Just This Time

Chapter Four

Marco's POV

Today is the last day of filing the certificate of candidacy for students who desire to run in the Student Council elections.

It's ironically funny that Ma'am Honey urged ME to run for the highest position in the council. Out of all the students in this school, she chose ME.

Aaminin ko sa inyo, I am not popular with people. Let alone popular enough to lead them.

I told Ma'am that I needed to think about it.

When the clock strikes 3:00 PM later in the afternoon, the filing is officially closed.

So back to my dilemma.

Tatakbo ba ako? I'm quite conflicted.

A part of me says yes, and a part of me says no.

I was stressfully walking down the hallway, carefully calculating my next step. Every step I take, I account for every possibility.

"Hoy Roy!"

I had a mini-heart attack.

"Jeez, Elijah, aambushin mo ba ako?"

He chuckles, then he wraps his arm around my shoulders.

"Balita ko tatakbo ka raw sa Council?"

"Hell no."

"Uy, ikaw kaya ang perfect candidate!"

"Will you vote for me?"

"Of course!"

"Why?"

"Kasi kaibigan kita?"

I removed his arm around my back.

"Elections don't work that way, EJ."

"Eh 'di sino gusto mong iboto ko? Kalaban mo? That's not how friendship works, Marco."

I let out a deep sigh.

"You vote because you want a better government that would represent the students of Sta. Cornelia. You don't vote merely because you're close to someone. Or because you owe him or her friendship," I aired out my frustration.

"And I know deep inside na I can not, in my life, be the best representative of the students out here."

Elijah clicks his tongue.

"You know why you can't be the best representative out there?"

I raised an eyebrow.

"Because you can't even represent yourself to your own. Get my point?"

"That's why I'm not planning to run."

"Then you didn't get my point. Think about it, Marco. See you later," Elijah moves forward.

I was left standing there, contemplating. I continued to walk but at a much slower pace.

A sudden burst of laughter interrupted my reflection moment.

"HAHAHA mambobote HAHAHAHA!"

I was startled. I decided to investigate the origin of the commotion.

As I arrived, it was first-year students surrounding a schoolmate and somewhat teasing her as "mambobote." Insulting laughter continued.

"Hoy! Pst!" I called for their attention.

Their heads tilted in unison.

"Anong ginagawa niyo?" I interrogated.

"Ayy wala po kuya, nag-aasaran lang," a student replied.

"Doon nga muna kayo! Nakakadistorbo kayo ha!" I commanded.