Clash Of Crowns I: Shadows Of Love And Sacrifices.

XVI || We're on the same Page

Please note: This story may contain errors and grammatical mistakes. Your understanding and patience are appreciated as this is a work in progress.

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AIESHA'S POV

As Maxine and I walked back toward the classroom, the weight of what had just happened lingered in the air between us.

Walang nag sasalita samin, at hindi ko rin alam kung ano yung mararamdaman ko after nung pag uusap namin kanina.

It wasn’t like we were suddenly on good terms,pero alam ko at ramdam ko na may nag bago na sa pakikitungo namin sa isa't isa..

When we reached the classroom, I could already feel the tension between my friends and Maxine's friends.

Nakita ko sila yves na serysong nag uusap, at natigil lang sila nang makita nila kami na papasok sa pinto.

I exchanged a glance with Maxine before stepping in first. She followed closely behind, and I could sense the eyes of our friends darting between us.

Yves was the first to speak. She stood up from her desk and crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Where the hell did you go, Aiesha? We’ve been looking for you."

I hesitated for a second, knowing that if I said too much, it would lead to more questions."I went to the clinic, medyo sumakit kasi yung ulo ko, humingi lang ako ng gamot" I answered, trying to keep my voice casual, para hindi sila maka halata.

Bago pa makapag salita ulit si yves naunahan na siya ni cole at may nakakalokong ngit na tumingin sa katabi ko na ngayon ay naka kunot na yung nuo.

"And you, Max? Where did you disappear to?" may halong pag dududa na tanong nito.

Nag kibit balikta lang si maxine na para bang wala talaga siyang balak sagutin yung tanong ng kaibigan niya, but still she answered their question "I needed some air, so I walked around at the back of the school for a bit."

Our answers didn’t match, and I could feel the sudden shift in the room. Yves raised an eyebrow, and Solace exchanged a glance with Shee.

Meanwhile, Maxine’s friends gave her a teasing look, especially Cole, who looked like she was holding back her laughter. But they didn’t say anything, just nodded as if they bought into the story.

"Right," Yves said slowly, her voice filled with suspicion. "Well, next time, let us know before you disappear."

I simply nodded, not wanting to get into it. Maxine gave me a subtle nod, a sign that we were on the same page....at least for now.

We both took our seats, trying to avoid further questions, but I could feel my friends still watching me, trying to piece things together.

Buti na lang dumating na yung proffesor namin. The chatter died down, and everyone turned their attention toward the front of the room.

"Alright, class," the professor said, setting her things down on the desk.

"Today, we’re going to begin discussing the fundamentals of business leadership and management. I know many of you come from influential families, and this course will be crucial in understanding how to navigate the world of power and responsibility."

Hindi ako makapag focus. My mind was still racing from everything that had happened, both with Maxine and the fight in the cafeteria.

I kept sneaking glances at her from across the room, trying to figure out what exactly had changed between us. I wasn’t sure if it was something I should be worried about or something I should accept.

But one thing was clear, things between us weren’t as simple as they used to be. And that terrified me.

The professor continued lecturing about the importance of decision-making, delegation, and leadership qualities, but her words barely registered in my head. I could see Yves fidgeting in her seat beside me, maybe she was still curious about what I’d been up to. But thankfully, she kept her questions to herself for now.

After what felt like an eternity, the professor finally dismissed us, and everyone began packing up their things.

I slung my bag over my shoulder, giving my friends a brief nod. "I’ll see you all tomorrow."

Bago pa makapag tanong si yves nag mamadali na kong lumabas, ayokong sumagot nang marami nilang tanong.

Sakto pag labas ko ng school nag hihintay na sa entrance yung service ko, na pinadala ni dad.

When I finally got home, I barely had time to kick off my shoes before I heard my father’s voice from the living room.

"Aiesha!" halos mabitawan ko yung bag ko sa gulat. Paniguradong alam na niya yung nangyari sa school kanina.

I stepped into the living room and found him standing there with a stern look on his face. His arms were crossed, and I could already feel the weight of his disappointment.

"I heard about what happened today," he said, his voice low but firm. "You got involved in a fight with that Lazzaro girl, didn’t you?"

Sabi na malalaman niya agad yung nangyari, alam ko naman na may mga mata siyang nakabantay sakin kaya alam kong mabilis lang din niya malalaman lahat nang ng yayari sakin sa loob at labas ng school.

"I didn’t start the fight,”l" I said quietly, trying to defend myself. "I wasn’t involved like that, Dad. I just… I couldn’t stand by and watch when things got out of hand."

He shook his head, clearly not impressed with my explanation. "That doesn’t matter, Aiesha. You know how important it is to stay out of trouble, especially with them. The Lazzaros are nothing but bad news, and you getting tangled up in their mess is the last thing this family needs."

I bit my lip, my frustration bubbling up. "I didn’t get tangled up in anything, Dad. I was just trying to help."

"Help?" he scoffed. "Help who? That girl? You don’t owe her anything, Aiesha. And I don’t want you anywhere near her or her family."

My chest tightened at his words. He didn’t understand. He couldn’t see the situation for what it was. "It’s not that simple," I muttered under my breath.

"What did you say?" His voice rose slightly, a warning.

I straightened my posture, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "I said, it’s not that simple. Maxine isn’t—"

"Maxine isn’t what?" pag putol niya sa sasabihin ko. "She’s a Lazzaro, Aiesha. That’s all that matters. I won’t have you defending her. This family has been through enough because of them."

I clenched my fists, trying to hold back the anger building inside me. "It’s not fair to blame her for what happened in the past. She wasn’t involved in any of that."

"I won’t tell you again. Stay away from her. And if I hear about you getting into another fight or associating with her, there will be consequences." He said with so much disappointment.

At pag katapos niyang sabihin yon ay tumalikod na siya sakin at iniwan akong mag isa dito sa sala.

Hindi ko na alam yung gagawin ko para kong naiipit sa isang sitwasyon na sa bandang huli kailangan ko nang pumili....

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