The limousine stopped in front of Clinton High's gate. I took my things and went outside but my mind is being clouded by the recent interaction between me and Innov.
Even though I'm distracted by my thoughts, I still followed what he told me. I ate the ramen he made for me and took the pain reliever he gave me. It's effective. I'm having hangover no more. But his latest actions just replaced the bothersome and now, I'm still bothered about it.
My thoughts had blew away by the sudden wind of Rocelia's presence, she's right there, standing lonely while glancing at her wristwatch every seconds like as if she's waiting for someone and when her eyes found me, it sparkled. She immediately ran towards my direction.
"I'm super excited! I'm gonna guide you later!" She started jumping giggly.
While I got curious."Guide me to what?"
"Practice, remember? I'll guide you to overcome your fears and doubts!" She reasoned out and it bombed me.
Oh, great. Why did I forgot about it? Later would be the start of my participation for the upcoming contest!
I somehow thought of Akira's words and I agreed to what she's pointing out. This contest is cheaper than the contest she'll join in.
But isn't experience is the thing that matters the most? It may be cheap as it may seem but it is still considered as an experience and they say experience is the best teacher. Maybe after this, I might learn new things or maybe... I might become better than today.
The practice started. The only benefits I received is that, I'm being excused from the class and even exempted from the long quiz. Rocelia isn't allowed to join me to the covered court where the practice is happening but she have ways. I'm even shocked when she sneaked out the room while our teacher was facing the whiteboard. Our classmates supported her but some whose killjoy have told her to the teacher but before she could catch my best friend, I grabbed Rocelia already and we ran recklessly to the covered court.
We're busy catching our own breathe after the long run. I'm holding my knees so as her then seconds later, we looked at each other and we ended up laughing together.
"Damn, that was great! Never thought you would break the rules!" I smiled in amazement.
She seems surprised about her sudden stunt, too. She scratched her head shyly."I cut the class just so I could guide you. Never mind the consequences!"
My brow raised."But your grades would be endanger." My tone were serious now.
She bit her lip."But I want to join your practice..."
How kind.
In the end, I walked near her and tapped her shoulder. She lifted up her worried eyes at me.
"Don't worry, Lia, I got you. I'll face the consequences and I won't let it affect your grades." I gave her a reassuring smile. Her eyes grew bigger.
"Van..." I didn't move away when she hugged me. I even heard her sniffed.
"Hey, don't tell me you're crying?!" I panicked.
She giggled and moved away."Sorry if I'm this crybaby. It's your fault! You're making my heart too soft!" And now she's blaming
me.
We headed inside the covered court and we saw the other muses of each section. They are all well-positioned. My feet paused from stepping. Rocelia was saying something to me but I was just... too froze. Because I'm now seeing my competitors. From SSC, star section and other higher section than ours, it's somewhat a kind of slap for me.
There is Ridley who's the ultimate beauty queen of the campus according to Rocelia one time she spilled some informations about them. Ridley is so much of a pretty girl, she has nice body figure, composure, confidence and all. In short, they are all enviable.
Before I could die because of my overflowing insecurities, I shifted my gaze to Rocelia and focused on what she's saying. She told me to stand firm so I did, she ordered me to hold my chin up and I did, she told me to fair the level of my shoulders so as my overall composure and I did it.
"Perfect, Van! You're doing right!" Rocelia clapped after I tried to walk in a lady-like manner.
It kinda hard because I'm used to walk like a boy looking for a fight and this set-up is very new to me but because she's patience enough to handle me, I'm getting the instructions eventually.
"Girls, I need to do it well 'cuz the president is here!"
"Omg, Yuki's here? Vencie, too?"
The moment I heard that from the sophomores nearby, I automatically stopped from walking. I know Rocelia heard it, too, that's why she stopped talking as well. I turned around and truthfully speaking, Yukenzo and Vencie were there, sitting on one of the bleachers, watching us intently.
I pressed my lips together. Rocelia was slightly grabbing the hem of my uniform blouse.
But someone distracted me from looking at the two guys.
"So it's true. You're the muse of section 8 and you'll compete with us." Azelyn appeared in front of us.
She effortlessly got my attention. My eyes traveled to her all over look today. She's not the same nerdy girl I have encountered with before, the first time I saw her she's so shy and breakable but now... she's now like the other who's fit to be the beauty competent.
"Uh, yeah. I have no choice." I shrugged.
She made a boastful smile and I wondered.
Where's the prim and proper Azelyn Aldovar? Don't tell me her head have turned too big because of the achievements?
"Why? You should atleast be thankful because at some point, they still acknowledged you as their muse. It's every girls dream, to be the muse of their section. I'm just kinda shock but I have nothing to bother about since I'm not belong to section 8. I'm not in my position to tell my opinion."
My forehead wrinkled because I can feel the sarcasm in her small voice.
Is she trying to be kind and be sarcastic at the same time? Well, screw that. Screw her.
"Really, Miss P.I.O? I'm glad you're aware of the position you hold. I don't need your opinion by the way, so it's all quits." I smirked frantically.
Her breathing changed. Rocelia held my arms and when I turned to her, she's shaking her head, telling me to not beat Azelyn back. I was planning to do that, too, but hell, this girl is testing my patience and my patience isn't that too long either!
I watched how Azelyn arched her own brow."I don't sugarcoat my words and to be honest? You're nowhere near me, or the rest here. If you'll hold the title, I bet Clinton High will forever be a loser. Better stay a troublemaker because that role fits you more. Just a friendly advice." What...
"Hey! That's already below the belt!" Rocelia tried to defend me but I'm too offended to pull her away.
"What's the matter?" Vencie's concern voice echoed in my ears but another voice followed right away.
"Azel? What have you told her?" Yukenzo questioned Azelyn.
"What? I'm just saying the truth and she should know from the very start that being the muse doesn't suits her! I'm just being honest here!" Her eyes watered, face flushed and fists tightened.
What now? She's going to turn the table like what Akira's usual stunt everytime we're having a fight?
"Don't you say it again!" Rocelia keeps on defending me.
Everyone is now watching us. The supposedly practice isn't happening anymore because Azelyn's stupidity.
I inhaled and exhaled to calm myself before I looked directly in her eyes."Yes, you're the one who's truly blessed here! You have the looks, the confidence, the brain, the talent and the charm! You have everything I never had! You're right I'm nowhere near you because I have my own version and that is to be a troublemaker, a bully, a bad girl!" I shouted with my full thunder voice.
They became quiet, looking at my livid face.
I wiped the batch of unshed tears from my eyes."You're so stunning. You're smart. You're kind and thoughtful. You're very beautiful that I bet if you'll wear something expensive you'll turn as gold. You're every guys dream. You're definitely better than me, Azelyn. Don't worry, I'm not taking the contest seriously. You have all the rights to prove yourself and fight for the title you desire. Win and take it all yours, as if I care." The wrath in my voice is evident as I said those lines with finality.
My eyes went to Yukenzo because he's just beside Azelyn. I turned my back at everyone and walked out with my heavy steps.
"Van! Wait!" Rocelia intended to follow me.
I stopped as I heard a pair of footsteps. I exhaled and faced them.
"Let me breathe, for a moment." I pleaded.
Rocelia bit her lip and nod her head slowly. Vencie whispered something to her and she gasped while being teary-eyed. I turned my back and continued walking away.