The Supreme Nature

1: Gale - A Piece of Trash

CHAPTER ONE

"GALE, get my package delivery from outside the gate," Danny shouted, pulling a crumpled bill from his pocket and tossing it at Gale. "Keep the change, if there's any," he added as he shrugged off his hooded jacket, the fabric clinging to his sweat-drenched skin as he returned to the basketball game in the dormitory courtyard.

"Check it first, make sure nothing's broken or missing, or I'll make you pay for it," Danny added without looking at Gale, as he was focused on shooting the ball that he'd just caught.

"Grab the water I had refilled outside too. It's already paid for."

Before he could pick the money that Danny threw, Jeric, one of Danny's teammates called out, flinging a twenty-peso note towards Gale.

"Guys, isn't this too much? Why is it always Gale who has to do everything for you?" a girl sitting on the bench, spectating the game, asked. She's obviously new here since she seemed affected by what the other is doing to Gale.

"Nah, he's used to it. If we didn't give him these errands, with how poor he is, he'll probably starve," Jeric replied with a laugh.

"Don't you know the saying, 'When money talks, Gale will dance'? It means you can make him do anything if you pay him," chimed in one of Jeric's lackeys, whose name Gale never bothered to learn.

"He'd probably even eat my shit for a thousand pesos," Kenny interjected, his voice dripping with disdain.

Everyone turned their eyes towards him when they heard him especially the new girl. But they immediately shut their mouths when they recognized him.

Known as the king of this dorm, Kenny's wealth and connections made him a magnet for sycophants. Most of his dormmates clung to him, eager to please him in every way possible. They're even fawning at him to gain his attention.

With the combination of his money and good looks, he was also the dream boyfriend for many girls at their school. Thus, not only the boys are fawning upon him, but also the girls.

Hearing Kenny's remark, laughter erupted from the group, echoing through the court.

However, Gale ignored them, quietly picking the scattered bills in the ground. Their mockery stung, but what choice did he have? Without these menial tasks, he'd have nothing to eat. His part-time job wasn't enough to cover his tuition, so he needed every bit of extra cash for his food.

Some of his roommates were kind, though. They're always offering Gale for free food for him to stop running errands for the bullies. But as much Gale appreciated their kindness, he is too ashamed to rely for his meal to them. He grew up accustomed to always reap what he sow through hard work, thus, he didn't want to always rely on his roommates' charity.

Besides, through performing these menial task, he could earn atleast fifty pesos a day, which is just enough for him to survive for the day. He was used to hardship, making him fine with just eating rice and whatever condiment he could afford.

Sometimes, if luck favored him, he’d get a taste of better food like adobo or fried chicken, thanks to their kind and wealthy dommates who are also asking him to run errands for them.

Poverty had taught him perseverance, resourcefulness, and the drive to work for survival. Meanwhile, the wealthy enjoyed all the advantages and privileges society offered. Sometimes, envy crept in, but Gale knew it was pointless so he'll just shrug this thinking off.