Life Like A Telenovela
Introduction
Author
Hi! Leon Erica here!
Author
A quick disclaimer!
Author
Photos are not mine.
Author
This story is a work of fiction.
Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Author
Now let's meet our characters!
Eriketta "Erika" Nicolaine W. Mansser
17
March 12, 2004
5'6
Athletic and loves to cook and bake.
Her dream is to be a Chef, like her father.
She is the only daughter of Theodora Louise W. Mansser a businesswoman who owns Teddi Foods Inc. – the third largest foods and drinks franchise in the country.
She is heiress to Teddi Foods Inc.
Laurelia "Lara" Marie E. Martine
17
June 4, 2004
5'5
Aspiring photographer and loves to paint.
Her dream is to travel, capture breathtaking photos all over the world and exhibit her art.
She lives with her Mother, Lorealine, who works as a children's book illustrator and her Step-Father Daniel, who owns a small family restaurant.
Fridalene "Free" Carmelita V. Santibañez
16
November 10, 2004
5'7
Driven and loves to dance, sing and perform.
Her dream is to be a celebrity.
She lives with her grandparents, Papa Yulé and Nana Mócha – who are retired actors of the late 90s – and little brother Trex who is a prodigy at ballet.
Her grandparents own one of the largest investment company in the region.
The three are called "ELF" and have been best friends since pre–school.
Author
Now, for the second wave of characters.
Noah C. Berklev
16
August 20, 2004
5'8
Academic. Loves to play basketball and cook.
His dream is to commentate at a live professional basketball game and also acquire a chef's skill.
Leviticus "Levi" R. Greystein
17
February 13, 2004
6'1
Taciturn, he loves play the piano and plans on going professional. He also loves to box and swim.
His dream is to find his father.
Einstein Walt E. Steller
17
March 27, 2004
6'0
Passionate, Romantic, loves to act, perform and loves animals.
His dream is to be a veterinarian and an actor.
Orlando Reigen V. Kingsley
16
October 9, 2004
6'1
Ambitious, loves to race (cars)
His dream is to race and represent the country at the age of 20.
These four guys are dubbed as "Princes of LEON"
Their great grandfathers were childhood friends and have always kept to the tradition of naming their sons and grandsons with the letters of, L E O N and H A R A for their daughters and granddaughters.
LEONHARA is a company group founded by their grandfathers. It has a wide variety of products and trade.
Author
Well! That's a wrap!
Author
I hope you find them to your liking 😁
Author
And now for the first official chapter, please scroll down.
Princes In School?!
I wake up to the sound of my alarm, my Mom wailing like a siren, Tili's – our maid – heavy footsteps and my cat Tobias on the brink of clawing my whole face.
Erika
Ah. What a lovely morning.
He skids away and out the small entrance under my door, most probably disappointed he didn't get to mark my face.
I let out a heavy yawn and stretch my joints.
This is a typical morning for me.
My Mom owns the third largest food franchise in the country and not a morning goes by peacefully. There's always something going on, whether it's good or bad.
My cat Tobias I believe is possessed by a disembodied spirit of a dead shrewd gardener who once labored here in Thelda Manor, from what I've heard he was quiet, didn't like mornings and absolutely hated kids.
Tili on the other hand is the only normal one. And that's a big relief.
Tili knocks on the door. It's her morning routine.
I hop off the bed and dash to the door to open it. She stands there beaming like a child. Her cheeks are high and puffy.
"Good morning Erika, here's your breakfast. Now hurry up, your mom will be driving you to school," she says gently with a sweet smile.
She hands me the tray with all my favorite breakfast snacks.
Erika
Why so sudden? We agreed I'd take the bus to school. Isn't she suppose to go to work early?
"Oh no dear. She wanted to surprise you by driving you on the first day of your senior year! So exciting!" She squeals.
Erika
Correction, I'm a Junior...
...next year, I'll be a senior..
I grab a piece of sausage from the plate and take a minimal bite.
"It's all the same, you're in Senior High! Two more years left and you're off to college!" She squeals.
Erika
Ugh.
Is that why she decided to take on a banshee's role this morning?
I chuckle and eat the sausage whole.
"Hey, your mom's really stressed. She was looking forward to drop you off at the university, you both dreamed of going there didn't you?" She says.
I took a handful of scrambled eggs this time and shove it in my mouth. I moan at the taste.
"Now go finish your breakfast and prepare, I'll try to calm your mom down," She says quickly.
Erika
Wait, what actually happened?
"I'll leave her to tell you. Now make haste!" She hissed and closes the door.
I stand pondering for a few seconds when my alarm snooze for the first time. I hurry to finish my breakfast and then to the bathroom.
An hour and a half later, I'm all set.
I leave my room and hand Tili the tray back.
We make our way down the stairs but not before locking my room door. Tobias is nowhere to be found, as expected, he's somewhere lurking in the dark and sinister corners of the manor.
Thelda Manor existed from the time of my great-great grandmother Thelda. It's old but renovations are done once in a decade to preserve the house.
My Mom, Tili, Tobias and I are the main resident of this house. We have few laborers, three more maids and a gardener. My mom likes it that way. And surprisingly, I do too.
She says a few company meant fewer problems.
I enter the dining hall and find everyone in their seats. It's tradition every morning to eat breakfast as a whole, but my mom seems to be missing from the scene.
Our trusted maids, Ana, Klara and Niña greet me with a smile. Fabian, our gardener stands briefly to acknowledge me. He's way too formal but I don't mind.
Just then mom comes out from the kitchen holding a bucket of coffee vanilla ice cream and two scoop-like spoons.
I couldn't help but snicker.
Her beige suit compliments the ice cream design.
Theodora Mansser
Let's go. We'll eat this on the way. I don't want you to be late.
She days, looking agitated.
I shake my head and grin uncontrollably.
I guess Tili couldn't calm her after all, since she resorted to food.
The maids and Fabian keep quiet and eat.
I bid them goodbye and follow mom outside the driveway where she usually parks her red Mazda.
She slides inside the driver's seat and I shotgun.
We don't have a driver. Mom drives to work on her own and I take the bus to school, mostly. I haven't got a license yet, but we plan to get it this year.
I settle myself and place my bag at the back. I pull the seatbelt down then hands me the ice cream bucket and the spoons.
Erika
What funked you to bring the whole bucket?
She starts the car and maneuvers. The gates open automatically and we're off.
She groans heavily as we were driving.
Erika
What happened this time?
I gently take off the lid and scoop a decent amount. I give her the first scoop.
She takes it and moans lightly, nodding her head.
Theodora Mansser
I asked Amanda to move the Board Meeting this lunch.
Theodora Mansser
And she did.
Theodora Mansser
The dimwit had the audacity to only tell me now that they declined my re-schedule.
Theodora Mansser
They're expecting me within the hour.
I sigh and give her another spoon of ice cream.
She turns to me briefly after taking the second spoon.
Theodora Mansser
You don't like?
I shake my head and smile.
Erika
I want, but I think you need it more than I do.
I smile and scoop another.
Theodora Mansser
Don't be ridiculous. I know you're nervous
Erika
I'm more excited though
Theodora Mansser
That's good then?
Erika
You shouldn't have troubled yourself about today. You know ice cream in the morning is terrible right?
Theodora Mansser
Nonsense! You've been dreaming of Solaire University since you were five!
Theodora Mansser
I want to see you off!
Erika
Wow, it's like you don't want me to return home.
She laughs and playfully pinched my arm.
Theodora Mansser
I'm just happy, that's all.
Theodora Mansser
All the big things, the big deals to you is ten times bigger to me. You know that right?
I smile, touched. I peck her on the cheek and we swerve a little to the left.
We arrive at the university thirty minutes later.
We park inside and for a brief moment stay still.
We didn't get to finish the ice cream.
Mom holds my hand and caresses it. She kisses the top of my hand and smiles gently.
Theodora Mansser
Have a great first day at school. Call me if you need anything and I'll come whenever.
I smile and hug her tight. I kiss her again on the cheek and we both laugh.
Erika
Mom, you're so corny.
Theodora Mansser
I know. Oh! My baby's all grown up!
I shake my head and roll my eyes.
I grab my bag from the back and swing it over my shoulder. She starts the car once again and I wave goodbye as she drives away.
A high pitched buzzing sound.
Before I could dodge, Free mounts me from behind, her arms around me.
Free
Ekaaah! I can't believe it! We're finally here!
She screams and the I wince.
She hops off my back and throws an arm around my shoulder.
Erika
You'll ruin our uniforms!
If there's one thing that could calm such an exorbitant hormone like Free, it's the condition and decency of how she wears her clothes.
She lets go and we stall for a moment fixing each others' ribbons. She takes out her phone and begin to take selfies.
Free
First day of Senior High! Finally! Juniors of Solaire University! Hashtag Juniors! Hashtag SolaireU!
She squeals into her phone and posts the picture on her Myne profile.
It's a social media app where you can post photos on your feed and share them with friends. There's a chat message feature too and several filters for photo taking.
Free has a huge following, though.
Erika
What time is the Welcome Assembly?
She says, still glued on her phone.
Erika
Any word from Lara? I haven't received any texts from her this morning.
Free
Should we go look for her?
Free
We still have a couple of minutes.
I nod and link arms with her.
We still have a few minutes before the Welcoming Assembly starts. We stroll the area near the campus auditorium to watch out for Lara.
Free
Oh yeah, I saw your mom's car. She dropped you off?
Free
Paps dropped me off. He got a paint job on the Mustang.
Erika
Ohhh! I wished I could've seen it! He'd been working on that car the whole summer
Free
How about a "First Day Party" at my place? Nana's planning a barbecue.
We see Lara heading towards us.
We notice the other students give her a second glance.
Free
Wah. Everywhere she goes, she's a head turner.
Free praises, slowly clapping her hands.
Lara gives us a wave and then hurries to meet us.
Free
Too bad her brain could only function so little.
Her comment sends me laughing.
Lara reaches us just when the bell rang, signalling us for the Welcoming Assembly.
She gives us a hug and we link arms with each other, Lara between Free and I.
We head inside with the rest of the Juniors.
Erika
Nothing much. Free and I were only talking about how many brain cells you've got left after your summer classes.
Free
AND the entrance exams.
Congrats by the way!
Erika
Yah! That too! I'm surprised you're still on your feet!
She pouts and slaps both our arms.
Lara
But I think I lost half.
Free
Anyways, why no call or text since last night?
Erika
Yeah, and you look like you could use some rest. Are you not feeling well?
I place a gentle hand on her forehead but her temperature is already normal.
Lara
Ugh. I overslept. We were full last night.
Lara
Mr. Benigns had us whip up a miracle of a hundred and forty Jackpot Rice Bowls within the hour.
Free
Hah? How crude! Orders like that need atleast a days head start!
Erika
What happened after?
Lara
We managed, although we're ten minutes late.
Erika
Well I hope Daniel gets paid at a reasonable price.
Free
He shouldn't have to pay the rent this month.
Lara
I thought so too, but you know he'll never take it when an opportunity like that comes.
Erika
He's too kind for his own good.
We take a seat with the rest of our class as we are divided into sections.
The three of us managed to stay in the same class, which relieves me.
The auditorium is massive and packed.
Lara
I can't believe we're actually here. Do you remember when we used to save pictures of this campus from the gallery site?
I nod and the three of us chuckle.
Free
Or that time we try to sneak in from the east entrance?
Erika
We almost got through. Only if it weren't for your damn skater skirt getting caught on the rails.
She tries to reach for me and claw me but I dodge.
i stick my tongue out when the lights dim.
First there was a traditional dance performance, it was beautiful.
Then the Dean introduces himself and gives a brief history of the school.
He proceeds with the rules and regulations and all the important stuff.
He lost me when he starts to tell stories of his experiences.
I wake up just in time to head for homeroom.
Lara excuses herself when she received a call from her mother.
We walk out the auditorium and follow her.
We wait for Lara to finish her call and stand at a respectful distance.
Free
Princes of LEON are also attending this school.
Erika
Yeah, I heard you the first time, but who are they?
Free
For a daughter of someone who's connected to a lot you're clueless.
Free
LEONHARA Holdings Inc.
Erika
Ooh, I know that name. They're that Joint Business Tycoons right?
Free
And as it turns out they're in the same space as us.
Erika
So what's so special about them?
Free sighs exasperated and shows me her phone.
She scrolls down and shows me photos of the alleged Princes of Leon
Free
That's what special about them.
I'm not gonna lie, they really look like Princes.
One of them though, looks fairly familiar.
Free keeps scrolling and showing photos of the four guys when something catches my eye.
I tap Free's shoulder lightly but she didn't budge.
Erika
Hey, your Princes are here.
I said and she snaps her head to me.
I turn her head to where we left Lara to finish her call but found not only Lara but four boys beside her.
Erika
I know right, it's like straight out of a telenovela.
Free
and that jasmine tree beside them whoop! Perfect position.
Erika
And the wind blowing?? Wahh.
I'm getting goosebumps.
Free
I'm not even jealous, I'm proud.
Erika
We need popcorns from now on.
What Went Down
As we head for homeroom, Free and I can't keep still. Lara keeps quiet and neither of us bother her. From earlier, we saw Lara with "The Princes of Leon" and none of us has spoken about it still.
Free and I are dying for the details but it would be trouble if we force it out of Lara. She's tiny but she can punch like a kangaroo.
Free nudges me on the arm lightly.
Free
This is killing me, I wanna know what happened already!
Free and I are almost the same height and so it isn't hard to have moderate conversations like this.
Erika
I wanna know too, but look at Lara. She looks reallyyyy...
Lara sighs heavily and we both turn our heads towards the hallway and away from Lara.
Lara
I've grown a centimeter this summer.
Lara
Which means I can hear you.
She says. She raises an eyebrow and stops walking. She folds her arms and blows her bangs upwards.
Free and I both stop walking. Our classroom is only two doors away.
Free
What actually happened there? Do you know those guys?
Lara
No. One of them just happen to bump into me and...
She says and her face turns a shade of red. She looks away.
Free and I slowly face each other and lock eyes with a questioning look. Then finally dawning on us, our lips curl into a grin.
We snap our heads to Lara again.
Free
You're not in-love with one of them, are you?
My eyes swell in anticipation.
She slaps my arm and scowls at me.
Free
I think the cute one, who looks like a puppy.
We hear a bang on the wall.
Levi
You're blocking the door.
Free, Lara and I eye each other and one thing comes to mind.
"He looks like murder, and we ain't dying today."
We take a huge step backward and give him way.
He enters the room, another guy follows him. He stops halfway, looks at us and flashes us a smile.
Einstein
Oh! You're the pretty girl from earlier. I'm Einstein.
I smile and offer my hand. He takes it and we shake for a while.
Erika
Her name's Lara, tell that to your friend.
I say and nod behind him.
We tilt our heads to look at the guy Lara seem to have fallen for.
Free retrieves my hand and side-steps.
Free
If he wants her number, he can go ask her himself.
Lara
Hey! What are you guys saying all of a sudden?
Lara leaves us and heads for homeroom.
Einstein
You guys, don't bully your friend too much.
Free
Yeah? Don't you have your own friend to bully?
I shake my head and notice the classroom is louder than before.
I see the guy with the murderous looks.
I say and link arms with Free.
Einstein
Ey wait! I didn't get your name!
She points first to her and then to me.
He nods and waves. He continues inside and we stop by our classroom door.
Erika
Hey, why'd you tell him my name?
Erika
He was asking for your name.
I laugh and we head inside. We spot Lara at the back. We walk over to her.
Erika
You are not sitting here.
Free and I each took her arm and hoist her up.
Free
Nu-uh! You sit here, that brain of yours won't absorb anything.
We pull her towards the middle column, third row and sit her.
Since it's only a seat for two, I take the left seat next to Lara and Free takes the one behind her.
"No way! Eka? Lars? Free? I can't believe I hit the jackpot, Elf is going strong huh!"
The girls and I snap our heads to the front.
"Hey guys! What's up? This is so cool! We're in the same class again!"
Lara
I thought your parents already admitted you to Verland Academy? How did you get out of it?
Free
How are you still alive?
He scowls at Free and turns to Lara. I can imagine his dog ears and tail wagging.
"It wasn't easy, but when I told them Eka was attending Solaire they were quick on their feet." He smirks
I sigh. When will he learn?
Erika
You won't get anything from me.
"It's not you that I want, it's your mom's preference," He snorts.
Free
Ew!Find someone your own age.
I feel Lara's gaze plant on me.
Erika
And how will you do that?
He smirks. "I won't tell you, it's a surprise." He sings.
Free
Yeah? Want me to surprise you with my fist?!
Free stands abruptly, scaring Mckella. He runs for his seat in front, next to the door.
Free sits, growling at Mckella.
Free
He's such a pain! I can't believe he followed us all the way here!
Lara
His parents probably spent a big sum to transfer him from Verland to Solaire. I heard there was a compensation fee for those type of cases.
Free
Selfish, spoiled brat!
She slams her fist on the desk. Her eyes blazing on Mckella's back.
I wave and slump in my seat.
Free
And what about that surprise he's fussing about?
Lara
That worries me too. You know how he is.
I didn't answer, instead I notice the familiar guy from before enter, followed by his friend.
I smile and leave my seat swiftly to sit next to Free.
I raise my arm and call on to the guy.
Lara
Hey! What are you doing?!
He turns to me, confused.
Before I can ask him to seat next to Lara, a girl appears.
"Hi. Is this seat already taken?" She asks. Her voice tender and small.
Lara pulls her down on the seat. She smiles nervously.
The girl introduces herself and Lara too. They begin to talk.
I roll my eyes and lean back on my seat.
The guy passes us and take the seats behind us. Free and I eye each other.
We often use unspoken words.
I glance at Lara and she catches my eye.
She glares at me, "Don't even think about it! I'm not in love with him and I don't like him!"
I turn to Free, "She doesn't like him."
Free is surprised, she snaps her head to Lara, "What's not to like?"
She waves us off, "Don't do anything stupid or I'll send your Farewell Party photos to your mothers."
Free and I quiver and lock eyes. We nod.
We shift in our seats and sit facing the board.
I feel a light tap on my shoulder.
Orlando
Excuse me, but you called my friend 'Hey,' just a while ago. Did you want anything?
I think of something to say.
I look at his friend. He really does look familiar.
Erika
Oh, it was nothing, I thought you were someone I knew.
I say and laugh briefly. I turn away.
Noah
Then you're someone I know. Erika Mansser, right?
My heart skips a beat and my stomach churns.
My friends look at me with concern.
Noah
We met at Planet Distillery a year ago.
Noah
We talked through the Phone Joint in the Kids' Play Area. Don't you remember?
Planet Distillery is an annual conference for Wine Companies around the country.
The Phone Joint? Kids' Play Area?
I didn't know there was one.
I attended the event with my mom, but I have no recollection of meeting a guy. Sure he was familiar, but that's not where I remember him from.
Free
Weren't you with your mom the whole night?
I nod. I was afraid she'd drink too many wine from the 'Taste Critic' segment and go absolutely bonkers with no one to mediate her.
I stayed with her the whole night.
And if he talked to me through a toy phone for kids then he couldn't have seen me.
So how?
Then? Wait. Nu-uh.
Don't tell me?
My face lights up and I lock eyes with Lara.
I grin.
She was there. I asked her to go there. She got lost and came later than expected, and she never told me where she was.
Lara turns away, she fidgets with her fingers.
I let out a breath, amused.
Erika
Sorry, what was your name again? I easily forget names, especially ones I've never seen before.
Free
What's this? His name is so common how can you forget?
She whispers and I nudge her stealthily.
Erika
Remind me again how we came to talk through the phone joint?
Lara panics, looking at me.
Noah
Oh, uh, you said you got lost and then decided to rest for a bit. You wanted to cool off and maybe even try some wine to forget this guy who, um...
Noah
Are you sure you want me to continue? You asked me to keep it a secret.
Without taking my eyes off Lara, I nod.
Erika
Right. I must've had a few drinks before we caught up. Nevermind.
Erika
It's nice to meet you, again.
He smiles gently. As if on cue, our homeroom teacher enters the room.
Free
You drank wine and didn't bother to snatch me a whole bottle?
We decide to eat outside the university rather than the cafeteria. There is an array of food restaurants, cafés and eatery round like a belt outside the campus and we didn't like to miss it.
We settle for a café. It's quieter than the places we have looked into. We expected the places to be packed since it's the first day of school and there are new-dwellers like us who like to explore.
We sit near the window with a good lighting for Free's selfies and food selfies.
I have already told Free that it was in fact Lara who met Noah that time in Planet Distillery and not me.
Erika
You could've told us though, why keep it?
I was really worried when you showed late and just went home.
I sulk, shoving a handful of coffee flavoured cake inside my mouth.
Free
I feel betrayed. If you were feeling that low, you should've hauled us out.
Lara sighs and sips from her vanilla frappè.
We stay silent for a while.
Lara
Sorry. I didn't think it was a big deal.
I mean, I was hung up on him for a month after we broke up and took it out, mostly, on you guys.
Free
Yeah I remember. You cussed him out so much you could've invented a new language.
I snicker.
I even learned words I've never heard of before.
Lara didn't seem to hear.
Lara
I didn't think it was fair. It was also my fault we broke up.
Free
He cheated on you, it's not your fault.
Lara
It is so. If I had been more attentive, loving and sweet.
If I'd only cooked him meals or came over his house when he'd asked, then maybe he wouldn't have -
I don't let her finish and already shove a spoonful of lemon cake.
Free takes a photo of ,'Stuffed Face Lara'
Lara finishes the cake and drinks.
We mimmick Lara's face and take a picture.
I grab a napkin and wipe lemon cream off Lara's chin.
Erika
Seriously, it's not your fault.
Erika
People who go expecting something from their partners are the worst.
Lara
But still, I knew he was already lonely but what did I do?
Erika
You're not responsible for what he felt.
He was too demanding and expectant of what type of girlfriend you should be.
Erika
You don't owe him anything because he approached you first.
Free
You only fell in love with him.
Lara looks down, twirling the straw from her drink.
I brush her hair aside and pat her shoulder lightly.
Erika
So, spill the deets.
Free hurries to put her phone down. She sits up and we both anticipate Lara's answer.
Lara laughs lightly, shaking her head.
Lara
Okay so, I was following your hefty directions from the entrance hall to the grand hall when I made a wrong turn. It led me to the Kids' Play Area which was behind the Grand Hall.
There was this little girl who wanted to play inside but she was shy so I went in with her.
Lara
...so then there was this life-size dollhouse. She wanted to go in but she wouldn't let go of my hand so we went inside.
Free
How life-size was the dollhouse?
Erika
Yeah I'm curious too.
Lara
I don't know! My brain can't calculate that many numbers!
Lara
Maybe like five times the size of our classroom?
Lara
I absolutely have no idea, can I continue?
Lara
So there was this corner, a phone and small chair. She sat there and pretended to dial. That's where Noah answered.
Lara
The little girl got scared and zoomed out of the room.
Lara
Turns out the other side of the wall corner had another room. I picked up the phone ready to curse out who ever did that and heard him talking. At first I thought he was drunk but no, he was mimicking a basketball commentary game.
Lara
So we talked about it, the game. I recognized it from one of Daniel's replays so we had a few to talk about.
Erika
Why did you give him my name instead of yours?
Erika
And my family name at that!
Lara
Oh uh, that! I'm sorry!
Free
If Noah had known her real name and decided to look for her she'd be in trouble.
Lara
That's right. I wasn't even an exclusive attendee for that event.
Erika
Still, you could've just given him my nickname, that was fine.
Lara
He asked 'who I was with' and I said 'no one' then he asked 'would you like to meet in person' and that's when I panicked.
Lara
I told him I'd just broken up from my ex and that I've been hiding from him. I told him I'd share the story if he promise to keep it a secret and give up the idea of meeting in person.
Free
There's something weird about that Noah.
Free
I mean if I was him, I could already tell you were lying.
Lara
Well then I'm glad he's a bit gullible.
Free snorts and we all laugh at Lara's remark.
Erika
How did you manage to leave?
Lara
When he tricked me, I ran as fast as I could and found you.
Free
If you didn't get the chance to meet in person, how did you know it was him?
Free
Don't tell me you recognized his voice?
Erika
Wow Lars, your dedication burns me.
Erika
That was some tv drama scenario
Free
Should we drop by the convenience store to check for some popcorns?
Lara
You guys are really too much.
We laugh and finish our lunch.
We arrive back at campus in time for our Electives.
This is the part of the day where we part ways since we have different units for this.
We stand outside my elective room. The Kitchen Hall, for my culinary elective.
Lara's class is in the Studio Hall, for both her painting and photography electives.
While Free's class is in the auditorium, for her theatre elective.
Erika
Oh, before I forget, you should tell Noah about the mishap.
Lara bites her lip anxiously.
Erika
I don't want any hassle with him, and it's obvious you like him.
Erika
The faster you clear the misunderstanding, the better you can get closer.
Lara
I'm not ready for that yet!
Erika
I said to re introduce yourself, not date him.
Free
Eyyy, Lara, you're so bold.
Free
How can you think of jumping into another relationship when your GWA is on the verge of extinction?
Lara slaps Free's shoulder and I hurry inside my room to get away from them.
I enter the room and find it half full. I take a spot in the middle where it's most convenient for me to hear and listen.
I place my bag underneath the table and take my phone out.
I look up and see a pair of round brown eyes staring intently at me.
She beams and blushes. "Oh wow, how respectful, I guess Theodora raised you well," She grins wide.
You talk as if you know her.
"I'm Jilly Deeds, I'm your professor for this elective," She says. "But you may call me Jilly, if you want," She smiles.
I roam my eyes to see we've quite caught a few eyes.
Erika
Is that offer valid to the whole class? Or just me?
She freezes up and squints her eyes rapidly.
She cackles loudly, sounding like a dolphin.
She didn't answer my question and rolls her way to another topic.
"Well, I was just really excited. The moment I heard Theodora Mansser's daughter was attending this elective gave me such joy," she squeals.
Who is this woman? I have no recollection of her whatsoever.
"Oh! More than a fan, I'm one of her food critics," She says and I do a double take.
Erika
I know all my mom's critics, you're not one of them.
"Oh, from a long time ago, and not only your mom but your father too, Anjo Reeves," She smiles.
I feel a wave of burning intensity course through my veins.
What's there to critic when they haven't served for seven years?
You're not a critic, you're a lonely fanatic.
"Ill tell ya, in our time they were the best duo, you should have seen them together when they competed in their high school..
Her voice echoes and all I see is blur.
Why would she bring this up in the middle of the class?
I want to wipe that stupid smile on her face, drag and bury her back into reality.
Noah
Miss, I think that's enough.
The Professor stops her chatting and turns to Noah.
Her eyes glimmers and she beams.
I turn away and repress the itch from my palms.
"Noah Berklev! Another well-known figure!" She squeals.
Noah
Please Professor, let's not mix personal interests with school work.
Atleast he's got some sense to be bold.
"Oh sure sure of course! My apologies for being super hyped," She cackles and then leaves us to entertain the other students.
Noah
What language was that?
He sits next to me and I turn to him.
Erika
It's none of your concern.
Erika
Anyway, are you really in this class?
Noah
You can tell me even if it's bad, we're friends now so it's okay.
Erika
It's not something bad, I just didn't expect you- well I guess I could see it now.
Erika
Anyway, we aren't friends, don't use that word too lightly.
Noah
Then do you want to be friends?
I stare at him for a moment and study his face.
He's definitely Lara's type.
But an upgraded version.
Erika
Why do you want to be friends?
He stays quiet for a time.
Noah
Because we've been through the same situation.
I raise my brow and press him to go on.
Noah
I was cheated on too.
Noah
I didn't give her what she deserved, just as you failed to be the person he needs.
Erika
'Failed', I said that?
Oh Lara, you were hurting so much all that time and you kept quiet.
I let out a heavy sigh and shake my head.
Erika
Look, I need to tell you something.
The Professor claps and gathers our attention.
"Okay guys! Before we start, let's proceed to introducing ourselves first!"
I sigh and face the clouds.
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