After the gruelling quarter examinations, we hung around the hallway while trying to decide which movie to watch. Noah was again promoting his favorite movie and trying to sway the majority. I was engrossed reading the latest post on the bulletin board when our History teacher came out of another room and saw me. "Ms. Zamora, please help me bring these papers to the Faculty room." I quickly glanced around and saw most of my male classmates disappeared. Even Lance, Archer, and Jon were not around. I had to bring all the papers and accompanied her to the Faculty lounge. She was very appreciative and even congratulated me on winning Team I.Q. Competition the previous month. She even complimented me on my Historical Essay on the Battle of Tirad Pass. I was thinking I might have been left behind by my classmates. I sighed inwardly, waiting for Ma'am Garcia to dismiss me. As soon as I got her go-signal, I walked out in haste and bumped into another student. "Uuppss, I am so sorry." As I s

The bell rang, jolting me back to consciousness. I was a nervous wreck as I tried to pack my bag and get ready for a lunch break. I quickly whipped out my pocket mirror and checked my reflection. Good thing I still looked nice. I decided to tie up my hair to my usual ponytail. Izzie and Noah already went down and I stood up and went to the window to check the people going to the cafeteria. I groaned. It's like everyone in the building decided to go there for lunch.  "Hey, are you coming?," Lance asked from the door. I took a deep breath then turned to face him. "Yes, I am."  We walked down the stairs. I was thinking of how to tell him that I have a lunch date and it's with someone else. I quickly scanned the groups of students going down the stairwell and into the lobby. There's no sign of Alfred. I was thinking, 'He might back off. There are just too many students in the cafeteria and it will not be a good thing for us to have our lunch together.' I sighed in disappointme

The following week, our class held our Christmas Party. We had a grand time exchanging gifts. I gave some to my friends and hurriedly moved to Charm's room. I saw her inside chatting noisily with her classmates. I caught her eye and she met me at the door. "Merry Christmas!" I said and gave her my present. She hugged me, and whispered, "Same to you, my best friend." That was how we patched up our differences. She asked me to call her up that night before I went back to our room. Our groups were planning to go to Holiday Plaza, so we quickly gathered our stuff. I did not see Val, Alfred, or his group anywhere. I guess they're all busy with their own last-day of school jaunts. Suddenly, Tina and her friends crowded the door and asked for Lance. I saw Lance's face turned red, but he stood up and approached her. Her friends were tittering loudly as Tina gave a package to Lance. The bubbly boys were looking so amused and getting ready to roast Lance. Tina also slipped a letter to him bef

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

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