The Heart Crusher (The Affluents Series: Pastel Hearts Playbook #1)

Chapter 2

Solasta Hartz

The smell of books and papers entered my lungs as I flipped it's pages one by one, taking in that dusty smell I used to despise a long time ago.

"So noong 1983..."

I mumbled as I highlight the words written on my textbooks and transferring my notes to another paper, fully engrossed on my studies.

I looked at my watch to check the time and was shocked, I immediately gathered all my things from the table.

"Eight o'clock pm?" Ani ko habang inaayos ang mga gamit ko, kinuha at maingat na inilagay ang mga libro kung saan ko ito kinuha.

"Magsasara na mamaya ang library, hurry up, Solasta." I muttered as I quickly made work of what was in my table.

It's already 8pm and I haven't gotten to my house yet, although normal classes would end at nine. Ganito talaga kapag dito ka mag-aral sa school namin, hindi kami papasok ng maaga pero hindi din kami makakauwi ng maaga.

Bumalik na naman ang isip ko kay Caspian, sa grupo kasi nila is irregular ang classes nila. Hindi nila kailangan makipagsabayan sa klase namin kasi advanced and iba ang mga dapat na aaralin nila kaysa sa amin, nararamdaman kong nanliit ako sa mga naiisip ko.

Ganoon kagaling si Caspian habang ako ay sakto lang, hindi naman ako top one sa class ko pero top two—pero hindi naman iyon magiging batayan kung anong klaseng pagkatao ang meron ako.

Kailangan kong mas maging masipag, hindi ko gusto na nandito lang ako palagi. My father always told me that as long as I can see the sky, there's no excuse not to climb high. Kaya kailangan ko pang mas maging best, to be the best—inorder to make papa be proud of me.

While walking towards the car, I can't help but think about what Caspian told me earlier. A fake, a bitch, he called me those things and he even told me how much he hated me.

Not everyone gets to like me, it's true because not all people have the same opinion and can agree to one thing. I can understand that he doesn't like me, he doesn't have to as well. It's fine and all, I don't really mind that much.

But hatred. I think that's how deep everything went down for the both of us, I wouldn't feel bad if someone disliked me but hate? I can't bear with that.

Knowing someone hates me is so unbearable and makes me feel bad, I have to know why Caspian hates me so I can change—but he doesn't say anything and won't even have a proper conversation with me.

As I reached the car, the driver opened the door for me smiling as he guides me safely and comfortably into the car. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganito ang trato sa akin ni Caspian, hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi niya ako gusto. Hindi naman sa kailangan na magustuhan ako, pero... iba pa rin ang pakiramdam na kinamumuhian ka ng taong gusto mo.

When we reached my house, I thanked the driver before gracefully entering the manor. Our house. Our home.

"Solasta! My dear, why are you late?" Tawag sa akin ni Mommy, nakasuot pa rin ito ng apron, sa yaman-yaman ng pamilya ko gusto pa rin ni mama na siya ang magluto, ayaw niya daw kasi na iba. Baka daw may ihalo sa kakainin, baka magkasakit kami or worse malason daw.

Mukhang galing pa ito sa kitchen at sinalubong ako nang marinig niya ang sasakyan kanina, I immediately smiled upon seeing her. Alot of people told me I looked like her, and mom always felt proud to hear it.

Natural lang na magkaroon ng maraming kaaway ang pamilya namin, natural lang iyon sa mga nakakaangat sa buhay na gustong hilahin pababa. Ngumiti ako kay Mommy bago sumagot, I made sure to put on my best smile.