The Rules of Love [Under Revision]

Chapter 36: Not Friends

Lorraine's POV

It has been two days and the training is still ongoing. It's really tough because we can use it as an excuse to skip lessons, but some of our teachers are so strict. Nag-skip lang ata ako ng dalawang lesson parang dalawang linggo na agad ang missed activities ko!

Malapit na ang foundation day, kasama sa line up ng maglalaro si Jude kaya same kami ng pinagdadaanan sa grades. Maraming activities ang gaganapin sa araw na 'yon, may academic and cultural events at sports competitions. May gaganaping inter-school basketball tournament sa unang araw at mas lalo akong natuwa dahil maglalaro si Jai!

"Nginingiti mo d'yan!?" I gave Darren a glare as he sat beside me.

Nanood kasi ako ng volleyball boys' training. We had a 30-minute break lang, and it happened na vacant class time rin kaya narito si Darren at nang-iinis sa tabi ko.

"Pake mo ba? Stay away from me." I rolled my eyes at him and crossed my arms, trying to ignore his presence.

"Ang sungit mo naman! Akala mo naman kung sino kang matangkad," he teased, nudging my shoulder playfully.

"Matangkad ka lang pero masakit ako manampal!" I exclaimed, standing up in front of him, as if challenging him.

Umiling siya at tumiklop, biglang huminahon ang kaniyang boses, "Oo na, hindi naman ako papalag."

Natawa nalang ako. He had always been one to tease and provoke, pero nasanay nalang rin kami na ganito siya.

"Psh! D'yan ka na nga." Tumayo na ako at iniwan siya doon. Lumapit ako kay Lorraine at Cyan na nanonood rin sa mga naglalaro.

"May nagpapabigay," sambit ni Max bago inabot sa akin ang isang magandang paper bag na blue ang kulay.

"What's this?" Kinuha ko ang laman no'n, "Kanino galing?"

She frowned and sarcastically answered, "Ewan. Basta may nakalagay na Lorraine Seon. Ikaw 'yan, 'di ba?"

Nagpaalam muna ako na kukuha ng damit sa locker ko. I plugged my earphones to my ears, hindi dahil gusto ko makinig ng music, but to avoid anyone from striking up a conversation with me.

"Siya na ata ang susunod na magkaka-boyfriend"

"Aba malamang! Look at her, mukhang malandi."

"And she's even wearing short shorts, eww."

I saw two girls talking about me, sa akin sila nakatingin ang obviously they were talking about me and my friends. I chose to ignore them nalang kasi ayaw ko silang i-entertain pero kapag napuno ako, pasensyahan nalang kami kung saan kami aabot.

"May naamoy ka bang malansa?"

I took a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure. It was frustrating to be the target of such judgments and mockery, but I knew that if I reacted impulsively, I would only be giving them the satisfaction they were sought.

"Yes! Amoy basurang transferee na may kaibigang mang-aagaw?" Nakita ko sa gilid ng mga mata ko na tinuro nila ako.

I took a moment to roll my neck, preparing myself before facing them. Slowly, I turned to look at them with a fierce gaze, narrowing my eyes, while they raised their eyebrows in surprise.

"What did you just say?" I held their gaze, unflinching, as if challenging them to say something else.

Hindi ko 'to uurungan, kulugo lang silang mga chakarot.