[ONGOING] NOT JUST PENELOPE

3: Battle Without Weapons

PENELOPE

"Ms. Penelope, are you going somewhere?" Manong Rod asked, glancing on the rear mirror. He's our family driver who have been serving us ever since Mom was alive. He's already in his 50s but he acts like he's still in his 20s.

"No, Manong." I answered. "Let's just go home." He smiled at me in the rear mirror and I can't help but smile back. He started the car.

I opened my bag and got my earphones. I plugged it into my phone and shuffled my Boyce Avenue playlist. They're my favorite. Their songs and covers always calm me.

First song that came up was their Skyscraper cover. I leaned my head on the window pretending to be in a music video.

Wait, LOL. Why am I even doing this?

Anyways, it's been a week since Trixie registered me into the pageant and we just finished our meeting about it earlier. I met the other 3 contestants. And yes, only 4 are joining this year.

It's not bad though. The most number of candidates who joined the Campus Queen Pageant history was only 6. 4 is not bad at all.

The other 3 candidates were:

(1) Alexa Salisbury.

She's half Filipino, Half Australian. We used to be classmates when I was on Grade 8 level. I must admit, she's pretty. She's famous as well. I've seen her make up tutorials on YouTube. Class A, I must say.

(2) Clare Lastimosa.

Tall girl, tanned skin and she's beautiful. I think she's a new student here. I never saw her before so right now, I can't really classify her as an A, B, or C. I might need to do a background check on her.

(3)Kamilah Salvacion.

Simple girl with a bright personality. She was the first one who talked to me in the Non-academic Office earlier. She talked to me as if we've known each other for years. I acted interested, but I wasn't really listening at her. I was too focused at the meeting. I don't think she's be a threat though. She's not really popular and I don't think I saw her in the campus before.

Campaign Period starts tomorrow. And tonight, I just have to plan a good strategy for my campaign.

Something that nobody in CQ history did before.

🎶Go on and try to bring me down
I will be rising from the ground like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper🎶

"We're here!" Manong Rod happily announced.

"Thank you, Manong. Have a great evening."

I climbed out of the car and headed towards the main door. There, I saw Nana Tess waiting outside for me.

She's the wife of Manong Rod, and she's been here even before I was born. I called her "Nana" since she acts like my grandmother slash mother slash father. She's the one who's always been there for me when I lost Mom, and when dad chose to make work his priority.

"So what does our princess want for dinner?" Nana asked, "Do you want me to cook your favorite?"

I nodded and hugged her. I felt like I needed it right now. I'm so tired.

"You okay?" she asked.

"Yeah, Na. Just tired." She soothed my back. I smiled. I love her.

"Well, go to your room and have a rest. You seem tired. I'll just call you when I'm done cooking."

"Okay." I tried to smile again. I don't want to make her worry.

We came inside. Then Nana proceed to the kitchen.

I scanned our house and it was just then that I realized how big it is. This house is too big for me, Manong Rod, Nana, and the other maids and workers.

It's too big but it feels so empty. This house used to be so happy and alive, but now I can't even find the right words to describe it.

"Ms. Penelope, Do you need anything?" a maid asked. I remembered her face but not her name. I honestly do not recognize most of them. They are too many.

"No, I'm okay. Thank you."

I proceeded to my room in the 3rd floor, turned on the aircon, took off my heels, threw my bag away and jumped to my bed.

I decided to rest for a while and minutes later, I headed to the shower room. I have to get rid of these contact lenses before I forget removing them again. I put my eyeglasses on. Better.

My eyes hurt wearing contacts but I can't let other people see me wearing my glasses. If they do, they'll freak out. My friends hate nerds so I should not show them that I look like one. At least, not in school or in any public place.

I took a shower, got dressed and waited for Nana's call. I sat in my window seat overlooking the huge pool below. I always liked to study here. I scanned my book and remembered about the Campaign so I got an empty notebook and started scribbling down ideas.

CQ Campaign Ideas

1. Make bookmarks with my really pretty face.
2. Make posters and slogans of course with my really pretty face
3. Online campaign (?)

This is so frustrating! I've been preparing for this all my life, but now that I'm finally joining CQ, it's like going to a battle without weapons.

I can't think of new ideas right now.

Maybe it's because I'm hungry. Yes, I'm just hungry.

Maybe after eating my favorite lasagna, I will be able to think straight.

I can't lose this crown.