CHAPTER 1

After pulling an all-nighter, my body surrendered on its own and I fell asleep for about two hours or less. There is no time and freedom to be happy for college students in fourth year level. This is the phase that feels most exhausting and draining. Studying was supposed to be learning, but it turns out to be a survival phase to find the key that will open the door to the next level. This stage is a mere lesson, a test to guide people of what's right and what's not to ready each one for the real world that's about to welcome the fortunate ones who would succeed in opening the door.

Today is our wash day so I paired my black flared pants with a white-collar pleated tank top and blush pink cardigan before wearing my white platform sneakers. Once satisfied with my look, I grabbed my white leather tote bag and scanned if I have everything I need today.

It was quarter to seven o'clock when I arrived at Casa Estrella University and my class will start at exactly seven o'clock. Since I still have fifteen minutes, I walked straight to the school cafeteria to grab a cup of energy booster.

"Isa nga po nitong Nescafe original," I requested from the seller. "15 pesos po."

Iniabot ko sa nagtitinda ang bayad ko bago sinilip ulit ang laman ng bag para makasiguro kung wala ba akong naiwanan kahit isa sa condominium dahil kung mayroon ay kailangan ko pang bumalik. Mabuti na lang at kumpleto ang mga gamit na dala ko. Nang makuha ko na ang biniling kape ay dumiretso na ako sa classroom at sumalubong sa'kin si Naiah na halatang kararating lang din dahil kalalapag lang nito ng bitbit niya'ng bag at inilalabas pa ang portfolio case.

"I can't believe we're almost graduating," She expressed her thoughts. "What are your plans after graduation, Celeste?"

I dropped my bag on the sketch table before sitting on the stool chair and sipped on my cup of coffee. My eyes stopped examining my portfolio of designs and layouts before they turned to her direction. I paused for a second, thinking if I have an existing plan.

"I might go back to San Vicente," I shrugged. "Or I might already take our licensure examination."

That was unplanned, I still have no conrete plans in mind. If I were to go back in San Vicente, I am bringing a game to myself which I know I would just lose without even playing. But if I were to take the ALE on the other hand, I doubt that I could already afford to enroll in a review center.

"Talaga? Sabay tayong magtake ng ALE, ha!" She stated while pulling her stool chair to sit beside me. "Gosh! Terror nga pala ang prof natin ngayon. I should call Hailey."

She dialed her number that only took three rings when the door made a sound, and it shut open. Iniluwa ng pintuan si Hailey na hinihingal at inaayos ang suot na white corset top. She waved her hands and smiled when her eyes found us.

"I'm not late," She blew her lips to get a ball of air. "Wala pa si Mrs. Monstervero."

"Where did you get that name?" I raised a brow and smirked while Naiah couldn't stop laughing.

Hawak pa nito ang tiyan niya habang hindi makatigil sa pagtawa at maluha-luha pang naghahabol ng hangin. I doubt that there's anyone in our class who like Mrs. Montevero. She's overly inconsiderate always and wouldn't hesitate to throw our papers in the trash bin if it doesn't suit her style. One mistake, all the sleepless and restless hours will be wasted. Inconsiderate for a professor of Architectural Design 7 subject. A monster, indeed.

It was seven o'clock when the professor entered the drawing studio and took the project she assigned to us last week. The rejected portfolio cases outnumbered the approved designs and layouts. Mas lalong nangibabaw ang kaba ko nang marinig ko ang mahihinang reklamo ng iba, may iilan din na naluluhang ibinalik sa case ang portfolio nila.

When it was my project's turn to be examined, I held my breath and bit my lower lip, silently praying in my mind. This project was given to students one week before the submission because it is the shortest possible time to finish it. If a portfolio is rejected, she would give a two days grace period for the students to redo their project which is inadequate for complete revisions.

Nakahinga lang ako nang maluwag nang magsalita si Mrs. Montevero. She approved my portfolio and reminded me about the upcoming event that will be handled by the MALAYA. It is a prestigious internal organization exclusively composed of selected Architecture students from Casa Estrella University.

Casa Estrella University. A name that rolls off the tongue like silk. Graceful, expensive, and untouchable. Nestled in the heart of Vigan City, it was less of a school and more of a kingdom, reserved for those born into wealth, power, and bloodlines that opened doors I couldn't even knock on. Its gates only open in two ways. One paved in money, the other in brilliance. I didn't grow up with heirloom jewelry or private drivers waiting outside. My world was quieter, and smaller. Widely opposite from my mind.

I walked through those gates not in heels that cost a fortune, but with my head held high and a scholarship that reminded me every day how my world differs from theirs.

My hand lifted to take a coffee from the machine that sits against the wall in the cafeteria. It is the last can, and the others left were either juice or flavored milks. It wasn't long enough since I had my coffee this morning, but melatonin is overdosing on my brain at this point. I was about to press number three when another finger pointed in the same button.

My forehead ceased and without looking at the owner of that finger, I adjusted mine. Kaliwa. Kanan. Taas. Baba. Ilang beses gumalaw ang daliri ko, sinusubukan kong lumusot sa daliri niya ngunit sumunod ang kaniya sa'kin. Ilang minuto ang lumipas, wala sa'min ang nagpatalo sa paghahanap ng butas para makauna sa pagpindot sa number ng kape.

My finger grew exhausted, and melatonin began to feed on my brain so I surrendered.

Nangalay na ako sa kakagalaw ng daliri ko pakaliwa, kanan, taas, baba. Lumipad ang palad ko sa daliri niya para matinag siya.

"What the fu----," A man complained. "Bakit ka nanghampas?" He was calm, but his tone screams madness, but I am also fuming mad.

I shut my eyes close to compose myself before turning to him. A man in his dark gray slacks and white short-sleeved dress shirt welcomed my vision.

My eyebrow shot up, sarcastically looking at the man standing in front of the vending machine.

"Look, Señor. I need this more than you. I pulled an all-nighter designing a wellness center with zero wellness left in me." I argued that sharpened his eyes on me.

"Pardon?" He uttered, ready for rebuttal. "I studied 36 bones in the human foot and forgot how to use mine. Give me the caffeine before I code blue."

"I assume you forgot to use your head, not your foot." I glared at him. "I don't have time to argue with you. May tindahan, bumili ka." Madiin kong itinuro ang pinto ng cafeteria na nasa tabi lang nitong vending machine.

Frustration grew on his face, so I sarcastically smiled, but it did not last long when his eyes scanned me from head to toe until they went back to my chest part. A smirk appeared on his lips. Mas lalo akong nainis sa ginawa niya. Kunot-noong bumaba din ang mga mata ko sa tinitignan niya at bumilog ang mga mata ko. Mabilis na lumipad ang mga braso ko sa dibdib ko upang takpan ito.

"You're a fucking pervert!" I shrieked. "I will report you to the----," I couldn't finish my complaints when his laugh echoed in the hallway.

"Wait, what am I?" He asked, trying to suspend his laugh. "Miss, I wasn't looking at your---," He paused and took one last look on my chest before pinning his eyes on mine. "There was actually nothing to see. Nice ID lace, Architect."