Rough Roads Ahead (COTABATO SERIES#2)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Shock

I didn't have a good sleep at all. Not that I am expecting to. The day already began, so I have to also move from bed. It's been ten months since that incident in the fast food chain happened.

Not that I still mind, I just can't really believe I didn't get the food I ordered and left that place empty handed. My phone and wallet wasn't with me when I got home, I just realized that the morning after. Good thing my credit card is not included to those that went missing.

The very first thing that I did after my morning rituals is to check my account. My money is more than enough for now. But I cannot risk it. Tita Gracia maybe giving me money consistently, but I cannot tell when she'll stop. I can see it coming that she will.

I ate my breakfast in a hurry, I am not late but I prefer being the first student to arrive at school. I rode a taxi and arrived at school around 6 o'clock, the usual time. The guards aren't surprised to see me at all.

My pace went slow when my feet stepped on the first line of tile of hallway. I brushed my hair with my fingers and smirked. Peace.

I took my time to walk. Peaceful. I like it this way better. Truth to be told, I can walk in this area like this... only during this time. Hindi ko magawang maglakad dito kapag may ibang tao. I feel too conscious.

For now, I can take my time...

I don't really socialize. I only stay inside our classroom or in the library during break time and consume my lunch somewhere not crowded. My classmates are cool with me, I guess. And I'd like to think that they understand why. The first month was crucial for me. They were all trying to befriend me, and I had a hard time making myself comfortable with their presence. But then later on, they stopped. And that made me thankful. I don't want attachments.

"Oh, ang aga mo talaga."

My peace was then interrupted by the SSG President. I tried not to show my irritation and stopped walking to face him.

As expected, he is boyishly smiling at me. I just nodded and greeted him a good morning. This is not the first time. I know him.

"Good morning din," he checked my clothes, "May event ngayon kaya maaga ako rito. May sinalihan kaba, Ivy?"

I shook my head, "wala. I am not interested."

I am wearing my usual clothes. Denim skirt that's below my knee, and a white top underneath my blue crocheted sweater. I only wear my black boots. My hair is braided and resting on my right shoulder. Behind me is my mini backpack to place my essentials. Nothing fancy. Too modest and outdated.

Good thing he didn't bother to lengthen our conversation, he have to check the gym for the event that's gonna happen later. He's nice... well to everyone. Kung tutuusin, he seems to be someone who you can really talk to the whole day without getting bored. But I can't just let anyone in my life. It's too messy inside.

Wala naman talagang pasok. But there will be an attendance, and every absent has a fines to pay. I don't want to waste money for that. I work during weekends, I started last month. That's why I learned to appreciate the value of money more now.

It's not easy to earn them. So, might as well not do something to lose them.

Before proceeding to our classroom, I stopped by the canteen to buy some water. I forgot to bring my aqua flask. I am preventing myself from getting dehydrated. Being one means I could get sick, plus it's not good for the skin.

The canteen just opened, so I had to wait for almost half an hour before doing my intention. I rarely go here. I have stocks at home, nagbabaon ako ng biscuit or anything for my snacks and lunch. One of the reasons except the fact that I can save is that, this place is so noisy during break time. And it's always occupied by those known people here at school. Parang may rules na dapat sila ang maunang umakupa ng mga pwesto, bago pa ang iba. Like, the seats and tables are only reserved to them.