Different Paths

Plain Old Lies

Just when I look up, I see.. the same girl who rejected me earlier.

"Here, look, I'm sorry I rejected you earlier. The truth is I don't really have a boyfri-"

"Then why say such a thing infront of everybody in the canteen?!" I didnt mean to cut her off, "I-I'm-"

"Don't apologize, ako yung wrong for judging you," what does she mean "judge" me? "It's just, the halos buong school knows your this heartthrob, who targets pretty girls."

Oh, that's what she meant.

"But seeing how you acted earlier, I can feel you've changed."

"Well, I've kinda had a change of heart as you can see nga. I've turned against my ways and want to find someone who can give me the same love I can give them. So why don't you say you give me a chance? We can start slow, maybe a couple dates?" I asked genuinely wanting a change in my life.

"Yeah, I would like that."

"I could walk you home if you'd like?" I offered her.

"Slow down there buddy, I'll do just fine on my own, but thanks." I watched as she took her leave. I skidaddled off to the parking lot so I could as well.
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LATER..

"Ma, pa, I'm home!" I said as I closed the front door.

"Ay, hello anak. Eat ka na, there's food in the kitchen." My mom replied.

"Eh kayo ma? Have you ate na?"

"Oo, earlier with your dad. He went to bed na since he wasn't feeling well."

"Ah okay." I responded as I left to go to the kitchen to eat. As I got there, I was disappointed to see pasta. I don't know what I was expecting, but it sure wasn't this. Oh well, it's not like I have a choice, I'm famished.
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LATER..

I was busy memorizing stuff for my classes in the morning so I could catch up to whatever they were studying, but just then my mom came in to my room and told me to go to sleep.

"Hoy! Anong oras na bata ka! Matulog ka na!" Well, I can't say I wasn't used to it.

I did as I was told and put my stuff away and got in my bed, I watched a couple tiktoks before finally putting my phone down. But, suddenly an unknown number texted me,

"Hello, I see you've been trying to get my name for a while now, my apologies for not saying it sooner, it is just I do not like saying my name in such crowds. Meet me at the school gate tomorrow before classes."

What the sigma. It's the mysterious guy finally having the decency to introduce himself. Atleast I thought so. The only way to find out is by trying, so I better get a goodnight's sleep tonight.
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THE NEXT MORNING..

I arrived at school just so, waiting around for this mysterious crowd hater. Then he finally came.

"Uy! Jan ka na pala, so ano na nga name mo?"

"James." And just like that he walked away. Weirdo. And since I didn't really have time for breakfast and I was early here, might as well stop by Starbucks.
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On my way back, I saw my Alexander and Kyle walking to school, so I did what every good friend would do.

"Uy mga pre! Race you to school!"

"Oy! Madaya ka, walang punto yung race-race mo na yan, naka-kotse ka eh!"

I chuckled at their annoyed faces, taking a sip of my favorite, caramel drizzle. Pero just then nakita ko again si James. Feels nice to actually call him by his name honestly.

"Hey! Get in, I'll drive you to school." I offered him .

"No tha-" "I won't take no for an answer, tara na." He just sighed and opened the car door and got in the backseat.

"So, I see you play chess?" I tried making conversation with him, but he just sat there in silence looking out the window. What was this guy's problem? Why did I even bother.

Since there was a bit of traffic on our way there, I decided to go through a different path. As I was parking, I peeked at James through my mirror and he was looking out the window, so my curious self did so too. And what I saw left me speechless.

Our seniors, Dwayne and Sean that, that many of us were familiar with, were making out (😨) they were making such noise from the back of the school parking lot. Luckily not many people actually had cars to park so they were safe. Quite clever if you ask me, I'll note that down for.. the future. Anywho, I parked and got out of my car, and so did he.

"Well, I guess I'll see you later?" I asked him right before entering the school's gates. He just walked along hurriedly and ignored me completely. I sighed and headed inside too. As I'm on my way to class, I see the girl who I talked to in the parking lot earlier.

"Sup dawg." She looked at me, disgusted. "Uhm.. hi." She said and continued walking. Strange.

I shrug it off and continue walking. I got to my class and almost immediately fell asleep
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JAMES POV:

I was on my way to meet up with that strange boy from the school supplies shop. If only I hadn't pitied him that night I would've had more time to study, sigh. Oh well, here I am. He's already standing there, as if he's plotting to annoy me for the remainder of the year.

"Uy jan ka na pala! So ano nga name mo?" He said enthusiastically. Eugh.
"James." I replied and left. I had much more important things to do. Plus socializing gives me the ick.

I stopped by the bookstore near our school before class. I had to pick out a book and write an essay about how it impacted on my life. Boring. I head out with my book in my hand, but luck was not on my side.

"Hey! Get, in I'll drive you to school." How irritating. "No tha-" "I won't take no for an answer, tara na." The disrespect?! Ugh. As I'm about to walk away, I thought 'yk what? A ride to school wouldn't be that bad. Plus, he kind of looks decent among the men out age.

I open the door, and get into the backseat. Putting my earphones in. I remained silent the whole car ride. Until we get to school, I saw something.. disturbing. 2 well-known students in our school were making out in the school parking lot. I know I shouldn't be saying this, but I was honestly jealous.. they were free to love anyone they wanted, and most of all.. they were happy and inlove. Something I had always lacked. Love.

I snap out of my mind when I hear the car door opening and closing, I head out and head to my next class to prep my books. I hear some racket outside our classroom, I pay no attention to it and continue solving a math problem due tomorrow. Suddenly, this girl sits next to me, staring at me rather flirtatious. I don't mind it and continue on.

My peace, yet again, was interrupted by another human being. "What's your name, handsome?" She said and winked at me. Eugh. "Get away from me, unless you want to be buried 6 feet under." "Whoaahhh." She exclaims sarcastically. "Playing hard to get I see? Exactly my type." As she stands up and moves to a different table. Finally.