Contrasting Colors (Veles High Series #2)

21 | Alessandria

Alessandria’s POV

CHILLING UNDER THE mango tree has been my favorite thing to do lately. Especially in the afternoon when it’s raging hot inside the classroom and Miss Sarosa’s explaining some confusing math problems, I just can’t take it. I have to go outside.

I only have my airpods on while sitting on the bench under this tree. This is located really far from our building so they won’t see me hanging out here. Since I was banned from the garden of Veles High, I searched for a new spot.

Find an Island by Benee was playing on my ears as I breathe in the unpolluted air.

If there’s one thing I really love about Veles High, it’s the fresh fucking air. There are so many trees in this school which means they’re also giving off lots of oxygen—fuck that’s science! Credits to my annoying tutor, I think Erald taught me about that last week.

“Susmarya, Alessa! Nandito ka lang pala!”

My listening session was interrupted when a sweaty Arabella occupied my sight. I raised my brow at her. “You look… yuck. What happened to you?”

“Tinatanong mo pa talaga?” she asked, annoyance in her voice. “Malamang, hinanap kita sa buong Veles High. Paalam mo kay Miss, mag-c-cr ka lang tapos nag-cutting ka na naman pala. Diyosko naman…”

I laughed at her old-fashioned expressions. Now I’m getting it why Erald calls her Lola Ara. She really is like a grandmother, sometimes—or most of the times. Especially when she’s taking care of the whole Archimedes.

“Tawa ka pa, Alessa. Pinagod mo ako kakahanap sa ‘yo, ‘di porket magkaibigan tayo ay papatawarin na kita agad!”

I smirked. “Well, I didn’t tell you to look for me.”

Pain crossed my eyes when Arabella suddenly pinched my sides. “What the fuck? Bakit ka nangungurot?”

“Natututo ka na kasing mang-asar,” naiiling na sagot niya. “Masama talagang nakakasama mo ‘yung bangungot na ‘yun, naiimpluwensyahan ka. Dati mataray ka lang, ngayon nang-iinis ka na rin.”

“Ugh,” I grunted. “Don’t remind me of that annoying guy, he made me memorize our Talumpati project and it’s so damn long!”

“Ngayon lang ako sasang-ayon kay Erald. Dapat naman talaga kabisahin mo na ‘yun kasi next week na ang performance. Siya nga pala...” Biglang ngumiti si Arabella sa akin. “Naisipan kong dalhin si Raya sa beach sa Linggo, gusto mong sumama?”

AT NINE IN the morning of Sunday, I’m already all set for our swimming at Kaliraya Beach. I packed three of my bikinis, in case Arabella won’t bring hers—which I can already tell she’ll either wear a rashguard or shirt because she’s conservative.

And yes, I agreed to the invite of Arabella since I realized she really wasn’t that bad… maybe… just maybe… she could be my friend. I don’t know, I don’t really have friends. But lately, I find myself enjoying her company.

Ugh, Alessa. What the fuck is happening to you?

Arabella even managed to make me attend last week’s Acquaintance Party. Can you believe what kind of power that naïve girl has? Oh… I just realized I don’t call her naïve girl anymore… am I really friends with her now? Like seriously?

“Ma’am Alessa, naisakay na po sa trunk ‘yung malaking payong at picnic basket. May iuutos pa po ba kayo?”

I removed my eyes from my whole body mirror when I heard our maid speak. I’m currently wearing a red summer dress and black sunglasses.