20

If my course wasn’t really good here, I wouldn’t force myself to enter and struggle with the tuition of this school.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about and I’ve never admitted that I like Wilder.” I promised and turned them away.

Right when I looked, I saw Wilder walking towards my direction.

I immediately changed direction so as not to be the source of any scandal.

It’s been a few days since I was called by a girl whose name I don’t know and I have no intention of finding out.

I’m currently in the school park, where many couples are making out.

There are two benches per table here, opposite each other. So it fits four people, the table and seats are set up like friends.

There was no seat here except for one person so I sat down even though I was alone. I chose to sit at the very end near the shady tree.

I returned the escaped strand of my hair to the like ear. It’s windy today, unlike the previous days when the sky was dark and rain was coming. I looked down at the book in front of me.

I focused on studying because our mid terms are near. I’m currently in my second year of college and it’s hard to fail because I only have two more years to finish. After I study I will go straight to my work. My life became quiet again when I started avoiding Wilder, it was more correct.

It’s better to just focus on studying because if I don’t do that, I might be removed from the school’s scholarship. Even though I’m a scholar, I still have to pay for other activities at school and of course I’m also financially supported on a daily basis.

Even though mom sends me money, it’s not enough because things are so expensive now.

Mom is currently in Bicol where she will work, I am the only child but even so we are still struggling because the income from being a housekeeper is not that big.

I told mom for a long time to come with me here in Manila and find a job here, because she has fallen in love with the child she is taking care of more than her real son. I can’t blame him, because even though I was in Bicol then, we were still far from each other.

I don’t know my father, my mother never mentioned it. I still remember when I was a child.

“Mom, why don’t I have a father? Why is it only you? My other classmates have one.” I promise.

“Why does father need me when I’m here, son?” He answered me.

That’s the answer I always get every time I ask a question, so I better not ask again.

It is not clear why this happened to us, the only thing I can do is study hard. After I finish I will try to find my father.

The sunlight partially disappeared from my Book as if someone interrupted “Mind if I sit here?” I looked up.

A tall man appeared to me, I could see the blackness of his hair when the sun hit him, he had narrow eyes, a sharp nose, red thin lips, it was white compared to my color and had a good body.

Maybe it’s his third year or fourth because his face is not familiar to me.

“Ah, there’s still a seat on the other side.” I pointed to the other table that no one was occupying.

I don’t want to talk to anyone right now. Although he will just sit down, but it’s different when he does that.

“The sunlight here is nicer than the table there.” He said with a smile. His teeth are also beautiful, even, he looks like a toothpaste or toothbrush model because of that.

“Ah, it’s up to you.” It sat in front of me. His books were released.

I glanced at his books. Economics. Business and markets.

He must have noticed that I looked at his books.

“Business management. What about you?” He looked down at the book I was holding when I didn’t answer, he just nodded.

It’s obvious that I don’t want to talk to anyone so he won’t say a word again. An hour passed, I had to leave, I was going to work. I arranged my things, but before I could do that, someone stopped me.

“Wilder doesn’t like you, so Hades now? That’s a lot of confidence for a nerd like you.” This is the girl who hit me in the past.

“Hera.” The guy called at the back.

I don’t want trouble, so I’ll just leave here “Excuse me.” I said.

“No you’re not going anywhere, you know how long it has been with me! It seems like you’re targeting all the handsome and rich men?” It said contemptuously.

“I do not know what you’re saying.” I said, I kept trying to get out but they really blocked it.

“Hera. Stop it.” I feel the man standing behind me.

“No, Hades! Pretty girls should know just how far he goes.” With that she pushed that made me hit the table.

It got other people’s attention in the park. When the bell rings, the park is sure to be crowded with people who want to hang out.

I held my waist.

I hit the wooden table very painfully, even in the waist.

As a student passed by with a coffee in his hand, Hera took it and threw it at me.

I can feel the heat on my skin, because even though my clothes are thick, it’s hot. I cried out in pain and the man attended me. “Are you okay? Let’s go I’ll help you get changed.” It’s an offer.

“What is happening here?” A familiar voice answered.

“Im just teaching this need girl to know where she should step her foot, Wilder. Can’t you see even Hades flirting!” She screamed.

Hades grabbed my arm, pulling me to leave but not yet. We were far away when someone grabbed one of my arms.

“You’re not coming with her Fertine.” He removed Hades’ hand from my arm and pulled me away.