"I understand,"
Aila answered with a low voice. It's been a week, Aila is actually afraid to call and ask Ken directly... "What if… it is really because of me? Is my cover blown?"
Going through this blindly is making it really exasperating for Aila. Reese is aware of the type of torture this is bringing Aila, but she really can't call the shots just yet regarding this matter.
"I will see what I can do, I'll call the big boss and make it clear to you."
Aila nodded in appreciation of the effort Reese is willing to do to make her feel more at ease.
The following day, Aila was surprised to see Ken in school.
"Hey, you're back, what happened to you?"
Aila was vacillating to ask, but she is dying to know the answer.
"Hmm, I had a family emergency; I went back to our province,"
Ken answered timidly as if waiting to see if Aila would actually buy his excuse. Aila nodded in relief that it wasn't because of her, she went about her day, but thought of keeping her distance from Ken since their last encounter was not pleasant.
Reese was observing how Ken would approach Aila after what happened; shockingly, he appeared before them during their break time at the grandstand. Ken had this aura that Reese found arrogant and true enough his words were a testament.
"Won't you buy snacks for us like before? So you can give me and my lady some alone time."
Reese laughed at Ken,
"Sorry dude, not going to happen."
She raised her palm in front of Ken's face and looked at Aila;
"I don't care about protocols now girl, I have to tell you something."
She grabbed Aila's hand and they went to their secret exit where her car was waiting.
"To viewpoint, please Mr." Reese was respectful towards Aila's driver.
The driver knew of their routine, they went to the drive-thru for their coffee first before going to the viewpoint.
"What made you change your mind?" the first thing that Aila asked Reese as soon as they settled in their seats.
"That prick's shamelessness,"
The anger in Reese's eyes is undeniable, which made Aila more curious.
"Okay, I need to understand that hostility, I'll listen."
Aila was calm, but at the same time anticipating the worst.
"He was out of school for a week because he was suspended; the reason is; he was found guilty of gambling; betting to be exact."
Reese held Aila's hands and looked at her with such pity.
"Remember your last encounter? Our staff followed him and they overheard him speaking with Noel; apparently, they had a bet."
Upon hearing that, Aila's tears started flowing.
"It appears that Ken bet that he will become your boyfriend last month, obviously, he lost, but he was arguing that you have a mutual understanding that's why he got into a fight with Noel because he would not pay up."
"I see, but why is he still trying to hit on me? Doesn't he know about me yet?"
Aila calmly asked amidst her tears.
"Well, Ken was told that his suspension is basically about making bets, not precisely because of you,"
"Do you want him to be made aware of you so that he would be conscious of his place?"
Reese was anticipating a heavier punishment from the hurt princess.
"That won't be necessary, I know a better revenge; something that would make him regret doing this to me."
The gaze on Aila's eyes was chilling; it seems she wants to crumple Ken with her own hands.
The following day in school, the seniors are made busy with the preparations for their last few activities before graduation.
"Class, the school will hold its annual Ms. Golden Fields High School; the winner of which will be the School's representative for the annual Ms. High School City which is the pageant for the winners of different schools in the city."
Their class adviser explained to the class; which made Aila feel an air of uneasiness.
"Our school has a total of 50 sections from first to the fourth year; an initial screening will be done to trim down the candidates to 20. I am volunteering Aila to be the representative of our section."
Their class adviser said with a tone of confidence.
Aila stood up to counter their adviser;
"But, Ma'am, I refuse to be volunteered, I don't think I can do this."
Their class adviser smiled;
"Okay class; if not Aila, who do you think is the best candidate for our class?"
The whole class was silent,
"See Ms. Rodriguez? The decision is unanimous."
Aila sulked down on her seat.
Ken was smiling at Aila unaware that she is well informed of his deeds.
"You can do it Ai ko, I believe you are the most gorgeous woman in the city."
Vince on the other hand was more sympathetic to Aila.
"Are you okay? Although I know that there is no one that can compete with you, if you feel uncomfortable; you can just skip the initial screening" Aila smiled at Vince;
"Do you sincerely believe that I can win?"
Vince looked straight in Aila's eyes; "Without a doubt".
"Then I will do my best to win."
Ken felt a pain in his heart, he tried to persuade Aila, but in the end, it was not his words that convinced her.
Aila did not give Ken a hint that she is aware of his plot to win her over because of a bet. She let him be his usual self towards him, but she made sure that he will be able to sense that the feeling is no longer mutual.
"Girl, what do you need for the initial screening?"
Reese was like a stage manager for Aila;
"hahaha, calm down, what I need right now is for you to make sure that this pageant will be as fair as possible; no meddling from our end please."
Aila always hates cheaters; she will never forgive her staff if the pageant result will be manipulated to her advantage. Reese put her thumbs up while smiling at Aila.
"Agreed!"
On the day of the initial screening.
The moment Aila arrived at the venue, most of the contestants felt that the crown had already been won.
"Hi Aila, my name is Glenda. I am from the third year, I just want you to know that I look up to you."
Aila felt sarcasm and hypocrisy from Glenda, but she decided to play along.
"Thank you, Glenda, it is an honor for me to be looked upon by my juniors; let's do our best!"
Aila made it to the final cut of 20 candidates; she will be competing for the title of Ms. Golden Fields High School.
She immediately called Reese.
"Hi girl, I have a bad feeling about this candidate Glenda, can we learn more about her?"
"You sure are fast, I like this new side of you; more aware and fiercer; Aila 2.0."
Aila laughed at the comment Reese just made;
"Aila 2.0? I like that! Sure feels like an upgrade."
"Girl, I already have the info you need, the staff did some checking before the initial screening, and your instinct is right, she was under surveillance for the past weeks because of the rumors she was spreading. How do you want us to deal with her?"
Aila was determined to handle her detractors on her own.
"It's okay, let' just make sure her plans to sabotage me fails."