CHAPTER 8
1023 Words
HARRIET'S POINT OF VIEW
I think he misunderstood me.
My eyes widen when I realized what happened.
In a blink of an eye, his lips is on mine. I looked at his eyes. It's all closed shut.
My body is frozen. I can't even feel even my finger. I feel numb.
What's going on?
Wake up Harriet! Wake up! Remember your only treasure. Remember your friendship!
I gathered all my strength and pushed him away from me. His guards was alerted and hurried towards Crow. They looked at me, confused. Yet I stayed silent and run to the bathroom.
I stayed there for how long minutes... Well, I don't care. I am embarrassed. I do not know how to face him.
It's been a week after that incident. Without any word, they left my house that night. I don't feel talking to anyone right now. Especially, my final test is approaching.
Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses na akong nagbuntong-hininga sa harapan ng eskwelahan. Madami pa namang estudyante na pumapasok, pero hindi ko matanggal man lang ang kaba sa dibdib ko.
Kakayanin ko kaya ito? Makakapasa ba ako?
Hindi naman ako nagka-problema sa mga grado ko. Pero iba ang exam na ito. Iba ito sa anumang anggulo mo man tingnan.
Para saan ba ang mga ginagawa kong ito? Bakit nga ba ako nagpupursigi sa pag-aaral at pagtatrabaho? Para sa mga magulang ko? Para kay Master? O para sa sarili ko?
Pag nakapagtapos ako at nakagawa ng pangalan, magkakaroon ako ng koneksyon. Pag nagkaroon ako ng koneksyon, magkakaroon ako ng pagkakataon na mahanap o makakalap ng impormasyon para sa mga magulang ko. Pag nakakuha ako ng impormasyon tungkol sa kanila at sa nakaraan ko, magagawa ko na ang mga pinangako ko kay Master. Pag nagawa ko na ang mga pangakong iyon... Ano nga ba ang kasunod?
'Bahala na.'
Nagsimula na ako sa paglalakad papasok sa silid kung saan gaganapin ang exam namin. Dala ang maliit kong bag, umupo ako sa upuang nakapangalan sa akin.
"Uy! Hindi ba, siya yung baguhan?"
"Oo nga. Paano kaya siya makakapag-exam? Eh bago lang siya."
"Sayang naman kung babagsak lang siya."
Nakapikit kong pinakinggan ang chismisan ng mga kaklase ko. Kahit hindi man ako dumilat, alam ko namang gwapo ang pinag-uusapan nila.
Dalawa lang naman ang pagkukwentuhan ng mga babae at lalaki dito. Una, kung gwapo sila at nakakaangat sa buhay. In short, yung malalandi nila. Ikalawa, kung pangit sila at kinahihiya nila. At dahil madami-dami ang nagchichismisan, paniguradong, yung una ang pinag-uusapan nila.
I knead my eyes as it hurts like burning from inside. I did not rest nor sleep after that night. I spent the seven days to review and write for my manuscript. I feel dizzy yet I stayed awake. I saw my appearance this morning. My eyes are a bit bloodshot like blood will be excreted from it and be my tears.
"I never thought that I will see you here." I kept my mouth shut and ignored the voice talking to me— is it?
"Oy! Is he talking with that nerd?"
"What the hell?"
"It's a pity. He is so handsome yet he is now talking with that nerd."
I put my reading glasses on and let my hair shield my face from everyone. They think that I am an ugly nerd, so be it.
The examiner finally came. He discussed the things we need to remember while taking up the test. I listened to him behind my curtain-like hair.
I choose to hide from his sight because I have a bad feeling about him, looking at me. Its to sticky that gives me gooseflesh. It's creepy.
But I think... I didn't escape his eagle eyes— yes, he is one of the demi-humans that can transform into a beast... A gargoyle.
"Ms. Henrietta. Please tie your hair. It's improper." He scolded me, publicly.
I rolled my eyes and obliged. I tied my hair into a messy ponytail and looked at him blankly. He smiled at me that gave me creeps.
I started to write and answer my test papers seriously. Yet, because of my silky hair and loose ponytail, my hair naturally fell down in my side. But although my hair became a 'curtain', instead of being disturbed, I feel a lot more comfortable.
I was born with natural silky red hair. Paired with crimson eyes and thin natural pink lips. With snow-white skin and also plump chest and perfect figure. But even though I have this qualities, I choose to wear loose shirt and pretending to be an ugly nerd to avoid any enemies.
In this society, we live like in a jungle. Who is the strong will be respected, and who is the weak will be trampled by bullies. In this university, where spoiled sons of different personalities, whoever that surpasses them will suffer.
Like my ex-editor-rainbow-boss, she bullies us because of her connection that Crow said that is rootless. She insulted us due to her insecurities. And also enhances herself by rainbow palettes, well, not that literal rainbow. She boasts her body that is full of operations that we don't know what money she used for that. She hurts us for her 'connection' and 'superiority' in positions.
If those things didn't happened to me, I guess, I will stay the same kid who is eyes is full of beautiful fantasies about the world. But, the world is cruel. The humans are the preys while the alpha of those predators is the madman named, President Top.
'How hateful!'
Because of his madness, the beautiful world I once learned became a hell decorated with modern technologies and buildings. The peaceful life we have before became a living hell.
I finished all my test in a flash. The week-long review really helped me a lot.
After scanningeviewing my paper, I raised my hand and said, "I'm finished. Can I submit my paper now?"
Everyone gasped, yet why do I care? The pervert gargoyle examiner's face brightened and nod his head like crazy. I rolled my eyes and ignored his abnormality towards me. I stood up and noticed my seatmate, "it's you?!"
- Writer
