Be the First (Love in Rivalry #1)

2 : Not a Good Sign

"Phil!" Nilingon ako ng dati kong classmate pero nagmamadali siyang maglakad papasok ng school gate. "Mom, I have to go. Love you!" Iniwanan ko na si Mom sa kotse at kumaripas nang takbo.

"Love you, Dani!" Narinig kong sigaw ni Mom bago pa ako makalayo.

"Phil!" Tawag ko ulit sa classmate kong rank two noong Grade 8 kami. Nagkasundo kasi kaming sasamahan niya ako sa ginawa kong student partylist at siya ang magiging Vice President ko sa Council.

Hinabol ko siya hanggang makarating kami ng school grounds para sa morning assembly. "Huy!" Bati ko sa kanya. "Kanina pa kita tinatawag, hindi mo ba ako naririnig?"

He looked like he's not comfortable. "S-sorry."

"Anong balita sa'yo? Bakit ka nawala sa Pilot Class? One week rin kitang hinahanap. Hindi kita mahagilap!" Isang linggo mula nang magbukas ang klase tapos bigla siyang nawala.

"I asked my parents to pull me out of that class." Sagot niya habang kinukutkot ang handle ng bag niya.

"Bakit naman?" It's the Pilot Class we're talking about!

"Aren't you aware of the transferees from other schools?" Sabi niya. "'Yung ibang top students ng New Gen nasa klase ninyo ha. I just want to relax this year, I don't want to compete with them, lalo na't kasama ka."

"Huh?" Taas-kilay kong tanong. "What are you talking about?"

"Aren't you supposed to be the first one to know about the rumors, Dani the Great? You know the our rival school—New Gen High—some of their top students transferred here unexpectedly. They're the best of the best, at ayokong makipag-sabayan. I want my peace back, I spent two years since Grade Seven competing with you. I tried and I  na ng ganoon."

I paused to think for a moment. "Si Matias Alcazar and Izrajel Meran ba 'yang sinasabi mo?"

"Yes. There are many others scattered on the other sections. You should be aware of your rivals, Dani." Sabi niya bago siya nag-ayos ng suot niyang salamin at tumingin sa pila ng mga kaklase ko. Napatingin rin tuloy ako sa kumpulan nina Airen at Matias—ang mga asungot sa section namin.

"They're just a bunch of lame-jokers sa classroom." Sagot ko habang napapailing. Totoo naman. Isang linggo na nili-lead nila ang klase namin bilang new elected officers, wala silang ginawa kundi ang magpapansin sa klase't magpatawa. Lalo na 'yang Matias at Airen na 'yan!

"It's too early to say that. Don't underestimate the students in New Gen."

I think it's safe to say that Airen is a good for nothing troublemaker. Pero si Matias at si Izrajel? I don't know. Maybe they're strong contenders. Maybe not.

I shrugged. "Magagaling rin naman tayo dito sa Brighton. Ikaw ang Vice-President ko sa Council, ha? You promised. We will start the preparation next week."

"About that..."

"Phil! You can't say no! Friends naman tayo kahit na nasa ibang klase ka pa. We talked about this and we planned this before. Um-oo ka."

Matagal bago siya magsalita.

"Sorry, Dani... I changed my mind. Ayoko na lang madamay sa kahit anong competition ngayon. In my class, marami ring gustong bumuo ng partylist to get the position."

"I know. Pero sasalain pa rin naman 'yan ng Student Body Organization. Alam nila kung sino ang mga karapat-dapat maging leader."

"No is my final answer, Dani. I am sorry. I just want a peaceful school year, I guess. Ayoko nang ma-stress."

I opened my mouth to try to convince him more but the loud feedback from the microphone on stage got our attention. The ceremony is starting. Pumila na ako nang maayos sa linya namin.