Jay-jay's POV
Have you ever woken up feeling like you just don't want to go on? Not because you're lazy, but because you're so tired—tired of life itself...
I didn't know this day would come. It feels like my life has lost its purpose, and there's no point in continuing like this.
This feeling... it's so familiar. Just like before...
I forced myself to get up when I heard my mom's voice outside my room.
"Wake up... You'll be late," she called, knocking on my door.
"Okay," I answered lifelessly.
I went straight to the bathroom and did my morning routine. I tied my hair up, changed into a shirt, and walked to the dining room where everyone was.
Mom's voice was loud as she told a story, while my brother Angelo and Uncle Julz listened. Aunt Gema was busy with the food, and as usual, Aries looked irritated.
"Jay-jay," Mom called with a smile. "...What course are you planning to take in college?"
I don't even know if I can make it to college.
"Nothing."
"What do you mean nothing? You're about to graduate from high school. Your grandma told me you wanted to go to college."
I didn't answer and just kept eating, pretending not to hear. Honestly, the food tasted like nothing.
"Your mom's talking to you," Angelo said.
"I don't want to talk to her," I mumbled, but they still heard it.
"Jay-jay!" Angelo scolded.
It's so irritating!
My ears were suddenly tired of their words. I didn't want to hear my name coming out of their mouths.
"Aren't you getting tired of this?" I asked my brother without looking up. "...Because I'm already tired of your lectures."
"Jay-jay!" Mom and Aunt Gema called out at the same time.
Even without looking at Angelo, I could feel his angry stare. I could also sense Aries' gaze on me.
"What do you want me to do then? Forget everything that you've done?" Angelo asked with authority.
I didn't answer, but honestly, that would be perfect for me. I forced myself to chew the food in my mouth slowly, like it was gum.
"Answer me!" he demanded.
Enough...
"What's happening to you, Jay?" Mom asked, worried.
Stay out of this...
"Jay? Do you have a problem?" Aunt Gema asked with concern.
Just leave me alone...
"Psycho," Aries muttered loud enough for me to hear.
You're the psycho!
"Are you starting with me again?!" Angelo asked angrily. "...Do you enjoy making me mad?!"
"I'm done," I whispered.
"What?"
"I'm done! I don't want to hear your lectures anymore! Leave me alone! Stop acting like you're my father!" I shouted, slamming my hand on the table.
My breathing was heavy as I glared at Angelo. It felt like I was going up against a brick wall. I was scared, but my anger was stronger.
"Jay-jay!" Aries yelled. "...Stop it!"
"Aries!" Aunt Gema scolded him.
My eyes stayed on Angelo, who was clearly imagining my death at this point. I didn't even have to ask—I knew just by the way he looked at me.
"I'm not acting like your father," he said calmly. "...Because I'm your brother, and it's my job to discipline you. If you don't want to hear my lectures... then behave."
He stood up and walked away. Everyone's eyes followed him, while mine stayed downcast.
"What was that, Jay-jay?! Aren't you ashamed of how you treated your brother?!" Mom yelled at me.
I quickly walked away. I didn't want to hear another sermon.
My mind and heart were too exhausted. I might not be able to take it anymore. I might just collapse any second!
I took a shower and got ready for my daily punishment in life: school, where the spawns of evil ruin my life.
When I stepped out of my room, Horoscope was already waiting for me. His eyebrows were furrowed, and his arms were crossed.
Maybe he was going to tell me my fortune for today.
"What's your problem this time?" he asked without looking at me.
Even if I wanted to answer his question, I couldn't. I didn't even know the answer myself. It felt like I woke up from a nightmare only to be slapped by reality.
I just shook my head and was about to walk away when I suddenly remembered something.
"Aries," I called her, and he looked at me with irritation. "T-thank you."
One of his eyebrows rose, clearly not understanding what I was thanking him for. But I knew exactly why I was grateful.
Of course, I had to say it!
"F-for what you did… for saving me… from Kiko." I explained, and his expression slowly changed.
He suddenly turned his back on me and walked away quickly. He mumbled something, but I didn't quite catch it. I was left standing there, just watching him go.
Weird.
I was already walking to the living room when I heard a familiar voice. My ride to hell had arrived. I looked at Yuri with a lifeless expression, while he smiled at me.
At least he could still smile despite everything that happened. Meanwhile, I couldn't even force one.
I headed straight outside without waiting for him. I was about to open the backseat door when Yuri, who had been following me, stopped me.
"Sit in front… Keifer's not coming with us today."
YES!!
Finally, something good was happening today. I thought my day was going to be filled with nothing but misfortune.
I moved to the passenger seat beside the driver. Yuri even closed the door for me before going around to the driver's side. He started the car, and like always, I stayed silent during the ride.
"Jay?" he called me. "…Are you okay? You seem different today."
I just shook my head and turned to look outside. As if there was anything new with me. I was still the same. Still angry at him and his best friend, the King of All Evil Snakes.
When we reached the school, like always, I got out of the car first and left him to park. I'm so kind, right? Super kind…
I was almost at our classroom when I stopped in my tracks. Here we go again. Here I go again! Walking into the room where everything started. This was my punishment. If I could quit school, I would've done it long ago.
Just a little more patience—just a few more months—and I'll finally graduate. I wouldn't have to endure seeing their faces anymore. So even if it went against every fiber of my being to take those steps, I still did it.
"Good morning," Ci-N greeted me cheerfully.
I ignored him and went straight to my seat, near the door. Yuri entered the room after me. I knew the other one still wasn't here—but why was I even thinking about him?! I didn't care if he was late. In fact, I hoped he wouldn't show up so I wouldn't have to endure his face.
I rested my head on my arm, pressing my face against it. If I could shove my head into my desk, I would've done it for sure. I stayed like that for a few minutes, almost falling asleep, when I felt someone tapping me.
It was Ci-N again…
I didn't want to pay attention to him, but then again… it's Ci-N Peralta, so—
"Jay-jay," he called me. "Don't sleep; I have something to tell you."
I slowly turned my head toward him and looked at him with a bored expression. He was smiling again, leaning closer to me.
"My birthday's coming up," she said excitedly. "…Come to my party, okay?"
Oh, right…
He did give me an invitation. It looked like a kid's birthday invite. His birthday fell right on Valentine's Day—the day of those cursed hearts.
I didn't respond. I just turned my head in another direction to avoid him, but I shouldn't have done that. Just as I turned, the King walked into the room.
Of course, his eyes landed on me right away, and our gazes met. Great! Just when I was trying my best to avoid him, the universe decided to mess with me.
Perfect! Just perfect!
Thankfully, he looked away and walked off. Soon after, Sir Alvin arrived, and the class started. I wanted to listen to him, but like always, my mind was elsewhere.
"Would you guys like to attend a Career Orientation?" Sir Alvin asked the class.
"What's there, Sir?" I heard Denzel ask.
"Will there be free food?" Ci-N chimed in.
Sir chuckled before answering. "They'll teach you the right way to choose careers that suit you."
"We won't go, Sir. We'll choose our careers ourselves," Calix said, suddenly grinning mischievously. "…Denzel will be a house husband, Drew will hang out in gambling dens, Edrix will run a computer shop, and Eman will be in the kitchen—"
"Shut up, Calix!" Denzel shouted, and the other guys burst out laughing.
Yeah, that's what you guys are good at!
Even Sir ended up laughing along with them, shaking his head. At least he found their nonsense funny.
"Choosing a career that suits us is easy, Sir," Mayo said. "…We probably don't need to go."
"It's up to you…" Sir said with a smile. "…So what courses are you planning to take?"
"PILOT!" Ci-N yelled enthusiastically, raising both hands. "I want to be a pilot!"
"But aren't your parents and sibling doctors, Ci?" David asked.
Ci-N nodded in response. I knew her family was full of doctors. She had mentioned before that her parents wanted her to become a doctor, too.
"Don't they want you to become a doctor as well?" David asked again.
Ci-N looked up at the ceiling, as if deep in thought. "They do! But I don't want to!"
"Do you really think you can go against what your parents want?" Felix challenged her.
Ci-N flashed a wide grin at them. "Did I ever say I wouldn't do what they told me to?"
Tsk! he's so stubborn…
The others shook their heads while scratching the back of their necks. Even I would probably react the same way because of what this troublesome kid just said.
"What about you, Jay-jay? What course are you planning to take?" Sir turned his attention to me.
Even without looking at the annoying ones, I knew they were also looking at me. I was so used to this behavior of theirs.
I avoided Sir's gaze. "None, Sir."
"Why none?"
He really had to ask…
"Because I'm getting married right after graduation," I answered, bored.
No one said a word. I could feel the strange atmosphere behind me, and even Sir kept glancing in their direction.
I had a weird feeling about what was happening, so I turned slightly to look behind me — and I was shocked to see Keifer grabbing the collar of Yuri's uniform. Keifer's eyebrows were furrowed, while Yuri just stared back at him.
"What you doing?" I asked, confused.
Keifer let go of Yuri and sat back down properly. I looked at Sir Alvin, silently asking for an explanation, but he just shrugged. Sir went back to his lesson, and I kept glancing back from time to time — just in case they started killing each other.
Honestly, I shouldn't care about them. It wouldn't matter if they really did fight — at least it would reduce my problems. If the "King" dies, then I'd finally have some peace. If Yuri dies, well, I'd still be a single lady by the time I'm 20.
So go ahead — fight all you want!
Our class with Sir Alvin and the other teachers eventually ended, and by lunchtime, I realized I hadn't brought any food. Looks like I'd have to endure my hunger again.
"Jay-jay!" Ci-N called out happily. "Let's go eat!"
Instead of joining him and the others with Eman, I walked straight out of the room. I was planning to spend my lunchtime on the second floor, but before I could reach the stairs, someone grabbed my arm.
Felix…
I pulled my arm away and glared at him. "What do you want?"
"W-well… c-can you eat with us?" he asked awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.
Tsk! Of all people, he's the one inviting me now…
"No," I answered quickly.
"Jay… you don't even have food with you. Just eat with us," he insisted.
"What's it to you?! Why do you care if I starve to death?!" I snapped.
I saw the embarrassment on his face — which wasn't really my intention — but if they kept pestering me like this, I wouldn't be able to help but humiliate them.
"You've changed," he muttered under his breath before walking back to the classroom.
No… I've always been like this.
I was left alone — which suited me just fine. I continued my plan to hang out on the second floor. As expected, the wind was strong and the air was cool.
I remembered how David, Ci-N, and I used to hang out here whenever we ate. We wanted to avoid those annoying people, so this became our hiding spot. Eventually, even Mica and Calix started hanging out here too.
But that didn't last long — Eman came back and started cooking for us, so we just ate inside the classroom… except for Calix and the others, who still preferred the second floor.
I never thought I'd say this, but… I kinda miss those days. I miss having someone to eat with — even if I was always the one bringing food for them.
"This place looks like a music video, huh?" someone suddenly said.
I shot them a glare, ready to cuss them out — but I stopped when I saw who it was.
"What are you doing here?!" I asked Percy, irritated.
He raised his hands — one holding a pizza box and the other a plastic bag with drinks.
"Oooh… Pizza!"
"Felix texted me. He said you weren't planning to eat again," Percy said as he sat in a corner and set down the food.
I walked over and sat next to him. Without waiting for an invitation, I opened the pizza box and immediately started eating.
"Who said you could take some?! That's not even for you!" Percy protested, trying to grab the slice I was holding.
I slapped his hand away — take anything you want, just not the pizza in my hand!
I swear — if you touch my pizza, there will be a civil war!
He just laughed at me, then grabbed a slice for himself. For a while, we ate in silence — because, you know… we're both starving here!
While we ate, Percy suddenly handed me a small white box. I was about to ask what it was, but judging by the size, I already had an idea.
"What's this for?" I asked, mid-bite.
"Well, what do you usually do with a cellphone?" he teased.
Honestly… I still preferred my old phone. Even though there was something wrong with it, I still liked it better. It had all our pictures — I mean, my pictures! My photos and videos! It felt like such a waste to lose them.
That phone and I had history!
"Don't you want it?" Percy asked, bringing me back to reality.
I hesitated at first, but I still took the box. I needed a phone — who doesn't?!
After eating, I reached for the drinks Percy brought — but then I noticed something. It wasn't just any ordinary drink in that plastic bag…
"You're unbelievable! This is alcohol, isn't it?!" I said, holding the bottle up in his face.
He just smiled at me before grabbing one and opening it.
"I knew you needed this," he teased.
"You're crazy! If we get caught, you won't be able to come back here! Plus, I'll get suspended!" I snapped.
Just recently, at Holy Shi—Saints, I was suspended even though it was really Cyrus who brought the alcohol. Wow, amazing, right? Truly incredible!
"That's if we get caught! But what if we don't?" he challenged.
Well, he had a point...
No one really comes to our building, so I was sure no one would find out about the alcohol my insane stepbrother brought. I also glanced at the large building across from ours. There wasn't a single soul in sight.
No one would see us anyway because their building was far from ours. It's like the school deliberately isolated Section E from everyone else.
Honestly... I kind of needed this!
I let him open another one. My throat went dry the moment I tasted the drink. It hadn't even been that long since the last time I drank, but it felt like it had been years.
"Good, right?" Percy asked with a smirk.
"It is... But you know what else is good? Kuya Angelo's smack when he finds out about this."
He just laughed and kept drinking. I put my bottle down and opened the phone box. It looked exactly like my old one.
"Save my number, so you can call me," he said, pulling out his phone.
I turned the phone on and started fiddling with it. Once I was ready, I went to the phonebook and added a new contact.
"Ready," I told him.
"0922..." he started, and I typed it in. "...22—Boom! It'll explode when you press it!"
Oh, you little—!
I shot him a murderous glare. I was this close to throwing the phone at his face. And that infuriating laugh of his wasn't helping either.
I swear, I'm filing a request for a sibling replacement. I don't want this one anymore. I'll send him back to wherever he came from.
—