Jay-jay's POV
I feel like crying. I want to cry so hard. Really, really hard, and wail like a baby.
Louder than Baby Grazel's cries.
"See that?" Kuya Angelo asked, pointing at the name of a store. "'Happy Bread' — that's how you read it."
I could hear Aries's soft laughter, so I pouted.
"There! 'On sale' — that's how you read that one!" Kuya added, pointing at a billboard advertising a sale for a clothing line.
"I know how to read," I mumbled under my breath.
"You do? Amazing! When did you learn our language? Have you been on planet Earth long?" he teased, and Aries burst out laughing.
"Kuya, come on!"
"What?" he asked innocently.
"You think you're gonna get away with this nonsense," Aries chimed in.
"I knew you wouldn't let me," I answered quietly.
"I heard that last night. And I'm giving you the same answer. Still unsafe, Jay. Unsafe."
I didn't answer, choosing to stay quiet. Kuya Angelo's temper was already running high — I didn't want to add fuel to the fire and risk a continuation of last night's sermon. If only his lectures could be converted into food… I'd be the happiest person ever.
When we arrived at school, he made sure to throw in one last threat before letting me out of the car.
"Jay, behave yourself!"
I quickly opened the car door and practically ran toward the school building — as long as I could get away from him.
Enough already! My ears are bleeding from his lectures!
I admit, I can be a troublemaker — but I usually have good reasons! I know they don't trust me, and they probably wouldn't let me do things, so I have to come up with creative methods and excuses.
Most of the time, I just take Kuya's sermons without complaint — but it gets exhausting when it's too much. Do my antics really deserve this much lecturing?
I stopped walking when someone blocked my path. I walked right into their chest.
"Excuse me!" I said and tried to step around them, but they blocked me again.
I looked up to glare at them — but was met with a pair of lips. I quickly dodged, but his lips still brushed my forehead.
I immediately backed away and raised my fist, ready to punch the King of Snakes in the face.
"Are you crazy?!" I snapped, but he just answered me with a sweet smile.
"Don't drag me into your madness!"
"Good morning to you too," he replied, unfazed.
I glared at him. I didn't like the look on his face — that mischievous smile meant he was definitely planning something. He almost kissed me earlier, so I was sure more nonsense was coming.
"What did you eat to greet me like this?" I demanded.
He chuckled. "Is it so bad to greet you?"
"Idiot, you're not greeting me!"
His smile disappeared. "Profanity."
…What?
My eyes widened. Before he could grab me, I ran. I thought that flash of profanity was over. Apparently, the exception to that Ulopong law was only on the island.
"Stay away from me!" I shouted as I ran.
I took huge strides, sprinting up the stairs just to avoid that crazy guy. He was trying to kiss me again — and we weren't even together!
I was nearly at our classroom when someone suddenly grabbed me from behind. I was about to scream, but he pinned me against the wall, caging me in with his arms so I couldn't escape.
"Where do you think you're going, wife?" he teased, grinning.
"Your face is the only wife here!" I shot back.
"Would you like me to remind you that you called me 'Hubby' back on the island?"
Oh my God, why did he have to remind me of that?!
"I don't know what you're talking about!" I denied.
He slowly leaned closer to my face, so I quickly turned away and pushed against his chest.
"You can't deny it. You even hugged and kissed me!"
I immediately straightened up and faced him. "That's not true!"
He was about to take advantage of the moment and kiss me again when David suddenly appeared beside us.
"Seriously? You're so good at getting one over on Jay-jay," David commented, crossing his arms.
Keifer stepped back from me, still smiling. "I saw on the internet that jealousy is an illness. So get well soon, David."
He started walking into the classroom, but before he entered, he held up one finger and gave me a pointed look.
"One profanity."
He was keeping count again. Let him count all he wants — I'd make sure he never got to collect. He could wait until his eyes went white.
I turned to David, who was watching me calmly.
"Good morning," I greeted him with a smile.
"Good morning. How long are you going to let Keifer keep getting one over on you?"
I shook my head. "He's not. I can handle myself — don't worry."
"I know you can handle yourself. Just… not when it comes to him."
I pouted. "That's not—"
David sighed. "It's like everyone's weak these days."
He turned and walked into the classroom ahead of me. I followed him in, and the Snakes quickly swarmed around me. Almost everyone was here — except for Denzel, who was probably still with his newly postpartum wife
Yuri was already in his seat, talking to Keifer. I decided not to greet him yet, just in case he suspected something was off with me and thought I knew something.
When I sat down in my seat, Ci-N gave me a sweet smile.
"Good morning, Kokey," he greeted. I shot him a sharp look before giving a fake smile. I added a fake laugh, and he joined in.
"You son of a… I won't treat you to snacks," I said, and his smile vanished.
"I was just joking. You're so sensitive," he said, trying to hold my hand, but I pulled away.
"Don't worry, you're prettier than Kokey. She's just more popular."
Annoyed, I pretended to hit him.
"You're so good at teasing."
He gave a wide smile, showing his gums. He really knew how to act cute after doing something wrong. Good thing I was fond of him.
"Jay…" Eman called me. "Do you want to join in on the contribution? We're planning to give a gift to Grazel."
"Sure," I quickly agreed.
"What are you planning to give?"
"A house and lot," he replied, and my smile disappeared.
"What do you think Grazel is? A newborn?" He laughed softly.
"Baby things—crib, walker, stroller, and some toys too."
I nodded. That was a good idea. Grace hadn't been able to buy everything she needed for the baby. It would be a big help if we gave gifts.
"We're also planning to give cash to Denzel," he added.
"Alright, I'm in. How much is the contribution?"
"Whatever amount you can give."
I thought for a moment. I only had 200 with me now, but I could still contribute more in the coming days.
"Is cash what's needed?" Keifer asked, making me turn to him.
"I'll cash in my 10 million."
Holy crap! The jerk's contribution was in millions. I suddenly wanted to have a baby. Would they also give this much if I did? Would he give me 10 million?
"Relax, bro, it's just for baby stuff," Felix said, sweating.
"A baby doesn't need that much money yet," Eren said, scratching his head.
"An adult would need that."
Exactly!
"You can just contribute it to us," Rory suggested.
"You know, Keifer, I got someone pregnant. You should contribute to my baby, too. I'd be happy with just 1 million," Drew said with a smile, but Calix immediately smacked him on the head.
"That amount is baby-priced. If it were for an adult, I'd give 100 million," Keifer said innocently. "It wouldn't be a problem since I'm the godfather."
"N-nothing wrong with that," Eman agreed, though it was obvious he was forcing it.
I heard Yuri laugh, making me look at him. "Grace might fight you if you give that much."
I smiled a little, seeing that he could still laugh with his friends. I wouldn't deny that I was afraid David was right—that Yuri didn't really see them as friends. He was wrong. His instinct was off.
"Yuri's right. And why would we still contribute if you're already giving such a big amount?" Mayo said irritably.
"Just match the amount we'll give," Kit suggested. The Serpents quickly agreed.
"How much are you guys giving?" their leader asked.
"15,000," David answered, and we immediately protested. Our things almost flew into his face.
"Idiot! We're not rich."
"Wait, I'll just sell my kidney."
"I hope you mean 15 pesos."
I hit him to make him come to his senses about the amount he said. He seemed to forget that most of us were poor and couldn't just give that kind of money. Would I be considered rich if I had an island but still couldn't shell out a huge amount? I still felt poor.
"We could just give whatever amount we can afford," Ci-N suggested, and I nodded.
"How much are you giving?" I asked.
"If Drew pays me back, I'll give 10 pesos," he said, turning to Drew.
"Pay me back the 7 pesos, and I'll contribute that to Grazel."
Drew immediately frowned. "Son of a…" I was amazed at the huge amount he planned to give. We were about to argue over the amount, but Sir Alvin arrived. Eman told him about our plan, and he wholeheartedly said he'd join in on the contribution. We were delighted. Not all teachers would do that. Sir really cared about us, even though we sometimes talked back and played pranks on him.
Our class started, but even through the next subjects, we kept talking about the contributions. Some teachers just sent their congratulations for Baby Grazel's safe delivery.
It was obvious they were only congratulating Grace and not Denzel. Was Denzel really that bad? They just didn't see that he had already changed and was ready to be a father despite our young age.
Yes, he had pushed Grace away before, but if they only saw what he was doing now, would they still call him a bad person?
When lunchtime came, the Serpents rushed to the cafeteria. The King didn't prepare anything today. That was fine because I needed a walk outside the classroom.
"I'll come with you," Ci said, catching up to me.
"Aren't you going with your Grandpa?" I asked, referring to David. I pointed behind us. "He's right behind us." I just nodded and kept walking.
As we were going down the stairs, David and another Serpent joined us. I raised an eyebrow at him while Ci looked confused. He was acting crazy again.
"What?" the Serpents' King asked.
"Why are you coming with us?" I asked.
He smiled. "I just want to."
I grimaced but let him be and kept walking. Since the silence was getting awkward, the annoying kid started asking questions and telling stories. Thankfully…
"I could probably give some of my toys to Baby Grazel," he said.
"Your toys are expensive collectible items. Some of them aren't even really toys," David replied, and I remembered the toys he often bragged about.
"Of course, I'll give different toys."
"What kind of toys?" I asked.
"A PS4." Different toys indeed. We all turned to him and barely understood anything after our successive scolding.
"Are you out of your mind?"
"Grazel is too young for that kind of game."
"That's not for her." He just answered with laughter and a peace sign. He really couldn't go a day without making a scene.
We went back to walking until we reached the cafeteria. Some people turned to look at us and quickly whispered to each other. There were also some girls we passed by who tried to act cute in front of Keifer and David. Others greeted Ci-N, and he greeted them back.
I glanced at the line of students. Of course, the Ulupong gang wouldn't miss out when it comes to food. They had already cut in line, and it was obvious many were angry about it.
I wanted to smack them.
"Jay! Come over here!" Edrix called out loudly, drawing everyone's attention.
I wanted to slap him for stealing the spotlight. We quickly approached them, and while we stood in line, I felt something strange — as if someone was giving me a bad look.
I discreetly scanned the area so no one would notice. Pretending to just look around at the students or maybe some cobwebs on the ceiling. And just as I glanced toward the far end of the cafeteria, I met Freya's sharp glare.
I quickly looked away. I still hadn't talked to Edrix about that matter. That girl was probably waiting. She looked like she couldn't wait.
I bit my lower lip for a moment. I watched Edrix and raised my hand to reach for him, but I pulled back immediately. I didn't know what to say to him. But I had to tell him as soon as possible — the witch was getting impatient, and she might pick a fight with me.
I had no other choice, so I tapped Edrix on the shoulder. He turned to me and smiled mischievously.
"I'm not letting you cut in line. We're all hungry here," he teased.
"That's not it!" I replied, annoyed, and he laughed.
"I'm just kidding. You're so touchy." He leaned closer and whispered, "Keifer hasn't been sweet to you yet, has he?"
I punched him in the stomach for that last remark. He yelped in pain and doubled over, holding his belly. Everyone started looking at us.
"What's going on?" Keifer asked.
"H-He wouldn't let me cut in line," I lied.
"Wow, it's scary not giving Jay what she wants," Rory commented, patting Edrix on the shoulder.
Suddenly, Eren flashed a wicked grin, his eyes practically sparkling with mischief.
He turned to the line and yelled, "That's what'll happen to you if you don't get out of the line!"
It looked like the others got scared because they immediately stepped aside to give us space. I wanted to stop them, but most of the students avoided looking at us. Some even left the line because they had no choice. Others were directly removed by the Ulupong gang.
I just facepalmed at their antics. And when the line cleared, the Ulupong gang rushed to the front like a pack of hungry tigers. I wanted to apologize, but Ci-N pushed me forward to order our food.
I just pointed at random items so I could finish quickly and let the others return to the line.
"You guys are crazy!" I scolded them as we left the cafeteria.
"Your punch turned out to be a blessing in disguise," Edrix said with a laugh.
I grabbed his arm before he could walk away from me. He looked at me curiously.
"We need to talk," I said seriously.
"What? It's fine. I'm not mad about the punch," he said, but I shook my head.
"It's not about that."
He became serious. "Did something happen?"
Even the other Ulupong members stopped and looked at me. They were all too anxious.
"It's about Friend," I said and smiled.
The Ulupong members suddenly nodded and went "Ahhh" as if they knew exactly what I was talking about.
"No problem, guys. Let's head back to the room and eat," Eren said, walking away with a grin.
"Oh, it's just about Friend. Edrix has this covered," Blaster said, earning a glare from Edrix.
"Let's go… May he be blessed with courage," Josh said as he turned away.
The Ulupong gang laughed softly and shook their heads as they walked off. Keifer smiled briefly and followed them, and the others did the same.
"Who's Friend? Aren't we their friends?" Ci-N asked, but David was already pulling him away.
I saw Rory's wicked grin as he walked off. Why did it feel like they knew something?
"They don't know anything… right?" Edrix asked nervously.
"N-no… maybe," I replied uncertainly.
We walked until we found a spot with fewer students — the parking lot. I looked around before speaking.
"What about Freya?" Edrix asked impatiently.
"Well… Freya and I talked about something," I started, and his impatience grew. "Well… uh…"
"Did you say something about me?"
I shook my head. "But I did mention that someone likes her."
His eyes suddenly looked sad. "She doesn't like it, does she?"
"She accepted it," I said, and his face lit up. "She's willing to give a chance."
"NICE!" someone shouted, and I almost dropped my food in shock.
When we turned around, Rory's beaming face greeted us.
"Great job, Jay! This is Edrix's chance," he said like he was thanking me for a donation.
"Idiot! It just slipped out because of something that happened, but Freya doesn't know it's Edrix I'm talking about," I explained.
"That's fine! At least our buddy has a chance."
"All we need to do now is prepare his courting-"
"I'm not doing it," Edrix cut him off.
Rory and I both turned to him, shocked. We were one step away from slapping him just to knock some sense into him.
Are you kidding me?! This is your chance!
"You're using the wrong words," Rory said.
"No, you heard me right," Edrix replied, and my shoulders slumped.
"But why?"
"Isn't it obvious? Because all I have is myself. Nothing else. I have nothing to be proud of," he said and started walking away.
Whaaaatttt?
I'm dead meat with Freya. What am I supposed to tell her? That her suitor backed out? She'll be furious and might think I lied.
I ruffled my hair in frustration. "He backed out."
"No, Jay. He can't back out," Rory said seriously. "This is his chance to be happy." Then he looked at me with a wicked grin. "Leave it to me."
I lightly slapped him. He looked like a panty thief about to raid a clothesline.
"Ouch," he complained.
"You look like a crazy person," I said, then glanced at Edrix, who was already far away. "What are you planning?"
Rory also looked in Edrix's direction. "You know, people's closets hide a lot of secrets."
I stared at him. Rory really knew a lot. Especially when it came to his friends' secrets.
Just how many secrets did this Ulupong know?