Detoxify

Chapter 14

Teammates

Avery's Point of View

The moment our eyes met, I swear I could already hear my brain rolling its own eyes. Si David. Of course. The same David na dati pa vocal na may gusto raw sa 'kin, as if that was supposed to be some sort of honor. Like, congratulations? You're a self-confessed womanizer, babaero, serial heartbreaker. What am I supposed to do with that information? Frame it?

And oh, speaking of David, I couldn't help but remember the juicy chismis I heard before na sila raw ni Ranne. Yeah, that Ranne. The queen of fake smiles, fake compliments, and real attitude problems. She was the kind of girl who'd compliment your bag, then two seconds later, tell the whole class it looked cheap. Honestly, she's been threatened by me since day one. Not just because I was valedictorian while she landed salutatorian. No shade, well, maybe a little shade but because she simply couldn't stand that the person who beat her was... me.

I mean, hello? Maganda ako, matalino, mayaman. I've always had my own style, my own presence and I don't need to scream for attention; I am the attention. Pero the cherry on top? She couldn't wrap her head around the fact that the "threat" to her social throne was a trans woman. Like, girl, anong problema mo? Own it, you're being transphobic. If she hates me, well... the feeling's mutual. Her whole group? Ugh. A circle of famous who live for shallow gossip, while Ranne plays the lead role of the "mean girl everyone secretly fears but no one truly likes."

"Avery," David called, that familiar smug half-smile on his lips, the kind that made you want to keep your pepper spray close. "Long time no see. Kumusta ka na?" His tone had that subtle flirt, almost like he forgot we weren't on that kind of basis. In my head: Hindi ba't may girlfriend ka? Why are you acting like you're auditioning for "How to Be a Walking Red Flag 101"?

"Okay lang," I answered casually, not even giving him the satisfaction of a dramatic reunion moment. He tilted his head, still smirking, as if waiting for me to ask him in return. "Bakit wala ka na sa St. A? I thought this place was your territory," he pressed, leaning forward slightly, his voice dropping to that faux-intimate tone na siguro iniisip niya was irresistible.

"I moved to another school," I replied, short and sweet. No need for a backstory. But of course, Mr. Can't-Take-a-Hint just had to keep digging. "Bakit? 'Di mo na kami namimiss?" he asked, like he was part of some elite club worth missing.

I finally glanced at him, eyebrow slightly raised. "Hindi ba't may girlfriend ka? Si Ranne?" I said it so calmly, but the subtext was basically, Shouldn't you be busy cheating on her in private instead of flirting with me in public?

He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, no. That's not true. We're not a thing." I just blinked at him. So it's fake news? Okay. Still, I don't care. Whether he was with her or not didn't change the fact that his vibe was still giving me major stay in your lane energy.

Truth be told, I was itching to end this conversation. My friends were already waiting for me, and the longer I stayed, the more I could feel the universe testing my patience. "Anyway, I'll go ahead. Inaantay na ako ng friends ko," I said, already stepping back.

"Wait, I—" he started, as if he had something else to say. But I didn't even give him the chance to finish. I just flashed the politest fake smile I could manage, turned on my heel, and walked away. Some doors, you just keep shut.

We decided to meet at this newly renovated lounge area near the St. A courtyard. You know, the one na parang straight out of an Architectural Digest spread. White marble tables, accent chairs in muted beige tones, gold detailing everywhere. As soon as I spotted them, ayun na, my girls — Elyza in her oversized Chanel sunnies kahit indoors, Daphne in that flowy Zimmerman dress, and Hazel in a blazer-and-jeans combo na mukhang casual pero expensive casual.

"Babe, you look so good!" Elyza squealed, standing up to give me a hug na parang hindi kami nagkita for years. "Grabe, you're glowing! What's the skincare? Nagpalit ka na ba? Spill!"

I laughed, hugging her back. "Wala, just minding my own business and drinking my water, char! Pero you guys, I missed this."

"Same," Daphne said, adjusting her hair while giving me that knowing smirk. "We were just talking about you kanina. Iba ka pa rin talaga, babe. The way people look at you when you walk in? Wild." She tilted her head subtly toward a group of guys across the lounge who were not even pretending to hide the fact that they were staring.

Hazel chuckled. "And not just any guys ha, mga upperclassmen 'yan. Some of them are actually our old schoolmates na dito na rin nag-college. Like, Avery effect is still Avery effect."

We did a little walk around campus, just for old time's sake. The buildings were still the same, but somehow smaller than I remembered. Students kept glancing our way, and honestly, sanay na ako pero the way people whisper pa rin when they see me with my girls? Peak high school nostalgia. We even passed by the music studio where I used to train, and for a second, na-feel ko 'yung old adrenaline ng competitions. 'Di ba nga, I told you guys na I also sing.

Halfway through our walk, a familiar voice called out. "Avery? Is that you?" Turning, I saw Mr. Ramos which is my Grade 12 teacher. Always in that crisp barong, always with that fatherly smile.

"Sir! Oh my gosh, it's been ages!" I said, genuinely happy to see him.

He nodded warmly. "Mabuti naman naisipan mong dumalaw. We've missed having you around here. How's college life treating you?"

I told him it's been busy, challenging, but fulfilling. He gave me that approving nod that only good mentors have. "That's good to hear. Keep making us proud, Avery. You've always been one of my brightest students." We exchanged a quick goodbye before I rejoined the girls.

By the time we hit the canteen, gutom na kaming lahat. "Babe, since you're treating, I'm getting two orders of truffle pasta and iced latte," Elyza teased while scanning the menu.

"Go, order what you want. You know me, I'm not stingy when it comes to food," I replied, waving at the server. Hazel ordered her matcha latte, Daphne went for a salmon poke bowl, and I just got a grilled chicken salad with a side of fries kase hello, balance.

Once the food arrived, the real catch-up began.

Elyza leaned forward. "Okay, update time. My mom finally approved my Paris vacation after finals, so I'm leaving the Philippines!"

Hazel's eyes widened. "That's insane! Meanwhile, I'm stuck with my life sa bahay. But hey, at least I'm moving into my own condo next month."

Daphne grinned. "And me? I'm officially seeing someone. As in, legit na this time. Hindi na 'yung situationship like before."

I clapped my hands dramatically. "Oh my gosh, you guys are thriving!"

Hazel raised an eyebrow. "And you, Miss Avery? Spill. You've been way too quiet. I can smell the tea from here."

I sipped my iced Americano, pretending to think. "Well... let's just say my life has been an interesting mix of three men and zero peace."

Their jaws dropped. "Three?!" Elyza whisper-shouted.

I laughed. "Okay, let me break it down. There's Elliot, tall, broody, has this whole protective streak but also the most stubborn man alive. Then Tyron, more sunshine-y, super sweet, and actually listens to me. And then Edward, mysterious, very smart, but I swear he's hiding something from me."

Daphne placed a hand on her chest like it was a telenovela moment. "Babe, that's not just a love triangle. That's a love square."

Hazel grinned wickedly. "You're living a w*****d plot, and you're telling us just now?!"

I just shrugged, smiling like I didn't just drop a social bomb in the middle of our lunch. "What can I say? Drama follows me everywhere."

The sudden scent of over-applied designer perfume and the sound of stilettos clicking against the canteen floor were already enough warning.

"Told you, Ranne. Siya 'yung kausap ni David kanina," one of the girls in the group said in this low, conspiratorial tone na obviously meant for us to hear.

I slowly looked up, and there she was... Ranne. Same overly perfect hair, same calculated resting face, same aura of someone who thinks the world is her runway. Behind her were her two loyal alipores, who looked at me like I was some exhibit at the zoo.

"Avery," she said, her tone dripping with that fake sweetness na parang may kasamang cyanide. "What brings you back here? Isn't it... unusual for a former student to just casually hang around the campus?"

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my legs slowly like I had all the time in the world. "Just visiting my alma mater. You know, some of us actually have fond memories of this place. Thought I'd see a few familiar faces." My smile was polite, but my eyes said don't try me.

Her lips twitched. "Is that so? Well, I couldn't help but notice you were talking to David earlier. Care to explain?"

I shrugged casually, as if the question bored me. "Oh, that? He approached me first. Said hi, asked how I've been. Just small talk, really."

Her eyebrow arched, clearly not expecting that answer. "I see... well, I suggest you make sure it stays that way."

That made me laugh — softly at first, then enough for the whole table to hear. "Why? Are you... threatened?" I tilted my head, my tone light but laced with razor-sharp edges.

Her expression stiffened. "Of course not."

"Good. Because last time I checked, you and David aren't even official. And if you are, I honestly pity you because he's out here denying it like it's some dirty little secret. I mean, girl, have some self-respect."

Her friends shifted uncomfortably, but I wasn't done. "Grow up, Ranne. We're in college. You're still acting like some high school hallway queen bee who thinks people are stealing her imaginary crown. Nobody's after your man. And if your relationship is that fragile that a simple conversation shakes you, maybe the problem isn't me."

Dead. Silence.

Her perfectly lined lips pressed together, but nothing came out. She just stood there, glaring.

Elyza finally leaned forward, voice dripping with condescension. "Girl, you're blocking the sunlight. Also, you're kind of interrupting our lunch."

"Yeah," Daphne added sweetly, flipping her hair. "Maybe you should... I don't know... go back to whatever you were doing before you decided to hover here?"

Hazel gave the final shove. "Run along, ladies. We'd like to finish our food without the extra side dish of high school drama."

Ranne shot me one last look that sharp enough to cut glass before turning on her heel, her minions scurrying after her.

I just sipped my drink, smirking. "And that, my loves, is how you keep the pests away."

The second Ranne and her alipores finally walked away, parang sabay kaming lahat nakahinga ng maluwag. Elyza immediately leaned forward, her elbows on the table, her manicured fingers delicately clasping her iced latte. "Like, oh my God, did that really just happen? Avery, babe, that was a show. You literally turned the canteen into a front-row fashion week drama."

I laughed, flipping my hair like it was nothing. "Please. I wasn't even trying. She just gave me the perfect runway to deliver lines. Honestly, parang scripted na siya, eh. Like she walked in, threw a cue card at me, and all I had to do was perform." My friends burst into laughter, and I swear half the guys two tables away turned to look at me. Again.

Hazel placed a hand on my arm, her tone part amused, part worried. "You do know she's going to hate you more after this, right? As in, she's going to sharpen her claws, babe. Expect some passive-aggressive posts or, like, whispered chismis around the campus."

"Let her," I replied smoothly. "The more noise she makes, the more she proves my point. You can't buy class, Hazel. And no amount of highlight or expensive hair treatment will cover up insecurity. If she wants war, she better know she's picking it with someone who doesn't lose."

"Yasss, preach!" Daphne almost clapped her hands, her diamond bracelet catching the light dramatically. "Like, honestly, ever since high school she's been trying so hard to measure up. And no offense—" she paused, giving me a pointed look, "—but it's so obvious her main insecurity has always been you. The brains, the beauty, the wealth, the presence... and on top of that, you were valedictorian. She'll never forgive herself for being the salutatorian to you, babe."

I sipped my iced tea like a queen, unbothered. "Exactly. And let's not forget—she's lowkey transphobic. She'll never say it outright, kasi hello, that would kill her image, but the way she looks at me? The backhanded compliments? Please. I can smell the discrimination masked as fake kindness from a mile away."

Elyza shook her head, disbelief written all over her face. "And the way she asked about David... parang desperate move, 'no? Like she wanted to stake her claim, pero David's not even claiming her back. That's the most tragic part. Imagine throwing attitude for a man who wouldn't even admit you're his girlfriend."

"Honestly, that's embarrassing," Hazel chimed in, stirring her frappe lazily. "If you ask me, Avery, you did her a favor. Sometimes people need to hear the truth straight up, even if it cuts."

I smirked, tapping my fork against the plate. "Well, consider me a public service. I don't usually waste my time on pests, but every now and then, a good extermination keeps the house clean." The table erupted in laughter, and I swear a few people turned to see what was so funny.

Daphne leaned closer, her voice dropping conspiratorially. "But seriously, babe... she's probably fuming right now. Like, pacing back and forth somewhere, rehearsing comebacks she'll never actually say to your face. I can already imagine her group chat blowing up."

"Let her rehearse," I replied coolly, tossing my hair back. "Meanwhile, I'll be here enjoying my food, looking expensive, and reminding her that her entire personality is basically 'second place.'"

When the laughter finally died down and the clinking of our drinks faded into the casual buzz of the canteen, I leaned back on my chair, staring at the almost empty glass in front of me. For a moment, my friends' voices turned into background noise, and all I could hear was the echo of my own thoughts. It hit me, the weight of being "that girl" — the one people always look at, the one they measure themselves against, the one who can't afford to slip because everyone's watching.

Yes, I delivered savage lines like it was second nature, and yes, I loved the way people whispered after every comeback. But deep down, I knew it was exhausting to constantly live up to this image. The pretty, smart, rich trans girl who always wins. Sometimes, I just wanted to exist quietly without being the "standard," without being the topic of other people's insecurities.

Still, I reminded myself that if people want to compare, if they want to use me as their yardstick, then that's their problem, not mine. I won't shrink myself just to make them comfortable. And honestly, if my existence shakes their ego that badly, then maybe they need to take a long, hard look in the mirror.

"Babe, you okay?" Hazel suddenly asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I gave her a small smile, the kind that says I'm fine, don't worry about me, even if I was carrying a thousand things in my head. We ended the day laughing again, promising another catch-up soon before finally parting ways.

By the time I got back to the dorm, the atmosphere shifted then reality came crashing back. The giggles, the fun, the sense of escape I had at St. A all melted into the same unresolved mysteries waiting for me inside the dorm. It was like I couldn't breathe without another puzzle piece falling into my lap.

Simula nung sinabi ni Sir Salvador ang mga salitang, "Tama nga siya, you are beautiful inside and out," hindi na iyon nawala sa isip ko. The way his voice carried those words, parang may ibang pinaghuhugutan, like it wasn't entirely his thought but someone else's message being passed through him. And the more I thought about it, the more it drove me insane.

Paulit-ulit na bumabalik sa utak ko ang eksaktong tono, ang pagkakatingin niya habang binibitawan iyon. Pero mas lalo akong naloloka sa tanong kung sino kaya ang "siya" na tinutukoy niya. Sino ba ang nagsabi nun, at bakit dumadaan pa sa kanya?

"Ang hirap naman manghula kung sino!" sigaw ko sa sala ng dorm sabay sabunot sa buhok ko. Naiinis na ako, parang gusto kong i-pause lahat ng drama na 'to para makatulog ng isang buong linggo.

Jusko, parang teleserye na 'to. If life were a script, I'd like to talk to the director and ask kung bakit lahat ng plot twist ay nasa akin lang. Wala na bang ibang bida?

"Hey!" tapik ni Tyler sa balikat ko, sabay upo sa tabi ko. I forced a smile, scrolling on my phone like I didn't have a million things exploding in my head.

"Hello, pogi," I greeted him, my tone playful, though deep inside I was drained. He gave me that sharp look — the kind that cuts through facades, the kind only someone who knows you well can give.

"Is there any problem, ganda?" His voice was calm but carried genuine concern, almost like he was trying to read the lines I wasn't saying out loud. And for a split second, I felt exposed, like he could actually see right through me.

"W-Wala naman," sagot ko. Pero alam kong halata because my body language screamed otherwise, my sighs were too heavy, and my words too clipped. Tyler wasn't buying it, not for a second.

"Mukhang meron, eh," he pressed, lifting his brows in that annoying but familiar way he does when he's not letting me escape. It was both irritating and comforting, the way he cornered me with his quiet persistence.

I finally sighed, straightening my posture before turning to him. "Naguguluhan na kasi ako, Tyler, sa lahat ng nangyayari. Una, 'yung sa picture ko na kumalat sa buong campus. Pangalawa, si Sir Salvador, he literally said 'Tama nga siya, you are beautiful inside and out.' Pangatlo, may isang lalaking hindi ko alam kung anong game niya with me. Nalilito na ako, sobra."

He looked at me with something that wasn't his usual mischief, his expression tightening. "Ang hirap," he muttered, almost bitterly.

I blinked, confused. "Ang hirap?" I echoed, unsure where that came from.

"Yeah," he said, voice heavier now. "Ang hirap... kasi you don't see it. You don't feel it. You don't even realize how people move around you, Avery. You're blind to what's right in front of you." His voice cracked at the edges, frustration bleeding into every syllable.

My brows furrowed. Was he angry? Hurt? Disappointed? I couldn't read him, and that only made the puzzle bigger. "Hindi kita maintindihan. Diyan ka na nga. Pinapasakit mo lang ulo ko," I snapped, standing up and grabbing my bag, too tired to dig through riddles.

As I walked out, my chest tightened, and my mind replayed his words on a loop. You don't see it. You don't feel it. What did he mean? Who, exactly, was I not seeing?

I climbed the stairs, my feet heavy, my mind even heavier. And then, at the top of the stairwell, I froze.

Standing there, waiting, was Elliot. His posture calm, almost calculated, his eyes fixed on me as if he'd been there all this time. My heart skipped a beat, not from romance, but from the tension building like thunder in the distance.

I wanted to say something, anything, but all I could manage was to walk past him. No words, no glances. Because in that moment, silence was louder than anything else.

⌞ Dance Club Room⌝

Naka-line up na kami lahat sa studio, and for some reason, parang spotlight talaga ako. Lahat silver, tapos ako lang ang naka-gold na parang walking trophy. Nakakailang sobra, kasi ramdam ko every single pair of eyes judging, admiring, and comparing all at once.

As president, they pushed me sa harap. Fine, responsibility 'yan, kaya go lang. Pero deep inside, nagwi-wish ako na sana kahit once lang, makablend ako sa crowd pero no, destiny really said main character ka, babe, deal with it. Huey!

Then dumating si Ma'am Jessica, looking fierce as usual, kasama pa 'yung ibang managers. I swear, every time she talks, it's like she owns the whole room. And when she pulled that cover off the whiteboard, parang may dramatic music sa background kasi surprise nga, may bracketing.

Tapos boom, nagulat kaming lahat. Si Elliot, naka-gold din, just like me, pumasok sa pinto. Like... hello??? Matching outfits? This is not cute, Universe. This is psychological warfare.

At ayun na nga, Ma'am proudly announced na "the former president is back." My jaw dropped. President din siya? Ano 'to, monopoly? Sports club, dance club at baka next time student council na rin ba? Can someone explain why this man is literally everywhere?

Lumapit ako sa whiteboard, hinanap agad ang pangalan ko and it's Team C. Perfect, kasi si Tyron andun din. At least may comfort zone ako. Natuwa pa nga ako nung sinabi kong ka-team ko siya, kasi with Tyron I feel safe, steady.

Pero syempre, hindi makakatiis ang Universe. May humila sa kamay ko, and lo and behold, it's Elliot. My whole system glitched, parang lowbat bigla utak ko. When he said na he's in Team C too, kinilabutan ako but not the good kind, kundi halo-halo na kilig, inis, at kaba.

Our eyes locked. Ayaw pa niyang bumitaw, parang gusto niyang ipasa sa titig niya lahat ng hindi niya masabi. My chest tightened, my hand literally shaking habang sinusulat ko pangalan niya sa papel. And honestly? Ang intense.

Finally, we had our team list. Ma'am Jessica laid out the rules: Team A vs. Team C, and the theme? Love, heartbreak, and pain. And suddenly, parang may bigat na bumagsak sa balikat ko. Out of all possible themes, bakit ito pa?

The team huddled, brainstorming agad. And when one of the guys with glasses said na "Advantage natin si Avery, kasi she can embody love easily," parang nag-flash 'yung buong buhay ko sa harap ko. Like, sir, do you even know the trauma I've been through?

They were all looking at me, expecting me to lead, expecting me to perform like I was born to channel love and pain. And maybe I was, kasi the irony? Ako mismo 'yung kwento. Every heartbreak, every messy kiss, every confusing glance — nandito lahat sa dance floor.

And to make things worse? The guy who's been the center of that storm, the very reason my heart feels like it's caught between chaos and fireworks... is literally in my team. Elliot. Nakaupo pa sa tabi, tahimik, pero ramdam ko yung presence niya like gravity.

Love, heartbreak, and pain. I laughed bitterly inside. Ang tanong ko sa sarili ay will this be a performance, or a confession disguised as choreography?

Ano na naman 'to, Universe? Bakit parang lagi mo akong ginagawang bida sa isang pelikulang hindi ko naman pinirmahan?