Four Leaf Clover

prologue

I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere filled with wild animals, I couldn't breathe. The lack of personal space was suffocating. No matter where you go, your space bubble gets popped – it's inevitable!

Looking around the covered court sa school namin, punong puno ng mga estudyante, I was completely lost. I wasn't wearing glasses that time and let's just say na hindi pinagpala ang aking mga mata. It was the first day of my second year, may pila ang bawat section sa covered court.

Boy Scouts were individually holding a bondpaper with our sections written on it. However – like I said, my visions were not the best. Hindi ko makita ang mga classmates ko or yung nakasulat sa papel!

First day na first day parang minamalas na agad ako

A girl suddenly pulled my arms. She had long silky hair that meets her waist, she's a morena and had the sweetest smile, her dark brown eyes resembles the night.

She looks familiar. I thought to myself

"Ivy, dito tayo!" She said habang hinihila niya ako papunta sa tamang pila namin.

Alam ko name niya eh, hindi ko lang maalala... her name sounded a lot like celery. Celery, celery, ce-

Ah! Valerie! That's her name! That's it!

"Diba class 5 ka? Dito ang pila natin!" Kaniyang sinabi sa akin, napakamot ako ng ulo at tumawa nalang mahinhin "Ah, ganon ba?"

I was relieved to see a familiar face. I was nervous and scared since I was not the friendly type to know anyone in my school.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Tension filled up the whole room, with new classmates and all, we were all nervous and quiet. Valerie and I were sitting beside each other since there wasn't any seating arrangements yet.

Gusto ko na umuwi

"Alright class. Ako si Binibining Patricia, ako ang inyong homeroom advicer. I am expecting you guys to be well-behaved students. We will have a self introduction later but first I will distribute the textbooks para may guide kayo sa mga lesson ng mga subjects."

Our advicer walked into the room habang pinapakilala niya ang kaniyang sarili, breaking the silence in our classroom that we were drowning in.

"Later after I finished handing out the textbooks, tatawagin ko kayo lahat isa isa para mag bigay introduction sa harap." Everyone groaned at her statement.

"What's with the violent reactions? This is the first day of school, I expect everyone to introduce themselves by the end of our class period. I will also be expecting a neat introduction." My classmates sighed in defeat.

Introducing myself in front is not a big deal for me – even though ang tingin ng mga tao sa akin ay mahiyain at "hindi" nagpa-participate, competitive ako when it comes to public speaking. I like to show people my confidence sa mga kaalaman ko at sa mga opinyon ko, I love it when people pay attention sa mga binibitawan kong salita.

Back then it was all about what I couldn't do. I was not the person they could rely on. I was ignored and it made me feel like they all had an inner circle and I was the only one who was not in it. But now in my second year, I want to show everyone what I can do. No more being excluded, this school year, I will be the new and better version of my old self.

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After the introduction, we elected classroom officers. Suprisingly – they nominated me as their auditor. On the other hand, Valerie is the secretary.

Her handwriting is quite neat so she is perfect for the position. It was no doubt

The first subject was finished and it was time for a lunch break.

"Tara, bili tayo sa canteen" Inaya ko si Valerie. "Sige, wait lang. Kunin ko lang wallet ko sa bag" I nodded

I looked around the classroom and locked eyes with another person. I smiled at her. I think her name is April. She had middle length hair that moves freely with the wind and her eyes sparkles. She has this bubbly energy around her.

Valerie looked at me, then at April

"Tara, mag hi tayo sakanya" Sabi sakin ni Valerie when she noticed that I wanted to talk to April. At first I hesitated but then I agreed.

"Hi po!" Valerie and I both said in unison. "Tara, canteen?" I smiled at the both of them. April excitedly responded with, "Tara!"

I made a friend! I made a friend!

I may not show it but my heart is filled with joy. It's not that often that I make new friends. I only had two friends in my life – both of them are cats.

While we were on our way to the cafeteria, us three had our arms locked with each other.

"Val, mag hi din tayo sakanya, she's one of the officers – treasurer siya!" I said but Val squinted her eyes at her. "Mukhang maldita eh, wag na"

You're too quick to judge pero totoo naman. Baka lang kasi may Rest Bitch Face siya?

"Ano bibilhin niyo, guys?" Tanong ni April. I squinted my eyes in hopes that everything will magically become clear.

"Hindi ko makita yung mga tinitinda" I said while slowly walking closer "Asan ba kasi salamin mo, girl?" Valerie asked but I didn't answer

If only I knew, Valerie. If only I knew.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

As we were walking back to the classroom, I noticed somebody standing outside their classroom door. He's taller than me, he has messy hair and a moreno.

Is that...

"Bilisan mo na mag lakad, girl" Valerie pulled my arms to pick up my pace. Tumawa naman si April.

I thought he transferred. Why does he have to be on the same floor as mine? I hate this! I hate him! How can I move on when I have to see his face everytime we walked by? You know what, mag babaon nalang ako ng kanin o kaya huwag nalang ako kumain.

No! Why do I have to adjust for him!? If I want to move on, treat him like the rest of the students. Think of him as a stone.