Depression Plutus (Curse #4)

CHAPTER 5 Neat Freak

OTTILIE VIRSES POV
 
 
Monday na! Maaga talaga akong gumising para maaga akong makarating sa school. After getting dressed and hooking my backpack over my shoulders, I double-checked to make sure my DSLR camera was safely tucked inside. It was crucial for gathering evidence. Once everything was in place, I dashed down the stairs, ready to leave.
 
When I reached the living room, I was startled to see Plutus casually sitting on the couch, sipping his morning coffee like he didn’t have a care in the world. I shot him a quick glance before heading to grab my folded umbrella from under the center table.
 
"Papasok na ko, ikaw na muna bahala sa bahay," I informed him, trying to sound as casual as possible, ayoko munang makipagbangayan sa kan'ya mahirap ng ma-late.
 
I saw Plutus raise his eyebrow. "You’re not going to eat first?" he asked, his tone almost accusing.
 
I sighed. "I don’t know how to cook. I’ll just eat at the cafeteria," I replied quickly, already glancing nervously at the wall clock. I couldn’t afford to be late.
 
His brows furrowed, and before I could protest, Plutus stood up. "Wait here," he ordered, heading into the kitchen.
 
Ano na naman kaya trip sa buhay ng asungot na 'yon. I stood there, staring at the clock, biting my lip in frustration. If I was late to my first class, I’d never forgive him. After what felt like an eternity, he emerged from the kitchen, holding a sandwich wrapped in tissue paper. Without a word, he shoved it into my hand.
 
"Eat that while you’re on your way," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
 
I blinked in surprise but didn’t waste time questioning him. I was about to open the door when Plutus called out again.
 
"Ano na naman?" I snapped, glaring at him. "If I’m late to my first class, I’ll bite your ear off."
 
Plutus raised his eyebrows, completely unfazed by my threat. Standing in front of me with his arms crossed over his chest, he said smugly, "At least comb that rat’s nest you call hair. You look like an evil witch."
 
I hissed at him, "Leave my hair alone, you neat freak!"
 
Aga-aga nangba-badtrip na naman ang asungot na 'to. Sa sobrang inis ko, pabagsak kong isinara ang pintuan saka nagmamadaling umalis. Pag talagang hindi ko naabutan ang bus ngayon, kakagatin ko na talaga tenga no'n. 
 

~~~

 
Mabuti na lang tamang-tama lang ang dating ko sa school. Tahimik kong binaybay ang hallway na puno ng mga estudyante na busy sa kan'ya kan'ya nilang mga group of friends. Everyone seemed so at ease, laughing, chatting, and full of life. I couldn’t help but feel a little out of place, like I had somehow wandered into the middle of a party where everyone knew each other but me.
 
Their uniforms looked crisp and professional, a black blazer over a white long-sleeve shirt, with a sharp black-and-white striped tie knotted neatly at their collars. The black pleated skirts were just a few inches above the knees, paired with sleek black stockings and polished black shoes. 
 
Everyone looked so... elegant wearing it. 
 
I pulled at the edge of my own blazer, trying to blend in as I walked. My heart pounded a little faster with every step down the hallway. There were so many faces, so many conversations I wasn’t part of. I kept my head down, focusing on getting to my first class without drawing too much attention to myself.
 
When I finally reached the door to my classroom, I hesitated for just a second before stepping inside. The room was already filled with students, all busy chatting in little clusters, clearly comfortable with one another. My stomach twisted with nerves, but I forced myself to keep moving.
 
I spotted an empty seat at the back of the room, near the window. It was the least crowded spot, tucked away from the noise and chatter. I could keep my distance and just observe for now, without anyone noticing how awkward I felt. I slid into the seat, grateful for the slight sense of seclusion.
 
From my spot, I had a clear view of the wide sports fields outside. Varsity students were already out there, busy training. For a moment, I focused on them, letting their energy calm my nerves just a bit.
 
Ayoko sa lahat iyong napupunta sa'kin ang lahat ng atensyon. Mas gugustuhin ko pang mag-isa, hindi pa ako mapapagod magsalita. Ang kaso, napunta naman lahat kay Plutus ang lahat ng ayaw ko. Ayokong-ayoko na nagsasalita pero napipilitan akong makipagsagutan sa asungot na 'yon dahil sa kaartehan niya. Panay reklamo, napaka-arte, mayabang, at neat-freak. Kulang na lang mag-apply siya bilang nanay ko dahil sa pagiging bungangero nito. Hindi ata lumilipas ang araw na hindi 'yon nagsasalita. 
 
Naputol lang ang pag-iisip ko ng dahan-dahang bumukas ang pintuan sa harapan. May dalawang pintuan kasi bawat room, at sa back door ako dumaan kanina. 
 
A woman just walked in. She was tall, with sharp features and dark hair pulled back into a neat bun. Her black robes flowed behind her as she made her way to the front of the classroom, setting down a stack of thick, leather-bound books on the desk. Her eyes scanned the room, assessing us with a gaze that felt both stern and curious.
 
"Good morning, class," she began, her voice smooth but firm. "I am Mrs. Sabrina Willow, your class adviser and the teacher for your Advanced Spellcasting course this year."
 
Nagsimulang magbulong-bulungan ang mga classmates ko sa paligid. May iba na kinakabahan, may iba naman na halatang excited. Samantalang, wala akong kaalam-alam sa sinasabi ng teacher. It was my first time studying witchcraft. 
 
She cleared her throat, silencing the whispers. "In this class, we will not only be learning the theory of spellcraft but also practicing high-level incantations and enchantments. Some of the magic you’ll be working with will be dangerous if not handled correctly, so I expect focus, discipline, and respect for the art at all times."
 
I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. This was more than just learning spells, it was about control, precision, and, above all, responsibility. I know how hard learning spells firsthand is, and that failure leads me to be entangled with Plutus. 
 
Never again would I allow such mistakes. Ever.
 
Mrs. Willow continued, her tone steady but firm. "This course is designed to challenge you. We will explore elemental manipulation, summoning spells, defensive wards, and even illusion crafting. By the end of the term, each of you will be expected to perform a complex spell of your choosing for evaluation. It will be your final test, something that requires mastery, not just understanding."
 
The air in the room grew heavier as she spoke, a mix of excitement and nervousness hanging over us. Some students exchanged eager glances, while others sat rigid in their chairs, already overwhelmed. 
 
Napakaswerte ni Kuya dahil bata pa lang ito, alam na niyang gamitin ang gift niya. Dito din nag-aaral ang kuya ko at graduating na ito next year, hindi na ako magtataka kung isang araw magtagpo ang landas naming dalawa. Sa pagkaka-alam ko, isa sa mga top students ang kuya ko at marami na itong nai-ambag sa school. 
 
"Let me be clear," Mrs. Willow’s voice cut through the tension. "This is not a class where you can afford to be careless. A single mistake could result in serious consequences. But..." her gaze softened just a fraction. "If you work hard, if you apply yourself, you will leave this class capable of magic beyond anything you’ve ever imagined."
 
I could feel my heart thudding in my chest, a mix of fear and anticipation swirling inside me. Was I ready for this? Could I handle this kind of magic?
 
Mrs. Willow glanced at her watch before looking back at us. "Now, let’s not waste any more time. Open your books to page twelve. We’ll start with the basics of energy manipulation. I expect you all to be prepared for practical exercises by next week."
 
As the rustling of pages filled the room, I glanced down at my own book, my mind racing. This was it. No more daydreaming. Advanced spellcasting had begun.
 
 

To be continued...