Some students were still scribbling on their paper while Marcelo Reyes went around the room, collecting the papers.
“I’ll give you five more minutes, turn in your paper by then. We’ll be electing our class officers, so start thinking about whether you’re interested in a position.”
He then wrote the word PRESIDENT on the board.
Since he didn’t have to do anything else other than wait for them all to turn in their papers, Marcelo Reyes sat down on his chair at the front.
He skimmed through their papers and stopped when his gaze landed on a familiar name but unfamiliar handwriting.
Dawn C. Salcedo
Keenan Alegre. Senior male student, candidate for valedictorian of their batch, most popular boy in the campus. ‘No, scratch that. HE IS THE MOST POPULAR BOY among students, teachers and parents who have school-age kids in the city. He was probably the ideal son any family could ever wish to have. It was said that he has been a consistent first honor student since the time he started to go to school. There was never a time when he was second. Always, his batch, he would have the best grades. Even if the top students from other schools would compare grades with them, he would still be the first. How would they beat a student who consistently scores a hundred every time? Try as the teacher may to take out a point, they would be haunted by their conscience since they know that they were already given the best answer. They couldn’t t
Within the city, her parents owned a couple of properties, one of them is in the downtown area. It was only a couple of blocks away from Trinity Institute. She could even walk all the way there but to save time and conserve energy, she would ride an auto rickshaw. The house located in their property was now where her sister’s family lived. During school days, she would stay there to have lunch so she didn’t have to travel all the way to their house in the suburbs as it would make her late for school. Her mother also thought it was better for her to have home made meals as it would be healthier. She would also be able to rest there before going to class in the afternoon. “How was your first day back at school?” Tara is Dawn’s second older sister
Dawn nodded after Bridget gave her spiel. She and Aria then left the room and went to the garden where her friends hang out. The students were busy going from one room to the next, others were just strolling around, picking up their friends. As they headed to the garden, they could hear people joing around, gossiping, playing pranks on each other or squealing when they see their crush. When they arrived, the others had already gathered as well. Aria had brought a guitar and lent it to Phoebe who was now having a music session with the others. She had also brought along a songbook with guitar chords. Phoebe was still learning how to play guitar so her strumming was off. "What about this one?" Annalise pointed at a song title.
A week has gone by since classes had officially begun. Students were now required to wear their school uniform; white polo and navy blue pants for the boys and white short sleeved blouse with navy blue bow and long pleated skirt for the girls. Dawn had already set a routine for herself on school days.On the day before, she would iron her uniforms and prepare her school bag. She would then wake up early to cook breakfast. Sometimes it would be a simple omelet and pancakes or toasted bread. If they have left over rice from the previous night, she would make fried rice out of it in the morning. Ever since Dawn started doing this, Anita had to wake up earlier as well since she didn’t want Dawn to be late for school. So she would help in chopping the ingredients. After a while, she learned how to make the omelet the way Dawn does it so from then, she would be making the omelet while Dawn makes t
Thinking about it, it was really odd for them to allow her to hang out with them. Especially Aria and Valerie, why would they be with a loser like Dawn? Valerie was good in sports, her grades were good as well and her siblings were two of the popular students in school. Aria was smart, talented and whom the teacher had high hopes on. But Dawn, there was nothing special about her. She was made a laughing stock every time she tries to confess to her crush and gets rejected. No talent, no financial backing, no beauty and definitely lacking brains. To be her friend is such a loss. “Good luck!” Jazmin pumped her fist, cheering her on. “You can do it, Dawn!” Valerie nodded at her. “Focus, Dawn, focus.” Ar
Evelyn Vargas scanned the room. She has been looking for potential writers for the school paper of which she was its moderator. She hoped that through this quiz she could find someone to recruit from this grade. But as she looked at the class’ faces, it was near impossible. The only ones who didn’t seem as nervous were those in the honor rolls. “Alright, class. Pay attention. Hand me the paper with the score of Fifty..” She called out, not really expecting anyone to get a perfect score. She was about to move on to the lower number when she heard some students fussing on the side. “Go.. give it to her!” “Huh? Ah! Oh..” He s
The garden in Trinity Institute was usually the most quiet spot in the campus as it’s next to the faculty room of the College Department instructors, the cashier’s office and the registrar’s office.They didn’t mind it if the students would chat or even play music, as long as they wouldn’t be disturbing the peace. Students who were unruly would be scolded instantly. That is why it is the area that is least frequented by students during recess. They would usually hang out in the cafeteria, gymnasium, hallways or in their classrooms. Because of this, Dawn and some of her friends would usually hang out in the garden to avoid classmates who would eavesdrop on their conversation or would involve them in their pranks.“What did Ma’am Vargas talk to y
The class went smoothly after that with the students afraid of triggering their teacher’s temper again.“Get a half sheet of paper, lengthwise.” Cyrus Montecillo instructed.Only the sound of their bags zipper and paper being cut in half filled the room. There were no whispers exchanged or any big movements made. Those who were asking for paper or pen were asking using hand gestures.Dawn’s brows knitted together, her lips pursed. She was worried for Valerie who hasn’t lifted her head since it happened. She turned to Aria, who was also looking at Valerie.“Number 1..” Cyrus started asking the questions, repeating it twice before moving to the next question. The ones in the h
In the La Cocina de Mamà restaurant, Dawn’s family and relatives gathered around. Aria and their other friends were also there–except for Alvin and his group. Keenan’s parents and uncle were also there, as well as Blake. They reserved half of the restaurant to host a party to send her off. This was also a birthday celebration for Dawn as she turned sixteen years old. “Everyone–thank you all for coming. Please enjoy tonight. And I hope that everyone will help me pray for my daughter’s safe travels and well-being abroad.” “Of course!” “Congrats again, Dawn!” “Visit us, okay? Don’t forget your friends here..”
Days turned to weeks.It was finally time for the teachers to submit their final grades after the final exam ended.Susana, the class adviser for Dawn’s class this school year waited in excitement.But when she saw the grades reported by Cyrus, she had to do double, triple checks.She couldn’t believe what she was seeing.It showed that Dawn had scored less than a hundred in some of her quizzes and exams.“Impossible.. Less than a hundred on the subject of History and of Religion?”If this was two years ago, she wou
Four boxes in different sizes. One contained a jewelry set of diamond necklace, earrings, bracelet and ring. Another box contained an iPod with songs already downloaded. Another box was an iPhone. Dawn could still not get over how she was holding two items that were already phased out back in her previous life. “Whoaaaa—These are all expensive!!!” Tara exclaimed. Dawn nodded. “I thought he’s only there to study..” “He took a part-time job..” Dawn smiled. “Whoa–he c
When Mallory announced this, Hugo panicked. “Wait–I promise I can do it..” He said to Mallory. “Practice your lines first.” Mallory sighed. “Okay. I will.” He nodded vigorously and went to the side to practice seriously. Jason heard what was said but still tried his best to deliver the lines. Dawn appreciated that Jason took it seriously, not wasting everyone’s time. Moments later, Hugo approached. “I’m ready, ma’am..” He said to Mallory. The latter thought it over
Dawn missed Keenan very much. She could only distract herself by preparing to apply for scholarships for College. She also wrote more books and consistently scored perfectly in all quizzes and exams. It was her way to not think about the time and distance away from Keenan. She had finally reunited with him but soon had to bid him farewell. She didn’t go with them to the airport to send him off since his parents would be going with him to help him get settled. Both of them knew that it would be hard to say goodbye, so they spent a whole day together and the next day, Keenan left with his parents. He only gave her a call thirty minutes before he boa
As the girls gathered around, the boys also had their own circle.Keenan beckoned to Blake.The latter had been eyeing Aria.“What’s up?” Blake asked him.They sat by the shore of the beach resort, a distance away from the others.“I should ask that.”“Eh?” Blake blinked up at him. “What do you mean?”“You and Aria–”Blake’s brows pulled together, he pursed his lips. “Aren’t you with Dawn?&rd
The High School students finally get to enjoy their summer vacation.Dawn and her friends have long planned to meet up during summer and go to the beach.Alvin and his friends joined the planning of course.Back then this was the same group who would make plans together for summer as well.But this time, there were additions to their group.Now, there’s Cierra who is Alvin’s girlfriend. And there’s Keenan and Blake too.They didn’t know that Blake would join them as well, and he also didn’t make such plans before. But when he came to visit Keenan in his house, that&rsq
After Alvin danced with Dawn, Hugo walked up to her and invited her to dance.She thanked Alvin and went to dance with Hugo.But like Alvin, their dance was not so romantic either.‘Why is Ma’am Susana the one choosing the songs?’ Hugo thought glumly.There really was no chance to act sweetly with Dawn with the choice of songs for this event.The song ended and Hugo had wanted to dance one more time especially when the romantic song finally came on.“Ahemm. Ahemm.. May I cut in? Dawn, can I have this dance?” Keenan interjected.
The gymnasium was decorated with clear balloons, flowers, draperies and lights. It was a theme of white and gold, and the venue looked luxurious.As the prom began after the regular classes of other students ended, everyone queued up, waiting to enter the gymnasium as the music played through the speakers.The students who had not gone home yet were now watching as their schoolmates entered the gates and queued up with their partners.“HAHAHA look at that! Is that dress for prom or for salsa dancing? Why is it so short?”“Where? Where?”“Over there!” The student pointed. “She’s wearing brown.. It had tassels a