Me: — You bump into me and don't even apologize? I said loudly.
Around me, the girls were already whispering: "She's new and she's already causing trouble?" "Who does she think she is, talking like that to our Jacey-bun ?" "She's harassing him, what a groupie."
Some even muttered things in Tagalog — which, of course, I didn't understand at all.
What the heck? Who does this guy think he is?
Me: — You should apologize when you're wrong!
Him (his face still just inches from mine): — Tss.
And then he walked away.
Huh??? Just "Tss"? This guy is really getting on my nerves. No way I'm letting this go.
Me: — Hey, you...
Tamara grabbed my arm: — Forget it, he won't do it.
Me: — Mmh.
I crouched down to pick up my spilled lunch, but someone else crouched at the same time to help me. Slowly, I lifted my head and… wow. He was cute. No, correction — really hot.
Him (smiling): — Sorry about my friend.
And polite too. Ugh, too sweet. His smile was so warm, it almost melted me on the spot.
He helped me gather everything, then stood and left quietly.
Tamara: — His name's Felix Smiths. He's on the basketball team.
Me: — Ah.
We grabbed another meal, ate, then headed to class. Ah, high school life.
---
When we walked in, a boy came straight to us. He seemed close to Tami.
Tamara: — And why are you showing up only now?
Him: — Sorry, but the vacation was just so...
Tamara: — Unbelievable, you'll never change. Uh… Hiyas, this is Jonas Diaz. Jonas, meet Hiyas Corazon.
Me: — Nice to meet you.
Him: — Darling, the pleasure's all mine.
We all burst out laughing, lol. But of course, our moment got interrupted by the same girl who had annoyed me on my very first day — Lucie Lawrence.
Her: — Hey, you! What were you trying to do to our Jacey-bun in the cafeteria?
"Jacey-bun"? Seriously? A fangirl? A groupie? Eww. It's disgusting and funny at the same time. Mdr.
I ignored her. This girl was already grinding my nerves; if I answered her, it would end badly. Thank God Tamara and Jonas ignored her too. We made a great little trio right there.
Her: — Hey, I'm talking to you and you're acting deaf? Let me tell you something: if you ever get close to Jace again, I, Lucie Lawrence, will make sure you regret it.
And with that, she stormed off, her dumb friends trailing behind. (Sorry for my language, but she really pushed my buttons.)
After they left, Jonas wanted the details.
Jonas: — Did something happen between you and Jace?
Tamara: — He spilled his lunch on her, and she asked him to apologize. But Jace never apologizes.
Jonas: — Oh right, true. That guy doesn't like girls. And that's because of Ty...
He didn't finish, because a teacher came in, barely introduced himself, and started the lesson.
This school is full of surprises. Ugh.
---
After classes, we went to karaoke as planned. (Of course, I told my dad beforehand — he hesitated a little but finally said yes.) We sang, danced, and laughed so much — I had the best time thanks to my friends.
The atmosphere was wild. Tami picked songs that got everyone in a good mood, Jonas tried a solo (a total disaster but unforgettable).
When it was over, my dad came to pick me up. My friends left with their drivers. I was so tired in the car I almost fell asleep.
Back home, I gave my mom my usual hug. We had dinner together, and during the meal, Dad made an announcement:
Dad: — This weekend, we'll have dinner at an old friend's house.
Me: — Really?
Dad: — Yes, sweetheart. It's been so long since we've seen each other. And soon, we'll be business partners.
Mom: — Is it Raphael?
Dad: — Yes, yes. I saw him today.
Me: — Mom, you know him?
Mom: — Yes. We ran into each other in London when you were ten, at an auction with your father.
Dad: — And he has three sons with his wife, Fernanda.
Me: — Ah.
Being here, in my home country, feels so good. Soon I'll meet my father's childhood friend, his wife, and their sons. It's going to be interesting.
I can't wait — though a little nervous too. How will these reunions go? Oh, I can't wait for the weekend to arrive.