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
The school library in Trinity Institute had plenty of books, if you compare it to other schools. But for Dawn, their collection of novels can barely compare to her own collection back in her previous life. Although it also made sense that the school didn’t keep many novels since they wanted to focus more on informational books. Dawn had returned to school after having her lunch break. She didn’t stay in their classroom when she arrived on campus since it would be loud at this time with students playing around or using this time to chat with each other. At that moment, she was writing a chapter of her novel and used the library as her resource. She had skimmed through books that have topics such as medical, mystery, psychological, art, history and others.
She breathed a sigh of relief the moment he left the room. She realized that the previous girl was naive. She has been rejected by boys her age that when someone showed her a favorable response, she relished it, even if the other one is much older than her. Dawn was aware that age gap is not the issue, but that the other party is still a minor and was not completely capable of making the right decision as their worldview barely scratched the surface. The previous girl hadn’t thought about the consequences as of yet and only focused on the attention she was receiving, the thrill of being with an older man, her teacher at that. She didn’t think about what would happen if they took these little flirtations seriously and if it was found out. He would lose his job and they would both have ruined their reputation.
The gymnasium usually could accommodate all the students and teachers from all departments in Trinity Institute. At that moment they only occupied a small area with the students sitting on the bleachers and the teacher right in front of them. Elvera Dimayuga swept her gaze at the whole class. She looked down at her notes then lifted her head after a moment. “Today we will be doing Physical Fitness Tests. Go get in line, pair up, get a mat and a timer.” Elvera realized that the class may be an even number but counting the girls, they could each have a partner except for one, the same with the boys as well. Now, there’s a girl and a boy who didn’t have a partner. It was a choice between Valerie or Aria, Dawn decided that the two pair up instead. Neither of them wanted to
On the next day, Dawn arrived in Trinity Institute, early as usual. The campus was still free from noise. The workers were just finishing up watering the plants, sweeping the floors, wiping the windows and taking out trash. “You’re early again..” The security guard commented as soon as he saw her. He has been employed by the Institute for years now. He already knew her by name and face. She used to beg him to let her enter the campus even when she was already considered absent. He had to give her a firm no or else he would be fired for breaking the rules. But nowadays, with her coming to school early, he was impressed. ‘Maybe she finally tho
Valerie and Aria looked at Dawn with worry.Those people really were insensitive and bold to actually gossip about the person without caring if they were overheard. In fact it even seemed like they said it out loud on purpose.Dawn wasn’t surprised anymore that there were people who talked bad about her. Even if those were not her actions, she couldn’t help but be frustrated about it. She had thought about saying something back to them. But she knew she would lose the argument because even the girl’s memories confirmed their words.The only thing she could do is to be herself. She didn’t have to care about their opinions. She was confident that with time, they would realize that even someone like her could become a better version of themselves. If the
Chirp! Chirp!The sound of the birds greeted Dawn as she opened her eyes to the Saturday morning.It was slightly chilly as the morning air entered her room through the gaps of jalousie windows.She stretched out her limbs like a feline and climbed out of bed.She headed to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth, washing away the last bits of drowsiness.Opening her closet, she picked out a stretchy shirt and loose pants, changing into them. Tying her hair in a high ponytail, she left the house, closing the gate behind her.The sky hasn’t fully brightened yet. She took this chance
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