Chapter 2: Meeting Her

David’s P.O.V.

Wearing her red knapsack on both shoulders, a newcomer slowly stepped inside our classroom… but she seemed hesitant if she was really going to move forward.

“She is Miss Helena Delgado, from St. James Catholic School. It’s obvious that she was a transferee here so be kind to her, okay? Hija, would you like to say something about yourself? Maybe a little introduction would help your classmates get to know you.”

I narrowed my eyes. I must admit that the transferee was quite beautiful, but my girlfriend was still a lot better! Vanessa was even sexier than her. With Helena’s eyeglasses, she looked like a smart teenager. But I knew for sure that she couldn’t beat me. I would never let her beat me!

I curved the end of my lips into a smirk.

Focus, Dave! When did it happen that a transferee became the class valedictorian? my subconscious asked.

Yeah, I haven’t heard of such a thing. It’s quite impossible to happen!

She cleared her throat. “H-Hi, everyone. I’m H-Helena Mari Delgado, fifteen years old, and I came from St. James Catholic School. I’m a bookworm* and I love to spend time with my family.” The transferee gave a little introduction about herself.

“Okay! Thanks, Miss Delgado. You can sit at the back of Mr. Rivera.” Our adviser pointed the empty chair at my back and Helena quietly took her seat there.

In fairness to her, she doesn’t look like a bookworm at all. If her eyeglasses would be removed, she would look more of a couch potato**. I smiled at my thoughts but little did I know that my smile wouldn’t last long after hearing Mrs. Cheng’s next words.

“And by the way, class… Miss Delgado was a consistent top one student from the first year to the third year. So I think, you have already found your competitor in getting the valedictorian title, David.”

Mrs. Cheng was sincerely smiling at me but I found it a little bit awkward. Her smile was saying that I should study harder than usual.

I didn’t know why, but I suddenly became timid and bowed my head. I felt being upset. I was not like this every time Mrs. Cheng would talk to me.

Am I intimidated to find out that my one hundred percent probability of being the class valedictorian will become fifty percent now? I don’t usually get annoyed with women, but why does she have to transfer here?

“Enjoy this moment, boyfie. I guess, someone will beat you now!” I heard Vanessa said. Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see her tongue on her cheeks. She was clearly mocking me.

I just ignored her and out of nowhere, I found myself glancing at Helena who was sitting at my back. To my surprise, our eyes met. It was not that long since I immediately looked away.

But from the moment we stared at each other, I didn’t know why my heart leaped for a second. I got abruptly confused. There was something in her that I could not explain. Maybe, I just found her green eyes… beautiful.

Wait, beautiful? Hell, no way! I was supposed to say—I think her eyes were fake. Maybe, she was only using green contact lenses. But what is the use of her eyeglasses, then? Props only? Tsk, why am I even thinking about it? I shook my head.

Our class started but hours went too fast until we heard the school bell rang. That signifies break time—the favorite subject of most students. But not for me, it was my least favorite. Not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I just wanted to study in order to be successful someday.

I was going to invite Vanessa for us to have some lunch together. However, I had not yet opened my mouth to do that when she immediately rushed through the door, since they would still be having a cheer dance practice. Like the old times, I had no other choice but to eat alone.

But before I was left alone, I saw Helena just coming out. I immediately fixed my belongings, grabbed the knapsack on my right shoulder, and hurried out of the room to chase her. I did not expect her to walk so fast that I also increased my steps to be in line with her pace.

Wait! Why would you even follow her, Dave? Isn’t that you’re mad at her? my subconscious asked me.

But I didn’t listen to it.

“H-Helena, w-wait!” I called her.

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Bookworm* is a person who likes to read books and who spends a lot of time reading and studying.

Couch Potato** is someone who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television.