"Okay everyone, so kailangan natin ng representative mula sa klase natin para sa ating Mr. and Ms. OLLA Pageant. Ngayon sino ba ang napupusuan niyo na lumaban para sa section natin?"

Our teacher announced. I just sat there while a pen in my hand playing with it. My left elbow leaning on Ali's arm rest while my head leaning on my hand.

"Si Laura?"

My head immediately snap up as I heard my name. And that's where I realized that almost all of our class is pointing at me.

"Huh? Bakit?" I confusedly ask looking at Ali and my friends.

"Mukhang ikaw ang napili nila na I-represent ang class natin. Payag ka ba?" My eyes widened and I started shaking my head.

"No maam." I said and my friends started whining.

"Piste Laura Kassandra sumali kana." I hear Gwen silently said.

"Ayaw mo? Sayang naman, you have the looks, the height,y ou're smart. And I'm pretty sure your parents will support you." Our teacher said.

I scrunched up my nose a little bit before shrugging.

"Ask ko po muna parents ko. If pumayag sila.. then, okay na rin po sa akin." I said and the whole class started cheering.

"Nanalangin ako sa lahat ng santo na pumayag sila tita at Tito." I hear Ali said that made me laugh a bit.

"Okay.. sabihin mo agad sa akin kapag pumayag sila okay?" Our teacher said. I slowly nodded before wiping some sweats in my forehead using my hanker chief.

"That's all for today everyone.. goodbye and take care on your way home." Our teacher said before leaving the classroom.

I took a deep breath before standing up,packing my things.

"Yieeee chess player na, magiging beauty queen pa." Jax teased, I sigh before turning at her direction.

"Hindi pa nga sure." I said and she pouted.

"Kahit na, support ka namin in advance na." She said and I smiled.

"Thanks.. I guess." I said and she smiled before packing her things too.

"Lapit na Christmas, ano balak niyo?" Ali said.. almost all of us look at her confused.

"Tigil Alejandra! October palang!" Gwen said and we started laughing, while I shake my head too.

"Kahit na, may 'ber' pa rin naman." Ali said and we just started chuckling.

"Mag co-commute kayo pauwi?" Tobi ask. Then suddenly all of us stopped packing our things and just look at each other.

"Uh..band." Ali said before giving us a smile and continue to pack her things.

Lory break our eye contact "May pupuntahan ako." Lory said while packing her things not making any eye contact anymore.

"Gwen?" Tobi asked while looking at Gwen's direction with a pout on his lips.

"May pa photoshoot si mader for me. Bagong labas na designs ng damit niya." She said and Ali immediately react.

"Ay wow sana all model. Ako sa banyo lang ganiyan." Whe said and almost us made a disgusted sound.

"Maka eww kayo ha." She said and we laughed for a moment.

"Laura?" I was taken a back for a moment when Tobi looked at my direction.

A pout plastered on his lips and he's looking like a lost kid in the park.

I hissed. "Sorry.. may susundo kasi sa akin." I said and Tobi started whining.

"Jax? Last kana, kapag hindi ka pa pwede maglalakad ako mag-isa. Alam niyo naman na malayo ang bahay ko." He said pouting Jax laughed first before nodding.

"Sige na.. sasamahan na kita. Pero una ako ihahatid, ha?" Jax said and Tobi started nodding happily.

"Wala din, mag-isa rin si Tobi pag-uwi kasi mauuna si Jax." Ali said and Tobi slapped her on her arms.

"At least may kasama." Tobi said.

"Pero basta libre mo ako 10 pesos na fishball." Jax said and Tobi's expression suddenly dropped.

"Puro fishball nasa isip mo." Tobi said glaring at Jax who's laughing so hard right now.

"Fishball lang! Sampong piso lang naman pati. Dali na!" Jax said and Tobi ruffles his curly said before nodding.

"Sige na! Na aalibadbaran ako sa pa ganyan ganyan." Tobi said and we burst to laughter.

Soon we head out the classroom. But Lory take the other gate while us 4 take the first gate. And of course Ali directly going at our court for her practice.

"Bye! Lilibre pa ako ni Tobi ng fishball tapos sasakay na kami." Jax said and wave a goodbye. I smiled and waved back to them.

Then suddenly me and Gwen jolted as a red car horned to us.

"Oh pano ba 'yan mars. Una na ako, paalam." She said before running towards their car and going inside.

Then I was left there alone. Waiting for someone who'll fetch me.

I was alone for 5 minutes not until someone tapped my shoulders. When I look at my side, there a smile plastered on my face.

"5:06 palang, hindi pa ako ganun ka late." Jiro said and my smiled widened.

"Tara na? Its friday, saan mo gusto kumain?" I ask, he squinted his eyes for a bit before shrugging.

"Kahit saan, ikaw bahala. Ikaw naman mag-babayad eh." He said and I nodded.

"Have you heard of Ysabella sa highway? Masarap daw don." I said and he tilted his head.

"Hindi ko alam 'yon. Doon mo ba gusto?" He ask and I slowly nodded while holding both strings of my backpack.

"Edi don, tara sakay na tayo?" He ask and i nodded.

We pick a tricycle before getting inside. The travel was a good 13 minutes I guess since it takes the tricycle to play more than 4 songs before we arrived at the place.

I pay the driver first before I head out. We walk towards the entrance of the restaurant and entered. As we pick a table and sit down a waitress immediately approach us and give us the menu.

"Oh, ikaw pumili." Jiro said handing me a menu.

I look at the different varieties of foods. Its a lot, there's rice, noodles, food bundle and many more.

"I'll get baby back ribs. And a cookies and cream smoothie." I said and the waitress nodded.

I look at Jiro who's looking at the menu he have.

"Sa akin po ay chicken barbecue then, chocolate smoothie." He said handing the menu back at the waitress.

"Yun lang? You can order more." I said and he shake his head.

"Ganun din lang naman inorder mo. Nakakahiya if mag-oorder pa ako ng iba." He said and I shake my head before picking up the menu once again.

"Ate isa din po ng chicken fillet and fries." I said and the waitress nodded.

She repeat our order before leaving. Me and Jiro were silent for a moment before a topic suddenly popped inside my head.

"So, kailan ang laban niyo sa chess?Tsaka saan?" I ask, he snap his head at my direction before raising both of his brows.

"Uh, matagal pa, baka late October ganun, then sa Guinayangan ata. Tawid dagat." He said and I slowly nodded.

"Good luck." I shyly said and he smiled.

"Thanks, dapat talaga sumali kana din. Para magkasama sana tayo don." He said and I shook my head.

"No thanksz it's good that I experienced the game and competing." I said and he nodded.

Then we became silent once again. I bit my lower lip thinking for a topic. The atmosphere is pretty awkward and I can't handle it.

But this only happens when I'm with him. I can handle silence for Pete's sake. But when I'm with him silents feels like killing me.

"So what do you think if I join pageant?"

I suddenly ask, biting my lower lip nervous of what he would reply.

His brows furrowed and lips pouting a bit.

"Eh, I know you can ace a pageant. If you want to join then join. Its good to boost your confidence." He said and a small smile grew on my face.

"Thanks, but do you think I can handle it?" I ask and he chuckle before nodding.

He lean on the table and was about to say something when the foods arrived. We both flinch and help the waitress arrange our foods.

When the waitress leave, we started eating.

It is silent yes, but at least we're doing something and not just silent and not talking. The sounds of the spoons and fork hitting the white plates is the only source of sounds.

Also the electric fans that are giving us some chills since it's getting dark. The sounds of vehicles passing by since the place is just right beside the highway.

I suddenly stopped moving when I hear Jiro clear his throat.

"So as I was saying kanina. I know you can handle the pageant. Kung anong pageant 'man 'yan. Big deal or not. I know you can ace it." He said and I shyly smiled.

"I believe in you. You're beautiful, smart, and.. uh.. don't take this as an pangbabastos ha? But you have the body to join a pageant." He said and I feel my cheeks heat up.

"Thanks." I shyly said wiping wiping the side of my lips using a tissue.

"Tsaka I'll support you, papanoorin kita don." He said and my head snap up.

"Huh? Hindi pa naman sure, I'll still ask my mom kung papayagan ako." I said and it looks like realization hits him.

"Okay, sana pumayag si tita. So I can watch you." He said and I squinted my eyes.

"Tita?" I said and his eyes widened.

"I mean mom mo, ano ba dapat ko itawag sa kaniya?" He ask and I chuckled.

"Tita is fine, my friends call her that too. And of course I call their parents tita and tito too." I said and he nodded.

We continue eating and finished it soon. Just as I am about to call the waitress for the bill someone suddenly called Jiro.

"Engrasio, girlfriend mo?" My eyes immediately widened and my head snap at the direction of where the voice came from.

"Uh sir hindi po. Kaibigan lang." Jiro said and the teacher made a face. A face that tells he doesn't believe it. The teacher walk towards our table.

"Walang magkaibigan lang ang kumakain na sila lang. Date 'to." Je said and I started to get shy.

"Uh sir.. kayo po bahala kung yun ang iisipin niyo." Jiro said. I keep glancing at the teacher and Jiro back.

I started to panic when I notice the teacher looking at me.

"Hindi na ito yung player ng chess na taga OLLA?" The teacher ask, I gave him a shy smile before nodding.

"Uh yes sir, Laura Kassandra Milendez po, my friend. Laura, si sir Salvador, MAPEH teacher ko." Jiro said and I once again gave the teacher a smile.

"Oh siya sige, iwan ko na kayo." He said before walking away

When the teacher is no longer at my sight I was able to sigh in relief.

"Wag kang mahiya, mabait 'yon. Masungit din minsan." He whispered his last sentence making me chuckle.

I call for the waitress and ask the bill. After I pay we packed up and leave the restaurant. We call for a tricycle and travel home. I ask the driver to stop few meters away from my house. So when I went out the tricycle Jiro gave me a smile.

"Sana payagan ka ni tita. I want to see you in a gown and look like a princess." He said and I chuckle rolling my eyes.

"Yeah I wish too. I'll go now, bye, take care." I said and he nodded. I turn my back on him and walk towards our house.

As I enter maids who are cleaning greeted me. I smiled at them and greet back. I walk towards lola who's watching the television.

"Hi Lola, sa kwarto na po ako. Kumain na po ako." I said before walking towards the stairs and going up to my room.

I did my night  routine and waited for clock to strike 8 and accept mom's call.

"Hi Mommy!" I happily greeted.

[Woah, my Kass looks so happy. Anong meron?] She ask and I just smiled.

"Mommy ganito kasi, may pageant sa school namin. And my teachers and classmates wants me to be the representative of our class. Would you... allow me?" I hesitantly said.

Mom just stared at her screen. Before her eyes widened. [Of course Kass! I'm so happy na sasali ka sa mga ganiyan. Ano bang mga kailangan?] She ask and I was able to smile brightly and also sigh in relief.

"Sabi ng teacher namin, pupunta daw ako sa faculty kapag pumayag ka. So baka kakausapin ako." I said, unsure.

[Ganito Kass, kapag kakausapin mo na teacher mo. Isama mo si Lola mo,then let them talk. Para may guardian ka na kasama.] mom said and I nodded.

"Yes mommy." I replied.

Mom and I talked for more than an hour. Masyado atang na excite si Mommy dahil puro tungkol sa pageant ang pinag-uusapan namin. She also taught me some techniques and how to walk properly that just made me chuckle.

Bu 9:30pm we ended the call. I throw myself on my bed. I grab my phone and go to our group chat to deliver them the news.

From Lauriat Kassandra:
Good news... pumayag si Mommy sa pageant.

Within just a second they started seeing my message and also typing.

From Alipangot Ang Bagong Haliparot 🧚‍♀️🧜‍♀️🧚‍♀️:
Oh wow

From Alipangot Ang Bagong Haliparot 🧚‍♀️🧜‍♀️🧚‍♀️:
Shuta! Yey! Su4t ka namin!!!

From Gwen ver.2.0:
yES bHn3 ✊✊✊✊✊😔  Su4t ka namin 😔😔✊❤️💝💗😊🙂🙈🧜‍♀️🧚‍♀️🤗😱😨🥴🥴😵😵😪

From Lauriat Kassandra:
Thanks for the su4pt, but I'll sleep now.

From Alipangot Ang Bagong Haliparot 🧚‍♀️🧜‍♀️🧚‍♀️:
Sana all, andito ako ngayon sa plaza, practice ng band. Hanggang 11pm 'to.

My brows furrowed,she really can handle that? All day practice then till 11 pm? If I'm her I would faint in just 5 hours of practice.

From Lauriat Kassandra:
Okay, take care!

I turn off my phone and plug the charger in. I put on my eye mask and drifted to sleep.

-

"Uy mamaya kana pupunta sa faculty?" Gwen ask as we pack our things. Maaga ang dismissal today which is a bit odd. But then we found out that the school band have some events that's why Ali is not here once again.

"Yes.. I'm with Lola." I said and Gwen nodded.

"Sabihin mo sa amin bukas kung anong pinag-usapan, ha?" Gwen said and I nodded.

I pick up my back pack and put it on. I waited for the others to finish packing before we head out the room.

"Bakit ka lagi sa ibang gate nadaan?" Jax asked Lory who was about to go to the other direction.

Lory hissed before scratching the top of her head.

"Ah ano.. mas madali kasi akong nasusundo dito." She replied. We just nod and let her go.

"Ang weird ni Lorinda nitong mga nakaraang araw." Gwen said and I tilted my head.

"What do you mean?" I ask and Gwen shrug.

"Basta, ang weird niya these past few days. 'Yun lang." Gwen said and I slowly nodded.

"Nung palaro ang aga niya umalis. Pwede naman na umuwi na, pero after recess nagpaalam na siya kahit andito pa kami nila Jax at Gwen." Tobi said my brows furrowed before brushing that off.

"Dito na ako sa faculty,bye." I said before going to the other direction. As I arrive in front of the faculty, Lola is already there. So we entered and Lola talked with my teacher.

My teacher said the pageant is a money contest. So of course, like how money contest go, we need to let go of a large amount of money so that I will have the title.

At first I was really not feeling it but Lola said that mom and dad can afford the pageant which made my teacher almost jump and clap her hands.

I also found out that there will be an intermission number which I'm really really not into it. And also of course if there's a girl representative, there's also boy, and that boy is Ali's cousin.

After the talk with my teacher me and Lola head home. I went on my room changes clothes and lay on my bed. I close my eyes hoping I can have some rest.

But my mind suddenly reminded me of someone.

"Shit Jiro." I cursed, I immediately sat up on my bed grabbing my phone from the nightstand.

It's three days passed and I forgot to tell him mom allowed me to join the pageant. And it's already three days passed the last time we talked.

"Hello.. jiro?" I hesitantly said. Scared that someone else will answer it again and not Jiro.

[Hey.. what's up?] he replied, I sigh and relief when i hear his gentle voice.

"Sorry hindi kita natawagan nung Friday." I said before biting my lower lip nervous he might be upset.

Not until I hear him chuckled. [Its okay, you're not obliged to call me and inform me things about you.] he said and I smiled.

"I have a good news." I said and I hear him 'hmm' in response.

[What is it?] he ask, and I smiled.

"Mom let me join the pageant." I said and I hear him gasp.

[really?! That's great! I'll watch and support you!] he said and I can literally hear excited on his voice. 

"Thank you.. glad to know that someone support me besides my mom and Lola." I said and I hear his little 'Eh?' which I find cute.

[Your friends?] he asked and my eyes widened a bit.

"Of course them too, of course they will. We support each other naman. Automatic they will support me." I said and hear him hum once again.

[By the way, kailan ang laban mo?] he ask, then I remember the time and date of the pageant.

"Late October." I said before pursing my lips. I hear him hums again.

[I bet you're worried that I might not watch you because I'm in my game.] he said and my eyes widened.

"What?! Of course not!" I exclaimed.

[Hmm, as you say. But maybe your pageant and my game will really be at the same date. So it's sad I won't be able to watch you.] he said and I kept silent. Pouting a bit because of what he just said.

"Okay, it's fine if you don't watch me." I said before rolling my eyes.

But then I hear him burst into laughter.

[You sound like upset. You're so cute.] he said and my eyes widened.

"I'm not upset! Its just in your imagination! And I don't care if you won't be able to watch. I'm fine with it!" I snapped, but I also realized what I did just few second after that.

I pursed my lips not knowing what to say next. I may have snapped that much.

[Okay I'm sorry.. I was just joking. I'm actually hoping to see you in a gown and watch you.] he gentle said. I bit my lower lip as I feel my cheeks heat up.

[I want to see you walk in that gown and a crown on your head. And you will look like a princess.] he paused..

[A princess that can never be mine.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•