Chapter 15: Suspicion

Vi POV

“Vi, are you alright? I’ll assist you to the clinic if you need to.”

I opened my eyes and saw Ma’am Bea’s worried face. “Don’t worry ma’am, I’m alright. I just had a mild headache, that’s all.”

“Okay, Vi. If you’re not feeling well today, make sure that you will visit the clinic.”

I nodded “Okay, ma'am Bea. I'll be heading back to our classroom now. Thank you for the opportunity you’ve given us. ”

"Okay, just don't forget the deadline for the competition."

Ma'am Bea and Sir Eu went up to the faculty room while I was left dumbfounded while entering the room. Whose deep voice was that? No, it wasn't Bathala, yet it was peculiarly familiar.

As I came back to my seat, Dan sat on the empty white chair beside me and placed his notebook on the table.

I asked, “What’s this?”

“I’m looking at our similarities. Maybe we have something in common that’s why we’re linked.”

“Linked? Show me what you’ve written so far.”

I grabbed his black notebook and read through his scribbly writing. “Exact age? Height? Birth year? Blood type? Horoscope sign? Based on what you’ve written we have plenty of differences. The only similarity we have is our birth years. I’m older than you by months. I am a Gemini while you’re Cancer. I’m blood type O while you’ve written yours as blood type B. Don’t look for any similarities. Maybe precognition is just a gift for a few chosen individuals.”

“But still I don’t get it. Why would Bathala give me precognition?”

“Are you sure you have precognition? Isn’t it a one-time experience?”

“I do have precognition! I’ll prove it to you soon. Just wait and see.”

“Alright, if you insist. Remember our last talk, right? Let’s not get too close and if you have any questions just ask me through a text.”

He mumbled, “Fine, at least you’re finally open to pep talk, compared to last time.”

“What did you say?”

“Oh, nothing. I’ll just head back to my seat. See you later.”

After class, I went into the classroom just beside our classroom. I looked inside to make sure that their class had ended. Today’s cleaners for this section are Frank and his seatmates. He was the only person left who was sweeping the dusty floor since his seatmates were absent today.

I approached the guy I was supposed to meet before the accident that almost happened yesterday. I curled my fists and hit his arm with all the strength that I have. “Why didn’t you show up yesterday? You were supposed to help me with biology. Didn’t you know how much time I’ve wasted just waiting for you?”

He took a step back, surprised and confused. “Do you know how furious you sound right now? It's like I committed a crime. I’m so sorry Vi, something popped up yesterday and I needed to handle it immediately. I called you yesterday yet you didn’t pick up nor did you send me a text message. I almost thought that you were kidnapped or involved in an accident.”

I tried to conceal the mixed emotions within me. It’s a relief that someone saved me, if not, I wouldn’t be here to even speak with you. I hope that you won't forget next time.

"Let me just finish this up, then let's chat on our way. We can stop by the store for dinner. My treat as an apology from yesterday. "

"Alright, next time you have to tell me or at least text me. You still have my phone number right?"

"Of course. Wait by the doorstep, I'll just finish up."

He swept away the remaining and segregated the garbage according to the colors of the bins. He checked the windows to make sure it's entirely closed and switched off the ceiling lights on his way out.

We walked through the usual busy hallways while observing our surroundings: a few students were rushing their requirements, some were chilling in the canteen, and most students and teachers were already going home.

There wasn't anyone on the school grounds as we walked directly towards the guardhouse to sign out of the campus. The skies turned dark and thick nimbus clouds were gathering up. We walked out and headed to the store for dinner.

I slightly turned my head in his direction and finally asked, “Frank, I know that you and Andrew used to be best friends. It’s been 3 years since I have spoken with Andrew but I want you to be honest with me, okay?”

He replied with his lips curving up into a smile, “Don’t worry Vi, you can trust me. Yes, we were best friends before but a lot has changed and I barely have any contact with him anymore.”

“If that’s the case, do you know the reason why he created a scandal with me and Sir Mateo during elementary? Why did he pretend to be my friend when he knew that I could never be a valedictorian? And most importantly, was he the one who told Sapphire?”

"Vi, I don't know. She likely told Sapphire everything. Remember grade six? He created the rumor because of jealousy. He wanted all the recognition from all teachers, including Sir Mateo, to himself."

I sighed out of disappointment. "If I knew his true intentions from the start, I wouldn't have trusted him. You understand why I have trust issues, right? If that rumor came out, no one would ever see me the same way. "

He patted the back of my head lightly. "Don't worry, no one knows the rumor yet except for Sapphire. I'm keeping a keen eye on her. I'll tell you if I find anything suspicious."

"Alright. Thank you.", I replied as I calmed myself down with steady breaths.

"You know, I thought Sapphire is the type of girl everyone wants to hang out with. I guess I was wrong. Sapphire has this messed-up attitude within her. I don't know why I dated her."

"Well, you have your reasons. She has this outgoing personality which I could never have. You, and most of the boys, love outspoken ladies while introverted ladies stand no chance unless they're pretty or rich."

He coughed and looked away from me. "That's not entirely true. Let's admit it, we all have our standards but feelings break our standards for the person we like. Tell me, Vi, have you ever had feelings with anyone from our batch?"

I took a step back and looked at one of the clouds as a distraction. Have I ever liked anyone? Did I have time to open up my heart again?

I shook my head. "I don't think so. After Andrew, there wasn't any other guy. My heart is sealed from love for now."

He rolled his eyes. "It was back in elementary, Vi. A few years back when we were all immature. Does it still cut deep? Hasn't it healed?"

I narrowed my eyes and blurted, "It's difficult to just get through on. Especially when your best friend broke your trust. Now, he wants to humiliate me again with the past through Sapphire."

"I'll handle it, Vi. You know, I wouldn't be labeled 'playboy' if it wasn't for her. She changed my image in this school through her false claims and rumors. You know that all of the rumors for the past 3 years aren't true, right?"

"Which rumor? I don't listen to any of the rumors anymore."

"Huh? Why? Is that why you don't mind when I'm around?"

"Come on, we've been classmates since elementary so I know you better than the people behind those rumors. Yes, I know that you're labeled as the playboy of our batch, but I know that there must be a reason why. And I believe that you aren't one."

We stopped near the entrance of the store as he faced me. The look in his eyes softened as he cleared his throat.

"I hope so. Sometimes I wonder, what if I confessed to my first crush?"

"Sapphire wasn't your first crush? But, isn't Sapphire your first girlfriend?"

The glow in his eyes from a while back changed. "No. It's someone sincere and honest compared to Sapphire."

"Ahhhh, who is it? Do I know her?"

"Actually –"

"Frank and Vi! Over here!"

Both of us looked back at the person who just shouted. My eyes widened as he locked his gaze to me. Really? Why is Dan here?

Frank fixed his collar and placed his hands into the pockets of his pants as he noticed Dan. "I'll head back to the dorms now. Enjoy your dinner! And be careful on your way back!"

He began strolling towards the dorms. I smiled while waving back at him. "Alright. Bye, Frank!"

I headed inside the store. I was about to tell the vendor my order when she suddenly exclaimed, "A gentleman has already ordered for you. Tinola and one cup of rice, right?"

"Uhmm yes. Thank you."

I reached for my wallet and handed out my payment. She shook her head and replied, "No need. He already paid for your meal. Enjoy!"

"Oh okay. Thank you po."

I scanned my area and looked for a spare table. Unfortunately, this place is packed with customers. I don't have any choice, I'll sit beside Dan for now.

"Hi Vi, how's your day?"

I was left in disbelief. He knew I'll be here, didn't he?

"Hey, did you know that I'm going to eat dinner here?"

"Yes. I'm telling you, Vi, I have precognition. I even ordered you dinner beforehand and saved you a seat. Are you still not convinced?"

I sighed. "Look, I discovered that I have precognition around elementary but I had to observe and check whether I'm right or it's just my imagination. For your case, observe for a few more days."

I began nibbling down the vegetables, chicken, and rice on my plate while Dan held and drank his ice tea.

"Alright, fine. But you have to admit, it's pretty cool to have such ability. How far do your dreams reach? Can you predict when the world will end?"

I covered my mouth and tried to resist giggling. "Of course not. Only the Almighty knows when the world will end."

"Oh yeah, it's obvious. Anyways, I noticed something a while back."

I raised an eyebrow, "Noticed something?"

"Yes, uhmm, how could I say this? Is there anything between you and Frank?"

I coughed a bit after swallowing my food. "There isn't anything between us. I swear, we're just friends."

"Just friends, huh? I saw the look in his eyes, Vi. It's obvious that he likes you."

"Dan, don't mind Frank. I have known him since elementary and I am sure that I am not his type."

He grinned as he thought of an idea. "Are you sure? Do you want to bet? If he has feelings for you or not?"

I leaned closer to him. "In one condition, what's in it for me?"

"If you win, I'll leave you alone. Just like what you wanted. I'll just be your usual classmate and tutee."

I thought that he wanted to mend our friendship back?

My inner voice asked, "Isn't this what you wanted? Some peace?"

He smirked and continued, "However, if I win, you'll tell me the truth behind the rumor Sapphire threatened you with."

I've known Frank since elementary and I'm sure that he would never like me.

He reached out his hand and initiated a handshake. "Deal?"

I reached for his hand and shook it. "Deal."

He continued, "But Vi, I still want you to be careful from Frank. There's just something off about him."