Chapter 3: NO MORE FOOD
1271 Words
Chapter 3: NO MORE FOOD
The air inside the faculty office was thick with tension. Mia stood stiffly, her fingers curling into fists as the weight of everything sank in. The moment Everard Lagman had spoken, her refusal had lost all meaning.
It was decided.
The old man sat at the head of the long conference table, his sharp, calculating gaze sweeping over the room. Despite his age, Everard Lagman had an undeniable presence. Everyone-faculty, students, the basketball team, the drama cast, waited for his next words.
Principal Beatrice Lagman pushed her glasses up her nose. “Now that we’ve finalized the muse and lead actress, we need to discuss the next steps.”
Coach Gardon leaned forward, his fingers tapping against the table. “The championship and the play will be happening back-to-back in two months. This isn’t just about a performance. It’s going to be aired on national television.”
Mia’s stomach dropped. National television? Why does it have to be aired on tv?
Miss Aurora nodded. “Both remaining schools will compete for the provincial title. The play is a huge part of it, and the muse isn’t just a pretty face. There will also be a debate and an impromptu Q&A session. Eloquence and confidence hold significant weight in the scoring.”
Mia’s mind reeled. A debate? Public speaking? It was one thing to embarrass herself in front of her school—but the entire country?
“Hold on,” she said, finally finding her voice. “You’re telling me I have to act, be a muse, and also debate? What kind of—”
“A competition that requires intellect, composure, and presence,” Principal Lagman cut in sharply. “Qualities the CEO believes you possess, Miss Acosta.”
Mia clenched her jaw. Of course. Everard Lagman had planned this. This wasn’t just about a role or a title—it was about representing the school.
“I—” She exhaled. “What if I fail?”
Silence.
Then Mr. 6Everard Lagman spoke, calm but firm. “Then you will be remembered as the girl who let her school down on national television.”
Mia swallowed hard.
Kierra smirked from across the room. “Sounds like we should’ve picked someone else.”
Coach Gardon shot her a sharp look. “We need brains, Evangelista. Not just a pretty cheerleader.”
Kierra scowled but said nothing.
The tension in the faculty room remained thick as people began filing out. Principal Lagman crossed her arms and gave Mia one last scrutinizing look.
“If I were you, Miss Acosta, I would start taking this seriously. The school’s reputation is in your hands with the whole basketball team and drama club.”
And what about mine? Mia wanted to retort, but she kept it to herself.
“You okay?”
She turned to see Kindrew standing beside her, his voice gentle.
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “This is too much.”
He smiled slightly. “You’ll be fine. You’re stronger than you think.”
Before she could respond, an irritatingly familiar voice cut in.
“Alright, pep--princess,” Haze drawled, leaning lazily against a desk. “Time to get started on your transformation.”
Mia scowled. “Stop calling me that.”
“But you act like one.” He smirked. “You hate this whole thing, but you’re still gonna do it. Sounds like a spoiled little royal throwing a fit.”
“If I could, I would—”
“Would what?” His grin widened. “Back out? Run away?”
Mia clenched her fists. Trapped.
Kindrew sighed. “Mia, if you want, I can still—”
“You’re done here, Velasquez.” Haze stepped between them, his tone dismissive. “This is my responsibility now.”
Kindrew’s jaw tightened, but he exhaled slowly, keeping his composure. “Alright. But Mia, if you ever need help, you know where to find me.”
Haze barely waited for him to finish before turning back to Mia. “Now, let’s talk about what needs fixing.”
Mia rolled her eyes. “Fixing?!”
“Oh, yeah. First thing: confidence. No more slouching, no more hiding. Second, your look.”
Mia narrowed her eyes. “What’s wrong with my look?”
Haze gave her a slow, deliberate once-over. “You look like someone trying to disappear. That’s not gonna work on stage or on TV.”
Before she could fire back, Miss Aurora cleared her throat.
“Mia, as the muse, you’ll also undergo fitness training. It’s important for stamina, posture, and overall performance. Don't worry with the expenses. It'll shouldered by LLA.”
Mia barely had time to process before Haze added, “And that means discipline.”
Her stomach churned. “Discipline?”
“Oh, yeah.” His smirk widened. “Rule one: diet.”
Mia stiffened.
“Rule two,” he continued, ignoring the horror on her face. “A strict workout routine. Strength, endurance, posture—”
But Mia wasn’t even listening anymore.
Her father’s cooking flashed in her mind, steaming arroz caldo, crispy fried chicken, fresh lumpia, cookies still warm from the oven…
Haze noticed her face fall and chuckled. “Oh God. You look like someone just told you food is illegal.”
Mia stared at him, genuinely distressed.
Haze dramatically mimicked her expression. “‘What about my food? I’m gonna miss them!’”
A quiet chuckle came from the back of the room.
Even Everard Lagman smirked slightly, watching the scene unfold.
Mia shot Haze a glare. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“Your face is funny.”
Kindrew, who had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke. “Mia, if you want, I can help. My family owns a gym. I can give you VIP access—”
Before Mia could answer, Kierra scoffed and crossed her arms. “VIP gym access won’t help her. She has no hope of losing all that weight in time. No matter how much she wishes, a whale’s reflection will never show a mermaid.”
Laugh...
Silence.
Mia turned to Kierra slowly, expression unreadable. Then, with effortless poise, she smiled.
“You’re right, Kierra,” she said smoothly. “A whale will never be a mermaid, because a whale rules the ocean. While wannabe mermaid queens like you? You stay trapped in fairy tales, too busy chasing illusions to understand real depth.” She tilted her head. “Maybe instead of fantasizing, you should study personal development.”
Kierra’s face burned red.
Everard Lagman chuckled deeply, looking toward Principal Beatrice.
“I told you she was the best choice.”
Beatrice smirked. “I can see that, Dad.”
Kierra scoffed, flipped her hair, and stormed out of the room.
Haze snatched the VIP gym card from Kindrew’s hand. “Nope. Nice try, Velasquez, but this is my job.”
Kindrew raised an eyebrow. “You sure this isn’t just about your ego?”
Haze smirked. “Maybe. But I refuse to let my team lose because you want to play knight in shining armor.”
Mia groaned. “Can you two stop fighting over my suffering?”
Haze clapped his hands. “Nope. Now say your goodbyes, princess. No more unlimited rice, no more crispy pata, and definitely no more—”
Mia clutched her chest dramatically. “Stop. This is too much.”
Everard Lagman let out a hearty laugh.
Haze grinned. “Alright. Training starts tomorrow.”
Mia sighed deeply.
She was definitely going to miss food.
- Writer
