Her Secret's

CHAPTER 1

“Here we go again.”

“Doesn’t she have any intention of changing?”

“My morning could have been so beautiful!”

“Let’s just ignore her.”

I just lowered my head as I listened to them. It’s only been two months since I moved here, but they keep saying the same things over and over again.

I’m still not used to it, and who am I to respond to them? I’m just a mere scholar with only a few ₱20 bills in my wallet, while they’re clapping and counting all their money.

I just kept walking until I reached my department.

I was about to use the elevator when I noticed the people inside giving me cold stares. There were only five of them, so it would fit, but I decided not to get in. Instead, I just used the stairs.

My room was on the 3rd floor, so I only had to take two flights of stairs.

“Sigh! Is this what it’s going to be like every day?” I ask myself.

I eventually reached my floor. My room was at the far end, but it wasn’t that far.

I lowered my head again when they all looked at me. I just ignored them and continued walking until I finally reached my room.

Breathe, Ella! Breathe!

When I opened the door, only a few classmates were inside. I went straight to my seat.

“The attention seeker is here!” Arra’s voice echoed, one of my classmates.

The others arrived too, and they all had the same look on their faces like they didn’t want to see me. I don’t know why they treat me like this or what their reason is for hating me.

As far as I can remember, I haven’t done anything wrong or unusual to them in the past two months. Is it because of my face? Or the way I dress? Sigh!

Time passed quickly, and it was already lunch break. I packed my things and decided to leave the room. But just as I was about to exit, Arra blocked my way.

What does she need this time?

“It’s been a month since you came. Didn’t it ever occur to you to just leave?” Why are you so eager for me to leave?!

“The air here is getting polluted because of your presence, and you’re not even qualified to be in this school. It’s embarrassing, look at you… You ugly duckling!” she said, passing by me with her friends.

She’s right. I’m not qualified. I’m just a scholar, nothing but a commoner, a nobody.

I just sighed after she said that in front of our classmates. Before I left, I heard some of them agreeing with her, while others seemed to pity me. I just continued walking and went to my locker to put away some of my things.

Hearing those words from her hurt my ego. Now I understand why they hate me so much! They’re not hurting me physically, but mentally.

I went to the School Library first for our research.

“Good afternoon, ma’am, I’d like to borrow a book again,” I said.

“Okay, but you need to fill up this form first. You know the rules,” she reminded me, and I nodded and filled it out.

After I filled it out, I looked for the book I needed. I didn’t have any trouble finding it, so I quickly got it and left.

I prefer to eat outside, I mean, not at fancy restaurants, but just at a small eatery. It’s not that I prefer the eatery, but the cafeteria is more expensive and the eatery fits my budget better.

I left the school and walked a bit, heading towards a small restaurant.

“How much is one order of this?” I asked.

“Only ₱50.”

“I’ll have one order and one rice,” I said as I sat down at a corner, and a woman placed my order on the table. I began eating.

I couldn’t help but overhear some whispers.

“Isn’t she from C.U.?”

“Well, of course, you can tell by her uniform, but it’s just too big for her.”

“So, what’s she doing here?”

I’m eating, obviously!

“I heard the students there are rich,” someone added.

“Who knows, maybe she prefers eating here. You know, let’s just eat so she doesn’t hear us.”

I’ve been hearing you for a while now.

“Ma-“ I didn’t hear what the other person was about to say as the person’s friend covered their mouth.

“Excuse me, how much do I owe?” I asked.

“₱60, miss,” she replied. I handed her the ₱60 and thanked her before leaving.

As I walked, I noticed someone seemed to be following me, so I quickened my pace. I stopped and looked behind, but I didn’t see anyone.

But it felt like someone was still there!

I stopped again and felt something strange at my feet.

“Meow~” A cat!

“Are you the one following me?” I asked, picking it up. It looked clean and well cared for. Oh, wait, I’m so stupid, why am I asking this cat as if it’s going to answer me?!

“Meow~” Its voice sounded so pleasant, it suited her—beautiful and cute!

“Who’s your owner, hmm?”

“Oh, you can’t even answer, huh? Stupid animal.” But if I leave it here, it would be so pitiful.

I adjusted the way I was holding the cat and continued walking. I looked at my watch—there were still 20 minutes left.

“Miss, you know animals aren’t allowed on campus, right?” the security guard scolded me.

“Eh, I know but it would be so sad to just leave it here. It’s so cute—I mean, the cat,” I pouted. “Please!” I begged.

“It’s really not allowed, miss.”

“Poor thing, you’re so beautiful and cute,” I said with disappointment.

“Alright, here’s the deal: you can leave the cat here for now, and you can come back to pick it up after your classes, okay?”

Guard’s suggestion wasn’t bad. “Okay, thank you!” I agreed, then handed him the cat. “You, behave and don’t run off. Wait for me, okay?” I felt like an i***t talking to a cat that doesn’t even talk back.

“Meow~”

“Good.” I petted its fur and noticed it shook its head, but I let it be.

I was already on my way to walk when I suddenly felt thirsty, so I stopped by the cafeteria to buy some water.

As I was heading back, someone suddenly bumped into me, causing me to spill my water on the person in front of me. I lost my balance and almost fell. I heard some curses. I quickly stood up and brushed off my uniform.

“It’s you again?!” she asked in disbelief. “You ruined my uniform!” This woman was so over the top, as always.

“I’m sorry,” I said, lowering my head in apology.

“s**t, your sorry! My uniform looks better than your face!” she yelled at me. How bad could my face be for her to humiliate me like this?

Not once, but twice in just one freaking day! What a trouble I have?!

“I-I’m sorry, someone just bumped into me right as you were in front of me,” I explained. Who was that person that bumped into me?

“Huh! Are you saying that I was blocking your way? What’s my fault in this?!” Ugh, so annoying!

“I’m not saying that! All I’m saying is someone bumped into me, and you happened to be in front of me when I spilled the water. I didn’t do it on purpose,” I replied directly.

“Still! It’s your fault! If you weren’t such an i***t and let yourself get bumped into, this wouldn’t have happened, right?!” This woman has a narrow mind, such a waste of time talking to her.

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” She grabbed my arm quickly.

“Ouch!” I winced in pain as I felt her nails digging into my skin. Is she some kind of monster with those long nails?

She seemed to notice my discomfort and loosened her grip. “When I talk to you, don’t turn your back on me!” she yelled again.

“Don’t yell, I’m just right in front of you,” I said. “We’re not on a mountain!” I added.

“You have the guts to talk to me like that, how dare you!” Her nostrils flared in anger or annoyance as she let go of my arm and started pointing at me.

“Chew on your finger, it’s bleeding!”

“What a scene have you both made this time?” Suddenly, the Student Council Vice President appeared.

“You’re out of this, so step away!” she commanded sharply.

“Ms. Verdade, let me tell you, I’m the Vice President.” If I’m not mistaken, her name is Karen Celis.

“You’re just the Vice President, not the President, so stop acting like one!” Okay, it looks like these two are the ones fighting, so I guess I’ll leave now, hehe!

“You!” Ugh, I thought I could leave, but not yet.

“We’re not done, and you’re leaving?!” Why is she so fond of shouting?

“Hahahaha,” Karen Celis laughed mockingly. “But you can’t change the fact that I’m the Vice, and one more thing, the President is busy, so it means I have the right to intervene between you two.” She gave a teasing smile, which only made her more annoyed.

It’s been two months since I’ve been here, but I still haven’t met this President they’re talking about.

Karen looked at me. “Ms. Ellaine Marquez,” she said, calling my full name. Then she looked at Molly, “And you, Ms. Molly Verdade.”

“You both come with me.”

“What?!”

“Huh?!”

We looked at each other because we both said it at the same time. She rolled her eyes at me, but I ignored it.

“No way! I’m not coming with you!” she protested.

“Sorry—” I didn’t finish what I was going to say when she suddenly handcuffed us both. “Handcuffs? Why are we in handcuffs?” I asked curiously.

“You witch, how dare you!” she screamed again as she struggled.

We started walking towards the Dean’s office, but Molly kept screaming and struggling, and Karen just ignored her, keeping her at the back so she couldn’t escape.

“This is all your fault! If you didn’t spill water on me, we wouldn’t be handcuffed like this!” Here she goes again!

“Spilling water is not the same as doing it on purpose, and it’s definitely different from an accident,” I replied.

“Shut up, both of you, especially you!” Karen intervened, pointing at Molly.

“Ouch!”

A few minutes later, we were standing outside the Dean’s office. Karen knocked before opening the door.

“Free to come in,” a woman’s voice said.

“Oh Ms. Vice, why suddenly came?” Based on her voice, she seemed to be in her 30s or older.

“Well, you have guests,” Karen said as she dragged Molly and me in.

“Ms. Marquez and Ms. Verdade again!” the woman said, shaking her head. “In just the past two months, how many times have you been here besides detention? And it’s only the first day of this month, and you’re already back in front of me.”

“Auntie, I mean, Dean, it’s all her fault!” Molly pointed at me.

“That’s not my intention! Someone bumped into me!” I defended myself.

“Stop both of you! Stop shouting inside my office!” The Dean suddenly made me feel embarrassed, and I lowered my head. I could see her frowning.

“I think they need to be punished this time, Dean,” Karen said. What?! No way!

“I beg to disagree.”

“Of course, you disagree because you’re the one who’ll get punished,” Karen interrupted.

“Shut up, will you! I’m not talking to you!” the Dean yelled, raising an eyebrow.

“I made my decision… and my decision is,” she paused for dramatic effect, “you’ll find out tomorrow. For now, go back to your classes.”

I hope this doesn’t affect my scholarship!

“How can we go back, Auntie, if we’re handcuffed by this woman?” Molly shot a nasty look at Karen. Why does it seem like Karen has so much anger toward the Vice President?

“Ms. Vice, you can release them now,” the Dean said.

“Okay,” Karen said, fumbling in her pocket, but then she added, “I think I lost it.”

“WHAT?!”

We looked at each other and then rolled our eyes. She thought she had us, huh!

“Just kidding,” Karen said with a laugh and finally removed the handcuffs from us.

“You’re not just a witch, but also a b***h,” Molly muttered to Karen. “And you, you ugly clumsy,” she said before walking out.

“A brat,” I heard Karen whisper as she walked away. “Dean, I think I need to go too,” she said before leaving.

“I’ll leave now, Dean.”

“Stay for a second, Ms. Marquez,” the Dean suddenly said, making me nervous.

“I’m sorry for what Molly did. I’m saying this not just as the Dean, but as her aunt,” she said, her tone kind.

Why do these two have such different personalities?

“That’s okay, Dean.”

“No, it’s not. This will be the last time this happens to you two,” she said with a smile.

Does this mean I’ll lose my scholarship and get expelled?! No!

“Thanks, and sorry again. Now go back to your class.” I nodded in response and went out, but I didn’t expect…

“What took you so long to come out?” she asked.

“You really waited for me?” I replied with a grin.

“I didn’t wait for you because I wanted to. I waited to tell you that you better be ready for tomorrow. You’ll be the one to do the punishment,” she said, raising an eyebrow in a threatening manner as she crossed her arms.

“You’re being so overdramatic. The Dean hasn’t even said anything yet,” I just walked past her.

“I knew her from the very start.”

“Of course, you knew her, she’s your aunt,” I whispered.

“Did you say something?”

“Did you hear anything?”

“Hey, Molly girl! I heard the news about what happened earlier.” Seriously? It just happened, and now it’s already gossiping!

“So?”

“So, what punishment?” This one’s a gossip too.

“I don’t know, we’ll find out tomorrow,” she looked at me before rolling her eyes again, like she always does. I wish the wind could blow into her eyes to stop her. “Let’s go!” she said, pulling her friend away.

“Oh, bye Ella girl!” she waved at me.

I went straight to my room and knocked before entering.

“I’m sorry, sir, for being late.”

“It’s okay, Ms. Marquez, even if you’re 5 minutes late, go back to your seat.”

“Thank you, sir,” I said as I was heading back to my seat when Arra spoke up.

“So, when are you leaving?”

Leaving? Where am I going? Wait, don’t tell me they already know about what happened earlier!

“Ms. Arra, stop asking like that!” Sir scolded her.

“It’s so thick-faced to argue with Molly, tsk,” Arra muttered.

“Ms. Arra, do you want to go to the detention office or the Dean’s office? You choose!” Sir raised his voice.

Arra didn’t say anything else but sat down properly.

“Now, let’s go back to our discussion,” Sir resumed talking about the topic.

After what felt like hours, it was finally dismissal time. I was going to see Kitty! Since she’s beautiful and cute, I decided to name her Kitty.

“Move!” Arra suddenly shoved me aside and passed by as if nothing happened.

I quickened my pace and went straight to guard.

“Excuse me?”

“Oh young lady, you’re here already. Here’s your cat,” he said as he handed me Kitty, and I quickly took her from him.

“Did you behave, Kitty?”

“She’s good, lady. She’s not running around,” guard replied. I wasn’t talking to him though.

“Really? Well, thank you very much!” I thanked him and left, carrying Kitty.

My house was still a bit far, so I started walking. While petting Kitty, I noticed something attached to her.

A name tag, Thaty.

“Your name is Thaty, huh? Not bad, but I still prefer Kitty, since I gave you that name!” I said with a smile.

“I need to see her!” I suddenly heard a woman sobbing.

“Stop crying like a baby, you i***t,” a very irritated response came from the person with her. I only saw their backs, but as I got closer, I could hear them more clearly.

“You heartless, you don’t know how I’m feeling right now!” I heard her sobbing. “Thatyyyyyy, where are you?!”

Is this the cat they’re looking for?

“Excuse me?”

They both turned to look at me. “What do you want?” asked the woman with black long hair. She was definitely beautiful.

“Is this *Thaty* the one you’re looking for?” I asked as I showed the name tag.

“Wahhhh, my Thatyyyy!!” The blonde woman with short hair, but it suited her because of her fair skin, quickly grabbed her from my hands. “How did you find her?”

“Kitty was following me earlier,” I replied, and that was the truth.

“Kitty?” the woman with the black hair raised an eyebrow.

“Yep, I named her earlier.”

“I see, so you’re from C.U, huh?” I nodded in response.

“Thank you very much, miss,” the blonde woman said as she hugged me. I was surprised by the sudden hug, as it was rare for someone to hug me. “By the way, I’m Rhistha Saavedra, but you can call me Rhis.” Now I know why Thaty is named after her; it’s because of her owner.

“And this is Lizzy, but you can call her Liz. How about you, what’s your name?” she asked with so much energy.

“I’m Ellaine Marquez, short for Ella.” She nodded in response.

“So, what do you want?” she suddenly asked me. What is she talking about?

“Tell me, so I can repay you for taking care of Thaty, even just for a few hours.”

“No, it’s fine, really.”

“What really? No!” She was acting childish, but she seemed kind. Still, there was something odd about her. “Where do you live? We’ll take you home, right Liz?”

“Stop asking me!” Lizzy responded in a grumpy voice.

“Well, she said it’s okay,” Rhis said with a playful tone. What I heard was ‘stop asking me’ and now suddenly it’s ‘it’s okay with her’.

“No, I’m fine. I can manage on my own.”

“No, I insist,” Rhis insisted.

“You both get in. Time’s running out,” I didn’t realize Lizzy had already gotten into a car, a brand new BMW.

We got in, and she started the engine.

“I told you, it’s okay with her. Let’s go!” she said, pulling me inside, so I didn’t have any chance to argue.

“Tell me, what street?” Lizzy asked me with her attitude.

“Uhm, just on Sampaguita St.”

“K,” she responded briefly.

“By the way, you gave a name to Thaty earlier?” Rhis asked.

I nodded. “Yes.”

“What was it again?” she asked.

“Kitty.”

“Kitty, nice name,” she smiled. “Thaty, Kitty, from now on that’s her name. Much better, right Liz? Ella?”

“Even the cat now?” Lizzy rolled her eyes.

“What’s wrong, Liz? It’s fine, right, Ella?”

“Yeah, it’s fine,” I nodded, clapping like a child.

“Do you have a phone?” she asked. I nodded and showed it to her. It wasn’t as expensive as theirs.

Why does this woman seem to want so much? She’s so childish, so different from the woman sitting in the driver’s seat.

Faster than 24 hours, she took my phone and started messing around with it.

“Done! I’ve saved your number in my phone, and mine and Liz’s. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call us, okay?” she said, acting like we were already close.

“Okay, you said it,” was all I could say.

“So, where exactly do you live?” Lizzy suddenly asked.

“Uhm, right here.”

“We’re here,” Rhis said as the car stopped right in front of my house. Before I could get out, she spoke.

“I’ll just call you Rhis, because your full name is too long.”

“You’re the only one living in that house?” she asked, pointing at my house.

“Yep.”

“It’s so small, but cute. Right, Thaty?” she said with a smile.

“Thanks for the ride, Lizzy, Rhis,” I thanked them as Lizzy’s phone suddenly rang.

“Yes, Mr. Seo?” I couldn’t hear the rest because Rhis suddenly spoke.

“Take care, okay? Say bye to your 2nd mommy, Thaty, Kitty,” she reminded me, and I nodded.

“Bye bye, Thaty Kitty. Thanks again to both of you,” I said as I got out of the car and closed the door. I noticed that Lizzy was no longer talking to anyone on the phone.

The car started moving, and it quickly disappeared from my sight. I went straight into the house.