Advancing towards solace

Chapter 1 || The Start of Everything

First day of classes I started being curious about you. I don't know why but there's something about you that I wanted to know more about. The first time I saw you, I just knew we were going to get along...

Phia's POV

It was another new day. I got out of my bed and proceeded to do my usual morning routine.

As I was walking down the stairs, I suddenly remembered that today was the first day of my class. Oh my gosh! (lmao), it's not just the first day of the School Year, it's the official first day of my High School life.

Without even realising my next action, I screamed. I immediately covered my mouth with my hand after and looked around to see if anyone heard. Well, it's not like I'm not loud or anything. I'm that type of cheerful and talkative person with a sunshine personality.

"Phia, anak! Bumaba ka na riyan, kanina pa kita naririnig. Breakfast is ready!" I heard my mom say.

I greeted my mom a good morning and sat on the breakfast table. As I ate the nuggets my mom prepared for me, which was my favourite food to eat for breakfast by the way, I thought of the possible things that could happen later. You see, I find the first days of school to be extremely fun and thrilling! It's that time when orientations and introductions happen.

Not to mention I get to meet my new potential friends!

"Hi guys! I'm Phia...Hmm no, too basic...Uh, ano pa ba p'wede?" I asked myself.

"Phia, anak, why are you talking to yourself?" My mom asked me as I completely forgot that I wasn't alone. Hala, baka akala ni mommy nappraning na ako!

"H-huh?! Oh... I'm just preparing myself for later class, mommy! You know naman, palaging may introduction kapag first day!"

To be honest, mediyo nakakasawa na ang magintroduce ng sarili ko palagi. Not to mention, my parents gave me a really long name despite its uniqueness. I finished the rest of my nuggets and decided that I'll just keep my intro short and simple.

ONLINE CLASS

I entered the Zoom meeting 15 minutes before the scheduled time. At exactly 1pm, the teacher who is most likely our adviser this year, shared her screen and gave a formal introduction about herself. At first glance pa lang, you would already know that she's that kind of sweet and nice teacher.

"Okay Grade 7, now it's your turn to introduce yourselves! I will call you guys one by one and when it's your turn, please state your name, age, birthday, and hobbies."

OMG! Eto na 'yun, Phia. I mentally reminded myself to not stutter later so that I would sound confident in front of my teacher and classmates. I patiently waited for my turn, listening to my classmates. Most of them were familiar to me, however, there were new faces, too! I observed the participants in the meeting quietly...There was a girl with short hair and bangs, who radiated nothing but intelligence and confidence. She was from my class last year so I kinda know her. There was another student who I've definitely not heard of before. He had long hair and mediyo chinito siya, hmm, he's probably a new student. Oh my god, we have triplets in our class, too! Unang tingin ko pa lang sa kanila, I know that they're really fun to be with.

When ma'am called my name, I froze. I decided to take a few deep breaths first before unmuting.

"Hi everyone! I am Phia Olizea Andromeda Lopez, I am 11 years old and I was born on the 10th of October. I'm into volleyball and drawing. I am a very friendly person so I hope that I will get along with all of you guys!" I said.

I exhaled after finishing and gave them all a little smile of mine. I waited for everyone else to finish until ma'am called the last person.

"Hello everyone, I am Yves Callisto Neptune Rivera, but you can call me Yves. I am 13 years old and my birthday is on June 10. That's all,"

I looked at the guy curiously. He had fluffy hair, beautiful eyes, and fair skin...I would be lying if I told you that I didn't find him attractive, because yes, he really was. I looked at him and noticed he had a smile plastered on his gorgeous face. I didn't even realise how long I was staring.

"Hmm," I hummed out loud. "Someone who has a long name like me, huh. Well, that's interesting."

After the games and activities our adviser had prepared for us, she sent us her goodbyes and her good luck for the following days to come. The meeting ended so I decided to go back to my room and study for a bit. As much as I want to gain new friends this School year, it's no doubt that I also want to have high grades. I cannot and will never lose my honors.

NIGHT TIME

It was 30 minutes past 8pm. I couldn't think of anything else to do so I sat on my bed near the window and gazed at the stars who shone so brightly and magnificently. I reached for my sketch pad and pencil and began to draw. "Ano kaya ang puwedeng i-drawing?" I wondered as my mind was utterly out of inspiration. I thought back to that one guy from class earlier and began drawing him. Weird but for some reason, he cannot leave my thoughts at all. Ang masama pa ay kinikilig ako, bakit ganoon, huh?

"Wait...Hala! What if crush ko siya?" I suddenly said. I shook my head instantly at that thought. How can I crush on someone that fast? That's a big NO.

But then, if I really wasn't attracted to him, why and how did he consume my waking days? Why does he appear in my train of thoughts almost every minute that has passed by? Why is it that when I attend our classes, it's him I immediately look for?

'Til now, I wonder why and how, but I am certain of one thing: That day was definitely the start of everything...