Chapter 3
1084 Words
Two Months Later…
Today, I woke up early—probably around three in the morning. Perhaps I’m too excited and nervous because it’s my first day at Da Silva University. I learned that this is a prestigious institution, mostly attended by students whose parents are politicians or business magnates. However, the university is also well-known for its high academic standards, so there are some scholars studying here too.
If you’re a scholar at Da Silva University, your brain is your capital. The word "intelligent" feels insufficient to describe the level required to qualify as one. I researched the school and found out that one of the scholarship requirements is graduating as valedictorian from your previous school and participating in at least three to five extracurricular activities. That’s intense pressure, especially for working students.
Realizing this, I feel even more grateful for the opportunity to study here for free. Even the uniform looks like something you could pawn at a bank. It exudes elegance and sophistication.
For girls, the uniform features a fitted black blazer with green lapels and cuffs, adorned with the university emblem on the chest. A crisp white shirt with pleats and a green ribbon tie adds a touch of formality, while the pleated black skirt with a green hem stripe completes the polished, unified look.
The top felt a bit loose on me because I told Mom not to tailor it too tight—I’m not comfortable with fitted clothing. The skirt is also longer than the required length because, honestly, the standard length is too short. One slight bend, and someone could see a student’s undergarments, even if they’re wearing cycling shorts underneath.
My skirt still falls above the knee but is slightly longer, which I think is a good thing since I’ve noticed I’ve been growing taller in the past few months. At fourteen years old, I’m already 5'6". Sometimes, people mistake me for a model, and I find it amusing when they discover my actual age.
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When I got downstairs to the dining room, Mom and Tito (uncle) Emanuel were already having breakfast. I quickly joined them.
“Ruiji, why don’t you take Brielle to school with you since—”
“I can’t, Dad. I’m picking up Yannie from her house,” he interrupted coldly.
This guy clearly has something against me. It’s been two months, and we still haven’t had a proper conversation. He avoids me like I have a contagious disease.
Two weeks ago, I even tried reaching out to him.
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I was about to go downstairs when I saw Ruiji standing outside his room, talking on the phone. It seemed like he was arguing with someone.
Since his back was turned, he didn’t notice me. Has he had lunch yet? I waited for him to finish his call.
When he hung up, I got nervous and hesitated about how to approach him. Before I could say anything, he turned toward me, and my anxiety spiked.
“Uh… h-have you had lunch, Kuya (Brother) Ruiji? Maybe we can eat together?” I stammered, my voice uncertain.
He gave me a quick glance before turning away again.
“I’m not hungry… go ahead without me.”
Even so, I smiled a little. At least he acknowledged me. Maybe there’s hope for us to bond—
“Don’t call me ‘Kuya.’ You’re not my sibling,” he said coldly, looking me straight in the eye. “Not now, not ever.”
I was stunned by his words. When he entered his room, I sighed deeply. He really doesn’t like me. Perhaps it’s best not to force myself on him anymore.
In the end, I had lunch alone because Mom wasn’t home either.
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Walking onto the campus for the first time, I was instantly awestruck by the university's beauty. Wow! Seeing Da Silva University (DSU) in person is a whole different experience. The campus is massive—three times larger than my previous school.
DSU is a perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern design. No wonder it’s ranked as the top university in the Philippines—it’s world-class. The campus also features sprawling green spaces where students can be seen hanging out and resting.
I should probably look for the library and locker room later after classes. For now, I need to find the Senior High building. With three towering structures on campus, I’ll have to ask for directions.
I looked around and saw two girls walking nearby.
“Hi, good morning! Can you tell me where the Senior High Building is?” I asked one of them, a girl wearing glasses.
They both seemed startled, so I gave them a friendly smile.
“U-uh…”
“Hey, Lorena, why are you stuttering? Oh… Miss, sorry about that, my best friend is just starstruck,” said the girl with green-dyed hair. Wait, dyed hair is allowed here?
“By the way, I’m Merry, and this is my friend Lorena. We’re heading to Building 2B.”
“Oh, great! I’ll come with you. I’m Bri, by the way,” I said, offering my hand. Lorena hesitated but eventually shook it, though she looked a bit dazed.
“Is she okay?” I asked Merry, who just laughed.
“She’ll be fine. Lorena, get it together!” Merry said, teasing her friend.
“It’s nice meeting you, Lorena… Merry. Shall we go? We need to find our room numbers,” I said.
The three of us entered Building 2B together. Before getting on the elevator, I learned that we were all in the same class. We’re of the same age, only months apart, but I’m still the youngest. Merry is next, and Lorena is the eldest.
When we found our classroom, I quickly picked a seat near the window but close enough to the teacher’s table. Why? It's simple. I don’t like sitting in the middle—it feels too crowded. I also avoid sitting at the back because it might tempt me to chat too much with seatmates.
Lorena and Merry ended up sitting next to me, with Merry in the middle. Merry, being the outgoing one, immediately made friends with the students in front and behind us. Lorena, on the other hand, stayed quiet, nodding politely whenever Merry introduced her.
“... And this is our newly recruited friend, Bri! Isn’t she beautiful? Must’ve gotten it from me!” Merry said jokingly.
I was caught off guard but smiled and nodded in agreement.
- Writer
