I was up at 3 a.m., already doing my morning workout. Well, after missing school yesterday due to being wasted with a hangover that felt like a hammer to my skull, I couldn't risk skipping again. I had enough warnings, and Sir Panot-my nickname for that bald annoyance of a teacher-was itching for a reason to pester me.
I glanced at my phone and saw a bunch of messages from the girls I met last night. I didn't bother reading them; I had more important things to do-like flexing my arms and lifting weights. I finished my set of 100 push-ups and worked the dumbbells until my muscles burned. It was time to shower; last thing I needed was being late again and hearing Panot yap.
"Manong Bikoy, drive me to school. I'm not in the mood to drive," I barked at our driver, sliding into the backseat without waiting for a response.
"Sige po, sir."
I popped on my headphones and drowned in music, letting it be the soundtrack of my 'I hate mornings' routine until we got to school.
As soon as I stepped into class, I felt all eyes on me. Yeah, yeah, big deal. I strutted to my seat, half expecting Panot to pounce.
"Himala, Mr. Villa Forte. Nauna ka pa sa akin," he announced, as if this was headline news. I gave him my best deadpan look. No one asked, Panot.
"Okay, class, let's check your homework," he droned on, calling people to the board. My name was picked, but do I look like I cared? I was absent yesterday; give me a break.
"Only Mr. Alexander Cruz got it right. Class, we've been through this lesson a million times!" Panot's voice grated like nails on a chalkboard. I barely resisted rolling my eyes.
Break time finally came. I stayed in my seat, head down, trying to pretend school didn't exist. That peace was shattered by the squeals of some girl confessing her love.
"Uh... chocolates. I hope you like me back, Alex," she said, nearly melting into a puddle.
"I'm not into sweets, and I'm allergic to flowers," Alex replied, not even looking up from his book. Ouch. The girl scurried out, shattered. I bit back a laugh. This nerd really had a queue of admirers lining up for rejection.
Next class arrived, just as boring as the last. I couldn't handle it anymore.
"Miss Lopez, may I go out?" I didn't wait for her to answer before heading to the boy's restroom.
Lighting a cigarette in a stall, I took a long drag, letting the smoke clear my head. I had two sticks, but it wasn't enough to erase the irritation bubbling inside me.
When I walked out, guess who I ran into? The golden boy himself, Alex. Just looking at him annoyed me. He was washing his hands like he didn't have a care in the world.
"How's your family's gold-digging relationship with my father?" I sneered, watching him freeze. "Enjoying the life of luxury?"
He glanced at me with those calm, annoying eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, drying his hands with irritating poise.
I chuckled darkly. "Really?" Before he could step away, I grabbed his collar, anger thrumming in my veins. He met my glare, emotionless. I almost swung a punch, but a student walked in.
I shoved him hard. "We're not done," I spat and stormed out.
I couldn't stand being in that class any longer. Breaking my 'no skipping' promise was inevitable thanks to that piece of garbage.
At the rooftop, Stacey was waiting. We hooked up-again. I leaned against her, cigarette dangling from my lips.
"Enzo, nalalanghap ko ang usok ng yosi mo!" she fanned the smoke with a pout.
