CHAPTER 9

As Kuya Joberth dropped me off, I couldn't help but notice the sleek white Tesla parked behind us. Rows of luxury cars lined up to drop off the privileged students, children of the wealthy elite. I didn't bother trying to figure out whose it was; only three people I knew used a Tesla to commute to school: Sheldon, Rinoa, and one of my classmates. But frankly, I couldn't care less about their flashy rides.

Ignoring the murmurs and whispers of the other students, I made my way inside.

"Is she here already?" I overheard someone say.

"Looks like the queen bee has competition," another voice chimed in. I furrowed my brows at the comments, choosing to block them out and focus on other thoughts.

I realized I had forgotten my earphones in my haste.

"I thought they weren't arriving until next week?"

I pretended not to hear their gossip, distracting myself with other thoughts.

By the time I reached my classroom, the professor had already arrived, sparing me from any more idle chatter. I took my seat, glad to be away from the nosy whispers of my peers. In a world where gossip and appearances reigned supreme, I preferred to keep to myself and focus on what truly mattered.

"Good morning, class. Before anything else, we have a new student joining us."

We all turned our attention to the newcomer as she walked in. She flashed a flirtatious smile as she stood at the front of the room, and I couldn't help but hear the excited whispers of the boys.

"Good morning, everyone. I know some of you already know me, but I'll introduce myself anyway," she said, her eyes roaming around the room before settling on me. Her earlier smile morphed into a sneer. "I'm Chanel Sullivan, your new classmate starting today."

I scoffed inwardly at her attempt to command attention. Who did she think she was, waltzing in here like she owned the place? Her theatrics were nothing more than a desperate bid for validation, and I had no intention of indulging her ego.

Her family name held weight in the echelons of Philippine society, known for their vast wealth and influence. Yet, despite her privileged upbringing, here she was, a mere shadow of originality, a crude imitation of my own persona. With each calculated sway of her hips and every calculated word that rolled off her tongue, she attempted to mirror my essence. Did she not possess an iota of individuality? I cast a disdainful glance over her from head to toe, noting the familiarity of her demeanor, unchanged despite her supposed status.

As she sauntered into the room, exuding an air of false confidence, I couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Who did she think she was fooling? Certainly not me. Her attempts to mimic my every move were nothing short of pathetic, a transparent bid for attention and validation. But I had no intention of acknowledging her feeble efforts. After all, I had far more important matters to attend to than entertaining the whims of a mere copycat.

With a dismissive flick of my hair, I looked at her from head to toe. Let her play her games and vie for the spotlight; I had no interest in partaking in her petty theatrics. If she sought drama, she would find none in me. And if she dared to challenge me, she would quickly learn that she stood no chance against the queen of this domain.

When our eyes inevitably met, I made sure to convey my disdain through a withering glare. The professor, perhaps sensing the tension, gestured for her to take a seat at the back of the room. As she complied, I allowed a smirk to tug at the corners of my lips. Let her sit in her designated corner, basking in the futile delusion of her own importance. She may think she could steal the limelight, but she had severely underestimated the formidable force that stood before her.

As the lunch break approached, I swiftly packed up my belongings and stood up, ready to make my exit. I was about to walk away when I heard the voice of my copycat calling out to me.

"Why the rush, Nionahlie?" she quipped.

I ignored her and continued towards the door, but I halted when she spoke again.

"Can't stand my presence because you're worried about losing your position in this school?" she taunted.

This time, I indulged her and turned to face her.

"I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm in a hurry not because I'm worried about my position, but because I can't stand spending any more time in a room with a copycat like you. And why would I be worried? I'm still the queen bee, whether you're here or not," I retorted before finally making my exit. I had no time for her. I refused to waste my precious time on trash like her.

Pagkarating ko sa cafeteria, I saw Rinoa and Ariena at their usual spot. I grabbed some food and sat down with them.

"Hey girl, I heard Chanel's your classmate?" Rinoa asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

I rolled my eyes in response. "Please, Rinoa, I just want to eat without thinking about trash, okay?"

She pouted and nodded in understanding. "By the way, three transfer students arrived today."

"Really?" Ariena asked, her interest piqued.

"Yeah, and guess what?" Rinoa giggled as she divulged the information. "The other one is Aelle Mintz, Sheldon's very best friend!"

I paused to contemplate. Now that they were all together, including my copycat, I wondered what would happen next in this school.

"Excuse me, can I sit here?" someone haughtily asked from behind me.

"I'm sorry, but no," Rinoa replied.

"Really? There's still an empty seat next to Niona," she pointed out the seat next to me.

"Can't you see Niona's bag there? Just sit somewhere else," they continued to argue, while I simply continued eating.

"Ugh, no wonder this school doesn't improve, it's infected with your attitude," Chanel remarked snidely at me. "What you need is a challenge for your position. Maybe if I became the queen bee here, do you think I'd be liked by many? Maybe this school would be better off," she continued.

"Well, then why don't you apply to be the dean of the school since you want it to be better?" Rinoa retorted sharply.

"Don't interfere because I'm not talking to you," Chanel replied.

Irritated, I stood up and confronted her. I couldn't eat properly because of her. Her expression changed when she saw me facing her, as that was what she wanted all along, for me to notice her.

"Can't you see that I'm eating?"

"Oh, can't handle a little competition, can you?" Isang mataray na ngiti ang binigay niya sa akin.

I scoffed, "Competition? Please, darling, you couldn't even compete with my shadow."

"Is that your usual response to everyone who's not up to your 'standards'?"

I crossed my arms and raised my eyebrow "Unlike you, I actually have standards."

"Oh please, the only standard you have is being basic."

"Basic? Says the one who's desperately trying to copy my style."

Narinig ko naman ang mahihinanb pagtawa ng mga nanonood sa amin. Ang lahat ng atensyon ay nasa amin nang dalawa.

"Is that so? Maybe I should remind you that I'm the new bitch on the block, and I don't plan on bowing down to the likes of you"

"New bitch or not, you're still light-years away from my league. Stick to your own level, Chanel"

Tumaas naman ang isang kilay niya sa sinabi ko, "My own level? As if I'd stoop down to the level of someone whose only talent is spending mommy's money."

Kumulo ang dugo ko sa sinabi niya. How dare she?

"At least my family's wealth didn't come from marrying into it. You can't buy class, newbie"

"Class? Hah! Coming from someone whose idea of class is plastering their face with designer labels?

"Oh, please. You wouldn't know style if it slapped you in the face. Stick to your knockoff accessories." I rolled my eyes at her.

"Knockoffs? At least I don't need to flaunt my wealth to feel validated. Unlike you, who can't seem to function without showing off."

"Maybe if you had an ounce of taste, you'd understand why I do. But alas, some things can't be bought." Sinadya ko pang tumawa

"Oh, please, your insults are as tired as your fashion sense."

"Says the girl whose personality is as dull as her wardrobe."

She smiled, "Keep talking, Nionahlie. Maybe one day you'll say something intelligent. But I doubt it."

I smiled at her, too, "And maybe one day you'll learn some originality. But I highly doubt that, too.

"Whatever, Niona. Enjoy your lonely lunch. You and your ego make quite the pair."

"At least I have something that matches. Can't say the same for you and your tasteless outfit."

She just rolled her eyes at me and walked away. She keeps getting on my nerves. Nang tumingin ako sa dalawa ay nakatulala lang sila.

"What?"

Umiling si Riona at tumayo sabay lapit sa akin, "Nothing. You just dropped this" aniya sabay angat ng dalawang kamay sa ulo ko para ilagay ang invisible crown.

I rolled my eyes at her, "Whatever"

Nawalan na ako ng ganang kumain. Nang tumingin ako sa paligid ay may iba pa ring panay ang sulyap sa akin. Ang iba ay wala nang pakialam at pinagpatuloy ang pagkain. Ang babaeng 'yon, gusto lang talagang magpapansin at gumawa ng eksena.

Huminga ako nang malalim at akmang uupo na sana nang makita ko ang nerd na nakatingin sa akin. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa hawak niyang plato na may laman na namang maraming pagkain. Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin para salubungin ang mga mata niya ay bigla na lang siyang umalis.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at umupo na lang. Tinitigan ko lang ang pagkain ko habang nakahalukipkip. Ang dalawa sa harap ko ay nag-uusap patungkol sa dalawa pang transferee.

Tumunog ang bell hudyat na tapos na ang lunch break. Ang mga estudyante ay bumalik na sa kanilang room. Habang ako ay kasama sa mga estudyanteng hindi pa nagpapa-register sa mga clubs. Isa sa tatlong course ang sinalihan ko dahil hindi naman ako maalam sa mga clubs na meron ang school na ito. Mabuti na lang at minsan na akong isinama ni Mommy para maglaro ng golf kaya ayon ang pinili kong course.

I roamed my eyes around. Medyo marami-rami rin ang mga kasabayan ko at may kahabaan ang pila sa golf course. Habang inililibot ko ang mga mata ay biglang huminto ang aking tingin sa music club. Ayon lang ang may pinakamaikling pila sa lahat. Napatingin ako sa taong lumapit doon para pumila.

Hindi ko makita ang mukha niya dahil nakatalikod siya. Napatitig ako mula sa balikat niya pababa sa kabuoan ng kaniyang likod. He seems familiar. Hindi ko alam kung saan ko siya nakita. Pagkaharap ng lalaki ay biglang nagbago ang aking ekspresyon.

Bumungad kasi sa akin ang malaki at makapal na salamin ng nerd na iyon. Medyo na-disappoint ako. But what? Sa music club siya magre-register? He can play instruments? Or magaling ba siyang kumanta?

"Next please"

Naagaw ng registrar ang atensyon ko nang magsalita siya. I'm up next.

"Please sign here, Ma'am" tinuro niya ang pipirmahan ko at binigyan ako ng ballpen. I signed it right away. May ibinigay pa siya sa aking papel about sa information, rules and regulations sa course na sinalihan ko.

Pagkatapos ay agad akong umalis at hinanap ang nerd. Medyo nahirapan pa ako dahil sa dami ng estudyante. Mabuti na lang at familiar ang likod niya kaya nakita ko siya na naglalakad paalis. Nilakihan ko ang aking mga hakbang para maabutan siya.

"Hey, nerdy," I called.

Huminto siya at humarap sa akin. Kumunot ang noo niya nang makita ako.

"Anong kailangan mo?" Tanong niya.

Lumapit ako sa kaniya at hinablot ang papel na hawak. Confirmed. He registered for the music club. I handed back the paper to her and gave her a stern look, crossing my arms.

"You know, Rinoa is the president of that club. You know her, right?"

His eyes remained emotionless as he met mine. He nodded.

My head tilted slightly. "And you know her family owns this school, right?"

He nodded again.

"So, you understand what I mean?" I asked sharply, and once again, he nodded.

"Pinapahiwatig mong mataas ang standards ng president ng club na ito at dahil isa akong nerd, sinasabi mong huwag na akong umasa pang pumasa, hindi ba? Huwag kang mag-alala, may alam ako sa pagtugtog."

I was impressed by his response. "You're quick on the uptake, huh? I guess being smart is just in your nature, nerds contributing to the world with their brains?" I quipped.

Suminghal siya at mukhang nainsulto sa sinabi ko.

"Hindi ka lang pala lumapit sa akin para ipamukha sa akin na mababa ang mga katulad ko, nandito ka rin para insultuhin ako," malamig niyang sabi.

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko sa sabi niya. Tinalikuran niya ako at naglakad paalis. Gusto ko pa sanang sumagot pero walang lumabas sa bibig ko.

"Niona" tawag ng kung sino sa likod ko.

"Yes?"

The school secretary informed me that Mommy was in the dean's office. I hurriedly made my way there, fearing that she might have found out about our rule-breaking escapade outside the school premises. As I entered the office, I was greeted by the school president, with Rinoa smiling beside her. I spotted Mommy sitting on the sofa, with Chanel standing behind her. I rolled my eyes and approached them.

"What are you doing here, Mom?" I asked, my tone laced with irritation. Our conversation yesterday didn't end well, so there was no other reason for her to be here unless she was summoned.

"Just checking in. I didn't know Chanel was here," she said casually. I raised my gaze to Chanel. She simply smirked at me, as usual.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance at Mommy's nonchalant attitude. Did she think I would believe she just happened to be here coincidentally? And Chanel's presence only added to my irritation. She always seemed to revel in causing trouble, and her mere existence grated on my nerves.

I turned back to Mommy, skepticism evident in my expression. "Right, just checking in. Well, I hope you don't mind if I cut this little reunion short. I have better things to do than entertain uninvited guests," I said, my words dripping with sarcasm.

Mommy's expression faltered for a moment before she quickly recovered. "Of course, dear. Carry on with your important matters," she replied, her tone masking any hint of discomfort.

With a dismissive wave, I turned on my heel and headed for the door, leaving behind Mommy, Chanel, and the rest of their company.

"Oh, I almost forgot, Nionahlie" pahabol ni Mommy na ikinatigil ko sa paglalakad.

Humarap ako sa kaniya, "What?"

"I'll drive you home"

Mas lalo akong nainis, "Do whatever you want"

I know that we both can't stand each other's presence and attitude. Hindi ko alam kung anong pumasok sa isip ni Mommy at pumunta pa siya rito. Mukhang hindi niya alam ang paglabag namin sa rules. And what? Ihahatid niya ako pauwi? Wow. Siguro ay may nakain siyang hindi maganda at naapektuhan ang utak niya kaya hindi siya nakapag-isip nang maayos at nasabi niya iyon.

My mother and I are like oil and water. We just can't seem to coexist in the same space without it devolving into arguments. And neither of us backs down easily. We're both as stubborn as they come.

It's like a clash of titans whenever we're in the same room. Our attitudes clash, and sparks fly – and not the good kind. We're both fiercely independent and refuse to back down from a fight, no matter how trivial it may seem.

Honestly, it's exhausting having to constantly deal with her drama and attitude. But then again, I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. We're cut from the same cloth, after all.

So, until one of us learns to swallow our pride and extend an olive branch, I guess we'll just continue to butt heads like two raging bulls. But let's be real, I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Why did you even bother coming here?" I asked as soon as I got into the car.

"Just like I said earlier, I came to check up on you because who knows what trouble you've gotten yourself into again," she replied, earning an eye roll from me.

"If you're trying to convince me to join that family photo, save your breath because I'm not budging," I retorted firmly, staring out the window to avoid her gaze.

It took her a few more seconds before she started the car, and then she hit me with that classic line, "Why are you always like this?"

"Why am I like this? Isn't this the attitude you've been modeling for me all along? You're the one to blame for passing it down to me," I shot back, not giving her a chance to interject.

"Nionahlie—" she tried to say something, but I cut her off.

"And can't you hear what people are saying? They say we're like two peas in a pod. So if you see something in me, guess where I got it from," I replied without even glancing her way, my tone dripping with sarcasm and defiance.

Bigla siyang lumiko at hininto ang sasakyan sa gilid ng kalsada. Mahigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa manibela at mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan ang sinabi ko. Well, kailan ba niya nagustuhan ang mga sinasabi ko?

"Get out of the car," she said.

"What?" was the first word that escaped my lips.

"I said get out."

I scoffed. "This is exactly why I hate it when you come to school and insist on giving me a ride home."

I reached for the door handle and opened it. Nang maisara ko ang pinto ng kotse ay pinaandar niya ang sasakyan at umalis. Leaving me alone. Natawa ako sa inis habang nakatanaw sa sasakyan.

Thanks for the ride, Mom.