Meriedeth Salazar
The next day I left the house early, I don't want Kuya to see my eyes, he will over react. Maybe he will bring me to the hospital. Tss. Aunty Rebecca joined me or breakfast a while ago.
My eyes are puffy, making me drowsy. When I arrived at the classroom I saw Eryx reading a book. Our other classmates are not yet around.
"Morning, Salazar," he greeted.
"Hmmm, morning Fuentabella," as I placed my bag and took my seat.
"Are you okay?"
I looked at him.
"Why?"
"Your eyes are puffy. Did something happened last night?" he closed the book that he was holding and sit properly.
"None, I just remembered something last night."
"Good morning, Salazar!" Shelanie greeted. "Hey, are you okay?!" she got worried when our gazes met.
"I'm fine, Shelanie."
"Your eyes, did you cry?" she whispered.
"Kind of. Don't worry, I'm fine."
"Good morning, guys! I have some treats for you!" Rovic greeted us while holding a paper bag.
My forehead frowned, he looks like a person who just got home from another country.
"Morning, Dude. What did you bring?" Eryx asked.
"Well, you know Mama, she likes baking. Our dessert for later!" he said proudly.
"Oh, cupcakes? What did Tita baked?"
"Brownies."
Our gazes met, he greeted me and asked how I have been. Why are they keep asking if I am fine? Tss.
"I'm fine. Why are you guys asking? The three of you asked me the same questions. Tsk."
"We are concern about you, Salazar," I look at Shelanie. "I—If you have a problem, I'm ready to listen."
"I'm all ears, Salazar. I can give you some advice if you want," I looked at Eryx and he smiled.
"We are here for you, Shark girl," Rovic added.
"Hmmm. Thanks."
I place my hands inside the pocket of my skirt, my eyes widened and I stood up. My headphones are not here!
"Something wrong, Salazar?" Shelanie asked.
"Wait," I answered her as I checked the pockets of my jacket, it's not there!
I grabbed my bag and check the pockets. I closed my eyes when I did not find my headphones there.
"Did you forgot something, Salazar?" Eryx asked.
I looked at him and I just nodded.
"I accidentally left my headphones," I sighed and sit back.
That was why I felt that something was wrong as I travelled here to school. Fuck. I left it at home. Argh.
Our teacher arrived and classes started. In between changing subjects, sometimes our last subject will end a little early leaving us a few minutes to relax before the next subject.
I can't relax, I want to listen to some songs. When was the last time that something like this happened to me? Hays.
The three of them are just chatting around and I can really hear what they are talking about even though I don't want to listen. I mean, I could still hear them even if I listen to music through my headphone but, today is different. I can't listen to music, I left my headphones at home.
"Salazar, are you okay? You look like you're not in the mood."
I glanced at Shelanie.
"I'm fine, Shelanie. Don't stress yourself about me."
"You're vibes is spreading, Shark girl," Rovic commented.
"Shut up, Estevan."
I lean on the back of my seat, I looked towards the ceiling. I grabbed my book and placed it on top of my face to cover it.
It's really noisy, some of my classmates are chasing each other at the other side of the room, and their laughter is too loud. Hays.
"Ate Mel sent a message at the gc," I heard Eryx said. "Emergency meeting later."
"Later this afternoon?" Rovic asked.
"After lunch," Eryx answered.
I moved my book and looked at them.
"I thought there are no club activities during any days of the week except Friday?"
"It looks like we going to have a meeting about important matters."
"Aha! Shortening of classes later," Shelanie said. She called our class president and asked what is going on.
"Shorten of classes because the school festival is approaching," our Class President answered.
"School Festival?" I asked as I frowned my forehead.
"Yeah, one week no classes," Shelanie answered.
One week?
As in a whole week?!
What good book should I read—?
"Hey, Shark girl, if you have any plans on not showing up here stop it."
"What the fuck?" I asked in surprised. "Why?!"
"Because you will help in preparing to set up the booths."
"Booths?!"
We all looked at the whiteboard, Class President wrote something.
No absents during festival week. If absent, punishment.
I just sighed, my one week plan to get away from everything and from everyone vanished instantly.
"I have a feeling about what we are going to talk about at the meeting later," Eryx said.
We just had our lunch and we ate the brownies that Rovic brought with him. It was delicious. Did his mom added a secret ingredient?
"Let's go to the club, there are no classes anyway," Shelanie suggested.
We brought our bags with us and we told Class President about our club meeting before leaving. We are walking towards the club room. We passed by other students.
When we arrived there, the building was open. Wesley and Melanie are already there. We took off our shoes and grabbed a pair of slippers to use, the triplets are not around.
"What's the agenda?" I asked Melanie who is writing something at the mini white board, she looked at me and smiled.
"Secret, so it will be exciting. Let's wait for the others, okay? Take a seat, Meriedeth!"
Just like what she said, I sit at one of the couches. Eryx and Shelanie sit beside me. In front of us, Wesley is writing something in his notebook.
"How was your Sunday?" he asked us.
"It's fine, had a little body pain, but its fine," Eryx answered.
"Still handsome, Kuya Wesley," Rovic answered proudly.
"On what angle, Rovic?" Shelanie teased.
"Oh, no need for me to point it out, Shells. I'm handsome, inside and out. Body, mind, and soul," as his brows went up and down.
"You're so full of yourself," I whispered and lean back to the couch as I closed my eyes.
I heard Eryx chuckled.
"Ate Melanie!" I heard Jezreal. "Our teacher let us out late, we are really sorry."
The three of them arrived and the meeting started.
Agenda:
*regionals/training program
*School Festival
"So, the regionals are two months away. For the individual events, Wesley and Eryx are the only participants in that area," she glance at them. "I know it's not your first time to participate at the regionals, but I hope, this year, the both of you will be included to the nationals."
"Ate Mel, you're pressuring us," Eryx whispered.
"I heard that, Eryx, you need to pressure yourselves. Maybe later on you guys will regret it. Not every time there is a second chance."
"Just relax, Mel," Wesley said.
I noticed that Melanie is tearing up. She look upwards while fanned herself using her hand.
"I'm tearing up, gosh! Anyway, moving one, the relay," she looked at us. "Andrea is not around?"
"She is not a member of the club, Ate Mel," Rovic answered.
"You do have a point. Anyway, tell her about the training next week."
"We are starting the training next week?" I asked Melanie.
"Yeah, we need to rest sometimes so we are starting the training next week," she answered while smiling.
"We will give the training program next week," Wesley added.
"So, we all know about the school festival, right?"
"We heard about it po, the festival will be held for a week for the founding celebration of the school," Jezreal answered.
"Right. It's tradition is that the third years and fourth years will be the ones that will make booths, each classroom needs to have one. You know about that, right?" Melanie asked while looking at us.
Shelanie and the others nodded while I just sighed.
"There are clubs that will also participate in making different booths and we are one of them."
"What? Why?" I asked.
Melanie smiled.
"For us to gain some allowance. The money that we will get from the booth that we will put up will be added towards our club funds. Well, we will give one-fourth share to the school, and the rest will be added to our club funds," she explained.
"Do you have a plan on what booth we are going to make, po?" Jazhel asked.
Melanie and Wesley looked at each other. Wesley nodded at Melanie.
"We are going to make a message booth."
"E? Ate Mel, that is lame," Rovic said.
"We did that last year, Ate Mel," Eryx added.
"That's the only think I could think of. Students will pay and write a letter to someone and we go around deliver letter to students that they are writing for."
How corny, people have phones, they could just text or chat that person.
"How about we sell some refreshments? Snacks?" Rovic suggested an idea.
"You're the one who will cook?" Shelanie asked.
"I'll do the cooking," Wesley said.
"I'll help," Rovic said.
"We can borrow tables and chairs from the school, we can set it up outside and we will do the cooking here inside," Eryx said.
"What food are we going to sell? We should come up with a menu," Jazrill suggested.
"What are the people's favorite?" Melanie asked.
They suggested different foods and Melanie listed it at the board, also drinks. I want to sleep, my eyes are still puffy. The meeting went on. When the meeting ended we went back to our classroom.
I went straight to my seat and get my book. I used it to cover my face. I will take a nap, I don't anybody disturbing—
"Maid café?" I heard Shelanie asked.
"Seriously?! Maid café?"
I looked at Rovic. The three of them are looking at the board. I frowned because of what is written at the board. The class decided to hold a maid café.
Damn it.
"Since the four of you were not around earlier, one of you will join the waiter and waitresses," Andrea said and sit in front of Shelanie.
"Goodness, we're dead," Shelanie said and looked at us. "Our booth."
"You guys talk to Pres about that," Andrea said and left.
I just sighed, Eryx was the one who talked to Pres, and the result we should take turns helping the booth. When Shelanie and I are here at the maid café Eryx and Rovic will help our club's refreshment booth.
After eating dinner I take some rest at my room. My phone beeped, there are a lot of messages at the gc. I opened it to read it.
Jezreal: Ate Mel, I was planning to post the menu for our booths so people will know what our booth is about.
Melanie: that's a great idea! Wesley is the one handling that matter.
Melanie: @wesley the picture for the menuuu
Wesley" I'll send it tomorrow. I'm still editing and finalizing it.
Jezreal: okay po
Wesley: please bring extra clothes tomorrow, Miss Morales just texted me that we are going to clean the pool tomorrow.
Gwapo: Goodness.
Shells: is it okay to wear shorts?
Wesley: Yes, but you should only wear it inside the club building. I'll prepare the snacks for tomorrow.
Jazhel: what time are we going to clean the pool, po?
Melanie: After lunch, be there around 1pm. We should be completed early so we can finish the work early.
Gwapo: Ate Mel it's tiring.
Eryx: Dude we haven't even started yet.
Gwapo: We have some janitors
Shells: you guys are the one using the pool.
Jezreal: Does your back hurt Kuya Rovic that's why you don't want to clean the pool?
Jazrill: Gurang @gwapo
Gwapo: Hey Jazrill I'm not gurang!
Jazrill: Your bones hurt? Use skelan.
Shark girl: are we cleaning both pools?
Gwapo: goodness why did you suggest both pools?!
Shark girl: stfu
Wesley: yup, we should divide ourselves into groups, the triplets will be with Mel cleaning the indoor pool and then the rest of us will clean the outdoor pool.
Gwapo: unfair, the outdoor pool is too big
Shark girl: you have a lot of complains Estevan
On the next day, just like yesterday shortening of classes. We still have three weeks before the school festival. They are too excited for the preparations. We just finished eating lunch and we are about to go to the club room when Pres called us.
"Can you guys buy the material for the costume we are going to use at the maid café?" Pres asked the four of us.
"Pres, we are going to clean the pool," Shelanie answered.
"I'll be the one who will buy," Rovic presented.
"Excuses! We are going to clean the pool," Shelanie said as she wrapped her arm around Rovic's shoulder. "Let Eryx and Meriedeth do it, Pres."
Eryx and I exchanged glances. He took the paper and examine the list of things that needed to be buy.
"Budget," as he raised his palm.
"Here," Pres gave him some money.
"Thanks, Eryx," and went back inside the room.
We exchanged looks again. He placed the money inside his bag and also the list.
"You can go ahead to the club room."
"I'll go with you," I offered.
"Really?"
"Fabrics are heavy, also that is not the only thing that you are going to buy. Two is better than one, Fuentabella."
He smiled and nodded. We left the campus. He chatted Melanie that we are going to be late because of the errand that Pres gave us. Just like my expectation, we bought a lot of fabric. Damn.
We went to another store to buy some decorations and also national bookstore. When we have everything we take a rest at one of the benches here at the mall.
"Thanks for coming with me, Salazar."
I just nodded, we have six paper bags from different stores. We travel back to school. We brought the materials back to our room and we went to the club room. I changed clothes, I'm wearing shorts and a blue shirt.
"Oh, how did your errand go, Eryx?" Melanie asked while brushing the tiles at the inside pool with the triplets.
"It's fine. We bought all the materials."
"They are at outside."
We left them there and went outside. We saw the three of them brushing the pool. Eryx picked up two brushes that has a long handle and handed it to me.
"Great, the both of you finally arrived! The both of you can't escape!" Rovic said as he applied soap on the tiles.
"Whatever, you're noisy," I said and went down.
I asked Shelanie for soap and started. I started at the other end, they are near the middle of the pool. I put on my headphones and played music while cleaning. I can't feel tired while cleaning.
Hours passed, they decided to have some snacks at the lounge area. I just nodded to them, I'm still full so I just continued scrubbing the tiles. I stopped brushing when I heard a familiar tone.
I turned on the volume and continue brushing as I listen to the song.
Here we are,
In the best years of our lives,
With no way of knowing,
When the wheel will stop spinning,
Cause we don't know where we're going,
I hummed as I brushed the tiles.
And here we are,
On the best day of our lives,
And it's a go,
Let's make it last,
So cheers you all to that,
'Cause this moment's never comin' back,
I can't help but to move my head up and down because of the beat, its one of my favorite songs. Well, every song in my phone is my favorite, new or old, if I like the melody I download it immediately.
I used to know her brother,
But I never knew I loved her,
'Til the day she laid her eyes on me,
Now I'm jumpin' up and down,
She's the only one around,
And she means every little thing to me,
I looked around, I think they are not coming back yet. I wanna sing along.
"I've got your picture in my wallet,
And your phone number to call it,
And I miss you more,
Whenever I think about you," I sing as I brush the tiles.
"I've got your mixtape in my Walkman,
Been so long since we've been talkin',
And in a few more days,
We'll both hooked up, forever and ever."
After listening and singing the song until the end, I decided to go to the lounge area to eat. I climb out of the pool, it was kind of difficult but I still manage. My eyes widened when I saw a figure running inside.
The fuck. Who was that?
I took a deep breath and walked towards that direction. When I arrive at the lounge area they are still eating. There was a cup noodles, I pick that one to eat and a juice to drink. After having some snack we help each other clean the outdoor pool. It was great that we are able to finish it before dark.
After a week we started training. It's tiring, everybody is doing their trainings. Every one of us are going to the regionals. I sighed when I saw different booths are set up at the school's field.
Today is the first day of the school festival. Outsiders are allowed. On the fifth day they said there will be a special program and it will be held at the theater room, attendance is a must. Bullshit.
As I waked through the hallway, some students are giving out some flyer. Information about the booth that they set up and also inviting people to check out their booth. There are also some students roaming around wearing silly costumes.
When I arrived at our classroom they are finalizing the tables, chairs, foods and other things that are needed. My classmates are wearing their maid costume, and for the boys, they are wearing a butler costume. The girls are enjoying their costumes and they are taking some pictures. I don't want to go inside, I'm just standing outside the room.
I mentally shook my head. Bullshit.
Where is Shelanie? I was about to go to the club room when they chatted at the gc.
Shells: where are you guys?
Jazhel: on our way to school po
Shark girl: Room. Where are you?
Melanie: we're at club room
I was about to leave when one of our classmates called me. I looked at them and raised a brow. Pres walk towards me.
"Meriedeth, help us here. Our other classmates are not here yet," Pres begged.
"Why? Where are they? We also have a booth in our club."
"The others are buying some stuff. Judie and Roland are there to cook, but we lack servers."
I frowned because of what she said. I took a peek inside the room and look back at Pres.
"Pres, I think having five girls and five boys are enough for having waiters and waitress."
"Judie and Roland are going to cook and the others are going to assist them, so it will end up having four servers. Please, Meriedeth," Pres begged. "If the others will arrive you can go to your booth. The others are running late, and the others are attending their clubs."
"Pres, do I have to wear this?!" I can't stop my voice raising my voice.
Some of my classmates giggled as they saw me wearing the fucking maid outfit.
This is bullshit.
I will not attend school tomorrow. This is really bullshit.
The back part of our classroom became like a mini kitchen where they will prepare the food and drinks. We heard some announcements and then the school festival finally opened.
"You already sighed a lot of times, Meriedeth," Pres said while wearing her maid outfit.
"Can't I just serve while not wearing this stupid costume?"
"That is the reason why we are having a maid café because of this costume. Smile."
I don't know how I bare it all wearing this costume! The skirt length is above the knee! I'm also wearing a white knee sock and black shoes. I'm also wearing a white apron and a white headband with a lot of ribbons.
Who suggested this? Bullshit.
My other classmates welcome guests and take their orders. I'm one of the people who serve their orders, there are three of us waiters.
"Meriedeth," Pres called. I raised a brow at her. I just served some drinks to a table with our juniors.
"What?"
"Can you deliver this to some people? Please," as she raise the basket.
My eyes widened because of what she said.
Me? Delivering? I'll be delivering food while wearing this—bullshit.
"Can't the others do that, Pres? Why do we have to deliver that? They could just pick it up."
"We posted it online, we put posted that we do delivery stuff around the campus," I stared at the basket, there are three packed foods inside. "Don't worry, I'm treat you something after the festival."
"Tss. Where do I have to deliver it?" as I hold the basket.
She gave instructions and also the names on who should I be looking for. I was able to breathe a little bit because it was only our teacher. I quickly walked towards the teachers' lounge area. The two teachers are there except for the other one.
Damn. People are staring at me as I walked around the campus.
I'm looking for Sir math subject, I forgot his name and he handles our math subject. I checked my phone, I told Shelanie and the others that I'll go to the booth later because there are only a few people at the classroom.
Gwapo: You are kind Shark girl!
Shark girl: stfu
Eryx: How many are you at the room?
Shark girl: I'm delivering something right now. Six people are cooking while 5 are serving. Have you seen sir math?
Shells: I saw him going to the library a while ago.
I immediately walked towards the direction Shelanie said. I saw Sir, I approached him and handed him his order. He complemented the costume that I was wearing. Tss.
I was about to return to the classroom when two students hold both of my arms.
"What the fuck are you both doing?!" they are wearing police costumes.
"Jail booth, you're wearing black. Let's go!" and handcuffed me.
The fuck.
Great, their booth is placed outside. They let us go inside a tent, there were a lot of people that got caught. It was a good thing that it's not hot here.
"Hey, am I not allowed to leave? I really need to go back to our booth," I told one of the staff in charge.
"They will let you do a dare," one of the guy answered, the one who caught me.
"The fuck?" he just nodded. I just shook my head. "How many hours are we going to be prison here?"
"25 minutes."
The fuck this shit!
"If you want to go out, you'll pick a dare," the other staff said.
"What dare is that?" I asked in an annoyed tone.
They fixed some cards. Even though I'm nervous, I really want to get out of here. People are staring at me because of my clothes.
"Sing a song at the karaoke booth. Well, are you up for the challenge?"
"What if I'm not?"
"Then, we will add another 10 minutes for your stay in jail," and smiled.
"One song? You'll not catch me the next time?"
"Depends."
"Where is the karaoke booth?"
"Are you gonna do it?"
I sighed and nodded. I just found myself in front of a karaoke set. The staff from the jail booth talk to the staff from the karaoke booth, maybe about the dare. Other students are looking at me. Tss. After this, I will really go to our booth, I'll never go back to our room!
"Its gonna be a random song, so, good luck!" and pushed random buttons.
I was able to breathe in relief when I saw the title.
Summer Paradise
By Simple Plan
They handed me the microphone. The song is about to start. I fixed my hair. I took a deep breath.
I never tried singing in public.
Fuck this day. I'll be absent tomorrow.
"My heart is sinking as I'm lifting,
Up above the clouds away from you."
The crowd is silent. Some people are passing by and some people are watching.
"And I can't believe I'm leaving
Oh, I don't know, know, know what I'm gonna do."
The silence from the crowd is making me nervous. How I wished I just waited for a few minutes—bullshit. I hate wearing this costume as I wait time to pass by!
"But someday, I will find my way back
to where your name Is written in the sand."
I'm glad this is one of ny favorite songs. I feel comfortable while singing it in public even the silence makes me nervous.
"Cause I remember every sunset,
I remember every word you said
And we were never gonna say goodbye,
Singing la-da-da-da-da."
I heard some of the crowd sing along with me. Some of them clapped their hands to form a beat.
How embarrassing.
Think about it, Deth. After singing you are free. You are free to go home! Argh!
"Tell me how to get back to,
Back to summer paradise with you,
And I'll be there in a heartbeat, oh-oh."
"Heartbeat" the crowd said.
"I'll be there in a heartbeat, oh-oh."
After singing the whole song, the crowd cheered. When the so-called police get the microphone I run as fast as I can far away while bringing the basket.
Fuck this day.
Really, really, really, fuck this day!
----
Trivia:
Gurang – means old
hoping to hear your thoughts!