Ramil

The next day, I got my butt to school early, just like Mags and I planned last night. The whole place was still covered in fog when my jeepney pulled up at the gate. I actually sat inside this time. I was kinda looking sharp today. Wore a different kind of long sleeve and a collared shirt underneath. No way was I gonna mess up my hair by riding on the roof.

As soon as I got off, I spotted Magnolia already inside. So, I hustled to catch up with her. Didn't say anything, just tried to match her stride. When she noticed me, her face lit up with that smile of hers.

"Early bird, huh?"

She gave my right shoulder a playful slap when I surprised her by talking. She was on my right. We slowed our pace and didn't say much until we passed the basketball court.

"Let's go this way, Chris."

Mags suddenly veered off towards the pelota court instead of heading straight.

"Aren't you hitting the cafeteria?"

"Nah, already had my coffee."

We were supposed to take that rocky path where the Values Education and H.E/L.E buildings are. But the fog was thick, making it hard to see, so Mags changed direction again, and we headed to the Math-Science Building, which also has the admin office and clinic.

"I really gotta pee. This fog is spooky."

"Let's try cutting through the park. Might be better..."

So, we climbed the stairs and exited the admin building. Not a soul in sight, and the fog was thick as we headed towards the C.R.

"Isn't there a C.R. in the gym?"

"I hate it there; it's nasty. Plus, it's closed this early."

The ground sloped down towards the C.R. we were heading to, making the fog even thicker.

"Wait for the fog to clear? Or maybe use the cafeteria's kitchen C.R.?"

"Oh, yeah, let's do that!"

And that's exactly what we did.

"Told my dad you're my boyfriend."

"H-huh? What did he say?"

"Nothing much... He said you seem polite and nice. Just said if we ever have problems, you can hurt my feelings but never lay a hand on me."

"Why would I do that? I'd be a total jerk. You're so good to me, why would I hurt you?"

"But you did hurt me once."

I scrunched my eyebrows, confused, and looked at her.

"When?"

I kept staring at her, puzzled.

"Don't remember ever hurting you--"

Then it hit me, and I stumbled over my words. When she saw I got it, she pushed me hard, laughing her head off.

Once her laughter died down, she looped her arm through mine. When we reached the cafeteria, she let go and asked the food attendant to use the C.R. They said yes.

I waited for her to come out, then we walked to the Math building. We didn't sit in the park; that's Cons and Jennifer's spot. We went to the garden, opposite the third-year science room.

"Why didn't you get what I was saying earlier? Ha ha!"

"Didn't want to think bad of you."

"Does it bother you that I'm this kind of girl?"

"No. Just adjusting. Never met a girl this open-minded before."

"You're so harmless. Feels like I found a brother I can tease. Ha ha!"

"Fine... Tease me if it makes you happy."

"Hope you can put up with my quirks. I'm really quirky."

"Fine. I'll observe you. Keep tabs on your behavior and comment."

"Okay. Walk me home after school, then we can chat."

"Only until 7. My grandma and aunt in Malimpec chewed me out for coming home late. They expect me to wash the dishes. My aunt was fuming 'cause she had to clean up."

"Okay. But you gotta eat there too..."

When we noticed people around us, I realized my elbow was touching her as she held onto my arm.

A classmate of ours arrived, heading our way.

"Hello! Good morning, Chris, Mags..."

Jenny greeted us.

"Hey, Chris, got complete Math notes?"

"Nope... But got Science notes. Mags might have Math."

Mags handed her notebook to Jenny. I lent mine too. Jenny thanked us and walked away, promising to return them later.

Then Mags grabbed my right hand, closed it, and bit my fist. Jenny suddenly came back and caught us in the act.

She raised an eyebrow, looking curious and intrigued.

"You two together?"

We didn't answer; I just raised my eyebrow. Didn't know Mags' reaction.

"Really?"

Jenny pressed when she saw my raised eyebrow.

"What about Ramil?"

When Jenny dropped that bomb, it felt like a stab to my heart. My face turned green with envy and shame. Mags pulled her hand away from mine. I couldn't look at her.