Get Along Well The Series

CHAPTER 4: This Person

CHAPTER 4

My mom is out of danger already. According to the nurse, her sugar level went down that's why she lost conscious. On our way to the hospital, I am really scared and many things are invading my mind. She's the only person I have and I don't know what to do if something bad happened to her.

Thank God, Francis is there to help my mother. Francis is the son of the Mr. Winston Sanderiaga, the owner of the university and the one who gave me the scholarship. Like what he said to me, Mr. Sanderiaga will make sure that I will be safe and comfortable with my stay in University. During his last two years of staying in the University, I became close to him. He became my mentor when I decided to run for the student council last year. He gave me some tips on how to handle the pressure and fulfil my duties effectively.

He's an Architect now and I guess he's back to work for his dad's real-estate company.

"So, you're telling me you just got off your flight and the first thing you thought of doing is visiting us?" I asked Francis while fixing my mom's blanket.

"Yes, and luckily, I am there when I saw her struggling opening the door of your house. I immediately went to assist her and she recognized be before losing her conscious." He narrated. "I was actually calling you earlier but I your phone is out of reach. When the nurse told me that auntie is already stable, I decided to go the university to see if you are still there."

"My phone and power bank are dead bat the whole day. I frequently use my phone anyway, so I thought of not charging it since I use my laptop all the time. But I guess I need to change that mindset because I don't know what might happen." I looked at him. "Thank you so much. I owe you big this time."

"That's nothing. You know that I am fond of you and Auntie Tess. You guys are like my second family." True story. Sometimes, he will join us dinner specially when his family is out of town. He gave me ride almost everyday which sometimes I feel bad because he is not obliged to do it just because I can commute my way home.

"Where's Alyssa?" her sister.

"She's still in the states. I guess she's busy with their wedding. So, I don't think she'll come home anytime soon." He replied. "Now, I have a question. who's that guy you're talking to earlier? Your boyfriend?"

"What? No. He's just my school mate." I denied his allegation.

"Really? School mate but your pictures together surfaced online specially this." He then showed me the infamous kissing pic of me and Max.

"What you see in that picture is not what happened. I can show you the CCTV footage if you want. We did not kiss." I kept it short, trying not to sound defensive.

"Why you sound defensive though." I am not!

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes and then went to the couch.

"I also saw on the student council page that your love team won the popularity vote in a landslide victory. You two already have fan base? That's crazy."

"I know right. Well, it's okay. I think being linked with Max will not harm me or the image of the school. Even the dean of student affairs wants us to be the representative of the school for the University Games, so I think both of us are fine with that. Max also told me that he's okay with it."

"Maybe because he likes you." I am typing on my computer and stopped for a second when I heard what he said.

"I don't think so. Besides, he followed his first love in the university, so maybe this is his way of getting her attention. Being linked with someone famous so that he will get her attention." I debunked.

"And you're okay with that? Being used to make her jealous?" he raised his eyebrow to me.

"I mean I don't mind it. I am using him too. The dean liked the idea of us together, so I'll just go with the flow. We're using each other. Win-win situation." The bill at the hospital will be around twenty thousand pesos for the room, the tests and other shenanigans that they performed for my mother. It also includes the medications that the doctor gave. I am opening my bank account to see my account balance.

"Do you need help with the bills? I can lend you some." He took a glance of what I am doing.

"No need. Thank God I am saving money for EXO's concert this year. But I guess not this time." I closed my laptop to pay the bills.

He followed me outside to withdraw the money. While walking, I suddenly remembered what Francis told me about Max. I mean thinking of the possibility that Max might like me, is that really possible? I mean I'm charming and I have great personality. That's the only thing that I can offer. Just kidding.

Without hesitation, I withdraw the money I've been saving for almost a year because I love EXO and I will do anything to see them on stage again. But, sorry Sehun and Chanyeol, I love my mother more.

After I paid the bills in the cashier, I told Francis to go home already because his family is waiting for him. He told me that he'll just accompany me back to the room. While walking, I saw a familiar face leaving the elevator, walking to our direction.

"Why?" Francis asked.

"That's Ram." He looked at the man I am talking about. "He's one of the students who got kicked out because of the incident. We're attending the same university."

"And you never told me about it?"

"There's no point of doing that. He won't harm me anyway." Our paths crossed; Ram passed us by. "Because he can't remember me."

7 YEARS EARLIER

After the talk with Mr. Winston Sanderiaga, I asked my parents if I can say goodbye to my friends. Since the classes are already finished, I assumed that Jasmine is doing her article for the school paper. I immediately went to the conference room near the library where the journalism club is residing every afternoon for our meetings and workhours.

I knocked on the door and opened it. I saw Jasmine on the corner table and when our eyes meet, she rushed her way to me so that we can hug for the last time.

"Rileeeeeeey!!" she hugged me tight. "I missed you so much."

"Girl, don't exaggerate yourself. I've been absent only for four days." I tried to smile but I am really emotional because since Grade 3, we've been friends already. We plan on attending the same high school and probably college but now, I have no choice but to break the promise. A great opportunity came for me and I should grab it because not everyone is lucky enough to study at Coventry University for free.

"So, is it true? You're planning to transfer to another school?" I can see it in her eyes that she is sad.

"Yeah. After the incident, my parents decided to transfer me offer to another school because they are not happy with how the school handled the situation."

"True!!! Did you know that usually when there is a case of bullying, the perpetrator will receive his or her sanction the day after the incident? But on your case, since Ram and his friends are from well known family, the school will have the meeting later this afternoon."

"Later? Does that mean that Ram and his friends still managed to attend their classes for the last four days?"

"Yes! Even though the evidences are clear. According to the guards, they have copy of the CCTV footages from the high school building. They are wondering why the case is not yet being closed." Jasmine narrated.

"Probably that's another reason that the principal called your parents today. Maybe the principal wants them to be present on judgment day. The school knows that if they let it slide, your parents might sue the school and it will be on your favor because they said that someone has a copy of the footage and they will be leak it on the internet if the school let this slide again." Okay first of all, I am not happy with the idea that someone has a copy of that footage and any moment it can leaked on the internet. I don't want to be the talk of the town. And media presence is not inevitable if this issue surfaces outside the school premises.

I don't want to be known as the kid who was bullied by his jerk school mates by pissing on him. That's embarrassing and not fierce.

Just like what Jasmine told me the parents of the bullies are inside the principal's office. I am outside waiting for my parents to come out.

"No! That's not possible. My son will be kicked of the school? No warnings or detention? Your decision is to kick him out immediately? That's not fair." I can hear their conversation. Not fair? Miss, let's switch situation. What if I'm the one who pissed on your son, do you still stand by that claim of yours?

"Mrs. Quijano, you do understand that we have enough evidence that your son bullied Riley at the football field and chased him all the way to high school building just to pour a bottle of urine on him. It's very clear that this is intentional and planned. That is a very serious offense and third-degree violation. Aside from that, Riley also caught them cheating and told the teacher about it. Meaning, because of what Riley did which is the right thing to do, they decided to came back to him." The principal stated.

"Let me remind you that my husband is a public prosecutor. We can sue the school for unfair judgment on this case." So far, I can only hear the voice of Ram's mother. It seems like she's the only one who's against the decision. The nerve.

"If that's your decision Mrs. Quijano, we respect your decision. But I just want you to know that once this was brought up to the court, all the evidence that we have is strong enough for us to win. It is also stated in the handbook about the punishment details of his actions." The principal calmly replied.

After the meeting, they went out of the office one by one. I didn't know that Ram and his friends are also inside the office. I am sitting there watching their sad faces walking away. Mr. Sanderiaga saw me outside and pat me on my shoulder. He is actually the only parent who apologized to me. But, I still don't know who is his kid, though.

I want to ask Mr. Sanderiaga who is his kid because I am really curious. My parents told me that they will just go to the registrar's office to have my transcript. I asked them that I will just look for someone.

This will be the last time that I'll walk around the campus and I will definitely miss this feeling. I went first to our classroom hoping to see some of my classmates and bid farewell to them. As I looked inside the room, the cleaners for today are still there and when they saw me peeking, they immediately run towards me.

"Riley! We will miss you!" Bea, our vice president told me. Se will take over my reign as Ms. Universe. Just kidding, she will now represent the class as their president.

"What happened to Ram and his friends? Is the meeting finished?" Daniel asked me.

"Well, they are kicked out." I answered.

"If that's the case, you can stay here." Renzy stated.

"One of the kid's parent offered me a scholarship in their school. It's well known university so I grabbed the chance and accepted the offer. As far as I want to stay, it's free tuition fee for the next four years so it will be a great help for us financially to prepare for college."

"Awwww, I thought we will graduate together with Jasmine. But I'm happy that you'll be transferring to a new environment where you will feel safe. I think studying here will never be the same again for you." Bea commented.

"Yeah, I'll definitely miss you guys." They gave me a hug before leaving.

Going to our classroom made me think of something. The one that I caught cheating is Vincent, Ram and their group. I assumed that Vincent is conspirator to what happened to me but I didn't saw him earlier when everyone of them went out of the office.

I am here at the parking lot right now to see if Mr. Sanderiaga is here and upon searching, I saw him talking to someone outside of I assume his car. After the call, I approached him.

"Mr. Sanderiaga," I called him.

He turned around and when he saw me, he smiled at me. "Yes, Riley? Is there something wrong?"

"Ah no sir. I just want to personally say thank you again for the huge opportunity you gave me. I promise to you sir that I will study hard to prove to you that you didn't made a wrong decision about giving me a full scholarship." I smile widely.

"Riley, you don't need to thank me. I think that's not enough for what you've experienced. Don't worry, our school offers scholarship grant for college students with good grades. So, I am confident that you're good up until college. If you want to stay there."

"I'll definitely work hard so that I can stay there. Coventry University will be my second home from now on, sir."

"That's good to hear." I don't know why but it is so lightweight to talk with him.

"Ah sir. I have a question."

"What is it?"

"This is my first time hearing the surname Sanderiaga, I just want to know who's your child sir?"

He taps on my head. "You know him, his name is Pe-"

"RAMUEL!!!" We heard a woman scream coming from the gate of the parking area. We took a glance on what is happening and I cannot believe what my eyes are seeing right now. A card accident happened in front of the school and someone is laying on the ground, bleeding.

★

"So, you're telling me that he has amnesia?"

"Yeah. He's been unconscious for one week and when he woke up, they said that he has amnesia. Up to this date, he cannot recognize me." I decided to go home first instead of staying so that I can change and get my uniform for tomorrow. Francis offered me a ride since it's along the way.

"It's a good thing that he cannot remember you. At least there's no reason for you two to interact." We're walking right now outside the hospital. It's almost seven in the evening. I left a note on my mom's side table in case she woke up when I'm not around.

"But I guess he is already changed as a person. It's impossible that for six years, he's the same person that he was before. I don't even know what happened to their g**g whatsoever."

"You already forgave him for what he has done to you?" he asked.

"It's been six years already. What happened before won't happen again. I'll make sure of that. If he will ask for my forgiveness when he remembered anything and recognized me, then I'll forgive him. For formality. I already forgave them a long time ago, even though they didn't ask for it." I explained to him. There's really no point of holding grudges to other people. I realized that it will make one's life easier if he let go of the baggage from the past.

When we arrived, I thanked him for today and promised that I'll return the favor next time. I went upstairs to take a bath. After taking the shower, I packed the things I will be needing for tomorrow. I went to my cabinet and wore a white t-shirt and shorts.

I then noticed a used cookies container inside of my dresser. I opened it and saw a bunch of items from my high school days. I saw the nametag that I used during the student encounter. My first and last with Francis. He is a representative from fourth year high school while I'm one of the delegates from first year.

Then I saw a picture of me from the freshmen walk. Francis gave this to me saying that he took this picture of me when I bumped into him because I'm running late for the program.

FRESHMEN WALK – FIRST YEAR HIGH SCHOOL

Every year, the students from Coventry University will gather in the central gym to welcome the transferees and freshmen from high school. This is a tradition that the school implemented so that these new students will feel that are now part of the family. The thing is, freshmen walk for college is too good because they have freshmen night where band and performers are present. There is also fireworks display.

I didn't have the chance to experience this kind of welcoming last year because I transferred during mid year. I cannot believe that I woke up on this very special day. I am running all the way from gate three going to the field. I am looking for my section which is Section A and I cannot find the placard of my section.

After a minute of wandering in the field, I saw them near the outpost outside the gym and it seems like they are already checking attendance. In fear of being marked late, I ran as fast as a I could, without knowing that I bumped into someone.

"I'm so sorry. I really am." It looks like he is a senior. He's holding a camera, one of the photographers for this event maybe.

"It's okay." He gave me a smile. "Go, you'll be late for the attendance checking."

I gave him a smile and bow to pay respect. I went to present myself to my adviser. Thank God I am not late. She asked me to fall in love and as expected, I am at the back because of my surname, Villaconcepcion.

After our walk, they prepared a program for us all. After the dance and song production, they said that the student council president will give a talk. I was shocked to see the man I saw and bumped earlier on the stage. I didn't know that he is the student council president from high school department.

"Good Morning, Covenians!" we greeted him. "My name is Francis Sanderiaga, your student council president for high school department." So, he is the son of Mr. Winston? I'm gagged. "I formally welcome you all to Coventry University." We all clapped our hands.

"The only advice that I can give to you all is to enjoy your high school life. Join clubs, interact more with your batchmates or seniors. What we want is to have a memorable high school because we all know that college is on a different level. To be honest, I am afraid to enter college because it's really about survival. I don't want leave high school because entering college is like starting a new journey. So, make sure that you'll be living the best of your life in high school. You'll going to miss this a lot."

After his speech, we gave him a round of applause. The emcee announced that there will be a special performance for us and while they are preparing, they will want some freshmen to introduce themselves.

Then, they start looking for someone who wants to do a talent portion while waiting for the band to finish preparing their set. Some of my classmates from Grade Six pointed to me which surprised me. I am not ready for a production number. I keep on shoving their fingers away but the emcee saw the commotion on our section, so he went to our direction.

"What is his name? Riley? Oh okay. Hi Riley, your classmates are pointing at you. Can you do a sample for us while waiting for the band to finish their set up?" I stand up.

"Okay." I replied.

"Alright, so what performance can you do for all of us." I glanced on everyone inside the gym and they are all looking at me. I don't know what to do. I can act, sing, dance or recite a poem. Name it. Fierce right?

"I can sing."

"Alright, we have a singer here. So, what song do you want to sing for us. Maybe they can play an instrumental or minus one for us."

"Can I borrow that acoustic guitar?" the emcee looked at the stage where the guitar is.

We went to the stage where the guitar is. I asked for the owner's permission and he granted it. The students inside the gym clapped their hand while I'm preparing for my song number. My father thought me how to play the guitar and I can confidently say that I have a good voice.

I choose to play and sing the song Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars. While I'm singing, the emcee signalled everyone to wave their hands. Some of the students also starts singing with me. This is the first time I'm doing this. There's really no reason for me to be shy because I know I have something to offer. Fierce right? If these students only know that my knees are trembling right now that's why I'm moving my feet to ease the nervousness I am feeling.

After the song number, they gave me a round of applause and I said thank you to the owner of the guitar. I immediately run back to where I am sitting earlier. My classmates won't stop teasing me because they want more but I said to them that the performer is already done preparing for their set up. If I were asked by the emcee to do another one, I will do it. Kidding.

We were informed that we can take our recess first before going back to our assigned room. I am looking for food in the stalls inside the integrated school building. There are a lot of food choices and I don't really want to eat that much so I decided to buy a hotdog sandwich and orange juice. I was holding my tray when I someone bumped me, not enough for me to be out balanced though. It's Francis.

"You have a nice voice." He's holding a tray with pasta and coke.

"Thank you." We looked for a vacant table and sat there. "I didn't know you were Mr. Sanderiaga's son."

"Now you know. So, you are the infamous student named Riley." His face feature is amazing. His skin is glowing white but not too much. If you came across with him, you'll know immediately that he is rich kid. His eyes are round and his nose is sharp. For me, the best asset of his face is his pinkish lips. There are traces on his beard area, probably he just shaved his face this morning. Over all, he's seems like a perfect man.

"I owe your family a lot. I thought your university is just private institution. I didn't know that your school is one of the prestigious universities in the country."

"You don't owe us anything. Let's just say that you're being rewarded for being an achiever. We heard that you graduated last year as top 5 of your batch."

"Yes. I didn't expect that to happen because I transferred in the middle of school year."

"It means that you really deserve the scholarship that you received." His smile makes him more attractive. Wait what? Hey Ave, stop it.

Am I having a crush on him? No, sir. That's a big no-no.

"Hey, let's take a picture. I will show this to Dad later." He held his cell phone and turned the front camera. The next thing I know, I am smiling while looking at him. Oh shoot, did he already take a picture? I immediately focus my eyes on the lens of his camera and did a peace sign.

Looking back at these pictures, the one I'm holding right now is still the most memorable picture that Francis and I took. I am smiling while looking at him, not knowing that he already pressed the capture button. This is the moment I knew I have a crush on him.

Six years later, nothing changed. I still have that kind of feeling towards him.