CHAPTER 3

"Hey, bi....tch" ang masiglang bungad sa akin ni Rinoa ay unti-unting napalitan ng pagkagulat nang makita niya ako habang naglalakad sa hallway. "What happened to you?"

"Don't ask" sabi ko nang madaanan ko siya. Dire-diretso ako sa locker room para kuhanin ang extra uniform ko. Hindi nawala ang pagkakakunot ng aking noo habang naglilinis sa cr.

It seemed like luck wasn't on my side today. I woke up with a sour mood, and to top it off, someone bumped into me and spilled her juice all over myself. I could feel the frustration building up inside me as I struggled not to tear my already stained uniform apart. With a sigh of exasperation, I hastily crumpled the mess into a paper bag and dropped it into the sink.

Breathing heavily from the pent-up irritation, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. My hair was a mess, and my makeup needed a touch-up. Taking a moment to compose myself, I smoothed down my unruly locks and washed my hands before reaching for my makeup bag.

As I dabbed concealer over the dark circles under my eyes, I couldn't help but dwell on the string of unfortunate events that had unfolded since morning. It felt like the universe was conspiring against me, throwing obstacle after obstacle in my path. But amidst the chaos, I refused to let it defeat me.

With a determined spirit, I applied a fresh coat of lipstick, forcing a smile onto my lips despite the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Today might not have started off on the right foot, but I wasn't about to let it ruin the rest of my day. Armed with resilience and a touch of makeup, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. After all, every setback was just another opportunity to prove my strength and resilience. Because a queen bitch like me doesn't crumble under any challenge thrown her way.

I've weathered storms that would make most people cower in fear, yet here I stand, unyielding and undefeated. From the whispers of gossip to the venomous arrows of envy, I've faced them all with a steely resolve that can't be shaken.

Each trial only serves to strengthen my resolve, fueling the fire within me to rise above the petty dramas and machinations of those who dare to underestimate me. They may try to bring me down, but they'll soon learn that I'm not one to be trifled with.

I walk through life with my head held high, a crown of confidence adorning my brow, because I know my worth and I refuse to let anyone dim my shine. I am the architect of my own destiny, carving out my path with sheer determination and unwavering grit.

So let them throw their worst at me, for I am a queen bitch, and I will emerge from the flames stronger and more formidable than ever before.

Pagkalabas ko ay nakita ko si Rinoa na naghihintay sa gilid. Napaayos siya ng tayo nang makita akong lumabas.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm waiting for you. Just wanna know what happened" she smiled

I just rolled my eyes at her saka siya iniwan doon. Agad naman niya akong sinundan at pumuntay sa paglalakad ko.

I sighed "Go back to your room. Mamaya na tayo mag-usap"

"A'right" maarte niyang sabi sabay liko. Iisa lang kami ng building pero magkaiba kami ng floor. Nasa second floor siya habang third naman ako.

Here in our prestigious school, every student is assigned a building based on their socioeconomic status, a stark reflection of the hierarchy that exists in our society. It's a system that's as clear as day, with each structure standing as a testament to the wealth, or lack thereof, of its inhabitants.

At the top of the pyramid lies our building, the epitome of elegance and opulence. We, the students of the A class, are the cream of the crop, the inheritors of wealth and privilege. Our parents' fortunes pave our way, ensuring that we want for nothing. Our uniforms are always immaculate, our accessories designer-made, and our confidence unmatched. We are the ones who set the trends, the ones whom others aspire to be.

Next in line are the occupants of the B class building, where Ariena reigns as one of the affluent. Her father's position as a secretary in a prestigious company affords her a life of luxury and comfort. Despite not being in the same league as us, she manages to hold her own, thanks to her family's connections and financial stability. It's no surprise that she and Rinoa became fast friends, given their fathers' camaraderie in the corporate world. Ariena's family's own company, a testament to her father's determination to carve his own path, only solidifies her status in the school's hierarchy.

Then there's the C class, comprised of students who may not be as affluent as us or the B class, but are still able to afford the hefty tuition fees. They may not be as flashy or as well-known, but their financial stability ensures they're not overlooked. They move through the hallways with a sense of quiet confidence, knowing that they belong, even if they're not in the upper echelons of the school's social strata.

Lastly, there's the D class, relegated to the building farthest from ours, almost as if they're outcasts in their own right. Sheldon, with his cruel antics, sees fit to torment these students, knowing they lack the financial means to fight back. It's a sad sight to see, the nerds and the underprivileged huddling together, seeking solace in their shared struggles. Some of them are here because of sheer luck, like the girl who saved a boy from jumping off the building due to relentless bullying. Others, blessed with intellect but not the means, find themselves in this building, their brilliance overshadowed by their socioeconomic status.

But amidst the palpable divide that separates us, I remain unfazed, secure in my position at the top of the food chain. After all, in a world where money talks, I also hold the microphone, and I intend to make sure everyone hears me loud and clear.

"Now, you might be wondering, "What exactly is ethics?" Prof said. "Ethics is essentially the study of what is morally right and wrong. It's about exploring questions like, "What should we do in this situation?" or "How should we behave towards others?" Essentially, it's about figuring out how to navigate the complex moral landscape that we encounter in our everyday lives."

Nakatingin lang ako sa labas ng bintana habang hinihintay matapos ang klase.

"In our study of ethics, we'll explore various ethical theories and perspectives that have been developed over the centuries by philosophers and thinkers from around the world. From the ancient teachings of Aristotle and Confucius to modern ethical frameworks like utilitarianism and deontology, we'll examine the different approaches to understanding what it means to lead a good and virtuous life..."

Narinig ko ang mahinang tawanan ng mga kaklase ko. Maging ako ay bahagyang natawa sa sinabi ni prof. What? Lead a good and virtuous life? What a joke.

"But ethics isn't just a theoretical exercise—it's something that has practical implications for how we interact with others and navigate the complexities of our society. Throughout this course, we'll also discuss real-life ethical dilemmas and case studies, allowing us to apply the principles and theories we've learned to real-world situations" pagpapatuloy niya at hindi pinansin ang nakakainsultong pagtawa ng mga tinuturuan niya.

Nakapangalumbaba lang ako habang nakaharap sa bintana nang tawagin ako ni prof.

"Miss Davies?"

"Yes?" Sagot ko ngunit nananatili pa rin ang tingin sa labas.

"Can you define ethics in your own words?"

Tumingin ako sa kaniya. Ang mga kaklase ko ay nakatingin din sa akin at mukhang hinihintay lang na mapahiya ako. Wala sana akong balak sagutin siya kaso baka makarating na naman ito sa nanay ko.

"Oh, sure. Ethics is basically the subject where we learn how to pretend to care about doing the right thing while we're actually just trying to figure out how to justify our questionable actions. It's like putting a fancy dress on a pig and calling it noble"

Ngumiwi si prof bago tumango.

I reverted to my earlier posture, with my chin resting on the palm of my hand as I gazed out the window. I couldn't bring myself to sleep. It was the ultimate taboo in the classroom, and I had no choice but to comply. But I wasn't alone in this behavior. Most of us in the class were guilty of it, not paying attention and engaging in various distractions.

It's the typical scenario when you come from a wealthy background. You feel like you don't need to study because you have money. Why bother exerting effort when you can rely on your family's wealth to pave the way for you? It's a mindset that many of us have fallen victim to, myself included.

As I sat there, half-listening to the teacher's monotonous drone, my mind wandered to other things. I couldn't shake off the feeling of boredom and restlessness that gnawed at me. The classroom, with its neat rows of desks and glaring fluorescent lights, felt suffocating, like a prison cell that I couldn't escape from.

But amidst the sea of apathy and indifference, there was a flicker of defiance within me. Maybe it was the rebel in me, the part that refused to conform to the expectations placed upon me by society. Or perhaps it was the realization that there was more to life than just coasting by on privilege alone.

Deep down, I knew that I was capable of so much more than what I was currently allowing myself to be. I had dreams and aspirations that went beyond the confines of my family's wealth. But breaking free from the shackles of complacency would require courage and determination, qualities that I wasn't sure I possessed.

Bumalik ako sa reyalidad nang marinig ko ang sagutan ng dalawa kong kaklase. Napalingon ako sa kanila. Saka ko lang napansin na ang buong atensyon ay nasa kanilang dalawa. Nakatayo ang dalawang babaeng hindi ko alam ang pangalan at wala akong balak alamin pa. Medyo malayo sila sa isa't-isa pero magkaharap at nagpapalitan ng masasamang tingin.

"Alright, let's cut to the chase here. Ethics is basically just a fancy way for society to tell us how we're supposed to behave, right? But let's be real, who really follows all those rules anyway? We're all just out here looking out for number one, and if that means bending a few moral guidelines along the way, then so be it" maarteng sabi ng babaeng may kulot na buhok.

"Hold up there, bitch. Just because some people choose to ignore ethics doesn't mean it's not important. Ethics is what separates us from, well, animals. It's what helps us build trust and cooperation in society. Without it, we'd all be living in a chaotic mess" sagot naman ng babaeng maikli ang buhok.

"Okay, girls, sit down—"

"Please, spare me the lecture. Ethics is just a bunch of highfalutin' theories that don't hold up in the real world. You wanna talk about trust and cooperation? How about the fact that most people only follow ethical guidelines when they think they're being watched? It's all just a facade, my friend" diniinan niya ang dulong salita.

Hindi nila pinansan ang prof na sumaway sa kanila. Wala namang nagada ang prof kung hindi makinig at hintayin silang matapos.

"Oh, come on now. Sure, there are some bad apples out there, but that doesn't mean ethics is worthless. It's about striving to be better, even when no one's looking. It's about doing the right thing, not because you have to, but because it's the decent thing to do" aniya habang nakataas ang isang kilay

"Decent thing to do, huh? Tell that to the CEOs lining their pockets while their workers struggle to make ends meet. Tell that to the politicians making backroom deals while their constituents suffer. Ethics might sound nice in theory, but in reality, it's just another tool for the powerful to control the rest of us," pagkasabi no'n ay tinarayan niya ang kausap.

"You're missing the point entirely. Just because some people abuse ethics doesn't mean we should throw the whole concept out the window. We need ethics now more than ever, especially in a world where greed and selfishness seem to reign supreme. It's about holding ourselves accountable and striving for a better, more just society.

Nagpapalit-palit lang ang tingin ko sa kanilang dalawa. Hindi ko alam kung bakit sila nag-aaway at kung paano ito nagsimula but seriously? Ethics talaga ang napili nila? I want to laugh.

"Accountability, huh? That's rich coming from someone who's probably never had to face any real consequences for their actions. But hey, if you wanna keep living in your little fantasy world where ethics actually mean something, be my guest. Just don't come crying to me when reality comes crashing down around you."

Finally, the debate between the two came to an end. I thought they would keep arguing forever.

My ears were throbbing from listening to the professor, and those two bitches from earlier just made it worse.

"So, what happened to you earlier? Why is your uniform so dirty?" Rinoa asked as we walked towards the cafeteria.

I almost rolled my eyes recalling what happened earlier. She wouldn't stop pestering me until she knew the whole story, so I told her what happened. She even gasped, as if my story was some shocking revelation.

"Omg, so what are you going to do about that Nezel girl?" she asked, sounding way too interested.

"Nothing. I don't want to lay eyes on that loser's face ever again," I said, taking a sip of my frappe.

"Hey, I heard Sheldon was hit on the face" Sabi niya nang sandaling walang magsalita sa amin.

"Well, deserve" Tamad kong sabi sabay libot ng tingin sa paligid.

Rinoa laughed at my reaction, "Hindi ka nagulat?"

Kumunot ang noo ko at tumingin sa mga mata niya, "Bakit naman ako magugulat? Hindi lang naman ito ang unang beses na nasuntok siya sa mukha"

"Yeah, but it was Aelle that time"

"Then who punched him this time?" I asked uninterestedly

"That nerd..." she said sabay tingin sa kung saan.

Lumingon naman ako sa tinitingnan niya at nakita ko ang isang lalaking nerd. Kumukuha siya ng pagkain sa mahabang lamesa habang pinagtitinginan siya ng mga estudyante sa paligid. May iba ring lumalayo sa kaniya at mukhang natatakot. 

Walang pakialam siyang umalis sa lamesa at lumabas dala-dala ang pagkain na kinuha. Sinundan ko lang siya ng tingin hanggang sa makaalis na siya nang tuluyan. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali ay siya yung nerd na binabato ni Sheldon ng baseball noong isang araw.

"Nagutom yata dahil sa pagsuntok kay Sheldon. Tigas ba naman ng mukha ng isang 'yon" rinig kong sabi ni Rinoa.

Maybe? Ang dami niyang kinuha. Halos umapaw na ang plato niya sa dami ng nilagay niyang pagkain. Akala mo ay dalawang tao ang kakain. It seems like this is the only place he gets to eat good food because he is poor, right? That's why he's making the most out of it. I just shook my head and finished my food.

"By the way" I looked up at Rinoa who's now eating her burger. "Who's Aelle?"

"Ugh" she rolled her eyes on me, "Hindi mo ba naaalala? Sheldon's very best friend? Yung nakaaway niya dahil sa hindi malamang kadahilanan at nagpunta sa US?"

Naghugis bilog naman ang bibig ko sa sinabi niya. Right, that man. Hindi ko siya naalala. Actually, mabilis akong makalimot. I forget people faster than I can remember their names. That's probably why I don't bother paying attention in class either. As soon as the professor steps out, their words just fade into oblivion, along with any chance of me actually retaining whatever nonsense they're spewing.

It's not that I can't focus or anything. I just don't see the point in wasting my time on things that won't matter in the long run. I mean, who cares about quadratic equations or the French Revolution? Certainly not me.

Besides, there are far more important things to occupy my mind with, like which party to attend this weekend or which shade of lipstick goes best with my outfit. Life's too short to be bogged down by boring lectures and irrelevant information.

So while everyone else is busy taking notes and pretending to be interested, I'll be here, living in the moment and making the most of my youth. Because at the end of the day, who needs good grades when you've got looks, charm, and a killer social life?

Nang matapos akong kumain ay naisipan kong pumunta sa rooftop ng main building. Ngayon na lang ulit ako nakapunta rito nang pumasok ako matapos akong lagnatin. Gusto kong lumanghap ng sariwa at malamig na hangin. Gusto ko ulit maramdaman sa aking balat ang malakas na paghampas ng hangin.

Nang makarating ako sa rooftop ay nagulat ako sa nakita.

"What the hell, Sheldon?!" Napasigaw ako.

Hawak-hawak niya yung nerd na sumapak daw sa kaniya. Nakita ko nga ang putok sa labi ni Sheldon. Hindi ako pinansin ni Sheldon dahil masamang-masama ang tingin niya sa nerd na ngayon ay nasa dulo na ng rooftop. Hawak siya ni Sheldon sa kwelyo at bahagyang nakahiga sa railing ng rooftop.

"Niona?" Tawag sa akin ni Mckenzie. Nagliwanag ang mga mata niya at patakbong lumapit sa akin para yumakap, "It's nice to see you again. How are you?" Tanong niya na parang walang nangyayari sa paligid.

Hindi ko nagawang gantihan ang yakap niya. Sa halip ay tumingin ako kay kent na nakatayo lang at nakamasid sa amin.

"Yo" bati niya sa akin at itinaas pa ang isang kamay at bahagyang kumaway.

Lumipat naman ang tingin ko kay Sheldon na walang pakialam sa paligid. Nang bumitaw si Kenzie sa pagkakayakap sa akin ay agad akong humakbang papalapit kay Sheldon ngunit mabilis akong hinarangan ng dalawa niyang kaibigan.

Umangat ang tingin ko sa kanila, "What?"

Kenzie smiled, "Don't"

Muli akong bumaling kay Sheldon.

"Hey, Shel, make it fast. I don't want to be late" sabi pa ni kent.

Kinakabahan ako dahil baka mahulog yung nerd. Limang palapag ang building na ito at paniburadong patay siya oras na itulak siya ni Sheldon. Knowing Sheldon, gagawin niya ang gusto niya sa oras na may gawin kang hindi niya nagustuhan.

"Sheldon, stop this!" I shouted dahil baka magkamali siya ng galaw at bigla na lang mahulog yung nerd.

"Don't interfere, Niona. This is none of your business" Malamig na sabi ni Sheldon. Ngayon ko lang siya nakitang ganito.

"Do you want to get expelled? You'll kill him!" Despite my nerves, I managed to shout. "Stop making your already miserable life more miserable!"

"Nionahlie, stop," Kenzie tried to intervene, but I didn't listen. Instead, I took a step closer. I hurried my pace to avoid being caught by the two, but they still managed to stop me, so I kicked their shins hard, causing them to sit in pain. I quickly approached Sheldon and forcefully pulled him by the shoulder towards me. I didn't know what came over me, but I suddenly slapped him hard.

"If you do this again, I'll have no choice but to report you to your dad."

Nakita ko kung paano namula ang pisngi niya at kung gumalaw ang kaniyang panga. He gave me a death glare when he looked at me. Gusto kong umatras dahil sa bigat ng kaniyang mga titig.

"If you interfere again with what I'm doing, I don't know what I'll do to you, so don't test me, Nionahlie." Sabi niya saka siya umalis. Napatingin ako sa nerd na nakasalampak sa sahig, dumadaing at sapo ang tiyan. Duguan siya na mukhang kanina pa binubugbog nina Sheldon.