Get Along Well The Series

CHAPTER 3: Answer

CHAPTER 3

I woke up only to find out that it's already seven in the morning. I checked my phone and it won't open. I thought it is charging the whole night, but apparently the cord is not fully plugged in to the socket. My class will start at eight so I immediately get out of the bed to take a bath.

After my shower, I dried myself up first before putting on my uniform. I put my phone in my bag while charging it in using my power bank. I went straight to the dining table where she prepared my breakfast. I immediately noticed the pile of paper containers which I assume is for her food orders.

"You have orders, ma?" I asked while devouring a spoonful of rice, hotdog and egg.

"Yes, Ave. My officemates are having a seminar and they order food for lunch and dinner. I grabbed the opportunity because it's extra income for us." She smiled. "It's already past seven, you have class by eight, right?"

"Yes, ma. I thought my phone was charging the whole night. I guess I didn't fully plug in my cord last night. My phone is dead bat when I woke up earlier."

"Oh, I see. Well just leave the plates there after you eat. I don't want you to be late for class. Beware of the traffic, there's a car accident in our street. Better wait for jeepneys on the corner street instead." She informed me.

"I will, ma. Thank you for this food." After finishing my food, I kissed her on the cheeks and went to the couch to wear my school shoes.

I am looking at her while putting my shoes on and I can sense that she is tired. The orders she accepted is too big because it's for lunch and dinner. "Ma, are you sure you can take that to the office?"

"Yes, darling. I asked Johnny to help me bringing all of these to the office."

"Okay, ma. I will go now. See you later. Bye!" I said enthusiastically.

"Bye darling! Take care of yourself."

"I will, ma. Love you!"

"Love you too, Ave." she smiled to me before going back to preparing foods for her orders.

Stepping outside, I can see cars piling up. Then I passed by the accident that mom told me about. A white car and a taxi collided. I guess because it is a U-turn slot, so they bumped into each other. I was focusing walking when I suddenly heard someone calling me. I turned around and saw Johnny, our neighbour approaching me.

"Good morning sunshine." Here we go again.

"Morning to you too, John." How can I describe John? He's tall, pretty much handsome I can say. Bleached hair, always wear a sando but he's not that dirty looking.

"Mom asked for my help with her orders." I rolled my eyes. It's too early for this, John.

"Stop calling her mom. We are not related okay?"

"Right now, we are not. But I want to get used to it already. You know, you, me in the future."

"Shhhhhh yourself, John. That you, me that you are saying if not going to happen. I told you to fix yourself so that Mary will reconcile with you. I have no plans of having boyfriend until I graduate college, okay? Put that energy on how to win back Mary's heart."

What happened is that Mary and John broke up like a month ago. John and I are like best friends for almost five years now. I am always pushing him to be the better version of himself because that's what Mary's problem about him. So, when she broke up with him of course his friends including myself told him what Mary is complaining about him.

I told him to start working and earn some money to support his studies, be the John that Mary will like or will accept again. But this jerk misinterpreted my good intentions and told me one day when we are drinking with our friends that he is so happy that I am always there for him. That I am the only one who understands him. That even though I saw him at his worst, I am not leaving him or stopped being friends with him. Why don't him and I be together instead.

I was literally in shock when he confessed that while he is half a*s drunk. I thought that he is joking but the next day, he came to me saying that he is serious and he will work his a*s off so that I can be proud of him. I deserve someone better and he will strive to be that someone better.

"I've been working at the bar for almost a year now and I think by next semester, I can already finish my high school studies. Then I will get my bachelor's degree so that you will not be ashamed to be around me."

"John, I am not ashamed hanging out with you, okay. I told you to aim for the better version of yourself so that you can help with Auntie Elizabeth because you are the eldest in the family. So, save that cheesy lines you got from the movies and make sure that my mom will arrive safely at her office, okay?" I hope I made a good point for him so that he will not waste anymore of his time trying to impress me.

"Yes, baby. I promise you that." He then poses a salute to me like I was a commander, inspector or something.

"Whatever. I'll go now. I don't want to be late for my class. Thank you in advance, John." I bid farewell to him.

Well to be fair, John is really sweet. I saw his efforts when he and Mary are still together. The only problem is his vices. Like drinking every night with friends and fights. He's also hot tempered but these days, he's improving. Well, I guess I do really bring light unto his feet and guide unto his path. Maybe I should consider being a guidance counsellor when I graduate.

Five minutes before our class, I arrived at school. Everyone who passes me by is smiling at me. I guess it's a very good morning for everyone, nice. Approaching the BEAM building, I noticed Cherry and Kris outside the room and when they saw me walking, they immediately ran towards me and carry me inside the classroom. I saw everyone faces staring at me. What is happening?

"What happened? Why you look worried?" I asked them putting my bag on the seat.

"We've been trying to reach out for you since last night. Why are you not responding?" Kris answered.

"I arrived at home by 10. I slept immediately after I took a shower. Why?"

"Girl, the poll. We already got the winners." Okay? Isn't that a good thing?

"Oh, that's great. Then let's prepare for the match up game immediately." I suggested.

"You and Max won the poll." Cherry implicated.

I am looking at her blankly trying to understand what she just said. "Ave, you and Max won the poll with a total of ten thousand votes." Kris added.

"W-Who, me and Max? H-How did that happened?" I am in serious shock right now.

"We've been texting, messaging and calling you last night, even Ms. Villanueva. Where is your phone?" I opened my bag and powered on my phone. When I got a signal, texts start to pop up one by one. From Cherry, Kris and even our adviser, Ms. Villanueva.

[Girl! Go to our page! Someone put your name and Max's on the poll. The votes are already at five hundred!] -from: Cherry

[Ave, your votes outnumbered Gigi and Aiden. Yours and Max is already at one thousand five hundred votes and counting] -from: Kris

[Ave! Pick up the phone, are we going to delete the poll?] -from: Cherry

[Ave, Ms. Villanueva is looking for you. What should we do? Seven thousand votes are in for you and Max] -from: Cherry

[Pick up your phone, Ave. How do we handle this?] -from: Ms. Adelaine

"The poll reached ten thousand votes and another picture surfaced last night. You and Max are walking together inside the campus." Kris showed Ave the picture that he is talking about. He saw himself smiling while looking at Max who is talking. My hands are sweating right now and I don't know what to do with the poll. When Kris and Cherry accessed our page, the current votes are already at twelve thousand.

How did it managed to gather twelve thousand votes when the total number of college students is only at eight?

"Twelve thousand votes? Our population is only at eight, where did the four thousand votes came from? Bots?" I asked.

"The poll can be shared so maybe the students from integrated school participated on the survey as well. You know how social media works. If someone share a post, it can be shared by a hundred people in a span of seconds." Kris explained.

"I did not expect that your names will be included. I thought the trend already died." Cherry mumbled. Che, don't worry I feel the same way.

"There's another thing." I looked at Kris hoping that it will not be another picture of him and Max. "The dean of student affairs wants to talk to you."

My eyes widened. "W-What? When?"

"After class. He said that he'll come by the office after our first class." He replied.

Now, I have to think a reason for why this poll went out of hand. You know what, I should take accountability for what happened because while I am sleeping comfortable on my bed, the whole netizens from our school went crazy. It's my fault. End of conversation.

After their class, I told them not to worry about what happened and I will take full accountability for this mess. Kris and Cherry told me that they will wait for me at the office and they will think of a possible remedy or new plan for the selection process for the Match Up Game.

I just want to think for a second in this empty classroom. I am really scared because the dean will come to see me where usually we only exchange e-mails. Unless, I was being called to his office, that's the only time that I will get the chance to talk to him face-to-face.

Thinking about it, all these issues started when Max and I interacted. But I think it's unfair to blame it on him because he's just being friendly to me. These people are the one who keeps on giving different meaning on our actions. So, being mad with him or distancing myself to him is not right.

Well, it's no use. My brain is not working so I should just probably go to the office and answer the dean's questions spontaneously. Just tell him the truth.

As I turned around, I saw Max outside the room, waiting for me. I walked outside and he approached me. "Ave, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. What are you doing here? You have no class?" I asked.

"Yes. I'm just checking up on you because of what happened last night. I didn't realize that another picture of us will circulate on the internet."

"Expect another couple of pictures later." I said sarcastically.

He lowered down his voice. "A-Are you mad?"

I looked at him and gave him a weird look. "I'm just joking. I'm not mad. Don't worry, I'm cool with it." I resumed walking. "Maybe the first time, it really shocked the hell out of me. But just like what you said, I should stop thinking about how people see me specially when I know I am not doing anything wrong." We reached the integrity building, where our office is located. "At least for now, we can bring joy and happiness to other people through these pictures. And I think that's a positive thing. I will go upstairs. See you around."

I waved my hand to him and climbed the stairs. As soon as I opened the doors of our office, everyone looked at me. The dean is not yet here. But our adviser is with Kris and Cherry, probably thinking of a new plan for the selection. I am approaching my cubicle when suddenly the doors opened and the dean entered the room.

I walked to him and greeted. "Good morning, dean."

"Good Morning, good morning everyone." We all paid respect to him. "I am here today because of what happened last night. Care to explain, Ave?"

"Yes, dean. It's my fault. I should have monitored the on going poll last night but I stayed here in the office for almost two hours to finish my homework. When I got home, I immediately went to sleep." I am looking into his eyes. "I'm sorry dean for what happened. I will release a statement later to void the poll that happened last night. I will think of a new plan for the selection process of the candidates before the end of the day."

He reached for his phone and search something. "What are these?" he showed me the photos that went viral and several screenshots of the comments.

I smiled. "It's just a misunderstanding, dean. We already clarified the issue about the first post. A CCTV footage was released showing that we didn't...do that."

"And by someone, you mean Kris went to the control room and asked the guard to review the footages and ask for a copy of it." you're doomed Ave.

"Yes, dean. I instructed Kris to do that to clarify the issue because it's getting out of hand." Well, I really did instruct him to do it so technically it's my fault and not Kris. I am gagged that time and I don't know what to do, okay? I can't think straight during that moment. "I will make sure, dean that I'll e-mail to you the new proposal before six o'clock."

"There's no need for that." Okay. What?

"W-Why dean?"

"I want you and Max to represent the school for the University Games." I am out of words. W-What did he said?

"I-I'm sorry, dean. What do you mean?"

"Let's continue with the plan. Let's see if this is just a big misunderstanding like what you are saying or there really is a chemistry between you and Max. I've scanned the comment section and most of them say that you two have a great connection specially during the finals match." I am in awe hearing what the dean is saying right now. "Before I go, what is #TeamMaVery?" WHAT. DA. f**k?

I can feel Cherry and Kris is laughing right now. I really can't face them because of the humiliation. When the dean left, they approached me.

"OMG! The dean is shipping you and Max too! It's crazy!" Kris echoed.

"Please, I am shaking inside while talking to him. Give me a break." I told them while going back to my place to sit.

"Ave, just proceed with the plan as per dean said. Don't think too much about it. Unless, you are afraid that this misunderstanding turn into reality." Ms. Villanueva remarked. I gave her a pouty look. "Just kidding. Don't stress yourself. I'm going back to the faculty room, just message me if something come up."

"Okay miss."

We talked about the possible plan for the Match Up Game. We decided to do on Friday afternoon so that we can prepare for it. At first, I really don't know what to feel about the idea of me participating in the game. Ms. Villanueva told me before she left to not overthink about it. Play the game because we are going to be the representative of the school for the variety show. So, whatever the outcome, Max and I need to prepare an act for the show.

After my afternoon classes, I am in our office while Cherry and Kris decided to go to the mall. The other officers are not here because they have classes. I decided to play some music to calm myself down and I choose to play some EXO songs.

I am a big fan of the Korean boyband EXO. Like I learned about them because of my neighbour. I joined the fandom during the OT9 era. Their songs hits differently to be honest and I wished that I witnessed the OT12 days of the group.

I actually watched their first concert here in the Philippines. It's my parent's birthday gift to me. It's one of the memorable moments of my life. Every time they announce that they will be doing another concert here in the country, I'll save money for that guaranteed.

One of my favourite song from them is the ballad For You. I don't know why but that song really hits different specially during Christmas season. You're going to celebrate Christmas without a boyfriend or girlfriend while you see other couple wearing couple jackets while attending the night mass.

Sometimes the only thing left to say is hopefully all.

While I am enjoying myself from listening to music, someone knocked on the door. It is Max. I lowered down the volume of my sound. He entered the room.

"I heard that the game will be pushed through. Are you okay with that?"

"Yes. I'm okay with that idea. Do you feel awkward sharing the stage and play the game with me?" I stared at him.

"No, I'm cool with that idea." You see, I'm okay with the idea of me being linked with Max if that's what the dean wants to happen. There are probably ten reasons why I should not do it, and I only need one good reason to do it. If the dean thinks it will be ground breaking for the school, then I'm in.

"How come that you are cool with the idea of sharing the stage with me while the whole audience cheers for us, branding our 'love team' #TeamMaVery?"

"Because it's you. I'm okay with the idea because it's you who I am doing it with." Okay I did not expect that answer from him.

I thought the answer that he will give me is because you approved on the spot my proposal, you save me from Coach Diego's wrath, so let me do this favor for you. That would be more sensible.

Or because I'm afraid that the students who wants us together would come from me if I show that I am not comfortable with us being linked to each other. I will understand that reason too because you are a rising star and the last thing you want is to lose your supporters.

Well, I'll take that answer from him anyways. I know it's a privilege to have your name next to mine. I'm good with that reason.

"Okay, I understand. The game will be on Friday afternoon at the central gym. If for some reasons, you chose to back out last minute, I will hunt you." I don't have the intention to scare him off but I need to do that so that he'll know that I am being serious with these shenanigans happening to us.

"Don't worry, I'm not planning on ditching you on Friday." He is seating right now and we are like one ruler away from each other. I don't know why but I feel so comfortable with him all of a sudden. It feels like we've known each other for years even though we barely talked to each other last year.

After he left, I went back to my position and continued listening to music. Then, a message notification came through, it's from my friend from elementary, Jasmine. I haven't heard anything from her since graduation of high school. I replied to her and she asked for a video call. Our conversation lasted for one hour and talking with her about my elementary days brings back so many good and not so good memories.

I am in the middle of my class when someone keeps calling me. The number is not registered to my phone so I am not picking it up. I don't want to be caught using phone during class so I turned it off and put it inside my pocket.

When our class ended, Kris and Cherry invited me to join them in the canteen. While walking, we discussed about the flow of the program this coming Friday. Cherry and Kris told me that they will handle the questionnaire and they'll make sure that it will be interesting. Cherry will host the program while Kris will be doing the stage design with the help of our club members from Student Helping Hands.

Which made me think about my own club program for this year. I don't have any idea what kind of project we will do. But I am considering joining the men's volleyball team project. In our office, there is a box where other students can give anything that they want to donate. Since this will be our first year as a club, we want to have a Christmas tradition where we will give donations to the less fortunate. I am planning to make this year's Christmas tradition earlier by joining them in the orphanage. The kids will benefit on our donation box since majority of these donations are toys, books and clothes.

"Do you think we should accept Max's offer about joining them in their project?" I asked out of no where.

"But I thought you want to do it on Christmas season. You know, we will rent a Santa Claus and distribute gifts to the children." Cherry commented.

"Well, we can still do that because we have so many donations stored in the box right? We can give half of it to the orphanage then the other half will be for our project in December. We still have nine months before Christmas so, we can afford to donate half of it." I replied.

"That's true. It's only March and the donation box is almost full." Kris supported.

"Shall we discuss it with the other members?" I said.

"Sure. I mean the more beneficial project that we accomplish, more students will be delighted to join us next school year." That's true. Students nowadays wants to join the clubs who accomplish more specially if the project is outside the campus. Some clubs rarely do projects outside the university because of the budget. This year, I am being strict about the activities that they are presenting to make sure that everything will be allotted to the project instead of the club member's pocket.

When we arrived at the canteen, I saw Max sitting inside with Xavi and I immediately glance to Kris who is busy looking for food. I don't know how this will work because this is the first time that they'll encounter each other this semester. For the last two months, I don't know is Kris is avoiding Xavi or their paths really don't cross at all.

Kris and I are paying for our meal when Albert and Dominic approached us.

"Hello, officers." Albert greeted us.

"Hi, Albert." Kris replied while putting his change on his wallet. "You have no class?"

"We just finished our last class this afternoon." Dominic replied. "How about you guys?"

"One more. We're just hungry so we decided to eat before it starts." Cherry stated.

"Come join us there. We have a lot of catching up to do." Albert smirked. I know where this is coming and I don't feel good about it.

We are following their direction and just as I expected, we are sitting with Max and Xavi. The awkward part is Kris is sitting next to him and he has no choice but to do so because these dumbasses occupied the vacant seats on the table. The good part is Kris is acting cool about it.

"Hi." Xavi talked. Kris looked at him and gave him a smile.

"Hello, Xavier." Kris is calling him on his full name. Kris is the reason why we call him Xavi because he said it sounds cute. Xavier is too manly according to him. "Are your classes done?" I guess he really meant it when he said that if he's not talking to him, he will not return the favor. Xavi talked to him first, so I think he wants to went with the flow.

"How are you?" Xavi asked.

"I'm fine. How about you?" Kris replied.

"I'm doing good, so far."

"That's good to hear." End of conversation.

If this is the Kris that has a crush on Xavi, he will do anything to have the conversation lasted than six banters. During the whole time, I don't feel good about having them sit next to each other because you can sense the tension. Kris will casually join our conversation and completely disregard the Xavi is beside him. I feel bad for Xavi to be honest, you can see it in his eyes that he is trying his best to laugh with us, smile and join the conversation but something is bothering him.

"Kris, did I do something wrong?" I was drinking my orange juice when out of no where Xavi dropped the bomb. Both Cherry and I felt concerned about how Kris will handle the situation.

"What are you talking about?" he replied, seems unbothered with the question.

"We're good right? We are okay before but all of a sudden, you won't return my calls or text. It seems like you are avoiding me."

"I lost my phone, I got a new number, ask Ave and Cherry." He straightforwardly answered Xavi's allegation.

"You could have told me about it."

"I'm too busy with the student council." I don't know where this is going, really.

"That's bullshit, Kris. Really? You're giving me that crappy reason?" Xavi's voice is now echoing in the whole cafeteria. Kris sighed, stood up and walk himself out of the conversation.

Cherry and I followed Kris outside but Xavi won't give up. He held Kris' arms forcing him to stop walking away. Kris then turned around and force himself out of Xavi's captivity. "What is your problem? Huh? You're not like that, Kris."

"Really? What do you know about me, Xavier? You know why I drifted away from you? Because I am already fed up with your drama, issues, everything. You only care about yourself. You never cared about anyone else." He is trying to held back his tears. "Do you know how tiring it is to become your chaperone every time you want to drink yourself to death? Do you have any idea how tiring it is to take care of your mess every time you got into a fight? Do you consider how will I feel being your escape goat every time you want to avoid your family problems? Now, you're saying that we are okay? No, Xavier. I am not okay being treated like that. And you think I will endure all of that for you? Who do you think you are?"

Kris walked away leaving Xavi stunned. I don't know what to feel to be honest. Should I feel sorry for Kris for experience all of that? Or should I feel sorry for Xavi because now some people know how jerk he is for treating Kris like that.

I want to talk to Kris about what happened but I decided to let him cool down because he's on fire earlier. I am walking on the hallway when I encountered Max.

"Max, where are you going?"

"I want to walk with you." He replied.

"Why? I can walk on my own."

"It seems like you're still thinking about Kris' meltdown earlier. So, I decided to join you so we can talk about it."

"I never saw that side of Kris earlier. It seems like he's really angry or something." I can see it in his eyes earlier. His eyes want to say more but he held back because I guess he don't want to cry in front of Xavi.

"I don't think he is angry. I think he is hurt. There's nothing more frustrating than being hurt by the people you care for and they don't have a single idea what they have caused you."

"I guess people who are hurting are far more scary than angry people. You don't know when they will explode. Just like what happened today."

"I agree. I realized that because I've been there. If I am angry, I will just probably punch a person or punch the wall of my bedroom, the next day I am already okay. But I was so hurt before that waking up everyday is so hard knowing that I have to face the man who I thought will take away the only person I have. The one person who's been there for me since the day I was born."

"Your step-father?"

He nodded. "Now, I want to patch things up with him by proving him that I am not the same person I was before. I want for him to recognize me, to be proud of me. For him to realize that I am worthy to be called his son."

"Every parent is proud of their child. I know that for sure." I am not fond of opening to other people but this will be the first time and I cannot believe that I am doing this to Max right now. "You know why I approved your proposal immediately?"

"You said that there's no reason for you to reject it, so you approved it immediately." He answered.

"That's not the only reason. I know how it feels that people will give you something that you thought you would never have" I took a deep breath. "There is a boy who grew up in an orphanage. One day, a couple went by because they want to adopt a kid. Their son just died from leukaemia and bearing a child will be difficult already. Luckily, that boy was chosen by the couple and they want him to be their second child."

"Years later, that kid felt that he is different. He doesn't know how to tell his parents because he is scared that they will send him back to the orphanage. But one day, he bravely told his adoptive parents that he is gay. He knew he is gay at the age of ten which according to the couple he is brave enough to admit about it. They told him that nothing will change, they still love him."

"I am that kid, Max." He is just staring at me so I gave him a smile.

"Riley!" I heard a familiar voice. I looked in front of me and I was surprised to see this familiar face in flesh after almost six years. It's Francis, my senior and mentor. "Auntie Tess is in the hospital."

The smile on my face suddenly changed when I heard what he just said. My mom is in the hospital? What? Why?

The next thing I know, I am entering his car so that he can bring me to the hospital.