Jay-Jay's POV
"You're so full of yourself!" Ci teased me.
I tried to kick him, but my foot didn't reach. It's really tough having short legs.
"Have you only had your Math checked?" Yuri asked.
I shook my head before bringing the stick I was holding closer to inspect it. I was making s'mores, but the fire inside the small tin in the middle of our group was too small. With so many of us waiting to roast marshmallows, some weren't cooking properly.
"He already checked the others. My scores were good, but I'm most proud of my Math."
"Great job. Keep it up, and you might even be the highest among us," David said.
"Not likely," Ci muttered, so I smacked him with the stick in my hand.
Oh, crap—the marshmallow!
I completely forgot that there was a marshmallow skewered at the end of my stick. It got stuck in him hair. I panicked and quickly pulled it out.
"Oh no, my marshmallow!"
"Gross! Serves you right," the little brat taunted.
I shot her a glare. I had to get another marshmallow now, and it was already hard enough to toast one. I had to share that tiny flame with so many people. Ugh, this is all that annoying kid's fault.
I turned to David when he handed me his stick.
"You can have this."
I quickly shook my head. "No, that's yours. I'll just toast another one."
I threw away the one I was holding.
"It's okay. I'm not that into s'mores anyway," David insisted.
I accepted it rather than argue. I quickly grabbed a graham cracker and chocolate from the coffee table in the center. I was thrilled when I finally made a proper s'more.
I turned to Ci and showed it off. Her marshmallow still hadn't softened. She just rolled her eyes at me. Heh, be jealous, you little brat.
"This fire is so small. When are we ever going to finish this?" Mayo complained.
"Deal with it. Bonfires aren't allowed at Sir's place," Kit explained.
"Marshmallows soften quickly anyway," Denzel said while taking pictures of his.
He was probably planning to send them to Grace.
"Of course, they soften fast for you. You're hogging all the fire," Rory said irritably.
Denzel ignored him, too busy documenting his s'more like a child. Well, I guess he didn't want Grace to feel left out since she and her baby still couldn't go out. I miss Baby Grazel. After this, I'll visit them. Maybe I'll bring a gift and—of course—get a free meal while I'm there.
"Do you want more?" Yuri offered me a stick with a marshmallow on it.
I shook my head. "Why do you guys keep giving me yours?"
He chuckled. "So you can make s'mores faster. If you roast your own, you'll run out." He insisted, handing it to me.
I accepted it because he was right. I really would run out, especially with that little brat who couldn't wait and was already eating her graham crackers and chocolate while her marshmallow was still roasting.
While we were focused on roasting, Blaster kept wailing in the corner like a cow. He'd been doing that for a while, but no one was paying attention to him.
"Isn't he going to stop?" Kit asked.
"He'll keep going. He left his notebook at the audition studio," Eren answered, making us all look at Blas.
He looked like he was about to throw himself on the ground.
"Did he try to go back for it? What's in that notebook?" I asked.
"He composes songs in it. It had everything—even his plans for becoming an artist and the contact numbers of managers and producers," Rory explained, making us all regretfully sigh.
Damn, that's a huge loss.
No wonder he's throwing a fit. I'd freak out too if I lost something I worked hard on.
"He's such an idiot," Drew said in frustration. "He prioritized flirting instead of taking care of his stuff. Serves you right for being such a playboy."
"Screw you!" Blaster snapped before wailing again.
"You didn't try going back for it?" I asked him.
"I did, but the girl I met was already gone. I let her hold it," he admitted.
"You didn't put your details in the notebook? Maybe she'll feel guilty and return it to you," Felix asked.
"I did, but it's somewhere in the middle of the notebook. She'd have to flip through all the pages to find it," he groaned, pulling at his hair.
"You're such a genius!" Drew scolded.
"What's the girl's name? Maybe I can find her," Rory offered, and Edrix grabbed his phone to help.
Blas stopped wailing and seemed to think hard before turning to us.
"I don't know. I don't remember."
His fellow Ulupong cursed at him one after another. Instead of pity, he received nothing but insults for losing something so important.
"You're such a flirt!"
"Just because she was pretty, you trusted her with your stuff?"
"You're an idiot! All you care about is girls!"
Still, I couldn't help but feel bad. He was always glued to that notebook. He even got scolded in class because he was too focused on it. He and Ci almost fought over it once.
We all turned when Keifer arrived, carrying a plastic bag filled with two packs of marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate.
"Here," he said, placing them on the coffee table.
He sat beside me and wiped the corner of my mouth. I told him about Blas's notebook and what we had been talking about. He already seemed to know about it because he just shook his head at Blas's dramatic wailing. I offered him my s'more.
"Try it."
He took a bite.
"That's nice."
"Right? S'mores are delicious!"
He shook his head. "No."
"Then what are you talking about?"
He smiled. "Being fed by you."
The Ulupong immediately started cursing. Some even pretended to walk out, only to return so they wouldn't lose their marshmallows.
Go ahead, act dramatic.
"Damn it, I just wanted some s'mores!" Blaster grumbled.
"I should've brought Mica here," Calix said, taking out his phone to text his girlfriend.
"Flirty people should be smacked with a stick," Felix muttered, swinging his roasting stick through the air.
Is it my fault your love lives are so weak?
These idiots. They should've brought their own flings. But of course, Kuya wouldn't allow that. He might get jealous.
"So, what did you learn from your review? Besides what you answered?" Keifer asked.
"A lot. I hope I can answer plenty on the exam," I replied.
"Alright, let's see what you've learned," Ci said, making us all look at him.
What is he planning now?
We waited for him to finish eating the marshmallow. When he was done, he dusted off his hands.
"Game," he started. "How many seas are in Asia?" he asked.
I was still thinking of my answer when Drew suddenly spoke, drawing everyone's attention to him.
"None."
None?
Almost everyone was puzzled by his answer. Did he forget that the Philippines is surrounded by seas and that we're in Asia?
Wow, I suddenly feel smart.
"Idiot! What do you mean, none?" Edrix asked, annoyed.
"You're really dumb," Denzel said and was about to smack him.
"There really aren't any! The spelling of Asia is A-S-I-A. Where's the C in that?" Drew explained angrily.
That... actually makes sense.
Keifer and David chuckled softly. Meanwhile, the Ulupong gang cursed at Drew, and Felix nearly whacked him with the stick he was holding.
"He's right, though. There's no C in Asia," Eren added, fueling the fire, and he became the next target of their frustration.
"You're an idiot too!" Kit yelled.
"Sea, not the letter C! What the hell…" Josh said in frustration, smacking his forehead.
"I think we need to review again," Yuri said, scratching his head.
Couldn't handle that, huh?
I just laughed, but honestly, if I hadn't reviewed, that would've been my answer too. And I would've been proud of it. I might have even answered with a smiling face and applause. I probably would have been the next one they'd call an idiot.
Good thing I studied properly earlier. Studying really does make you smarter. I feel like I can ace the exam… in my dreams.
"One more. I'll ask another question. Speed round in Math," Ci said, and we all listened. "345 x 938?"
Damn, how am I supposed to answer that without a calculator?
"Give us something reasonable!" I complained.
"211,240," Rory answered, and we were all shocked.
It was hard to believe he answered that math question so quickly. He was knowledgeable in academics, but he was never this fast at answering.
"Idiot! That's not the right answer," Edrix said, irritated.
"he said speed round, not accuracy round. You really are dumb!" Rory shot back.
Well, he had a point. I was still struggling to come up with an answer.
Edrix immediately grabbed the stick from Felix's hand and smacked Rory. Rory yelped in pain and ran, while Edrix chased after him.
Damn, their way of thinking is on another level now. Does this mean my brain has leveled up too?
Just kidding, my mind is still full of nonsense. But I really need to get serious now because this isn't a joke anymore. Besides, my older brother was right about what he told me.
My only real opponent in studying is myself.
Most of the time, I think more about food than my school lessons. I don't want to use our problems as an excuse because, honestly, we have more good days than bad. I have plenty of opportunities. But I also don't want to blame myself because there are things beyond my control.
Maybe that's what I should do—discipline myself for the things I can control and, for those I can't, instead of sulking, just think of another solution. We're about to enter college. I can't carry this kind of attitude with me.
Damn, what the hell? I'm amazed at my own thoughts. Is this what adulting feels like?
We all turned to the door when we heard Sir's voice.
"Time to sleep," he said, carrying a box of blankets and pillows.
"Let's sleep together, Jay!" Ci shouted, but Sir quickly shut it down.
"Not allowed. Angelo strictly instructed that Jay will sleep in our guest room upstairs, while the rest of you will sleep here."
Ci and I both pouted. But I guess it's for the best since we'd probably stay up all night talking and teasing each other. We need to be on time tomorrow. We can't be late, especially since my brother is coming with us—he might even pick a fight with the Ulupong gang.
He doesn't spare anyone from his grumpiness.
"Even me?" Yuri asked, pointing at himself.
Keifer smacked him in the stomach. "Obviously."
Everyone started setting up their sleeping spots in the living room. Sir prepared large fans and electric insect killers. I helped them for a bit, but when Sir called me inside, I had no choice but to say goodbye.
When I entered, Ma'am Cindy seemed to be waiting for me. She led me to my room. If I'm not mistaken, this was Keiren's old room.
My stuff was already here too.
"Let me know if you need anything," Ma'am Cindy said.
I thanked her and grabbed my things to take a shower. The room had its own bathroom, so I didn't need to go out. I laughed when I saw some kids' toys in the bathtub.
After finishing my bathroom ritual… Wow, "ritual" sounds so intense, like I'm about to perform a spell.
Hello, I'm Barakuda.
I fixed my bed and grabbed my phone to message the Ulupong group chat and say goodnight. I must have been really tired because I fell asleep even before fixing my blanket or turning off the lights.
I must have been asleep for a few hours when I suddenly stirred. I felt someone adjusting my blanket. I tried to open my eyes, but the room was dark. Then, they left.
I was about to go back to sleep when I heard Sir Alvin and Kuya Angelo talking.
"She's asleep," my brother said.
"Congratulate her when she wakes up. She managed to study well," Sir replied.
"Praising her is like praising a fish for swimming."
What the heck?
I frowned, not really understanding what he meant. But I could tell that he didn't want to congratulate me the way Sir was suggesting.
He's so hard to please. I just want to feel, even a little, that he's happy to know I studied properly.
"Still, she worked hard. She deserves to be congratulated," Ma'am Cindy said, and I could hear her footsteps approaching. "Don't talk here. You might wake the kid up," she added.
"Whatever," my brother muttered, sounding like he was walking away. "I'll sleep in the living room. I have to keep watch in case someone sneaks into the guest room without me knowing."
Who?
I'm in the guest room. Does he think someone's going to come in while I'm sleeping?
Who would even do that?
I couldn't help but think about Kuya Angelo.
Percy was right—he's pushing me away with his actions. I never planned on distancing myself from him, but every move he makes just builds a higher wall between us.
He really needs someone to make him happy. He's getting old.
I fell asleep again. I must have slept deeply because, by the time I woke up, I could already hear the Ulupong gang's voices.
"I don't want to go jogging!" Ci-N whined, stomping her feet.
"All of you, get out now. Go exercise!" Ma'am Cindy yelled.
"Can I at least say good morning to Jay-Jay?" Keifer asked.
"No," Ma'am quickly answered.
I heard more complaints from the gang as they were forced to exercise outside. Most of them aren't morning people. They don't even like moving during our PE class at school.
I sat up when I heard the door close and everything went silent.
It seemed like they had all gone outside.
I headed straight to the bathroom to wash my face and freshen up. I also grabbed a change of clothes. I planned to catch up with them.
After getting ready, I ran straight to the kitchen for some water.
I stopped in my tracks when I saw Sir and Kuya drinking coffee while talking.
"Good morning," Sir Alvin greeted me.
I greeted him back, as well as my cousin, even though I was still a little upset with him. After drinking my water, I quickly ran outside to follow my friends.
There's only one road here, so I knew exactly where they had gone.
Top of Form
It looks like they've gone too far because I can't see them anymore.
I just kept running and running until I was out of breath. Maybe I should have had breakfast first. My stomach was already throwing a fit.
Calm down. Breakfast is still later.
I took a short rest. Once I regained some strength, I ran again. Those damn Vipers were so fast—I couldn't catch up with them.
I stopped when I saw a vehicle approaching. It looked like a pickup truck with several people in the back.
Could that be them?
No wonder they were so fast. Those sneaky bastards had a service vehicle. Where's the exercise in that?
The truck stopped not too far from where I stood. I was about to approach when I froze as the passengers started getting off. They weren't my friends. The Vipers were covered in tattoos—they tried too hard to look cool, and they definitely didn't look clean.
A chill ran down my spine when someone familiar stepped out of the shotgun seat.
I knew he hated me. It looked like he was here to get his revenge.
Ram, the guy with no jam.
"Sweet," he said with a smile.
I instinctively took a step back. I should run, but my knees were shaking.
"Aren't you going to say hi? Don't you miss me?" he asked mockingly. "Or have you forgotten about me?"
I couldn't answer. I wanted to scream for help, but I was shaking so badly, like something was choking me. I could fight back, but I wouldn't stand a chance against his men.
One of them grabbed something from the back of the truck. My legs went weak when I saw a bag filled with baseball bats, pipes, and wooden sticks.
There's no time to just stand here. I can't fight them. I'm alone.
Keifer.
"Why did you forget about me?" Ram asked with a fake pout. "I never forgot you." He pointed at his nose. "My nose got broken." Then at his teeth. "I lost my front teeth." Then at his eye. "I almost went blind in one eye. All because of you."
He didn't even look that different from the last time I saw him. But this wasn't the time to be studying his face.
"This is it? Just a girl? You called all of us for a girl?" One of his men scoffed, pointing at me with a pipe.
Ram laughed. "That's Keifer's girl. I thought you wanted revenge on him? This is your chance."
The guy shook his head. "I don't hit women. But if it's to get back at Keifer? I'll smash her face in."
Shit, no. No smashing of faces.
I swallowed hard and took another step back. I needed to think of a plan—I couldn't just run blindly. The Vipers weren't here. I had no idea how far they'd gone, but I silently prayed they would come back soon.
I could run back to the house, but what could Kuya Angelo and Sir Alvin do against this many people? But they were my only option.
"Oh, she's going pale," Ram said, pretending to pity me.
His men laughed. Just let me think of a way out of this, and I'll send you back to the hospital.
Ram stepped toward me, making me move back again. They all laughed. He tried stepping closer once more, but this time, I turned and ran back toward the house.
Laughter erupted behind me, followed by their arrogant shouts, which told me they were chasing after me. I ran even faster. The fact that my stomach was empty wasn't helping at all. Breakfast really is important.
I couldn't look back to check how close they were, but I could feel them getting nearer. My suspicion was confirmed when I heard one of them yell:
"Faster! We're about to catch you!"
I didn't know if I could keep running. I knew they were going to catch me. I had no choice but to scream, even though I wasn't sure if anyone would hear me.
"KUYA! HELP!"
That was a mistake. Screaming took more of my energy. It made me even more exhausted. I should have just saved my breath for running.
I could already see Sir Alvin's house. I knew I shouldn't have led them there, but I had no choice. I was completely out of breath, but I still screamed again.
"KUYAAA!"
Please hear me.
I was about to stop running because my chest was tightening, but then I saw Kuya and Sir Alvin standing in front of the house. Hope surged through me. I pushed myself to run even faster—like my life depended on it.
"Jay!" My cousin shouted angrily.
I was on the verge of tears when I reached him and hid behind his back.
"Kuya, it's Ram," I reported.
He turned to face Ram's group, who had stopped a short distance away from us.
"Leave!" Sir Alvin ordered. "This is private property."
He sounded like a completely different person. My teacher looked like he was ready to break someone if they made the wrong move.
I almost forgot he used to be in Section E.
"Jail time? Might as well go to jail for the right reason… murder," Ram said, pointing at me.
I clutched Kuya's shirt tightly. He stepped in front of me protectively, blocking me with his arm.
"Get inside and lock yourself in the guest room," my cousin whispered. "Now."
I forced my shaking legs to move. I ran into the house, and as I shut the door, I heard a series of curses and the sound of pipes and baseball bats colliding.
I wanted to stop and look, but fear consumed me. I rushed to the guest room and locked the door just as Kuya had instructed. Then I searched for my phone.
I immediately called Keifer, but all I heard was a service message.
No balance. Great timing!
I resorted to messaging the group chat. My hands were trembling so badly that I wasn't even sure if I was pressing the right keys. I sent the message, but then I froze when I heard voices outside the room.
"Let's check the rooms one by one."