Chapter 6.1: "And this seems like another bloody deja vu"

"By the way my name is not Bansot. I'm Taylor Minerva Cortez, Tamy for short. Nice meeting you, sir!" I introduced myself formally as I gave him my sweetest smile before lowering my head. I knew he's probably wondering and obviously shocked at the turn of the events. He can't even blink his eyes and kept staring at me as if I was a horror character in his vision.

Well, I can't blame him for that. I know this is too sudden but right after that epic cafeteria scene 2 days ago, I convinced my family to give me their full permission to live independently for a whole school year at least. And to tell you what, I actually did something so stupid just to make that succeed.

"What? But lil sis, I thought you said before that you're only going to study in a commoner school and nothing else? And now, you're telling us that you wanted to move out and live on your own because it wasn't enough? That's not a nice plan!" Brother Matt asked hysterically before laying down his cutleries. I can clearly tell that he’s also as serious as everybody in the dining room right now, who remained silent after hearing my demand.

"Matt is right, hermana. Tell us, which of your commoner friends brainwashed you to think this way?" Ate Monice also commented but I shook my head to her.

"No, my friends are totally out of this. It's my own decision, my own will. I just want to learn how to live by myself."

***

"Dios mio darling, what you're wishing for right now is something risky! You're a Soriano and a Cortez, technically you shouldn't align yourselves with those people! Another thing, our clan also had so many enemies outside, we couldn't afford to let you live on your own because they might do something that could harm you in our stake."

"Don't worry mama, I will do my best to stay low-key. And if our clan enemies really had a plan to put me in harm, then they should have targeted me at my school since I studied in San Ignacio, given that I'm unprotected when on campus grounds which will give them an opening."

"Oh my God. Mordecai, you talk to our daughter. I think I'm gonna pass out if this continues," Mama complained like a child to Papa who still hasn't spoken yet.

"Mom, just let her do whatever she freaking wants like you guys always do." Our eldest brother Terrence looked at me sternly. I don't think he's really siding on me for what I'm planning to do. He only said that just to probably get rid of me, since he's always repulsive around me whenever I'm in his sight. "Besides, it won't hurt if you allow her to get a small taste from her own curiosities and miscalculations. Let her touch the mud beneath her feet."

"Are you hearing yourself, Terrence? Your youngest sister is still a bloody minor! She's even barely 16 yet, and now you're suggesting us to permit her out in this dangerous world without any guarantee that she'll do well? Have you gone mad, son?"

"Ma, Pa, please I'm not asking for anything, this is all I'm asking. I know you all care so much about my welfare and safety, but please just for once I want you to trust me on this. I can be independent!"

"And just what do you wish to gain from this rubbish, Taylor Minerva?" Papa's voice echoed through the hall which silenced all of us for a second. I bit my lip due to his question. He rarely calls me through my first name and when he does, rest assured that he is not in his usual, happy mood.

"Papa, I—"

"If it's not something that would benefit the whole family's long-running reputation, then don't speak and try to explain everything because I won't approve it."

"But Papa, listen to me first—"

"ENOUGH! This conversation is over! Go to your room after you're finished eating! Stop making me more disappointed at you!" I felt that my world crumbled apart when I heard my father's strong and hurtful words for the very first time. Not even once in my life he dared yelling at my face until this happened. It's like he just morphed into another person.

So, he's disappointed huh?

I noticed how his facial expression changed as if he was also surprised by what he suddenly did, not just my mother and siblings. And even it is against my will, I softly slammed both of my hands on table and stood up before a barely-eaten meal.

"I don't think I still need to finish my dinner tonight, Papa. I'm already FULL with what you've just told me." And with that final blow, I turn around and walked away, quite upset.

I decided to run back to my room when I knew that I can't take my aggravated emotions longer. I locked my door before approaching the bed and laid to it, burying my face on my head pillow.

Despite what just happened, I have no time to be dramatic right now. I've got to think of another approach on how to convince them the next time. I don't want to give up especially now that I've said my word to that monster's deal. I want to prove to him, to everyone, and to myself as well that he wasn't right about what he think I am and that no one can decide who I'm going to be just because I had a wealthy life. They had no idea that I've been preparing for this my whole life ever since I was little. I'm not gonna let it go to waste. Now's a perfect opportunity to prove something. That I ...

I have more worth than my money.

Suddenly, a witty yet stupid idea came across my mind. I got up from the bed and looked for a high rope. When I found it, I immediately tied the end of it to a big nail stuck over the wide window in my room. Since I don’t have a veranda, this might be a better diversion.

I approached the door and unlocked it, allowing anyone outside to have the access inside my room. Then, I go back to the window and step on the window stool while the other edge of the rope is hanging around my neck. After checking my position, I screamed as loud as I can.

After a few couple seconds of waiting, the door of my room opened from the outside.

"Lil sis? Why did you sc—WHAT THE FUDGE!!" my older brother Matt greeted me as his round eyes gaped and widened. Together with our parents and Ate Monice, the four of them had the same anxious look written across their faces as they realized what I am planning to do, behind them were a bunch of servants who also seemed worried of what might occur in this situation. All of them were absolutely petrified from where they stood at.

Argh, now it's up to me whether this would work or otherwise. This is your time ti shine, Tamy.

"DON'T YOU DARE TAKE ANOTHER STEP NEAR ME, OR ELSE I WILL JUMP FROM THIS HEIGHT AND DIE HERE!!" I warned all of them like a mad suicidal person although I'm not planning to die young. Gladly, they followed my order like tamed puppies.

"Baby, please. I'm sorry for what I said back at the dining table earlier. I didn't mean to yell at you and tell you those nasty words. Papa is very sorry," Papa pleaded, as if he was about to cry any minute. I wanted to run to him and give him a tender hug as well but that would ruin the act so I have to stay emotionless. As expected from my dad, he really couldn't resist my charms deep inside. "Get down there baby, please?"

***

"No I won't! I don't care about what you said to me at dinner, it didn't matter. I'll only come down from here when you let me do what I want! All of you ¿Entiendes?"

"But darling, we already told you that it's not—"

"WHAT? DO YOU AGREE OR NOT? I'M REALLY GOING TO JUMP HERE!"

"Don't be hasty lil sis! W-We'll figure this out!"

"Calm down, hermana!"

"Darling noooo!"

"ARGH! Fine, fine! Let's settle this now! We're okay with your decision honey, you hear me?" I couldn't help but smile when I saw our father raising both of his hands in the air as if he were a wanted criminal surrendering to the police. "We'll do everything that you want now, baby. Just get down there and don't scare us. We love you so much. Please, mija."

AND THE REST is history which I don't want to reminisce anymore. So, after all that stupidity, in the end my family especially my parents agreed to make me do what I wanted. So, that night they started to sort things out and as soon as possible. They rented a house for me to live in as a commoner somewhere near San Ignacio avenue. And it was actually a nice and small bungalow, located in an exclusive subdivision. The house didn't look as much on its exterior as well as its interior but I find it cozy and peaceful, like my room in our original house. However, despite of the place's security they still plugged defensive sensors everywhere just in case bad guys come in. Anyway, the campus is only a kilometer away from my new home so I can just walk to it or ride a bicycle everytime I go to school.

I also asked them to remove my aids like my personal servants or bodyguards because from today and onwards, I'm going to be doing things on my own now, including chores like washing my clothes or cooking my own food. And for the last time, Papa gave me 50 thousand cash as the final allowance he'd give me since I also requested to earn money for myself. And speaking of earning money, yes he allowed me to do a part-time job to sustain my daily expense. He referred me to the bar of his acquaintance, Sir Edgar, and personally talked to him about hiring me. Coincidentally, he was the owner of the same bar as to where Kuya Matt and Maou fought the last time. Fortunately, it just got renovenated so I was able to get a job right away because there was a vacant room for a new employee.

Since I'm quite skilled in making or mixing liquors (I was thought by one of my tutors before and I use to mix drinks personally for my father), I accepted the bartender job instead of being a waitress. That's why I didn't go to school for two days because apart from taking care of the things I had to take care first in this "new" life, I'm busy in familiarizing my work at the bar, learning some fundamental stuffs that I had to do during working hours and dealing customers. And I’ll admit, I’m not really fond of this kind of place but I have to get used to it now, since I’ll be working here everyday.

"Thanks for listening and good evening to everyone!" Ryan said right after they sang their last song for tonight. We only met earlier when Sir Edgar introduced them to me. He said that they will also work here permanently and today is also their first night at work, even though it isn't the first time they played music here.

Needless to say but I've known them already because I run a background check upon Maou before — because you know, he's my enemy so I have to know him better. And if I remembered it correctly, their band is known as "MONSTARS." They are composed of four members all of them are close friends since their childhood.

Ryan Miguel Rolandez is their leader, their main vocalist and also the bassist. Takumi Aguilar is the pianist. Agasi Bonifacio is the drummerist, and Maou Montega is the lead guitarist. They debuted two years ago — but they rarely perform, depending on where they are invited such as in birthday parties, social gatherings, and etcetera. I also know that they don't earn that much from this work but that didn't stop them from playing. And it seems like the bond between them is too tight enough because I have never read any article or even heard a rumor of them almost disbanding out of misunderstanding from the members.

And speaking of the devil, I noticed that the lone, gorilla monster playing on the stage in front of the counter keeps on glancing at my direction. And if looks can kill, I'd probably be dead minutes ago. He's been watching me with those fiery, glaring eyes ever since he saw me here. Unfortunately, I’ll be seeing him a lot these days, not only at school but here as well.

But that's a good omen, right? I mean, he's one of the mere reasons why I am doing this to begin with. He’s the one who challenged me and said that he wanted me to suffer without financial amenities. Now, he gets to see it everyday starting tonight. But of course, I won't let him expect that I'd really suffer in my state now just because I'm used to my old life as a rich person.

Because I'll show him that he's wrong, that I am as capable as how is capable as well. Starting right here, right now.

When my night duty was over, I packed up my stuffs and headed out of the bar as soon as possible. As I was just approaching my bike parked outside the establishment, I saw him standing next to it with his arms crossed. I ignored him then got on my bike quietly to give him an idea that I'm not in the mood to talk to him out of my exhaustion, but he blocked my way like a street boulder.

"Are you fucking kidding with me, huh?" those words came out of his mouth like a bullet rain, raising the intonation of his voice to indicate how angry and pissed off he was at the same time.

"Am I?" I glared back. "And what did you ate tonight for you to think that way?"

"What does Mrs. Gloria's delicious adobo has to do with my thoughts bitch?" he snarled at me but I didn't budge and instead I just raised an eyebrow at him in return. And who's Mrs. Gloria? His babysitter? "But yeah, go ahead. I understand if you don't want to answer my question, because it looks like I already know the answer," he added.

(A/N: Adobo is a popular, Filipino dish.)

"Good for you then, I'm going." I pushed him out of the way. I was about to turn my back when he still pulled my arm and held both of my shoulders to make me stay in place. Then, he leaned his head closer to mine while showcasing his irritated expression. I heaved a sigh break free from his grasp and gave him a lethargically look. "Can you please move your butt out of the way now, monkey man? I said I'm going."

"No, you can't make me! You're not going anywhere until you explain to me why you're here, Bansot!"

"Didn't I tell you my name already? It's Tamy, TAMY not Bansot. And haven't you heard what Sir Edgar said earlier? I'm here because I AM WORKING. Next time, you better pay attention when someone's telling you relevant details. "

"Fuck you too! That's not what I meant dumbass!" he cussed at my face, slightly showering me with his spittles. "And why would you even work here? Aren't you rich? What is the meaning of this? Are you intentionally trying to mess up me?"

"FOR YOUR INFORMATION mister, the reason why I'm working here is because from now on, I will also try to live as a commoner like you! This is what you want in the first place, isn't it?" He was taken aback when I responded in a fuming undertone. His skeptical look tells me that he didn't assumed this would happen. "So, don't you ever complain about always seeing me here because I'll be working my golden-spooned ass here too — to prove to you that I can be independent and as equal as you are! In general, It's your idea not mine!"

"Are you nuts? Why would you take that shit seriously, huh? Is your pride so high that you don't want to admit to yourself that I'm RIGHT?"

"It is not pride, you dork. It's called dignity. Something that a close-minded and unutterably brainless monster like you wouldn't understand."

"Wow! Just who do you call brainless? You're the one who's a trying-hard heroine and impulsively barges on a situation without even assessing first what the hell is going on! In other words, you're stupid!"

"How dare you! Me, stupid? Are you kidding me? Who among the two of us is the attention-seeker and a bully who acts like a 7-year old brat who didn't get any single candy during Halloween? Isn't that YOU? Therefore, you're the stupid one! You're an idiot!"

"No! YOU'RE an idiot because you were that idiot who accepted my idiotic challenge even though it shouldn't be a big deal! Also, you're more childish than I am so the bomb's on you, loser! You're the real idiot!"

"And you're more than an idiot!"

"No, it's just you!"

"Freaking gorilla!"

"Stunt!"

"You're despicable!"

"And you're a dumb little bitch!"

"Argh! You're going to die!"

"Damn, you go first!"

"IDIOT! GET OUT OF HERE ALREADY!"

"FUCK YOU TOO! DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO! BLEH!" He stuck his tongue out once he lifted his middle finger in the air before running away like a thief. I massaged my temples first to calm myself. I swear to God, it will be no longer before I lose my mind if I kept on arguing with that Gorilla king. Is he a Freak? Or perhaps a mentally-ill person with special needs? Geez.

This is only the beginning of my new life, and now it's already a disaster because of that asshole. How worse could it get knowing that I'd be meeting him more often that I did? What a bloody son of a munchkin.