Chapter VI: Confusion, Assumptions

Val approached me at the cafeteria and pulled me out of line. “Hey! I was almost near the food display!”I nearly screamed at him. Val ignored my protestations and whispered, “Have you seen our dear old friend Charm?” 

“Not really, she bolted out of the room as soon as the bell rang.”

“And you did not bother following her?”

“Why should I? Maybe she’s going to meet someone.  And I need to buy snacks. I’m starving.”

Val rolled his eyes and said, “That intense girl whats-her-name from Section 3 and her gang followed her to the restroom and I heard a screaming match!”

I gaped at him, “Really? I didn’t know. Let’s go find her.”  We rushed out of the cafeteria and went back inside the building.  We went straight to the lady's room. However, it was empty. We saw Raoul and Enzo coming back from the cafeteria. “Hey there. Have you seen Charm?”, I asked.  Raoul nodded and pointed towards our room. “She was there earlier.” Val and I quickly went inside and saw Charm. She was seated in our row and totally looked so undisturbed.  We went up to her. 

“Hey, Charm. Where have you been?”  She looked up to us, with her usual intense, questioning look. “I just went to the restroom then returned. Where were you two? I looked for you.”

Val whispered, “Did you fight with that girl from Section 3? I heard someone screaming in the restroom earlier. “  

“Oh yeah. That girl, Rowena. I think she got mad at me.” She returned to reading her notes.

“Why? And you looked so unconcerned.” I smirked.

“It’s her problem. She broke up with her boyfriend and she blamed me. I don’t even go out with that guy anymore.” I sat down and turned to face her.  “Can I ask you something? And promise you won’t be mad at me.” She continued reading but said, “OK, what is it?”

“Do you always go out with boys who already have girlfriends? I mean, for me, that would already eliminate that boy from my selection, right?”  

“I do not care if he has a girlfriend or not, as long as I like him. As simple as that. Did I answer your question?” I kept quiet and just looked at Val. He shrugged and went back to his seat.

We were going towards the jeepney stop when Charm took my arm and said, “Come with me. Let’s go to my house.” We boarded a jeepney going to Horizon Street. After 15 minutes, we arrived at our destination.  She pointed to me her house: a row of the gray-colored apartment across the road. “Is that your house?” She nodded then said “We are renting a unit. Come.” So I followed her.  It was a very cozy house, with 3 bedrooms upstairs.  She quickly introduced me to their helper and her brother Gio who also goes to our school. Then we went to her bedroom. It was a nice one: small, painted in light yellow, and just right for us to hang out with.  She quickly changed her clothes then shouted at their helper, “Is there food already?”  The helper shouted back, “Almost done! Get down here in 5 minutes!”.  I looked around and there were so many picture frames surrounding her small table and cabinet. I pointed at one. “Are those your parents?”  She took it and replied, “Yes. My father died when I was only 10. My mom is working right now. She’s managing our store.” Then we went down to their kitchen to have late lunch.  We had steamed rice, fish, and vegetable stew. I thanked her helper before eating. “What time does your mom come home?” “Oh, sometimes past 7:00 p.m. She had to stay until closing time. How about you? Does your mom work?” I nodded, then said, “My Dad also died a long time ago. I was only three. My Nanay had to work in his former company to take care of us.” Charm smiled. “So that’s why I was so drawn to you. We have almost the same history.” I drank a glass of water, then said “I think so. But you seemed more confident, more mature than I am. I still feel as though I’m only 10. My brothers and sisters treat me like a kid and keep ordering me around.” 

“That’s because I am the eldest here, and I have two siblings. While you are the youngest in your family.  I need to act older because I have to look after those two brats.``

We sat down in their living room and chatted about the girls who confronted her earlier. She just smirked and said, “I really don’t know her problem. I stopped seeing her boyfriend last month. He’s pretty boring and I met a lot of boys after that, so I was not interested anymore.”

“Maybe she really got hurt. I am not sure why these girls get to be so serious with boys. Hey, we are only 14. As if her boyfriend was the only guy on earth,” I sniffed. I looked at her then said, “Does it thrill you to take away the boy from his girlfriend?” Charm glared at me, “Not sure. I told you if I like the boy then I will do my best to get his attention. I don’t really care if he has a girlfriend or not.  I was always like that. And well, I didn’t take him away this time. I actually dropped him like a hot potato. He was really boring. Not even on the same caliber as Archer, or Jon. Or Lance.” She looked at me when she mentioned Lance’s name. I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Nothing. I was just comparing that boy with our good-looking classmates. If I am going out again with someone, I hope that person is on the same level as those boys I mentioned.”

I put down my feet and said carefully, “I really like those bubbly boys. I am not sure if I would like for you to flirt with them. There are other fish in the ocean. Like those boys who watched you during our games.”  Charm was silent for a while, then said “I was just comparing. Maybe you think too much, especially about Lance. I saw him earlier, by the way. He was talking to that girl, Belinda-whats-her-name.  That girl from Section 4.  I do think they were an item.” She winked at me.  I frowned. “Maybe. He hasn’t told me anything about that, yet. Anyways, that's his personal business. I have nothing to do with it.” I felt piqued but decided to just stand up and pick up my bag. “I am going now. Remember we have a long quiz tomorrow. Thanks for the meal.” She stood up too and said, “I’ll take you to the jeepney stop.”  She walked with me then left as soon as I boarded the jeepney.  I was thoughtful on the way home. ‘So Lance is really seeing that girl. Maybe that’s the reason why he has not been able to go home with me this week. Or even ride with me to school.’ I felt irritated with the thought so I brushed it off, and put out my notebook to read some notes. Soon, I arrived home. I went straight to my room and did not leave it until dinnertime.

I was up very early the next day. I wanted to come in early so I can still review before the start of our class. I ran to the jeepney stop and immediately boarded the first one to arrive.  I whipped out my notebook and started reviewing.  The jeepney had very few passengers as it was really early. I was so focused on my reading I did not notice someone coming in and taking the seat beside me. The new passenger said, “Here’s our fare, please. For two.” I recognized the voice, then turned to look at him. It was Lance. He smiled and said, “You looked so focused, so I did not greet you anymore.” I was taken aback but quickly recovered. “You startled me. So why are you paying for two? Is someone with you?” I looked around, half-expecting Belinda to be there as well. He laughed. “It’s for us, dummy. I know you have not yet paid the fare.” I frowned then said, “How did you know?” He shrugged his shoulders and said, “I just know.”  We were quiet after that. I kept thinking of what Charm said. I suddenly felt shy in asking Lance about Belinda. He usually starts the conversation, so I would not want him to think I was interested in his love affair.  

Soon, the jeepney reached our destination and we got off in front of our school. We walked towards our section. We have not really talked much and I continued reading my notes. I quickly went to the group of Izzie and left Lance.  I was afraid Charm or Belinda would see us again. Lance went to join the bubbly boys. There is no flag ceremony, so we all proceeded to our classroom. I quickly sat down and prepared for the test. I can feel Charm and Val looking at me but I pointedly ignored them. I was really getting so irritated with the way they took in my closeness with Lance. I like joining the boys’ conversations especially around sports or any fun stuff. I don’t mind their rowdiness, but I feel uncomfortable once they assume something else.

Recess. Our teacher asked me to bring our test papers to the Faculty room so I got delayed in joining Val and Charm. I proceeded to the cafeteria and saw the two loudly conversing with some of our classmates. I saw the bubbly boys at the corner table. Just then, Belinda came in with her friends. I looked furtively for Lance and saw him with Archer, Jon, and Ira at the same table as Charm, Val, Izzie, Noah, and the other girls.  I grabbed my cookie and coke and went to them. The table was really full, but Lance got up and pointed out the chair for me. I asked, “Are you done?” He nodded, then looked around. I took his seat and ate. I thought he would leave to talk to Belinda, but soon enough, he came back, a chair in tow. He placed the chair beside me, then sat down. I saw Charm and Val exchange looks. I ignored them and drank my coke. I stole a glance at Belinda and her group. She had her back turned, so I only managed to look at some of her friends. At least some of them were staring at us. I looked back at Charm and Val. Charm had on her deadpan expression, but Val was glowing. I managed to sneak a quick frown at them, then listened to their conversation.  They were planning to have a class film-watching on Friday, and they were all excited. They were trying to decide which movie to watch, and where to eat. Lance stayed with us and even laughed loudly at the friendly banter with the other bubbly boys. Of course, Noah was louder than most. “I vote for Sharon Cuneta’s To Love Again movie!”, he shrieked. The boys groaned.  Noah and Val continued loudly bickering over what movie to watch. Jon could not take it anymore, stood up and declared “You watch that movie! I’m out of here!” he stepped out of the cafeteria. Archer and Ira were rolling with laugher. 

“Can we just take a vote?” I asked. I wanted it over and done with. 

“I declare To Love Again as the runaway winner!” Noah screamed with finality. Everyone stood up, then  Charm said, “Ok, you go and watch that alone. Just shut up, you diehard Sharon Cuneta fan!” Everyone laughed while leaving the cafeteria.  I saw Belinda turning around to look at us. Lance did not stop nor look at her. He walked beside me. Val intentionally pushed me, which made me bump into Lance. Val said, “Excuse me.” He smiled so sweetly at Lance. Then went ahead to walk arm in arm with  Charm. The two exaggeratedly sashayed ahead of Lance and me. I wanted to put my leg out and trip them.

“Hey, Lance. Did you see Belinda there?”I asked to divert his attention.

“Yes.” He looked at me questioningly. “Why?”

“Nothing, they were looking at us earlier. It was uncomfortable, really.”

He laughed, “Why are you uncomfortable?”

“Forget it.” I walked quickly and went inside our room. I turned to look back at Lance, but he was nowhere. Good. He can also at times make me feel awkward. Charm and Val were there, clearly waiting for me. Val tugged at my sleeve. “So, what did you and Lance talk about?”

“Nothing much. I asked if he saw that girl Belinda.”

“And…” Both Val and Charm were wide-eyed.

“He said yes, he saw her.  That’s it.” I opened my notebook and ignored them. But Charm asked, “So what did you do?” 

“Nothing. What would I do? What do you mean?” I was becoming confused. Val snickered.

“Are you daft? Or thick? Belinda has been chasing our boy Lance for weeks now.”

“What do you mean by her chasing? Did Lance do something to her?” Charm giggled.

“Nothing, that’s it. Lance did not do anything to her, he does not pay any attention to anyone else except for quick hellos. He clearly prefers being with you. You stupid, clueless girl.” Val became so fluttery at this.

“Hush, they might hear you. I don’t like it when people assume something about me. Or Lance. We’re friends and that’s it. Please don’t make a big deal out of it. Lance might get embarrassed or something. Maybe he likes someone else and that’s why he ignored her.”  I’m beginning to get frustrated with these two. I saw Lance coming in and I quickly went back to my chair. I hoped he did not hear anything, as Val’s voice can be loud.  He went back to his seat and chatted with the bubbly boys. I heard them setting up their own meeting after class to buy materials for their HE project.  Hearing that, I assume I can go home alone and be at peace. I can feel the beginning of my migraine. I ignored Val and Charm and went back to reading my book.