41

“You know, if you weren’t so flirtatious, Fertine, everything would be okay! If you stayed in being an ugly nerd, Freeda wouldn’t be like that. I heard that she still hasn’t woken up.”

From the sweet angelic face of Masy it turned to a devil one which I believe is her real face.

He looked at me intently and his eyes were full of anger.

“Why do you even need to attract Wilder?! You’re too fat, Fertine, your face is too thick to step on this exclusive to spread kalandian and flatter you! Because of you, Wilder never noticed me! He’s always Fertine! Fertine! Fertine there Fertine here! What do you have and Wilder is crazy about you huh?! Did you bewitch him?? You’re not just a nerd, you’re a witch!”

“It’s not my fault Wilder doesn’t like you, Hera!” I promise I’m angry here.

As I walked through the crowded halls of our high school, I couldn’t help but notice the whispers and glances that followed the girl named Hera. She was known for her charm and popularity, but I had seen through her façade from the very beginning. Most people seemed to be shocked by her dual nature, the way she effortlessly switched between kindness and cruelty depending on who she was with. However, I was not one of them.

You see, I had learned early on in life that appearances can be deceiving. Growing up, I had encountered my fair share of people who wore masks, hiding their true intentions and feelings behind a carefully constructed façade. So, when I met Ava Hera, it didn’t take long for me to see through her act.

While others marveled at her ability to manipulate situations and people, I remained unfazed. I had learned to be cautious and observant, always looking for the subtle hints that revealed someone’s true character. It was evident that Ava was a master of manipulation, using her charm to win over people and gain their trust, only to exploit it for her own benefit later on.

But I refused to let her two-faced nature affect me. I knew that dwelling on her deceitfulness would only bring negativity into my life. Instead, I chose to focus on my own values and surround myself with genuine and authentic individuals. I understood that people like Ava existed in the world, and while their actions might cause harm to others, I refused to let them disrupt my own sense of peace and authenticity.

In a way, Ava behavior served as a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself. It reinforced the notion that integrity and honesty are qualities that should be cherished and upheld. So, while others were shocked and dismayed by her duplicity, I remained resolute in my belief that true character is not defined by a pretty face or charming words, but by consistent actions and genuine intentions.

As I watched Ava navigate her way through the intricate social web she had spun, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pity for her. I understood that her behavior stemmed from her own insecurities and fears, and it was a reflection of the inner turmoil she must be experiencing. While she may have chosen the path of deception and manipulation, I was determined to choose a different one – a path that led to authenticity, empathy, and true connections.

So, no, I wasn’t shocked by the two-faced nature of the girl I was dealing with. I had seen it before, and I knew that the only way to protect myself was to remain grounded in my own values. Ava may have been a master of deceit, but she would never have the power to shake my belief in the importance of genuine relationships and honest connections.

“He doesn’t want me… Now. But I’m sure he will me soon. Because that will be lost from my path and his path! Can’t you see? You ruined his understanding! You Ruined him! Just because of that you’ll beat me!” It screamed at me. It was full of hurtful words.

“I’m not the one who ruined him but you! You’re the one who did all this! I’m going to tell Dean!” I screamed at them.

“As if Dean would believe you. With just mercy and my family’s money, he would be quiet.” He said laughing. “And you have no evidence.” Next is Masy.

“To all the people who will do bad things to me… Why are you still Masy? I thought you were my friend! I thought you were real!” I yelled at him.

“I never wanted to be your friend, Fertine. I was friendly cuz your name ‘boom’ and your famous. I only want a little light form your spotlight. But you’re too mean! I even introduced you to my friends but what did you do? ? You left without saying goodbye and you embarrassed me with her! You’re ugly!” He answered me almost crying.

“Now let’s see what your cheap mother has to say about you.” Hera promised with a smile.

“W-what are you saying?!” My knees are shaking. They didn’t answer me. Instead, he threw Freeda’s cellphone at me, I caught it. “Look at the messages.” He said flatly and then left.

I wanted to stop them but my curiosity got the better of what it was saying. Shaking, I opened and clicked on the messages there.

They sent all that to mom. Suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes.

What will mom say about this.. I said I would find a time but why is this?!

I just followed my feelings! I just chose to love!

I choose to love without even thinking of the consequences!

I am no longer broken. I want to see Wilder! I want to talk to him! I dared to stand up. I felt warmth on my body, helping me to stand up.

“Wilder!” I happily called his name, expecting to see him, but Hades helped me stand up. He looks worried.

I kept quiet.

He handed me my sling bag. “I will get it in your classroom.” It promised. “Thank you. Did you see Wilder?” I asked here while wiping the tears on my palm that was on my cheek.

“He’s not around.” This is the answer.

Where are you Wilder?! Whenever I need you, you disappear?!

My mind screamed.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I couldn’t even rub my palm to make them disappear. “Ah… ok… ok.” I laughed bitterly between sobs.

I turned away from her and my broken world crumbled even more when I saw the familiar woman walking towards me.

Even though I haven’t seen it for two years, I know its appearance well, even though it has aged a bit. I can see the anger in his eyes.

“M-ma…” I said weakly but instead of a warm hug what I received was replaced by a painful slap on my cheek.

I couldn’t help but fall down on the floor. I’m too weak. It’s only an hour but I have a lot going on.

How did mom get here? Even though I used to send it money, it never visits me…

Hera and Masy.

“It’s so thick of your face to call me ma! Is that how you’re going to repay me for all the hardships I’m going through in Bicol?! I’m almost afraid to be a helper so I can save for your college and you don’t have to work but what are you giving me in return Fertine?! What are you doing to me huh??” Every sharp word that mom said to me sank into my heart. I could feel her anger towards me.

I bowed down as I continued to sob.

“Answer me Fertine!” I can’t look at mom. I’m ashamed of myself. I don’t want to see the disappointed face of his son who is expected to come out of his hardship but only pushes him further.

“Is that why you chose here in Manila?! So that I can’t watch your actions? So that you can be arrogant? So that you can suck money from your rich man? So that you can experience the luxurious life because I never gave you that?!”

“The money you sent me came from your man didn’t it?! Your face is thick! I didn’t know I was trying to work just for a sly girl like you! I’ll protect you from all the men in Bicol so you don’t fall for me who got cheated, hurt and pregnant early! I’m not making you wear anything obscene but look at yourself now, you’ve almost revealed everything! All you have to do is sell yourself! I did everything so that you don’t end up like me but what?! You are the one who is happy to come there!

“It’s a waste of your medals and honors because you’re stupid, Fertine. I didn’t raise a child who is stupid and will be fooled by anyone!”

“Why can’t you look at me because you’re ashamed of your shame?!

“Those words hurt more because they came from the same person who raised and truly loved me.