Golden Melody

Chapter 5.2

Miexha Verra

HER POV

Ate Diannah suddenly appeared in my doorway, her silhouette framed by the warm light from the hallway.

"Hiiiing, you didn't even notice it was dark because you were so engrossed in your tablet, huh?" she teased, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
"Get dressed, we're leaving!"

I quickly hid my tablet, embarrassed that she'd caught me so easily.
She giggled, shaking her head.

I rushed to wash up and change, excitement bubbling up.

We were heading to Mang Asal! Ate Diannah looked effortlessly cool in her black bob-cut wig, matched with a chic jumpsuit and step-in sandals.

"This disguise is foolproof!" she said, striking a playful pose.
"No one will recognize us!"

When we arrived at Mang Asal, the line was long.
The smoky aroma of grilled chicken filled the air, making my stomach growl.

As I scanned the crowd, I spotted Kyliah Vargas on the counter taking orders, one of the top five in the IE and a scholar in our school.

"Hi, Kyliah!" I waved at her, catching her attention.
She just smiled back.

Ate Diannah, ever the confident one, approached the counter and placed our order.
"PM two unli rice. One special halo-halo for my sister and Oh, five Leche Flans for dine-in."

Kyliah nodded and entered the order on the touchscreen.
I glanced at the total-wow, less than a thousand pesos!
Ate Diannah took the receipt, she slipped inside her bag and she took the long stick with our table number, and I waved goodbye to Kyliah as we found a seat.

"Ate, so many people!" I whispered, noticing people enjoying their meals with their hands.

When our food arrived, Ate expertly arranged everything on the table.
I pour the orange sauce onto my chicken, ready to dig in.
"Ate, am I doing this right?" I asked, uncertain.

She chuckled, raising a playful eyebrow.
"Just eat, Ex! You're overthinking it."

I grinned and took a bite, savoring the tangy flavor.
As I worked through my meal, Diannah stood up, calling over the waiter.
"Extra rice, please."

When the waiter returned with the rice, Ate Diannah just thanked him.
I watched her for a moment, realizing how happy she seemed here, in this simple moment.

"It's so fun here!" I noticed the mess of food beside me.
If Riel was here, he'd definitely tease me for being
"messy as always."

"Wow, ate! Fast food is so addictive!" I exclaimed between bites.
I was already on my sixth extra rice, while Diannah had only gotten two!

While we ate, we chatted about random things.

"Congratulations, Exy!" Ate Diannah said, her voice laced with a hint of sadness.
She squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with a strange mixture of concern and pride.
"You aced the IE. I'm so proud of you!"

I blushed, my heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

I had always been a behind student, so acing the International Examination was a huge accomplishment.

I am so excited to start the accelerated program at Wayne Academy, to learn new things.
But Ate Diannah's somber tone made me feel uneasy.

"I'm so glad you mentioned Kyliah. She's the top 5 scorer of the IE, right? You'll be living together for a year, with Ron, Riel, and a new face, a transferee. I'm so excited for you! Maybe you can all be friends."

I smiled, my heart fluttering with anticipation.
I was so excited to meet my new roommates, to start a new chapter in my life.

"I can't wait to meet the transferee," I said, my voice filled with excitement.
"Maybe we can be friends."

Ate Diannah chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I'm sure you'll make friends, Exy. You're such a sweet girl, everyone loves you."

I blushed, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.
I was always so shy, so quiet, so easily flustered.
But Ate Diannah always made me feel loved and accepted.

"But Exy," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Be careful. Don't trust the maids. Stick with Kyliah. She seems like a good girl."

I furrowed my brow, confused. "Why? What's wrong?"

Ate Diannah sighed, her gaze drifting to the bustling scene outside the Mang Asal fast food restaurant.
"It's just... Nothing. Just enjoy your school year, Again, do not trust the maids"

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest.
I didn't understand what was going on, but I trusted Ate Diannah.

"You know," she said, her voice a little mischievous.
"I've been noticing how you talk about this Riel. You seem to like him a lot."

My cheeks burned even brighter.

"Oh, Ate," I said, my voice barely whispering.
"He's so sweet. He's always so kind and considerate. He even cooks lunch for me every day."

"He sounds like a keeper," Ate Diannah said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Are you in love, Exy?"

I blushed even harder, my head spinning.

"I-I do," I said, my voice barely whispering.
"Maybe. I... I really like him. A lot"

"Well, I'm supporting your love life, Exy," Ate Diannah said, her voice filled with warmth.
"Do what makes you happy. And don't worry, you have a chance in Riel's heart."

I blushed harder, my heart pounding in my chest.

I couldn't believe Ate Diannah was saying that.
Riel was so handsome, so charming, so kind.
He was everything I had ever dreamed of in a boy.

"Really, Ate?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
"You think so?"

"Yes," Ate Diannah said, her voice filled with confidence.
"You have a chance. Just be yourself, be honest, and be brave. And remember, I'm always here for you."

I laughed, trying to hide how flustered I felt.
"I hope so, Ate... I hope so."

Sometimes, I never thought our bonding would be this fun.
Ate Diannah, a detective and the CEO of Verra Condominiums, yet here she was, enjoying a simple meal with me.

It was the first day of school, and I'd be classmates with Riel and Ron.
I feel so happy