Freshman

Chapter 17.1: The Transpire

Days after his proclamation of his strong affection for me got me thinking of the sort. The relations had been stretched, and so far, the hours have become languid and slower than the usual. Wow, time did really slow down when it was dull. Not to worry for his well being, it seems that the times have been hard—not on him—but on me. As the public grew more aware of our relations, the more intrigue that filled them, and the more the subject was pressed on to me.

To remind you of being at the age of thirteen, without any experience nor knowledge of any kind of relations to a man with none of my familial connections, while the relationship continues to be stagnant, it is certainly never a good time to adjust to the bustling crowd that flocks around me every now and then. I wasn't used to the attention that they gave me, and had no plans on settling myself to it—but, was flattering nonetheless.

One of these days either one of us will cease this dead end relationship, this worthless waste of time, and this rapid judgment of hearts. Rest assured, that person won't be me.

Today is our school's celebration of the 'Buwan ng Wika,' an annual occasion that all Filipinos must join. It isn't the worst occasion ever, there's still my birthday, but 'Buwan ng Wika' has got to be my second least favorite.

We'd have to dress up the old casual suits and dresses like the Barong Tagalog, Maria Clara, and other native attire that I prefer not mentioning. Who? Me? Discriminating my own country?

On my defense, I just said it was my least favorite. Due to the traditional dance performance, wearing of formal attire, and going out looking like one of those black and white people in the old television—doesn't sound so indulgent to me. I didn't like to dance the traditional and folk dances, speech out songs, or even wear the attire. Don't get me wrong, Philippines has a bright and brilliant culture but living an urban life seem to strip you from your native roots. Well, either that, or I'm just beimg a real sour puss.

My fidelity and patriotism to Philippines can be presumably questioned. As unlawful as it sounds, I embrace the Western culture more than mine. Then again, who wpuld not? Our culture has died of age and has resented new fads, figures, and cultures over the ages. You have got to love jeans and sneakers that the Westerners made up, and what about burgers, fries, and chips?

Oh, who am I kidding? It's Buwan ng Wika! A month that I have to endure all of the

"Hey," one said. "You're Aria.... Right?"

I blinked. "Yes."

She exclaimed. "You're Jen's girlfriend!"

"She sure is," Eshrey, from 7A, supported. "I already knew her before they were even a thing."

"Pst," another nudged the two. "Stop it. Come on, let's go."

They turned to proceed into the other direction and was soon out of sight. With the whole conversation happening, I kept my tongue tied the entire time. It isn't like it's my first time witnessing these interrogations, but because of the frequent while, I have learned to protest less and to listen more. It is already tiresome to go against it anymore. The less I do, the more they won't.

With a heavy groan, I slapped my forehead unto the rails of the hall. It was one hell of a stupid idea upon realizing the line marks that simultaneously placed itself on my forehead. Good thing no one was looking.

"That probably hurt," Jen, presently, approached me. "Did it?"

I flinched. "Y-you saw that?"

"No, I just saw a bird hit the— of course I saw it!" Jen chuckled. "How are you, crush?"

"I, uh—" I shrugged, turning the slightest shade of crimson red.

He only gave back a warm smile, laughing lowly at my attempt to conjure up an answer. Sullenly, I shook my head and eluded the conversation to go somewhere else.

"Hey," he called. "Wait just a moment, let's take a pic!"

I turned, unable to process the information quickly, I ended up falling completely dumbfounded at his rapid actions. He instantaneously grabbed a hold of my shoulder and rapidly snapping a photo of us without me being able to smile properly. The picture, might I politely say, became the worst remembrance of pure stupidoty of having to put up relations with him.

Later that night, I chatted with Michael on Messenging when the idea of him came into mind. I mentioned how Jen and I took a photo together earlier this morning.

"Seems so," he replied. "It got a lot of likes and comments already."

"What?!"

"Likes and comments," Michael repeated. "Didn't you see Tado's post?"

Meanwhile, on a different chat head, Hasha spilled the already splattered news.

"Girl!" Hasha exclaimed in text. "You guys were so cute in that pic!"

"What pic?!"

"That pic." Hasha replied. "The one he posted."

I returned to my conversation with Michael on the other side of the chat head and said.
"Send me a screenshot. Now."

In all caps, the reply was grave, but he sent me a like and had disappeared from activity for a while. After moments of suspense and patience, I had completely given up on his word when presently, he sent the photo. Instantly, I pressed my finger on the screen to tap on the photo, waiting for it to slowly load. Once it did, just as what I had expected all along, was the picture of us.

He posted it on Notebook, and thought of the better by blending it with other photos of the day. I thought that I ought to keep a remembrance. I took the picture and asked it to be printed out in the computer shop.

I took at one more look at the post. I just pray that God may have mercy on my poor soul on Monday. Everyone, and I mean everyone, that I knew, commented, liked, and some even shared the picture. Heck, even Michael out of all people, couldn't help but 'like' the photo. It didn't help with my image.

As I planned on making new friends with my own reputation, the only thing I gained was the label of being Jen Tado's girlfriend, period.

It wasn't really me, it was everything else but me. He loved the fame, the attention, and the superiority to average people. Jen never even wanted that affection that he had declared for me the other day, as suspicions arise, there is in no doubt that he feels absolutely nothing about the relations but simply milking attention out of it. I mean, look at all the attention brought up to Mavie and Vauld, he probably wanted the same thing if he gave it his best. The best for a good reputation, but not a good relationship.

I laid down on my bed with a heavy sigh. I closed my eyes then slowly opened them back. The air and bed is still sweet to savor, what's the rush of standing up and facing life just yet?

Who was I kidding, of course I had to stand up. I sat up and told myself every possible doubt, resentment, and regret I should be feeling right now. Though, a little voice spoke back and said that I had to keep trying and make it work. My first boyfriend won't be a dead end loss.

The fresh start had become an unlawful start that began with a lie, a goal, and a secret. There isn't anyone to blame here but me.