Chapter 2

chapter 2

Pepe

As calm as he was simply examining it, the panic that reigned in my emotions was in stark contrast. My body seems to act before my mind. I stood up like lightning which I know surprised everyone.

Sir Mendez stopped glancing at the folder that belonged to me and joined my shocked classmates who were looking at me.

"Yes, Miss Villarejas?" he said coldly.

My grip on the edge of the chair tightened. I blinked once as I fumbled for what to say next. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"U-uh... I..." was the only word that came out of my mouth. I looked again at my classmates who were still watching me. there was also a question in their eyes and they were obviously waiting for what I would say.

"You suddenly stood up. Do you wanna say something to the class?" repeated Sir. There was a hint of warning behind his calm voice.

My knees shook. Involuntarily, my gaze landed on the folder he was still holding. He followed my gaze. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the folder. I think it is mixed with curiosity. his other hand that was holding the folder rose slightly and was about to open it.

"I'm ready for the long quiz, Sir!" I shouted, still slightly closed. I myself was surprised by what was said.

I slowly opened my eyes. I slowly glanced at Sir Mendez and then cautiously looked at the classmates. The irritation was obvious in their looks.

I heard the surrender behind the sigh that Sir Mendez let out. He dropped the folder he was holding on the table with the others.

"Okay. Everybody, get your pen and paper."

I heard simultaneous groans from my classmates. A few more cursed. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's selfish! Because it's smart! Tse!" others pretend that I know I'm the one listening.

I sat down and busied myself with the preparation. I almost let go of the ballpoint pen when Hope deliberately kicked my chair from behind.

I looked at him annoyed and glared at him but he seemed to ignore it and grinned.

"Thanks for the save!" he whispered.

"Why? Did you study?"

His grin only got wider.

"Neither. That's why I won't participate in the quiz." He secretly let me see the bond paper that was being written earlier. "I'll finish it."

I just shook my head and let out a deep sigh.

I'm also not sure if I answered the quiz correctly. My mind was too occupied with the folder on the table while answering Sir Mendez's questions. I was wondering how to get the letter back before he saw it.

when the quiz was over and Sir left the classroom, I immediately alerted.

"You're done?" I quickly turned to Hope who was still surprised. I extended my hand. "It's mine. I'll pass it on to Sir!"

His face cleared up quickly. Obviously happy with my presentation. he handed it to me.

"Okay, babe! I'm sorry in advance for Sir's minus points there, ah. Just tell me it's my fault—"

I didn't let him finish and I ran out of the classroom to follow Sir. I saw him immediately entering the faculty room. he bent down and seemed to be staring intently at something.

There were a few students looking at me so I managed to walk even though my heart was still beating very fast.

I stopped in the doorway of the faculty room and took a deep breath. I took courage and entered. I looked around the room and saw a few teachers in their respective seats.

Every step I took near Sir Mendez's location was terrifying. I went straight to his desk which was in the corner near the window. he is already sitting in his chair and seems to be starting to check the reaction papers that have been handed out.

When I stopped in front of his desk, he calmly extended his palm without even looking at me. I swallowed while observing the veins in his arm and his wide palm.

With trembling hands, I handed him the reaction papers of Hope and I. He checked it.

"Why are you giving me two outputs?" he asked in a low voice.

I bit my lower lip a lot. Even though he didn't look up from the reaction papers he was now holding, I felt like he was still teasing me.

I swallowed again and looked at the folder that was on top of the reaction papers that my classmates had passed earlier. maybe he hasn't opened it yet?

"Uh... T-Those are my output and also Miss Calope's, S-Sir."

Finally he looked up. He calmly leaned on the backrest of the swivel chair he was sitting on while watching me. I want to melt because of the intensity of his gaze on me. Now his eyes are brown. In the way he looked, it was as if he could see and know the secret of my personality.

"That folder I passed... earlier," I said in a small voice.

He stared at me for a few seconds. I couldn't bear to return his gaze. I failed to bow down because I was feeling faint again.

"Here," he said coldly, making me look up again. he was holding the folder I was most desperate to get back.

"T-Thank you, Sir!" I eagerly accepted the folder and then turned away.

I quickly stepped away from his table. I thought I would be able to escape from him but I was wrong when I heard his voice again.

"Miss Vilarejas..."

I shuddered and almost fell from the stand. I slowly looked at him. if he had read the love letter I wrote, I would have accepted the sentence he could impose on me.

"You'll get minus points for the late submission," was all he could say.

I was dumbfounded as I walked towards the parked car in the school parking lot. I stared intently at the folder I was carrying where the love letter was no longer in danger. I'm still not sure if Sir Mendez has read it. Maybe not. I was so alert earlier that it was impossible for him to see it.

"Aren't you drowning in the depths of your thoughts, JC?"

I looked up when I heard a familiar voice. The corner of my lips lifted when I saw Lolo standing on the side of the car. I noticed that his white hair has grown even more. he has also grown older compared to the last time we met. He looks cute wearing a white polo shirt and gray slacks. The edge is still tangled and it's obvious that he didn't iron it properly.

He also wore his favorite old brown shoes. my heart seemed to fall. Without warning, I ran the distance between the two of us and hugged him warmly.

"This boy is very huggable. He's like someone we've never met, ah," he said with a laugh.

I loosened the hug to look at him.

"Oh, well! You're not used to me anymore."

He gently patted me on the shoulder and then gestured to the car.

"Come inside and Benjie and I have been waiting for you."

I laughed weakly and looked at him.

"When did you get out and where are you from, Lo?" I asked as the car started and we were on our way.

"I arrived here in Manila this morning. I just had a lunch meeting a while ago near your school. I thought I'd drop by."

I stared at him with a suspicious look. He has been a victim of such people several times, which is why I can't help but scold him every time he deviates from the path of his business.

"About what? New business idea again?"

he shut his mouth and looked away.

"Nothing. My friend and I just talked about something."

"Lo, tell me. How can I hide you from Mommy if I don't know."

He carefully glanced at Kuya Benj who was driving. I knew his inexpressible fear so I went ahead of him.

"Kuya Benj is on our side. He will not report us."

Our driver approved. Grandpa scratched the back of his neck while grimacing. In the end he gave up.

"That friend of mine because... He is going to build a van rental business. He's looking for a partner."

"How much will the capital be?"

"Five hundred thousand pesos, JC."

My eyes squinted.

"Where are you going to get that much money for that, Lo?"

"I just thought of loaning you my pension and—"

I quickly looked at him and flicked my tongue so that he could see that I did not agree with what he was planning. I crossed my arms and leaned slightly to face him.

"Maximo Ponciano Alcalla," I strictly mentioned his full name, "always remember the first rule in business. Never risk your final card."

"Do you think, grandpa, I shouldn't continue? Because what Ruben told me is also encouraging, eh." I heard Lolo's lack of confidence in himself.

"Grandpa, how many vans do you have? Is it brand new?"

"Just one! It's second hand."

I quickly calculated in my mind. The doubt grew stronger in me.

"Did that Ruben also say that he will also give five hundred thousand?"

"Uh...Oh... I'm just not sure."

I touched my own forehead. I patiently turned back to the old man closest to my heart.

"That's a scam. Don't believe it, Lo."

He thought for a few seconds before speaking again.

"In any case, that person doesn't seem to be trustworthy."

I could see the big gate of the mansion from outside the car door.

"Where did you meet that and is that really your friend?"

"We are friends." He grinned like a child caught in a prank. "In Facebook."

I'm not speechless anymore.

When we entered the house, Papa immediately greeted us. He and Lolo shook hands and talked. Laughter once again prevailed throughout the mansion. I wasn't surprised anymore because this is exactly what happens every time the two meet. The way they treat each other is so light that if you look at it, it's like they've been together for a long time.

Although Grandpa is very simple because he did not grow up in luxury, he is not intimidated by Papa. Papa is also comfortable with him.

"How long will you be here in Manila, Dad?" Mommy while we were eating at the table.

Grandpa glanced at me before answering.

"Just until the end of the month, Valen."

"You can extend your stay here, Dad," said Papa.

"That'll make you miss the province, Apollo," Mommy answered and then sipped her wineglass.

I smiled at the memory. I turned to Lolo who was sitting next to me.

"How are you goats?"

I have also infected him with enthusiasm.

"Oh, Esme? There's a new baby!" he said referring to the goat I used to take care of.

"Really? I'm going to visit there this summer. I'm going on vacation there!"

Grandpa laughed softly. I also went along but eventually stopped because Mommy deliberately dropped the fork she was holding. He gave me a cold look.

"Have you forgotten that you are enrolled in business camp this coming summer, Jean?"

My shoulders slumped and I felt discouraged. I tried to hold on to the remaining thread of hope.

"But, Mommy, I'm free for the first week or so. Even though I'm only in the province for three days—"

"Why do you always want to go back to that place? There's nothing in there but mountains!" his voice rose slightly.

Papa promptly grabbed him by the arm as a weaning gesture. I was still disappointed even though I should have gotten used to his dealings in the biggest province. in the place where he started.

To this day, I still don't understand why he doesn't want to be in my favorite place.

"That's enough, Valena." There was a warning behind Papa's voice but understanding still prevailed.

I looked at Lolo who was silent. I noticed his repeated sighs.

"Next time I'll visit, Grandpa," I said in a small voice while bowing in frustration.

Although the dinner was tense, we managed it peacefully. I quietly entered the room and locked myself up again.

While closing the laptop I heard a knock from the door. I stood up from the seat and attended to the one behind it. I turned the door knob to open it and Grandpa appeared before me carrying a small cardboard box. There is a small hole on it.

He smiled and handed it to me. I frowned.

"What is it?" I asked confused.

"I'll give you a gift so that you won't be so sad in this palace."

"I'm not sad," I affirmed.

He also entered my room.

"Tell me that again when I get back to the province and we have another video call."

I laughed weakly. He is right. He always noticed whenever we talked that sometimes I was miserable.

I placed the small cardboard box on the bed and opened its contents. My lips parted in amazement at what I saw.

"Chick?" I turned to Grandpa.

he grinned.

"Yes. Or there you are, you already have a pet. It's your mommy's art. There's still an allergy known to furs. That'll be fine."

I opened my mouth and gently caressed the bright yellow chick.

"Aren't you going to die, Lo?"

"Not if you take care of it. That's a strong stomach. Mountaineer, eh."

In surprise, I looked up at Lolo. My eyebrows meet.

"Why doesn't he make a sound?" I once again observed the chick that from her small box seemed to be looking up at me as well. "He's not making noise. Is he dumb, Grandpa?"

Lolo Poncio cautiously turned to the closed door.

"I really chose the dumb one so your Mommy wouldn't scold you."

My jaw dropped.

"Seriously, Lo?! Are you really dumb? Maybe you're just dizzy from the long bus ride so you can't make any noise!"

Grandpa shook his head complacently.

"That's really dumb. Even in the province it doesn't make a sound anymore."

I looked at the chick in shock. He didn't make any noise!

"What would you call that?" Grandpa's uncle.

A smile appeared on my lips. Even before Grandpa asked about this matter, I had already made up my mind on what to name his gift.

I got out of bed first thing in the morning because it was Saturday. When I remembered the chick that Grandpa gave me, I quickly got up to look at it again. I took the box that I placed at the foot of the bed. I smiled when I saw that the chick was awake. or maybe it didn't sleep last night?

I also went to the bathroom to wash up. Wearing only gray leggings, a long striped shirt with long sleeves, I came down carrying the chick's box. I just combed it with my fingers and tied it.

I noticed that the kitchen helpers were already busy. Manang Loida offered to make coffee for me but I immediately refused because I could do it myself.

"Did your Mommy see that, Jean?" Manang Loida while pointing to the chick I placed on the table.

"Not yet, Manang. He won't be angry because the only thing he said that I'm not allowed to take care of is the dog and cat."

Manang nodded and smiled. He continued to cut the rekados to cook for breakfast. I looked around.

"Aren't they awake yet?"

"Your Mommy and Daddy haven't come out of the room yet. But your Grandpa is already awake. He's outside. He's on the terrace drinking coffee."

I stood up and took the cup of coffee. In one hand I have the pet chick.

"I'll just go."

"Alright, hija."

I did find Lolo sitting on the terrace. He just quietly looked at the fountain. I saw that there was a cup resting on the center table in front of him.

I sat in the empty chair opposite and greeted him as well. we immediately talked about my studies. He also reminded me of what I did as a child. As well as when he was young he told me.

"Lo, have you ever experienced receiving a love letter from a woman before?" I asked after a few seconds of comfortable silence.

"Of course! I was such a good boy!" he boasted.

I grinned and felt pain. "Until now, Lo, you are still a good man!"

"I'm your favorite grandson, eh!" he comforted me.

I laughed out loud.

"I'm your only grandchild, Grandpa!"

We both laughed.

"What was your reaction or feeling?" I continued.

He thought for a moment and then smiled sweetly. His eyes are sad and it's like he's remembering the past.

"Of course I'm satisfied. It's so romantic, isn't it. Love that can't be expressed face-to-face, so it's just written."

"Oh." I nodded. Inwardly, thoughts wandered to Sir Lake Mendez.

"Why? Did someone give you a love letter? Or did someone give it to you?"

"I gave something," I admitted shyly.

Lolo's eyes widened and he barely got up from his seat.

"Oh! That grass is my grandson's luck, ah. Did he answer?"

Lolo really, apart from endless business thinking, is also very gossipy!

"No. I'm not even sure if he read it. I took it back right away."

"With that angelic beauty of yours, grandchild, who would refuse you?"

Lake Jacobe Mendez. my brain answered itself.

We were quiet again and just watched the fountain. Because there was nothing I could do, I glanced again at the chick inside the box. But I was very surprised to see that it fell down and the chick was gone inside. I easily looked under the center table.

"It might have fallen because of our laughing," Grandpa predicted calmly. "It's just here."

I stood up and looked at the lawn in front of the house. Fortunately, my vision is still very clear. I immediately saw the yellow little thing. It was too late when I realized it was coming out of the gate.

Without warning, I ran towards it. The chick is already out. I opened the gate and followed it.

"Pepe!" I called him.

he sped in the middle of the road. I squinted even more because he was so small and I was afraid that I might lose sight of him.

We have passed two houses. On the third he entered under a bonsai planted opposite the gate of an apartment. the mischievous chick entered inside the gate.

"Pst! Pepe, that's not our house! You're trespassing!" I whispered sharply because of course I didn't want to disturb the owner of the apartment. I feel like a prisoner because my face is stuck to the dark little gate.

Pepe just seemed to be looking at me. It looks like I'm still lost.

"Pepe, get out of there!" I whispered louder. "Hey, Pepe!"

"There's no Pepe here," a deep voice came from a man.

I was startled and quickly looked up. unexpectedly, in an unexpected place, Sir Lake Jacobe Mendez exposed himself to me..