Be the First (Love in Rivalry #1)

24 : Fire and Ice

Many Happy Returns : Dani the Great and Her Many Great Works

Iyan ang title ng published special feature article na sinulat ni Ate Gelyn, ang Editor-in-Chief ng Journalism club namin. It was posted the night of my birthday sa website ng Brighton Academy.

Si Nona ang unang nakakita kaya nai-forward niya kaagad sa akin ang link.

Happy 16th Birthday to our very own Dani the Great!

Today, we celebrate a truly remarkable individual, Daniella Miel Samaniego, or as we all affectionately know her, Dani. This brilliant Grade 9 student has consistently amazed us with her exceptional academic prowess and multifaceted talents.

From the moment she stepped into the halls of Brighton Academy, Dani has been a beacon of excellence. Her unwavering dedication to her studies has earned her the top spot in her class for eight consecutive years.

Beyond academics, Dani's passion for the arts shines brightly. As an active member of the journalism club, she has honed her writing skills and has contributed significantly to the school paper. Her artistic flair is evident in her stunning paintings and drawings, showcasing her creativity and talent.

Despite her numerous achievements, Dani remains humble and kind. She continues to inspire her co-Brightonians with her positive attitude and unwavering support. She is a true role model, proving that success is not just about winning, but about making a difference.

As the lovely Dani turns 16, we wish her a happy birthday and a future filled with even greater success. May she continue to shine brightly and inspire us all.

At sa article na iyon nakalagay ang tatlong photos ng mukha ko. They were shots taken when I was at school. At iyon ang mga litratong nakita kong naka-save sa laptop ni Izrajel.

The photos were taken and captioned by Izrajel himself. It means he worked with our Editor-in-chief on this article.

Wala namang masama doon. I mean, I am so flattered to be appreciated like that. Dahil nga doon, palagi na akong binabati ng mga schoolmates ko every time na may makakasalubong ako.

For me, okay 'yon. In a way, parang napatahimik na rin ang campus doon sa mga nagdaang issue na kinasangkutan ko.

But why do I suddenly feel so much awkwardness when I get to see Izrajel? We were just okay noong weekend. Pero pagkabalik namin sa school, hindi siya namamansin. Hindi rin ako pinapansin ni Airen.

At hindi rin sila nagpapansinan.

Pansin ni Winona at Matias ang biglaang pagbabago sa circle namin. The air seemed to change in just a snap.

It was the weirdest Monday of my life.

Then Monday turned to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Ganoon pa rin ang eksena kapag lunch. Pinapansin na ako ni Airen at Izrajel konti, yes. Sumasagot sila sa mga tanong ko, yes. Pero hindi pa rin sila nag uusap!

Absent ang teacher namin sa huling subject kaya maingay sa loob ng room. Wala pa rin sa mood mangulit si Airen. Nakakapanibago.

"Dani." Nilingon ko si Nona nang kinalabit niya ako. She handed me a folded note.

She wrote: Kanina pa ako nagpapapansin kay Raj pero balak niya atang tapusin basahin ang buong textbook. With a sad face at the end.

Nilingon ko silang dalawang magkatabi. Izrajel's nose is stuck in a book and Winona looks so bored. I wrote a reply and passed it back to her. Baka may LQ sila ni Airen.