Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"you're late! Sir has left, Dalha." Georgia said loudly as soon as I entered the classroom.

I'm in grade twelve. With a little effort, I can go to college. So I really had to work to save.

"Oh, I can still chase, can't I? Where is Sir now?" I'm worried question. Only now did I have time to do what was in my workbook. I did a lot of work at the convenience store in town. Then of course, I did some more at home. It's embarrassing for Auntie that she might drive me away forever.

"Eh we still have a class. You can pass that on later, find it in the college department. The last class he will teach today is Elliott's class." Lois replied with a smile.

I just looked away. Obviously they will tempt me again. How come it spread throughout the school that Elliott likes me. It is disgusting and embarrassing because it is so rich. It might even think of me assuming I like the teasing of friends.

"Is that so ..." I answered maliciously before sitting down in my chair.

I distracted myself by listening to our teacher. I would have liked to apologize for handing over the workbook just so I was embarrassed. Sir Indigo is especially strict.

The whole class ended at about three o'clock in the afternoon. Hopefully we have another subject to study so Ma'am Remy is sick so we were just sent home.

"Come with me to pass, oh?" I said Georgia and Lois just regretted it.

"We're definitely going to be together, there's a lot of handsome guys in the college department."

I just smiled. I know that's not really their reason. They just really wanted to see me go to Elliott's room.

We quietly walked towards the college department. I was speechless with nervousness; maybe I won't accept my workbook anymore. While my two companions were just wanting to be directors in a film to the extreme extent of the imagination.

"Hey, here we are!" Georgia said smiling as she looked at me.

"Looks like Elliott has no class. Look oh, he's outside." Lois's comment was thrilling.

My gaze immediately shifted to the door of Elliott's classroom. It was just outside as Lois and Georgia said.

"Eh no, Sir is gone. Let's go." I applaud the two.

I was about to leave as quickly as they pulled me closer to Elliott's group. I could not hear the temptations and screams of some college students.

"Sar miento, there's your crush!" shouted one of the men sitting across from their room.

I felt the warmth of my cheeks. I did nothing when the students gave way for me to get close to Elliott.

I bent down and slowly walked closer to it.

"Hi, Dalha, do you need anything?" She asked with a smile.

"Uh, I'll just ask if Sir C-Cace came here?"

"Brother? Why, what do you need from Brother?" Its a serious question to me.

For a moment I looked around sharply silently those who had been shouting earlier. They were all attentively listening to what Elliott and I were talking about.

"I was going to pass on the workbook. I found out that you are the last one he will teach today. But it looks like Sir isn't here so I'm just leaving." I have a weak answer.

I noticed Elliott's nod. "You just want me to pass? I'll give it to him at home. Sure he'll accept that even if it's late."

"No, I'm not going to pass it. It's unfair to my other classmates if I pass like that after the passing time. Thank you Elliott." I said shaking.

"Just join me in his office, maybe he's still there now. After all, Dad has a meeting, he's supposed to be with me."

I shook again in denial. "Not anymore Elliott, just thank you."

"Wait ..." He said quickly while typing on the cellphone. After doing so I immediately turned around while smiling. "Kuya is still in his office, just go and pass that on."

I seemed to be encouraged. I suddenly smiled. "Thanks, all right, I'll go first."

"All right, be careful Dalha!" Elliott shouted loudly before I finally walked away.

I heard loud screams and shouts before Georgia and I left the college department. I just ignored that because my mind was busy passing the workbook.

I thought I couldn't really pass. Coincidentally, this is the first time that has happened.

I'm always on time when it comes to things like this. Only now really caught on because I did a lot at work and at home.

When I got to the opposite side of Sir's office I let out a deep sigh. I'm just alone now. Their drivers had already picked up Georgia and Lois.

I knocked softly three times. That never happened again because I heard Sir's voice.

"Come in ..."

I cautiously went inside. Sir Cace's cozy office greeted me. I looked around the room. Sir's office is simple. I don't feel deprived, but I also don't feel compelled.

"Miss Gregorio ..."

I looked back at Sir Cace. He was staring at me while I'm slowly walking towards him.

"Uh, I-I'll pass on the w-workbook."

I was surprised when Sir Cace stood up quickly after he looked at the wristwatch. I remember it even had a walk.

"Why didn't you pass earlier?" He asked seriously as he put on the jacket.

"Uh, I got in late because-"

"Because of work?"

My forehead furrowed when I heard that. It's no secret that I work at a convenience store in town. I was just surprised Sir Cace knew that.

"I also did a lot at home, I slept late so I was late entering." I was nervous to answer. I don't know, I feel like my tears are about to fall even though Sir isn't scolding me.

"Okay, it's mine, I'll just take it home so I can check." Smiling Sir Cace said once reaching for the workbook in my hand.

"Eh Sir, this, won't you take it?" I asked pointing to some workbooks on his desk.

"I've looked at those. It's just that you don't."

"Okay ..." I said softly while turning my back.

"Are you coming home, Dalha?" I stopped walking when Sir Cace asked.

"Not yet, I'm still going to work."

Sir Cace glanced at his wristwatch questioningly. "Do you want to come with me, I'm also going to town."

My eyes widened automatically. "Not anymore, it's embarrassing. All right Sir, I'll go first." I quickly declined before leaving his office.

The pounding in my chest did not go away. I don't know if Sir Cace meant that because he knew the issue about me and Elliott.

Embarrassing!

Sir might think I like Elliott too!

Like I said I went through the convenience store. It's still early, I have six o'clock to watch, but I have nothing else to do so I'll just spend the remaining two hours helping Ate Jenny before I replace her.

My work hours are six o'clock until eleven o'clock at night. Aunt Sabel knew that so it was okay for me to come home late. Then it doesn't matter to me. It only cares about my salary.

"Hey Dalha, you're already there." Sister Jenny said smiling when she saw me go inside. "You're not in anymore?"

"Ate is gone, so here I go straight." I answered once the bag landed on the seat on the side.

"Obviously, you're still in uniform. Do you have a suitcase?"

I shook my head slowly before smiling. "It's okay. Then just add more laundry if I change my clothes."

"You shouldn't go here first. Maybe you'll do more assignments and projects. Just spend two hours doing that. Sit there first. I'll take care of it." Ate Jenny said at length when she saw me arranging the rolled cup noodles in the bag.

"All right ..." I answered weakly before walking closer to the seat where I landed the bag.

I distracted myself from answering my assignments. I stopped for a moment to help Sister Jenny. Suddenly, the number of shoppers increased, because those who worked at our opposite establishment went home. Most are mothers who buy snacks for their children or can goods.

I ended up helping not to return the equipment to the side table. Sister Jenny had to leave so I completely left my gear open on the side. No one will interfere with that. Rarely does one eat here inside. Most are outside especially if the barricades are noisy.

"You're so hardworking, I think you can go far in life."

Out of despair I turned my gaze to the man in front. What is Elliott doing here?

"Hi!" Elliott greeted me when I couldn't speak right away.

I quickly averted my gaze. "What are you doing here?" I asked glancing at the wall clock. It's nine o'clock in the evening. Surprisingly, Elliott behaved like this. It's still the first time I've seen it here in my two years of working.

"Uh, Brother and I are hungry, so we went out to eat. There's no other tomorrow, just this, so we're just here." He smiled in response before lowering himself in front of me.

"It's just a convenience store, not a restaurant. You can eat only instant." My casual answer.

Elliott let out a smile before turning away. I didn't even ask where it was going when I saw it head to the range of cup noodles and to the shelf of hotdogs and sandwiches.

When I realized that Elliott had more to buy, I looked away. Maybe what else would it think when I got caught.

"Are not you tired?" The gentle question of the man in front of me brought my spirit back.

I looked up at him quickly. I couldn't stop my mouth from gaping suddenly. It is true that Elliott was with Sir Cace.

"Good evening, sir." I'm embarrassed to greet you.

I averted my gaze even though I really wanted to squint my eyes at his appearance. Only now did I see Sir wearing a gray t-shirt and faded jeans. Her hair is not in order. It's like a new bath without even bothering to comb

your hair. He was very different when he was at school. Her relatively long hair covers her forehead up to her eyebrows. Only now did I find out that her hair is long because every time she was at school it was fine and always seemed to have gel.

I simply swallowed when I inhaled his fragrant scent. I'm sure it's not that scent. Sir just seemed to smell natural after taking a bath.

"Dalha, I'm asking you if you're okay?" I overheard Sir's question. It was only then that I noticed that I was stunned. His hand rested on my shoulder as his index finger stuck to my cheek. "You're spacing out Dalha, you might be tired."

"No S-Sir! I'm fine, I'm just surprised you're fine. It's refreshing." My comment made Sir Cace sigh.

There seemed to be something rumbling in my stomach when I saw that grin of his. Sir smiles sometimes when in class. But he smiled differently now. He looks hot?

What is this I'm thinking ?! Calm yourself Dalha! He's your teacher!

"Oh, so you like this looks better than what I usually-"

"No sir!" I said out loud as Elliott looked at us. Its forehead furrowed slightly as it looked at us.

Sir Cace slowly turned to Elliott's behavior. Elliott immediately smiled before continuing to wait for the cup noodles to be cooked.

"So where were we?"

"Sir ..." I said very hard.

"You like my looks tonight, huh?"

"Sir, it's not like that. You look intimidating when you're wearing your uniform. It's refreshing because I just saw that you look like that." I will explain.

I bit my lip again it seemed wrong that I had explained because Sir Cace's eyebrows suddenly met.

"Uh, because when E-Elliott is dressed like that, it looks normal though he's still handsome-."

"Is Elliott flirting with you, Dalha?" Sir Cace asked while staring into my eyes.

I looked down at the counter. I shook slowly. "Why would he flirt with me?"

I was suddenly nervous. Oh I wonder what Sir Cace thinks. He might be mad at me.

"Good." He seriously said I swallowed. "Cause I don't want him to pursue you."

I seemed to be enveloped in cold because of what Sir Cace had said. Is this how you are in books or shows? Will you ban you from approaching their family because you are poor?

At that thought I suddenly shrank to myself. Now I realize my state is so far removed from the life they enjoy.

"Maybe he also has no intention of flirting with me. If what you're thinking is gossip at school, that's not true. Maybe he was just having fun. Who am I, it's not insignificant-."

"Enough." Sir Cace spoke forcefully. He stared at me darkly. I didn't seem to like what I said even more.

"I don't like Elliott, Sir. So you can count on me not to approach Elliott. I won't talk to him either if that's what you want." I said nervously.

Sir Cace nodded softly before walking closer to the table where my English workbook was. I didn't even bother to pick up my things when I saw him reading it.

It's embarrassing, maybe there's something wrong with my answers.

"What did you and Brother talk about?" Elliott asked as it approached me.

I shook my head slowly as I accepted the card he handed me. I should distant myself from them. They're rich, I'm poor. Very ugly to look at.

"Thanks for-"

"You're always welcome." Elliott smirked as I spoke.

I nodded again in response. I followed the gaze as Elliott approached Sir Cace. I saw how Sir Cace frowned as he stared at my workbook.

He immediately arranged it and put it in my bag when Elliott approached.

Sighing I just preoccupied myself with fixing the counter. No one else. Me, the siblings, Brother's guarding the outside and the two pairs of lovers outside are the only ones here.

Gradually I began to feel tired and drowsy. I want to go home so I can rest but I still have a lot to do. There must be a pile of laundry in the house

again. I will do more assignments. It's too late for me to go to sleep again. I just hope I don't get caught up in class again. Sir Cace is still in his first period.

"Aren't you home yet?" Elliott asked me when they finished eating.

Sir Cace just stood on the side while watching us. "Not yet, I'll be out later."

"Okay, be careful here Dalha." She said smiling.

"Thank you."

When Elliott turned around I just let out a yawn. Indication that I am drowsy. I immediately went out of the counter and approached the table

they were occupying. I cleaned that up. I also drank water. I'm already hungry, I forgot to have dinner because of the amount of shopping, I also periodically answer the workbook.

Soon it was ten forty o'clock. My ears almost clapped at the thought that I could go home. But suddenly I

received a text from Brother Roy. He said he will be caught because the pregnant wife was rushed to the hospital. I think I'm going to give birth.

I let out a deep sigh. Before sitting down in the location of my bag.

I opened my cellphone to call Aunt Sabel. He agreed that I would not return home as long as I gave him half of my salary. It's like I'm not washing the dishes today.

"But I didn't use that ..." I said softly after the call.

I sighed again. Looks like I won't be able to get in tomorrow. Or if I could get in, I might just be able to sleep in class.

So as not to be completely overwhelmed by drowsiness. I preoccupied myself with mopping the floor and arranging the ware. Our guard, Brother Albert, reprimanded me several times, but I did not stop.

I only stopped when I was satisfied with the sheen of the floor. Stretching I went to the table again and drank

some water. My stomach is getting bigger. So I accepted Brother Albert's offer of a box of rice and a piece of chicken. Probably from the fast-food restaurant on the other side.

That fast-food restaurant is also twenty-four hours away, why are Elliott and Sir Cace still eating here?

"Thank you Brother Al!"

"Oh, that's not from me. The man just told me to come here earlier. Looks like he knows you."

I stopped to properly bite the chicken thigh when I heard that. Only Elliott and Sir Cace came here I know.

Shrugging I just ate the food. I'm hungry so I don't have to act.

It's up to which of those two gave. I'll just be thankful when I get in the next day.

It was three o'clock in the morning when Brother Roy arrived. He apologized because I filled his time on vigil.

"It's okay, your wife and child are more important, Brother. Congratulations." I smiled and said once pat on his shoulder.

I quickly picked up my belongings. I'm sure I don't have a car anymore. Aunt Sabel's house is very close here. So maybe I'll just walk.

I shrugged and walked out of the convenience store. Smiling, I said good -bye to Brother Roy and Brother Al before leaving.

That's exactly what I thought. No more cars.

I have already started walking home. It's not dark because the street lights are bright, they look like new ones. I also meet young people. Lovers or call center agents who have broken up.

There are still many people on the street. But of course, the nervousness and fear in my chest still wouldn't go away. I am a minor and still a girl. I do not know what danger awaits me.

The fear and anxiety I felt because of coming home at dawn intensified. I have been walking home for ten minutes. To this day a car still follows me. I don't know if I'm going to run. There are many dogs on the road, they might chase me and bite me later.

"Oh God please help me. Come with me until I get home. I'll be at Auntie Sabel's house in five minutes. I hope you'll guide me." I stammered softly while walking straight back.

Five minutes later I was home. When I arrived at the gate of our old house, the car sped away. Probably frustrated because the plot was no longer made.

"Dalha Mae! Get up and cook breakfast! We'll be late for school!" Shout from outside the room I was occupying. If the room can be called the small storage room next to the kitchen.

I yawned for a moment. I was about to leave the room. To this day I still wear the uniform. I have to do my laundry because I have nothing to wear.

Maybe I won't come in today. I'm still very sleepy. I also don't have a uniform. Though I can still go to school without wearing my uniform. I'm just not comfortable. I am the only civilian.

I quickly cooked an egg and fried rice. I still feel drowsy. I was stunned because I fell asleep at five o'clock answering assignments. Then five-thirty woke me up. I feel like I'm floating.

When I finished cooking, I immediately took a shower. I know it's bad to take a bath without sleep but I can't do anything. I read Lois' text that Sir Cace is going to take a quiz. I have to go in.

I carefully washed the plate. I just had coffee because my cousins ​​didn't bother to save even a scrambled egg. I want to complain but I can't do anything. They took me in when my mother and father died.

I quickly adjusted myself. I wore only a simple white v-neck shirt and jeans. I also dyed faded rubber shoes. That's okay. I can't wear a uniform.

While on the tricycle inward I couldn't help but fall asleep. Manong Cesar just woke me up when we reached the opposite side of the school. I simply yawned before finally going inside.

"Girl, you've been yawning for a while. Alas, Sir Cace is coming. You might get a bad shot when he finds out you're just going to sleep with his class. He certainly won't accept you sister-in-law." Georgia said at length before laughing out loud.

To Be Continued.....