2014
"Class, say hello to your new classmate."
The buzzing, lively chatter of the children in the classroom gradually faded into silence when the teacher introduced a new student. Books rustled, pencils scratched against paper, laughter erupted here and there, and all bustling activities paused as all eyes turned towards the girl who stepped inside the room. Xaviera, who was busy munching at her seat, also shifted her attention. Her interest and curiosity were quickly piqued as she observed the immaculate and appropriate presence of the new student's physical appearance.
"This is Franceska. Starting today, she will be joining our class." The teacher announced with a wide yet gentle smile, and the quiet atmosphere in the classroom continued in anticipation. "She is a transfer student from Italy. I hope you'll get along well with her." She added, gently pulling the girl's arm to bring her to the center in front.
"Nice to meet you." Franceska flashed a nervous smile on her face as she greeted her new classmates.
She was wearing the same white blouse and navy blue skirt as the other students. However, in Xaviera's eyes, she seemed to be wearing a different school uniform, a better one. At a glance, one could tell how well she had been taken care of by how thoroughly ironed her clothes were and how neatly her hair was tied up. Her fair skin perfectly matched her chestnut eyes that subtly scanned the whole place. Franceska's lips slightly parted as she gazed at every corner of the room. Coming from a private school, being in a classroom without tiles, newly painted walls, and newly bought plastic armchairs felt new to her. Overall, she was displeased by the sight of old wooden armchairs and a newly waxed floor that had to be protected by wearing booties, but she managed to hide it well. She tried searching for something on the walls, and her shoulders almost slumped in disappointment when she didn't see an air conditioner. She observed her classmates last. Despite the fake smile displayed on her face, unpleasant thoughts crept into her mind, like the idea of being the best in the room. She thought that her new classmates were out of her league.
"Sige, Franceska. Maupo ka na kung saan mo gusto." The teacher said, beckoning the two ladies outside to come in. Xaviera's gaze shifted and momentarily observed their teacher having a quiet conversation with the ladies at the front before returning to the new student. Franceska was already seated with a group of girls and currently talking to Julia. Xaviera knew how mean Julia was to her and most of their other classmates, so she wondered why she was acting nice to the new student.
"Ah, mga yaya ko sila."
"Talaga? Dalawa yaya mo?"
The wide smile that was darted on Julia's face while talking to the new student slowly faded when she noticed that Xaviera was staring at them.
"Tinitingin-tingin mo?" She snarled, making Xaviera immediately look away. "Tusukin ko 'yang mata mo, eh." She even rolled her eyes, and as she returned her attention to Franceska, a smile already crept on her face again.
With a heavy sigh, Xaviera just focused her attention to the announcements of the teacher, trying to brush off the hostile approach of her classmate. As weeks passed, Xaviera noticed how Franceska gradually began to fit in with the class. She became long-term friends with Julia's group.
Xaviera kept wondering how Franceska easily pleased their classmates in just a few days, then an understanding struck her. Franceska was pretty and well-off, which made people drawn to her. She didn't need to be smart, because being pretty often garnered support from her classmates for free, and her parents' connections with the teachers always seemed to have a way with things. She never thought about the significance of Franceska's presence in the classroom until a realization dawned upon her.
