Nope, Definitely Not

"You've got to be kidding me." I said as soon as I entered our classroom. Its the second week of class and boy am I not ready for this kind of surprise. We haven't seen each other for almost 6 years now but I am positive that he is who I think he is.  The bane of my existence. He was talking to a few of my classmates. I guess he already managed to make a few friends on his first day huh?  He faced towards me and put on that familiar smile I've always hated since birth. "Leila! Long time no see. I can't say I've missed you though. You look-" he paused and looked at me from top to bottom. "okay." He smirked. "Lucho, I see you're still an asshole." I tried to suppress every fiber of my being from punching this guy in the face. "Still angry as ever. Some things never change does it?" "Yeah, like my hatred towards you." I scoffed. "I am not surprised." He smiled. "So you're the transferee." I deadpanned. "Bingo! You know, she could be intelligent if she wasn't so stupid all the time." He faced my classmates. "You know each other?" Justin, our Vice-mayor hesitantly asked. "We are actually childhood-" I interrupted him as he spoke. "Enemies. We are childhood enemies." I said. Lucho laughed. "She never liked me." He tried to whisper to Justin but I still heard it. "You were a bully." I pointed my finger at him. "So were you, not to mention a brat AND a crybaby." I looked at him with disbelief. I was already ready to punch him in the face when our adviser arrived. "Hendrix Lucho Alcantara, I see you have met the class mayor." Miss Riza looked at me. "Did you welcome our transferee Leila? I trust that you orient him on the school and classroom policies." I showed my fakest smile and was about to say something when the jerk beside me spoke. "Oh she welcomed me warmly Miss. I bet were gonna be good friends." I fought the urge to roll my eyes. He always had his way of charming the people around him. Even my parents likes him. They don't know how rotten he is on the inside. "That's good to hear. Leila, please prepare for the morning ritual." I assembled my classmates and prepared for the morning ritual. I was standing at the back as the prayer was going on and I can see from my peripheral vision the evil that is Lucho. Miss Riza would introduce him officially to the class today. What could I have possibly done to have me punished for this? I can't be in the same room as him. We will just bicker and fight like we always do. I have so many things at stake right now and knowing him he would most likely distract and ruin my day every chance he got. I guess graduating peacefully and smoothly is out of the table. We were all asked to sit on our chairs. Miss Riza said a few words before introducing Lucho. He went in front and introduced himself. "Hello everyone. I'm Lucho Alcantara. 18. It's nice to meet all of you and I hope we can all be friends." He smiled at everyone. I can hear some of my classmates whisper that he's cute and whatnot. Well what poor choice of men. They could do better than that sorry excuse of a guy. "Mr. Alcantara actually just got back from the US. But you are originally from the Philippines right?" Miss Riza inquired. "uh, yes. We moved to the states a couple of years ago due to my parent's work. We're back for good in the Philippines now." After some reminders, Lucho was seated at the back, the only vacant seat left. Good thing I was seated in front of the class. I don't have to worry about seeing his face. I guess I can still make this work. I will just have to ignore him all the time and just interact with him when I really need to. Our first class of the morning started. So far, everything went smoothly. I used my phone's reflection to somehow glance at the back. I could somehow see him talking to some of my classmates. He was always a social butterfly, some things never do change. I quickly hid my phone before the teacher in front notices. Maybe I'm just to worked up with the idea of him being my classmate. I mean, I know it will be bad but it can't be THAT BAD right? ------ The morning period was fine. Thank God nothing out of the ordinary happened.  "Lei, you heading down?" Mona, one of my friends asked. "Yeah, let's eat lunch together?" I asked. "Okay, I'll tell the others." Mona was one of my first friends here in SNU. She's bubbly and fun to be with though she can be clumsy at times. I'm lucky enough to have a great group of friends. They were actually my research team last year, we bonded over the shared stress and pressure and we've been good friends since. "Boo!"  What the fvck? this jerk just came out of nowhere. How childish can he be?  "You almost had me fooled that you grew up." I said rolling my eyes. "That, I DID! take a look at these muscles." then there he started flexing his non existent muscles. He really isn't muscular but he was fit, not to mention he's tall.   I was about to slap him when he caught my hand. "If you wanna touch my rock-hard abs, I'll let you anytime Lei, no need to be so harsh and forward about it. " he said grinning from ear to ear.  "Your pea-sized brain and non-existing abs can wish! Get out of my way." I said pushing him to the side.  I walked fast towards my friends who were waiting for me at the door. Lucho should've known not to mess with me especially when I'm hungry.  "What's with the face? Did your 'friend' annoy you again?" Olliver chuckled.  Ollie has been my closest friend here in SNU, I met him while I got lost at finding our classroom. He's good at almost everything. He's pretty smart too. I rolled my eyes. "He's obviously NOT my friend. yuck!" I said. "You know, you're usually so composed and .." Olliver trailed his words. He seems to be hesitant to say the next words. "What?" I said as I opened the door to go out of the room.  "Well Lei, you usually don't get angry or annoyed easily. He must really get in your nerves." Amy, my other friend said. Amy is like the mother of the group, she takes care of us and is very sweet and loving. She's too precious for this world.  "Personally, I think he's pretty cool. He should join us for lunch sometimes." Maverick was shooting imaginary hoops as we walked towards the canteen. You can say he's the most active among the five of us.  He's also seatmates with Lucho. Maverick is already too much to handle. With those two as a pair, I'll probably lose my mind. I'm getting headaches just thinking about it. "Mav, you're gonna bump into someone! Can you stay put for once?" Mona said as he dragged Maverick to the side. Maverick was dribbling his imaginary ball in the hallway full of students.  "Chill Mon, I'm a pro at this! No obstacle can stop me." He confidently said. God, did I mention that he's a class A moron?  "I think she's just saving you from embarrassment. People are looking at you Maverick." I said.  Maverick just shrugged and ignored my comment. Mona kept her still as we made our way to the canteen.  We sat at our usual spot in the red chairs of the canteen. Our cafeteria is divided into three floors.  The gray, blue, and red chairs. We buy food at the blue level of the canteen but we sit in the red chairs cause it has less people in it. We started eating and was catching up on what we did last summer. It's the second week of class already but I was so busy last week with all the stuff I'm involved in the school, this was the first time this school year that we ate lunch together again. Everything seems right in the world with these people.  "So Leila, care to share about Mr. Transferee? I remember hearing about childhood friends?" the ever nosy Mona stated. This woman can sense gossip a mile away. She's my source on everything that's happening in the social scene of SNU.  "What do you want to know? there's nothing really interesting about it." I said nonchalantly. "Lei I think I speak for everyone when we say we haven't really seen this side of you yet." Amy said softly looking at everyone. "I know you're not really comfortable talking about things in your past but at least give us an insight?" Mona eyed me , looking hopeful that I may say something. The boys are just focused on their food but I know they're interested too.  I heaved a deep sigh before I started talking. "Both of our parents are close friends. He lived a few houses away from our house before. This was when we still lived in the province. Everyone really expected that we  would be best friends or you know, close.  Obviously that's not the case." I started telling them without really giving to much info.  They didn't interrupt me so I continued. " I really can't pinpoint the start of our feud cause obviously we were very young. I can remember though how he always destroy my toys and tease me about my hair and I wasn't exactly the type to just ball my eyes out and not fight back." I faced them.  "Okay, maybe I did cry most of the time but that only made him tease me more. So I destroyed his things too, you know childish stuff. When we started school he was good at almost anything, we got compared most of the time. I had to work hard for the things I accomplish but he seems to be doing everything so naturally, that pissed me off as a kid. I guess I was a little jealous before. He kinda awoken my competitive spirit.  I would do these amazing things as a child and kids like me would be amazed but then he'd come and would always, ALWAYS find a fault in me." I think I've said to much.  "Well you know, the hate grew and next thing we knew, we argue about almost anything. He left when we were in sixth grade and my life has been quite peaceful since. Is it weird to say hating him became a routine? a habit perhaps? i don't know."  "Sounds like you just want to be acknowledged by him." Ollie said abruptly. His eyes widened realizing what he just said and looked at me apologetically. "I should not have said that." he murmured. "Lei, he's a pretty cool dude and that was years ago, maybe you could come up with a truce or something? I'd really like to be his friend and we should all get along too. It's our last year in high school, let's make this fun!" Maverick said with food still in his mouth. He may be a moron but he does have a point sometimes not to mention he is Mr. Congeniality. I think everyone is his friend.  "I'm not gonna promise anything but I will try to avoid arguing with him, not for his sake though but for mine. I already got so many things going on this school year."  I suddenly remembered all my pending documents that needed approval, the meetings, and the seminars I am required to attend. It's tiring but I like this side of the school, I really love extra curricular activities more than academics. "Guys, I'd really love for us to talk more but it's already 12:30, we better head back to the room." Amy said. We all got up and cleaned our table.  ----- Classes just ended and after reminding my classmates on a few things and making sure the room was spotless before closing it I headed down to go home. Mona and Ollie usually go home with me but they had prior plans today. Amy was doing some club activities and Maverick's training started today.  I was at the side of the road waiting for a jeepney when I noticed him waiting for a ride too. I was debating on myself whether to talk to him about our situation or not.  I do want to finish this school year as smoothly and peacefully as it can be, but can I really reason out with him? he's not dumb but he sure is stubborn.  I didn't notice that I was staring at him that when he looked my way, my reflexes betrayed me and he caught me looking at him. There's no backing down now.  He walked towards me and stood beside me. I acted as if he wasn't there. "So, mayor huh? I knew you had the knack for bossing people around." he's clearly trying to stir an argument between us but no, not this time. I continue to ignore his presence. Where are the jeepneys anyway? I need a ride ASAP. "Well this is new. Is this one of your new tactics against me? Not that you are not aware but I'm pretty irresistible, I don't think you'd last for five minutes." he said as he nudged me with his elbow. "Irresistible? Irritating would be the word for it." I murmured.  "See! I knew you can't resist." He faced me and pointed his finger at me. "You should learn to whisper Avy. you've always had a loud mouth." he said still amused.Gosh! I wanna rip off that smug look on his face.  "Don't call me that." I said. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot you go by Leila now. Dropping your second name huh? That's very teenager-y of you." he continued talking. God, he talks to much for a guy. "Did no one ever tell you to shut up?" I started getting irritated by his voice. Where are those damned jeepneys?! I can hear him laughing at my side. He really finds joy in my anger.  A jeepney stopped in front of us but it was crowded and there was little to no space for me to sit. Why do they even bother on stopping when there's no room for another passenger anyway?  It was a crowded jeepney with very small space for me to sit or staying and listening to Lucho and I would very much choose the crowded jeepney. I said my excuses every know and then and squeezed myself inside. I didn't glanced back at him till the jeepney moved again.  The things I do just to get rid of him.   I fanned myself with my hands, not that it makes any difference though. The traffic was getting into my nerves as usual. My knees are wobbling because I am practically sitting on the air. Not even a quarter of my butt is seated. Is this even a good call? I usually make good decisions. I  inwardly groaned.  After what seems to be an hour, I finally reached our street. I payed the driver and got out of the jeepney. I was mentally listing all the necessary things I need to finish tonight. I needed extra energy and snacks cause I know I'll have little sleep so I decided to stop by a convenience store. I was in the middle of finding my favorite junk food when I saw the devil in my peripheral vision. He looked like he was looking for something.  Well, not my problem.  I went to the counter to pay for the things I got and was on my way to our street. As I was nearing our house, I saw Lucho standing outside our gate. He looked hesitant on ringing the doorbell. "Please don't tell me you are here to have dinner with us." I said crossing my fingers. He looked amused as he rang our doorbell. "Unfortunately for you, my parents are already inside. I get to see you act all good and friendly again. I do enjoy this part of our pretend friendship." The only time I hold back on Lucho is when were around our parents. I love Tita Anya and Tito Adam but I just really can't stand their son. How could two saints produce a devil? I know kindness isn't genetic but he could've at least got a little from both of them.  It's just for a few hours. I tolerated his antics for a longer time period before.  I can do this. I just need to shut my mouth and smile.  " If its any consolation, I  do not like how my parents gush over about you. If only they knew what goes on in that head of yours."  he said, a little bit irritated.  I just rolled my eyes. Good thing my mother opened the gate already.  "Lucho, my God! You've grown so much. I missed you hijo!" my mom immediately went to hug him, he was kind enough to hug her back.  Really Ma? Your only daughter, aka Me is standing beside you. Did I become instantly invisible to your eyes?! ugh. "Okay, I'm gonna head inside." I said, though I don't think she heard me. I could hear them talking and catching up behind me. I went to the living room and saw Lucho's parents together with my father. I automatically smiled at them at went to hug them. We may not be blood relatives but I guess I could say they're my favorite tita and tito.  "Avy darling! I knew you would grew up to be so beautiful. Long time no see hija." Tita Anya gave me the tightest hug.  "It's great to see you Tita, You look like you didn't age." Wow she really looked almost the same if not younger. "Well, That's what happens when you take care of your wife well. The secret is to feed her all the time." Tito Adam jokingly said.  I laughed and went to hug Tito Adam too.  "You both look great, it's nice to see you both back in the Philippines. " If only you could've left your son abroad, then the world would be a much better place. I gave them my biggest smile.  "Since everyone is here, I guess we can all proceed to dinner." My Papa said. "I bet you all missed my wonderful cooking." Papa said proudly, he is a good cook. It's a good thing cause my mom can only cook fried things. We all went to the dining area and started eating. My parent's and Lucho's parents talked a lot.  Apparently, they arrived 3 weeks ago. They wanted to surprise us hence the transferee guy thing that happened earlier. "So Avy and Lucho are classmates. I actually asked the grade level coordinator to put Lucho in the same class as her. " Tita Anya said. "Really? I heard she's quite strict, good thing you got through her." My mom added. "Well you know what a sweet talker Anya is, she's practically bestfriends with the coordinator now! " Tito Adam laughed.  "So how was your first day Lucho? I guess you wont have a hard time considering Avy is with you." My papa chimed in. I looked at him  with the 'you-better-answer-properly-look' and hoped he gets what I mean. He looked at me and smiled before answering my father. "It's been great, Avy assisted me with a lot of things. I'm pretty sure school will be fun." he said meaningfully as he looked at me. Ugh, the lies.  They continued to ask us some questions but we managed to dodge all of them.  Dinner finally ended and I was able to breathe clearly again. They continued catching up while I excused myself and went to my room to change and to start my towering tasks. It's just the first week and I have loads to do. I really need to learn how to say no sometimes, some of these things are voluntary works anyway. I just finish changing into my pajamas and was about to open my laptop when someone knocked.  "Can I come in?" I can tell it was Lucho, it was his annoying voice.   "No." "I'm coming in!!!" he melodically sang as he barged inside. I was about to throw him the closest thing I could grab when I saw him squat on the doorway.  "What are you doing?" I said as I lowered my pencil case.  He scanned his eyes around my room. " You don't like purple anymore?"  My room is now painted ivory white. I was 16 years old when I grew out of my purple phase. Everything in my room is now minimalistic, crisp, and clean.  "I realized it was tacky." I said looking back at my laptop.  He didn't reply so I looked at him and he looked like he was spacing out.  I decided to just leave him be A couple minutes into doing some work. My Dad was calling us out because Tita Anya, Tito Ada, and Lucho will be heading out now.  He was still sitting on the floor of my door, his back on the doorway, his eyes were closed.  I nudged at him. He opened his eyes and for a second we were staring at each other. "What?" he said.  "You're going home, duh." I rolled my eyes.  He stood up and faced me. He grabbed something from his pocket and gave it to me.  It was a small lavender box.  "See you at school." he said as he left.  He didn't even let me say something witty as a comeback, he just left ugh.  I closed my door and sat on the bad.  I opened the box and it was a purple orchid pendant.