The Opposite of Hate (Upper Crust #1)

Simula

Simula

"Aristotle Excequiel Alcantara..." the master of the ceremony called.

He was given a gold medal. The crowd applauded. Kasama na roon ang pagtili ng mga babae at baklang kamag-aral. I almost rolled my eyes.

"Laviña Clarene Ricaforte."

I stepped forward when my name was called as well. Sinabitan ako ng gintong medalya. My straight face was on while my eyes wandered in the crowd in front of me. Agad na nawala ang simangot ko nang makita sina Mama at Papa. Mama mouthed, "smile" — because my little sister Lavern was taking photos. Tipid akong ngumiti. Hindi na ako umasang maganda ang mga kuha niya.

"Hamlet Rurik Montalba."

Again, another unnecessary squeal from the crowd. But I will make an exemption for Hamlet because I like him.

"This year's interschool battle of the brains winner, Morris International!..." Nagkaroon ng masigabong palakpakan. "Congratulations!"

The three of us stepped forward for the photo opt with the dignitaries. Nakailang click din bago natapos. Nagkamayan at nagkaroon pa ng maikling usapan ang mga narito sa stage.

Finally, the master of the ceremony concluded the event. Ham left the center stage. Sumunod ako sa pagalis niya at hindi na pinansin ang mga tumatawag sa aking taga kabilang eskuwelahan.

"Ham, let's take a picture," I said. Nasa backstage na kami.

He stopped and turned to me. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay.

Nilabas ko ang cellphone mula sa bulsa ng aking school uniform. I called someone from the facilitator and gave them my phone. I glanced at her name written on her name tag. She is Emerald.

"Can you take a picture of us, please?"

Tumango naman siya at kinuha ang cellphone ko. Tumabi ako kay Ham. Hindi naman siya nagreklamo. We both looked at the camera. I smiled while he remained his stoic expression. It's his usual expression, looking a bit stern at the same time empassive of his surroundings. He is a total snob sa kakilala man o hindi. Kapag kinausap ka naman mabibilang mo lang sa daliri ang mga salita niya.

Emerald counted one to three. At the count of three, napalingon ako dahil biglang may umakbay sa akin. Agad na sumama ang mukha ko nang makita kung sino. The flash distracted me kaya napabaling ulit ako sa harap.

"I will go now," si Ham. He grinned at Aris on my side.

He did not wait for a word and exited. Tuluyan na siyang bumaba sa hagdan palabas ng backstage.

"What the fuck, Aristotle?!" I hissed. Ramdam ko ang pagiinit ng mukha ko dahil sa iritasyon.

Damn this brute! He perfectly knows how to ruin my mood and my day every single day. It's like it because of his sole purpose in this world.

"Can you please take another photo using my phone?" Hindi niya ako pinansin at binigay ang kanyang cellphone kay Emerald na hawak pa rin ang cellphone ko.

Emerald nodded at Aris' request. "Okay. Ready, one... Two..."

"Smile sister," bulong niya sa tainga ko. He slightly maneuvered my shoulder, pinapaharap ako sa camera.

He put his arm over my shoulder again and pulled me close to his side. Iritado ko siyang binalingan. He just smirked. I heard the shutter sound thrice, pagkatapos sinauli na ng nagmamadaling si Emerald ang mga cellphone sa amin.

"Thank you," he said when he received his phone.

Dahil sa iritasyon ko hindi na ako nakapagpasalamat pa. Nagmartsa na ako paalis. Kunot na kunot ang noo ko habang naglalakad pababa ng hagdan.