Jay-jay's POV
I didn't enjoy my weekend. Charlie Puth's song ruined it. I even have a crush on that singer, but his song made me cry.
I was on my way to the dining area when I overheard Aunt Gema and Kuya Angelo talking. I stopped when I realized they were talking about me.
"Did you take her to a psychiatrist?" Kuya asked.
"Not yet... I don't want to bring up that topic with her," Auntie replied.
"Ma... Jay-jay needs it."
"Wouldn't it be better if we didn't force her to remember her past?"
"How can we press charges against those people if Jay can't give a statement?"
"I know... but look at her now. She'd be miserable if she remembered what happened to her."
"I know it was traumatic for her. Maybe that's why she doesn't remember. But she has to—she needs to."
There they go again, forcing me to recall memories I truly can't remember. No matter what I do, there's nothing.
The weird thing is, I remember everyone and the things I used to do. The only thing I don't remember is what happened in our house.
They said my mom had many husbands and that most of them abused me. But why can't I remember them? I don't remember anyone hurting me.
I just woke up in the hospital, and they kept asking me questions. I couldn't answer because I didn't remember anything. They even thought I had amnesia, but when I recognized everyone, they started to get scared. After that, Grandma took me in and took care of me. Maybe I'll just think about it some other time.
I lost my appetite because of their conversation, so I grabbed my bike and pedaled away. I'd just buy food at school. I was friends with the vendor anyway.
I was quietly riding when I noticed a car.
Top-down. Cool!
Then I spotted a guy leaning against a post. He looked like the driver. Wearing shades and smoking a cigarette. I just kept going and passed by both him and his flashy car.
"Hey, miss!" Someone called out.
I hit the brakes and looked at the guy leaning against the post. He smiled as he walked toward me.
"Do you need something?" I asked.
"Yeah... I'm actually lost. Can you tell me the right direction to the nearest mall?" the guy said.
English spokening! He looks rich. Easy, I got this.
"Yes, of course. Can you see that store?" I pointed to a shop at the corner.
He nodded.
"You can ask them for directions. Not me. I'm just new here," I said before quickly pedaling away.
Hahaha... Sorry! I don't know my way around yet. I've only been to the mall once.
I was right in front of the school when a car suddenly stopped in front of me. I almost crashed into it, but I managed to brake just in time.
"Hey! What the----" I stopped when I saw the car.
It was that flashy car! I looked at the driver. It was the rich guy who asked me for directions.
What's his problem? He took off his shades, and... and... and... his eyes were blue.
Damn, he's handsome! Sharp nose, thick hair—just needs a haircut.
"I forgot to ask your name," he said.
What the heck?! He chased me down just for my name? This guy's crazy.
"I'm----"
"Hey!" someone shouted. I turned to see who it was.
Oh, it was just Yuri. The car suddenly sped off, leaving a cloud of smoke.
"Cough What the heck?!"
"Who were you talking to?" Yuri asked, suddenly beside me. He was staring at the car that had just left.
"Some guy. He just asked for directions," I replied.
Yuri didn't answer. He was still looking in the direction the car had gone. I was about to pedal into the school when Yuri suddenly grabbed my bike's handlebars.
"Get off," he ordered.
"Huh? Why?"
"Just do it! Get off!"
Even though I wasn't sure why, I got off. Out of nowhere, he got on my bike and rode it. I thought he was going to chase after the car, but he headed straight for the school gate instead.
Look at this guy!
"Hey! What the hell?!" I yelled.
He ignored me. He just rode my bike straight into the school. What else could I do? I ran after him. Running and walking—ugh, this is tiring. He parked the bike in front of the classroom.
Yuri's possessed! I went inside and looked for the jerk. He had his back turned, so I smacked him on the head.
"Ouch!" he yelped and shot me a glare.
"That's for stealing my bike!" I said and sat in my seat.
I crossed my arms and pouted. So annoying! I really thought he was up to something.
"Your lips are so pouty," Ci-N commented. I just glared at him.
Sir Alvin arrived, and class started. Of course, he didn't forget to remind us about the upcoming exams.
"Class, review your lessons. Exams are coming up," our next teacher said.
"Guys! Make sure to study!" another teacher reminded us.
"Go over your notes!" another one added. As if we'd forget! They kept repeating it like broken records in my head.
Review... Review... Review...
But it looked like I was the only one worried about the exams. None of my classmates looked scared or anxious. Some were even asleep!
It's lunchtime already. Oh right, I don't have any packed food. Poor us three. Maybe I should buy from Ate Lilia. But she might be busy working. She won't be able to serve me if there are a lot of people.
So annoying!
"I'm getting hungry..." Ci-N complained.
"Me too..." I said.
We're currently at our usual hangout spot. Since we don't have anything to eat, we're just sitting here doing nothing.
Sigh... I wish air could fill my stomach. That way, I could eat it too.
"You guys look like idiots," someone said.
I looked down the stairs. It was Calix, with Mica. They were carrying tupperware.
"You're so mean to us!" I said, and Mica laughed. So rude!
"Come on! Let's go to our hangout spot!" Mica invited.
She walked past us, and she and Calix headed to the second room at the end. The place where I got their love letter. The three of us just followed them.
Calix arranged four tables together to form a bigger one. He also grabbed some chairs.
"Come on! Why are you still standing there?" Mica called us.
Ci-N, David, and I just looked at each other. Mica seemed to notice our hesitation.
"Calix... Did you tell them?" Mica asked.
Tell us what?
Calix facepalmed. "I forgot to mention it."
"Mention what?" Ci-N asked.
"I told Calix to invite you guys here to our hangout spot. I cooked for you as a thank-you," Mica explained.
As soon as Mica said that, we acted like we had won the lottery and rushed toward her like prizes were up for grabs. Because seriously, we were starving.
I was practically dying of hunger!
Mica had everything prepared—paper plates, plastic utensils, juice, and plastic cups. Calix was in charge of cleaning up.
Mica kept thanking us. I just didn't get the chance to ask how things were going between her, Mykel, and Ella. It felt awkward to bring it up.
After our little feast, I helped Calix clean up. I felt embarrassed for leaving the work to the other two—David and Ci-N. They just chatted with Mica and left him to do everything. Unbelievable!
We left those two at their hangout spot so they could have some time alone. We found out that they still couldn't move freely because of Aries' group.
"They're really adorable..." I said. The two looked at me. "...They just look so happy."
David and Ci-N just smiled at me. They already knew what I meant. That their problems were finally over and they got through it, even if it took them a long time to carry that burden.
We walked back to the classroom together. Ci-N and I spent time chatting and teasing each other before the teacher arrived.
"Make sure to review, okay?" he said. Huhuhuhu... Even you?
It's P.E. time with Ma'am Asunta. I rushed to the restroom to change. Coast was clear. As usual, I didn't want to stay in the bathroom for too long, so I changed quickly.
Back in the classroom. Goodness! Here we go again.
Keifer and Yuri were shirtless again. At least they were wearing boxers. But could they at least put their shirts on quickly? They were casually talking while changing.
My eyes landed on Yuri's body again. He had so many scars, like he had been whipped. They were all different sizes.
"Jay! Come on!" Ci-N shouted at me.
"H-Huh? Coming!" I replied and quickly followed her.
We were back in the gymnasium. Section A was also there. I wasn't sure if it was their P.E. class too since they weren't wearing their P.E. uniforms. But their teacher was with them.
"Section E... 500m run first. Get in position!" Ma'am Asunta ordered us.
As soon as she blew the whistle, we started running. But these slackers looked lifeless. They were running so slowly.
"Can't you run any faster?!" Ma'am shouted.
No one answered, and no one sped up either. What's wrong with these guys?
Then I finally noticed it. They were playing Pokémon Go. They were probably slowing down on purpose to hatch their Pokémon eggs.
Unbelievable! They put Pokémon Go before P.E.!