this and hear mass. I also have to get my haircut. Bree and Mica will also come with us," she announced. I ate sparingly, took a bath, and went out with my sisters. We went to mass, then proceeded to our neighborhood salon. Mica and Bree both opted for a manicure, while Becky talked to the hairstylist and instructed him to cut and style my hair. I just let her decide, although I requested that I get the best cut and style to make me look decent. It was a quiet afternoon for us, and I relaxed on the chair while watching him trim my hair. I realized that this was a rare bonding moment for us sisters. On weekends, the three would usually go out with their friends while I stayed at home with Nanay. The stylist buckled down to
I was rushing back to our room after dropping by the Faculty Room. As I make a mad dash up the stairs, I almost bumped into Albert. He immediately clutched my hand to prevent me from losing my balance. "Watch out! You could have fallen down the stairs," he told me. I was breathless from running and mumbled, "Oh, I am sorry. I'm running late." Suddenly Alfred popped out from behind him, and said, "Hi, Nia." I was stunned and could not speak. I forgot my resolve and turned my back, pointedly ignoring him. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to him. Albert muttered to him, "Hey, Brod. You're hurting her." Alfred did not answer him but whispered to me, "We need to talk." I tried to break free however, he was holding on to me too tightly. "I will not let go unless you promise you'd talk to me," he said. I glowered at him and snapped back, "We have nothing to talk about. You're hurting me. Let me go." Alfred did not budge and we continued glaring at each other. Albert was trying to pul
The weeks that followed were dedicated to doing all schoolwork and extra-curricular activities until March. Not to mention the preparations for the Finals. I went on with my school life like before, having lunch at the cafeteria with my classmates, visiting Val in the afternoon, and hanging out with Lance in malls and their store during weekends. It was really difficult seeing Charm and Alfred together at first. But with the support of my best buddies Lance, Izzie, Noah, Val, and the rest, I was able to look the other way. Even Albert, Tina, and some of their classmates would greet me whenever they see me at school.We had an assembly on Thursday morning conducted by the principal and some select Faculty members. They announced the honor students of the lower years and special awardees. One Freshman copped all the honors and special awards that morning, an announcement that drew our attention. Theo was a gangly, very fair boy with an intelligent expression on his face.