Sweet Lies

Keath Gray Galvez

I'm fixing my necktie before going downstairs to eat breakfast. I'm done taking a bath. I fixed my hair while looking through the full length mirror that I have here in my room. I picked up my favorite watch and wear it, I grabbed my backpack before leaving the room. I walked my way downstairs to the dining area. I saw Dad drinking coffee while reading the newspaper in his seat. Mom is eating her breakfast beside Dad, Kelly is also enjoying her pancakes and hot milk beside Mom. I saw Mom glanced towards me and she gave me a smile.

"Good morning, Keath Gray," she greeted.

"Good morning too, Mom," I greeted back as I took my seat which is in front of Kelly.

I lift my plate to get some rice, I picked up a few pieces of bacon using my fork. As I took a bite from my breakfast, I noticed Kelly is looking at me. What does this kid want? Tsk.

"Gray, your forehead has lines," she commented while looking at me. "It will become wrinkles if you won't stop doing that," she added as she eat some of her pancakes.

"Kelly, don't speak to your older brother like that," Dad warned while reading his newspaper. He knows that I hate the feeling of being teased.

Before Kelly could speak, we heard somebody shouted from the second floor. I rolled my eyes as I took another bite from my meal.

"Mom!" we heard Kierra screaming on the top of her lungs, we heard her footsteps coming downstairs. "Mommmm!" she screamed once again. I glanced at the stairs and there she is, walking towards our direction with a big smile plastered on her face.

Damn, it's still 7am and she's is so loud! I looked back to my food and continued eating my breakfast.

"Mom, you won't believe what I'm going to tell you!" she said as she sit beside me, making her sit in front of Mom.

"You know what, you can tell Mom without shouting, tss," I said to her as I drink some orange juice, but as usual she is going to ignore my statement.

"I'm going to have an interview!" she announced.

I glanced at Mom and I saw how her eyes widened, even Dad stopped reading his newspaper. He's just staring at Kierra.

"Where?" Mom asked while looking at my older sister.

"What kind of interview is it, Kierra?" Kelly asked. "Is it like the one in the television?! You're an actress now?" our younger sister innocently asked.

"No, she's not an actress, Kelly," I answered. "And she'll never be one," I saw how Kelly frowned at me.

"A job interview?" Dad asked. "Which company is it?" he added.

"Yes, Dad, an interview," Kierra answered. "I'm so overwhelm because of the news. They said that the company rarely accepts fresh graduates for the company since they have very high and strict standards," she explained while smiling.

"He's asking what company is it," I commented. "Your answer is miles away, stupid," I added.

"Oh, shut up, Keath Gray," Kierra said as she rolled her eyes. "Well, the company is DCBI, Dad. I'm going to prepare after breakfast!" she happily said.

I saw her put some bacon and eggs on her plate. I'm almost done with my breakfast. As I chew my food, Dad suddenly speak.

"Gray, do you have plans on what course you're going to take for college?" Dad asked me as he put down his newspaper and took a sip from his coffee.

Alright, here we go again with this topic. Tss. I lost my appetite, I finished off my orange juice. Nobody dared to utter a word, they are waiting for me to answer Dad's question. Tss.

"I'm done," I announced.

I stood up and turned my back at them. As I walked away from the dining table, I heard Dad spoke.

"Decide what course you're going to take now. You only have a short period of time, Gray," he said.

I didn't utter a word to him. As I walked towards outside the house, I wear my earphones to listen to some songs. I'm not afraid of Dad's words, I just don't want to hear him talk about college. I still have a few months to think about it, school just started and its first day today. I hate how he pressures me to think about it when I'm confused on what course I should take, tss.

I opened the door of our car and went inside. Andrew, our family driver, drive towards the school where I am enrolled. As the car moves towards its direction, I stared outside. The school is only a 20 minute drive. Andrew stopped the car in front of the school's gate. I lowered the volume of the music playing on my phone.

"Thank you, Andrew," I said as I unbuckled my seat.

"No problem, Sir," he replied.

I opened the door and got off the car. I heard the car drive away. I sighed as I looked at the huge emblem of the school that is placed here near the gate. Nothing has changed, Haleyson Galvez University, damn, I've been going to this school since 4th grade and up, until the last year of high school, I'm still here, tsk. I walked towards our building. I can hear whispers from schoolmates as I passed by them at the hallway. Tss, even this thing didn't changed at all.

"Look, Gray is so hot."

"Where do you girls think he spend his summer vacation?"

"I hope he enjoyed his summer vacation?"

"Gray is very handsome."

When will they stop? Since first year high school until now, this scene happens every day. I groaned when I felt a slight pain passed by my left ear, I looked at the person who just pulled my earphones. Tss.

"What's this?! Keath Gray Galvez, its first day of school, as in the very first day of school!" Ladwick commented, my noisy best friend. "You should smile sometimes, Dude! Give them a smile!" he added as he raised his eye brows up and down while pouting towards the group of girls hanging out at the hallway.

I looked at the girls he was talking about. I shook my head as they started shrieking like crazy when I looked at them. Just because I looked at them? Ugh, weird girls. I heard Ladwick's laughter, I felt him followed me.

"Hey, Daryl!" Lad called the guy who was a few meters away in front of us. It was Daryl, he smiled and waved towards us. Lad waved back while smiling as we approached him.

"What's this?" Daryl said in an amused tone as he looked at me. "Gray Galvez, between the four of us, you're going to be the first one turning into an old man because of all the wrinkles on your forehead," he teased. Tss.

"Shut up," I warned him as I checked the time from my wristwatch.

"Its first day and you're still grumpy," he said. "Loosen up, bro," he added as he tapped my shoulder.

"Some things will never change," I replied as I walked passed by him.

I felt the followed me towards the stairs. Our room is located at the 5th floor of this building. As we ascended upstairs, I can hear Ladwick and Daryl talking about their summer vacation from behind.

"Gray, did you and your family spend your vacation at Palawan?" I heard Daryl asked. "I saw Kierra's post," he added.

"Yeah, we went," I answered casually.

The two of them continued to talk with other from behind. We reached our designated floor which is the 5th floor, our classroom is located at this floor. We walked towards the last room, I glanced at the label above the door, and it says "Class A".

"What?" I heard Ladwick complained. "Sir Falyer is our adviser? Tsk."

I glanced at the door where the name of the class advisor is placed, Sir Falyer's full name is posted at the door, a sign that he is our class adviser for the whole school year. When we entered the room, we saw our classmates chatting around, probably about vacation. We saw Maith reading a book in his seat.

"Hey, Maith!" Lad called. "Did you reserve a seat for us?!" he asked while approaching him.

"Yeah," Maith answered while looking at his book. "One beside me and two behind," as he pointed the empty seats from the back.

I placed my bag at the seat behind him which is near the window, I can see the whole field from here. Daryl is sitting beside me while Ladwick occupied the seat beside Maith. That's a good thing so he won't disturb me during class, he is talkative and he isn't afraid of the teachers discussing during class, tss.

I noticed my classmates went silent and their gaze are fixed into a certain direction. I followed where they are looking at, I frowned when I saw a weird looking girl. Does she know the word fashion? Ugh, probably not. Her hair is fixed into a low ponytail and it has curl on the ends. The skirt of her uniform is way too long! It almost reach her ankles, goodness. She has a notebook on her hand and she's even wearing thick eyeglasses! What an eyesore!

"What is she?"

"Is she our classmate?"

"I don't know."

She is looking for a vacant. The only vacant seat is the one behind me, I saw her walking towards our direction. So, what if she'll take the seat behind me? I don't care at all. She is ugly and it makes my eye sore. Even if she has white complexion like mine, she is still ugly because she looks like an old hag because of her appearance. Tss. I saw some girls walked towards her. I didn't look at them, it's a waste of time to look at an ugly person.

"Hey, ugly nerd, do you know about the word fashion?" I heard one of the girls asked her.

"Don't you have any mirror at home?" another one asked.

"Do you even know what a mirror is?"

"Do you even belong to this class?"

I heard Ladwick laughed while looking at the back where the girls and the ugly nerd are, even Maith is looking at them. I glanced at them and I saw nerdy handing her form to Angelina. Hmmm.

"What's that?" Angeline asked while looking at the paper.

"You have eyes. Why don't you read it?" the ugly nerd asked. "Are you blind? Or you just don't know how to read?" she innocently asked.

What the hell? Did I heard it right?

Lad and Daryl are laughing with matching applause, even our other classmates that are male are joining in too. While most girls of the class are silent, I saw how Angelina's face turned red because of annoyance.

"I'm not blind and I know how to read! Stupid!" Angelina said in an angry tone.

"Then read it," nerdy challenged. "I belong to this class. If you have complaints about my presence here, better complain it to the principal," she added.

Angelina stomped her feet out if irritation and left the room, her friends followed her. Lad and Daryl gave the nerd girl a round of applause, even the other boys joined in. Nerdy just fixed her glasses and looked something in her bag.

"Whoa, Miss Cute Nerd, I'm so proud of you!" Lad said in a happy tone. "You're the first one who talked to Angelina in that way!"

What? Cute Nerd? Goodness, Lad is such a liar, saying flowery words to an ugly person, tss. I glanced at the nerd girl, she just glanced at Ladwick and returned her gaze to her phone.

"Anyway, Miss Cute Nerd, what's your name?" Ladwick asked while smiling. Ugh.

"You'll find it out later," nerdy replied.

I saw how Lad was taken aback, he probably didn't expect that kind of answer. Nerdy stood up and left the room. Why do I feel something weird?

"She's unpredictable," Maith commented.

"Because of what she had done to Angelina, I will make friends with her! She's my idol now!" Lad said while smiling.

"Seriously? You're going to be friends with her?" I asked while raising a brow at him.

"There's nothing wrong if Lad will be friends with her," Daryl said. "He could teach her about the word fashion!" he added while giving Lad a high five, ugh.

"Don't waste your time on a girl like her," I said. "She's ugly," I added.

"Ohhh, don't say it like that, Dude," Maith said. "She is not fixing herself properly that's why her appearance is like that," he said while fixing his bag.

"Maybe one day, you'll eat the words you said," Lad said while looking at me. "You'll regret calling her ugly, Gray," as he grinned from ear to ear, tsk.

"I bet, our friend will look for Miss Cute Nerd's face one day!" Daryl teased.

"Stupid, why would I look for her ugly face?"

The school bell ring and our classmates went to their designated seats. After a few moments, Sir Falyer went inside the room. He looked at the whole class and asked if there are transferees.

"Are there any transferees?" he asked.

"Yes, Sir," one of our classmates answered. "But, she went out."

"Where is she?" Sir asked.

"She was talking someone through the phone, Sir," I glanced at the person who answered, it was Beatrice, the nerd's seatmate. "It looks like it was an important call," she added.

"Well-"

Sir Falyer's words were cut off by a knock on the door, we all looked at the door and it was the nerd girl. She was standing by the door while holding her phone. I saw how Sir Flayer crossed his arms.

"You're 10 minutes late for my class. Don't you know class starts at 7:30am?" Sir Falyer asked in a cold tone. "Explain yourself," he added.

"I'm sorry for being late, my brother called," she answered. "It was an emergency regarding our father," she added.

I frowned, where does she get that kind of bravery? It doesn't matches her face. Sir Falyer told her to introduce herself in class since she is a transferee. She walked towards the platform and looked at us.

"Nathalie Chase Sanchez, 17, from Montenegro National High School," she said.

"Any interest, Miss Sanchez?" Sir asked.

Nerdy just shook her head and Sir Falyer gestured her to take her seat. Sir Falyer discussed the rules and regulations of the school, and it makes me sleepy, I know all of the rules, tch. I looked at towards outside and I saw some birds flying. I felt somebody poked my shoulder, I looked towards the direction where it came from. It was Daryl.

"Do you have paper?" he asked.

"Why?" I asked back.

"You didn't listen?" he asked as he gave me a bored look. "Sir said we will make an essay about our summer vacation," he explained.

I get some paper from my bag and gave one to Daryl. I sighed when Lad automatically turned his head towards my direction to beg a one sheet of paper, he hasn't changed at all. I grabbed my pen and started writing down the essay. When I was done, I stood up and walked towards Sir Falyer to submit my paper but he raised an eye brow at me.

"Mister Galvez, I clearly said that it should be three paragraphs that consists fifteen sentences," he handed me my paper. "Revise your work, Mister Galvez," he added.

I didn't utter a word and returned to my seat, I caught the nerd girl looking at me. When our gazes met, she avoided my gaze, she looked back at her paper and continued writing, tsk. A few hours passed lunch arrived, our classmates stood up and went out to go to the cafeteria. Some of the class remained here at the room, taking out their lunch boxes.

"Where are we gonna eat?" I heard Maith asked.

"Let's just eat out," Lad answered. "I'm craving for Korean foods," he added.

"Shut up, we're not going to satisfy your cravings," Daryl said. "Unless it's your treat?" he asked while looking at Ladwick.

"Nope," Lad answered while giving us a peace sign.

"There's a newly opened café near here, should we try there?" Maith suggested.

The three of them looked at me, waiting for my opinion.

"Where?" I asked. "Café? Pastries for lunch?" I added as I raised a brow at him.

"Well, they do have pastries, but at the other side of the café is a resto," Maith answered.

"Half café, half resto?" Ladwick asked to confirm, and Maith nodded.

"Let's try it," Daryl agreed. "Walking distance?" he asked.

"Yep. It's near Porchela's internet café," Maith answered.

We went out of the room and went downstairs of the building. We passed by a lot of students, and they looked amazed to see us passed by, ugh. When we went out of the school, we saw other students from different schools as we walked towards the resto Maith was talking about. We passed by some girls and they are giggling while looking at us, tsk.

We stopped in front of the resto. Maith went inside and we followed, there are a lot of customers. Most of them are students, we occupied a table near the glass wall, and we can see the other side which is the café. I guess this is the wall that separates the café and resto, but there's a sliding door in the middle of the wall, connecting the café and resto. So, if you want to grab some coffee, there's no need for you to get out of the shop.

A little girl that looks like at the age of 7 years old walked towards us while wearing a pink apron, she gave us a menu. While choosing food to order, Lad and the others are noisy, asking each other what food they should order, ugh. After a few minutes of choosing what to order, we finally came up one. The little girl listed it down on her notepad.

"Are you still students, Sir?" the little girl asked us.

"Isn't-"

"Yes, little girl," Maith cut me off. "Why?" he asked while looking at the little girl.

"I would like to ask for your ID," she answered. "I will show it to the cashier in charge so we can give you a little discount since the four of you are students," she explained at she pointed the counter.

"Discount? That's nice," Lad said while smiling as he give his ID to the little girl.

The rest of us gave her our IDs. She smiled and told us to wait for our orders and she walked towards the counter.

"Awwwe, that little girl is so cute!" Lad said with full of admiration in his eyes.

"You said it," Maith agreed. "I wish I had a younger sister like her," he added as he glanced where the little girl went.

I looked towards the café, we can see other customers there because of the glass wall. I looked around the whole room, I admire how they design the interior. It's relaxing and not too flashy like other shops, they also have plants here, and it adds a relaxing vibe to the whole room. They also play some relaxing music. I frowned when I saw an eyesore at the far corner of the room. When did she arrived here? I saw the nerd girl eating some spaghetti. Goodness, I wasted seconds when I looked at her. Ugh, she's such an eye sore.

Keath Gray Galvez

I can say that the food at their resto is delicious, I would like to eat there again. The café also displayed a lot of pastries, they have some brownies and cakes too. Should I buy some brownies for her? For sure, she would love it. I heard from Maith that the owner of the café and resto are just the same person.

When we arrived at school, it was a great timing we didn't get late because there were only a few minutes left before the afternoon period will start. I sighed when first period started and we have history class, this class makes me drowsy. Why do we even have to learn about the past? Ugh.

"Hey, what are thinking?" Lad asked while looking at me, he is probably bored and wants to talk. Ugh.

"None of your business," I replied as I looked outside the window.

"Sir Montejo's way of discussing the lesson makes me tired and sleepy," Daryl whispered while looking at our teacher.

Its first day and some of our classmates are late for the first class for the afternoon period. Even the nerd girl isn't here. Why would I care about where she is? Tss. Maybe she got drowned because of her spaghetti. Sir Montejo just finished checking the attendance.

"There's a transferee?" he asked as he looked at the whole class.

"I think she's late, Sir," I heard Beatrice answered.

I looked at her, I saw her looked at me, she raised her eye brows, a sign of asking if I have anything to say.

"Are you friends with her?" I asked.

"Kind of," she answered while smiling. Tss.

I looked back at Sir Montejo who is giving instructions about his subject while opening the book that we are going to use for his class. Suddenly we heard a knock on the door, we looked towards the door and we saw the nerd girl who is late for class.

"Do you belong in this class?" Sir Montejo asked her.

"Yes, Sir," she answered. "I'm a transferee. I'm sorry I'm late," she added.

I can see how her shoulder moved up and down, it looks like she ran all the way here. Sir Montejo told her to take her seat. Sir Montejo told her not be late for his class tomorrow.

"Hey, where have you been?" I heard Beatrice asked her seatmate who was late for class.

"Just somewhere," the nerd girl answered.

Tss. What kind of answer is that?!

Sir Montejo continues his discussion. Time passed by and it was dismissal. Lad and the others headed downstairs, they said they'll grab some snacks at the cafeteria. I walked my way towards the restroom. I passed by some students that are going home on my way.

After using the toilet, I washed my hands and washed my face to get rid of the drowsiness. For the whole afternoon period, I was sleepy. I wiped my face with my handkerchief and headed back towards the classroom. I was about to enter the room to get my bag but I stopped in my tracks when I heard somebody shouted from inside. I took a peek to see whose inside through the second door.

"I said I'm fine, Cole. Can't you understand it?!" I heard nerdy said in an annoyed tone to the phone. "Whatever, I'm not going home together with you! I don't care!" as she moved the phone away from her ear.

I saw her grabbed her bag and walked towards the door where I'm standing. I took a deep breath and pretended that I didn't heard her shouting a while ago. We passed by each other and I think she didn't notice my presence. Well, quiet people are scary when they are angry. I also don't care if she gets mad, it's none of my business anyways. I grabbed my bag, I was about to leave the room when I saw her standing by the door, looking at me.

"What?" I asked her. She just stared at me and left without uttering a word, weirdo.

I went downstairs of our building. I saw Ladwick and the others by the lobby, eating some snacks while waiting for me. Maith waved at me while I walked towards them.

"Have you seen Nerdy?" Maith asked as I approached them.

"Why?" I asked back as I frowned.

"Somebody was looking for her," he answered as he lick his ice-cream.

"Huh?" I'm confused, somebody was looking for her?

"A blonde haired dude was looking for her," Daryl explained.

"She went downstairs ahead of me," I told them as I fixed my bag.

"Do you think it's her boyfriend?" Ladwick asked while scooping his ice-cream. "You know, the guy that was looking for her," he added while looking at us.

"Definitely not," I answered. "How can her ugliness attract someone? Duh," I added.

"I will really laugh at you, Gray, if you will become her boyfriend," Daryl commented as he took a bite of his ice-cream cone.

"Over my dead body, that's not gonna happen," I replied.

We walked towards the gate. Daryl was the first one to be fetched by their family car. Maith and Ladwick told me they are going to buy something at the mall. I'm walking my way home, Mom texted me earlier that Andrew is with her and she has an important appointment, also, I don't want Kierra to fetch me.

There are also some students that are walking ahead of me and from behind. The road on my way home is not that scary since it's not yet dark and the village where we are living is closed by, just a few streets away and I'll arrive at our house. As I walked my way home, I heard my phone ring form my pocket. I took it out to see who is calling.

Incoming call from Kierra...

I answered it because it might be an emergency. I sighed when I heard her sharp shrieked from the other line. Argh! She's damaging my ear drums!

"Can you stop shrieking will you?!" I complained to her.

"E... I cannot! Uwaaaah!" she giggled and shrieked again. Why do I have a sister like her?!

"Shut the fuck up, Kierra!" I yelled at her through the phone.

"I'm really sorry, Gray!" she whined. "I just can't help it because..." I sighed, I hate people who trails off.

"Because of what?! Can you say it faster? I'm in the middle of the road," I said with a tone of irritation.

"Oh, nobody fetch you?!" she asked in a worried tone.

"Mom has an appointment and she took the car with Andre-"

"I'll fetch you! Where are you?!" she asked in an excited tone. "Accompany me at the mall!" she added.

I sighed as I realized I made a mistake of telling her I'm in the middle of the road. There's no point in lying to escape her, ugh. I looked around to see where I am. I realized I'm by the resto where we had lunch earlier.

"Jazz café and resto," I answered.

"Where is that?" she asked. I heard a horn just made a sound form the other line.

"Are you calling while driving?!" I asked as I walked towards the café.

"Uh, yes," she answered. "Where is that located?" she asked.

"It's a newly opened café and resto near the school," I answered as I entered the café.

"Okay! I'm near your school!" she replied.

I ended the call and walked towards the counter. There are only a few people here since its getting dark. I noticed that they have a lot of different pastries that are displayed. From cakes, to cupcakes, brownies, pies, and many more.

"Welcome to Jazz café, Sir," the girl in the counter greeted.

I ordered two boxes of assorted brownies, she also gave me a discount since I'm a student. She paid her the amount needed and she handed me the bag where my orders are. I looked outside and I saw a familiar car coming to my way. It parked in front of me at the other side of the street. I walked towards it and headed towards the backseat but when I tried to open the door, it was lock. Tss. I knocked the window and it opened.

"Shot gun seat, Gray," she said while smiling. Ugh.

I opened the door of the shotgun seat and went inside. I put my bag and the paper bag where the brownies are at the back seat. I put on my seatbelt and looked outside.

"Oh, what's that, Gray?" she asked as she drive away.

"Brownies for Mom and Kelly," I answered

"Give me some later," she said.

"Whatever, so what are we going to do at the mall?" I asked.

"Well, I want to treat myself since, I got hired!" she happily announced, ugh.

"Then?" I asked with a bored tone.

"I want to buy... hmmm... a new attire," she answered.

I frowned at her. Didn't she went to the mall the other week? Girls and their stuff, sheesh.

"Didn't you went to the mall the other week?" I asked. "You also bought new clothes last month and you're going to bring new ones again?!"

"I'll also buy some make up," she defended.

"You bought some last week!" I replied.

"Geez, Gray," she complained. "It's not like I'm gonna buy the whole mall, you know, I'll just... buy really a few stuff," she added as she gave me an apologetic smile.

"The last time you said a few stuff, I was carrying 15 paper bags from different stores, Kierra," I said in a sarcastic tone as I looked at the road.

I heard her laughed, ugh. Why does she always go to the mall and do some shopping spree? She should save her money, goodness.

"Hehehe. I promise, I'll really buy a few, as in," she said.

"Don't you know Dad said he'll stop giving you allowance and let you work hard so you'll earn your own money?" I asked her.

"Of course, I know," she answered. "Dad told me," as she turned at the corner and we saw the mall.

She parked the car and we got off. We went inside the mall. I sighed as I saw a lot of people, what to expect? Ugh.

"How about we grab some snacks first?" she suggested.

"You're supposed to buy a new office attire and make up?" I asked in an irritated tone. "Don't forget we are having dinner at the house," I reminded her.

"Hmp!" as she rolled her eyes.

"Immature," I replied.

Time passed by and we walked inside another department store. I don't know if Kierra already decided what to buy, I already have three paper bags in my hands.

"Gray, how about I'll buy this sunglasses?" she asked as she wear it and looked at me. The shades was all black.

"Mom texted, dinner is almost ready," I lied, I really want to go home.

"Sheesh, Liar," she said as she gave me a sharp look.

"Shades is not on your list, put it back," I complained.

"Alright, alright," she complained as she put the shades back. "Killjoy."

We went out of the store and head out of the mall, there are a lot of people going out of the mall along with us. I sighed when we got caught on traffic jam, its rush hour so it's natural. When we arrived home, I saw Mom by the kitchen cooking something. Kelly is mixing something in the bowl. I noticed that Dad isn't here yet, it would be a good thing not to eat dinner with him.

"Did the two of you went to the mall?" Mom asked as she glanced at us.

"Yup!" Kierra answered. "I just bought some stuff."

"She wasted money on unnecessary things again," I said as placed the paper bags at the couch.

I walked towards the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, I placed the brownies inside.

"What's that Gray?" I heard Kelly asked.

"It's a surprise," I answered. "What are you doing?" I asked as I looked at her.

"Mom is making omelet for us," she replied as a wide smile plastered on her face.

"Omelet for dinner?" I asked as I frowned as Mom.

Mom gave me a smile. Sheesh, Kelly probably said that she wants omelets for dinner and because she's the youngest, Mom can't say "no" to her, ugh.

"Nope, just making them. Kelly said she's craving for some," Mom answered. "We have fish soup, it's still hot," she added.

"So, Kelly will eat all of the omelets that you cooked?" Kierra asked while staring at the plate with omelets.

"Kelly can't finish all of that," I replied in a for-your-information tone.

"You can have some if you want, Kierra," Mom replied.

"I'll have some," Kierra said and went upstairs.

I told Mom I'm going to change too. I grabbed my bag and went to my room. After changing I went out of my room, I was about to go downstairs but I heard Dad's voice. I went back to my room and lay down on my bed. I wish he went home late, hays. I don't want to face Dad, every time he sees me, he will grab the opportunity to ask me about college. I hate it, he's been asking me since at the start of third year high school and now, and it's damn tiring.

I looked towards the door, I heard a knock. The door slowly opened and Kelly's head appeared, she's smiling.

"Dad is home! Dinner time!" she announced.

I took a deep breath before getting out of my bed. I went downstairs with Kelly and all of them are already sitting by the dining table. Kelly run towards her seat and occupied it.

"Good evening, Dad," I greeted and he replied with a nod.

I took my seat and we started to eat dinner. All of the attention poured down on Kierra, Mom and Dad asked her about her interview. I just focused on my food as I listen to my sister telling everything happened on her interview.

"You know what, Mom, our boss suddenly went to the area where the interview was held!" she excited said. "He is so handsome and hot! Goodness!" she added that made my eyes roll.

"Tss."

"Oh, come on, Gray, I'm telling the truth," Kierra said as she took a bite from her meal. "That's I bought new clothes and make up because I need to be presentable," she added.

"Duh, every employee should be presentable," I replied.

"Well, for your information, I'm the only one who got hired!" as she smirked.

She bragged about how difficult the interview was and she just slayed it, and other stuff. I finished my food and went upstairs. I don't want to stay at there for long. When I entered my room I heard my phone ring. I picked it up to see who was calling and it was Lad. What does he need?

"Hello?" I asked as I answered the call.

"Hurry up and get online!" he ordered. "Hurry up!"

I rolled my eyes and ended the call. I opened my laptop and sit on my swivel chair. After a few minutes of setting up the laptop, an incoming call from Daryl showed up. I answered it and I saw their faces on the screen.

"So?" I asked. "What's up?" I added as looked at them.

"Let me copy your assignment!" Ladwick answered.

"I haven't done it yet," I replied as I leaned on my chair. "Go ahead and copy from Maith."

"Kidding!" and he laughed. "There's really no assignment," he added.

"What is the agenda, Lad?" Maith asked while writing something. "You even wanted to do a video call."

"The blonde haired dude earlier," Lad said as he clasped his hands together.

"What about it?" Daryl asked. "You have a crush on him? Are you gay now?!" he added as he glanced at the camera and continued playing games on his phone.

I sighed, I think Ladwick picked up some random rumor about that guy.

"Stupid! Of course not!" Ladwick said as he gave us a sharp look. "I like girls, dummy," he added.

"Well, I don't care about that guy," I said. "I'm out-"

"Hey, Gray, wait! Wait a minute!" Lad shouted.

Geez.

"Are you not even interested about the guy who looked for our nerd classmate earlier? Like, why he is looking for Nerdy?" he asked. "His photo was uploaded at the underground website of the school," he added

I saw how Maith's eyes widened because of Lad's statement, while Daryl froze and slowly looked at the screen. I bit my lower lip as I found myself logging into the underground website of the school. As soon as I opened my account, the article that Ladwick was talking about was already at my newsfeed.

Article 045. June **, ****

Blonde haired guy looking for the new transferee student in the senior class.

According to the students who saw him he goes to Presmont International School. Well, the uniform says it all. Question is, who is the transferee he is looking for?

The photo shows a guy by the gate, and he has blond hair. He is also wearing the uniform of PIS, it's a school located few meters away from the university.

"Did you guys saw it?!" I heard Lad asked, I just remembered I didn't ended the call.

"Yeah, just saw it," I answered as I minimize the window. Daryl and Maith also saw it.

"Well, so what do you guys, think about it?" Ladwick asked.

"I don't care at all," I answered.

"Well, Miss Cute Nerd is pretty," Daryl answered. "The problem is she didn't dress neatly," he added.

"The one that looked for her was from Presmont," Maith commented.

"So, what if they are from Presmont?" I asked as I frowned.

Why are they making it a big deal? Tss.

"That's the question!" Ladwick said as he raised his eye brow. "Why those students who go to Presmont look for our nerd classmate? Aren't you guys curious?" he asked as his eyes widened.

"There's nothing wrong if some students from Presmont will look for another student at the university," I replied in a bored tone.

"I don't know what to do with you, Gray!" Ladwick complained as he gave me sharp look. "Why are you not curious at all?"

"Just let Gray do what he wants," Daryl replied. "He doesn't care about your agenda, Lad," he added.

"I'll go ahead," I announced.

They told me goodnight and I replied them with a nod and left the call. I turned off the laptop and also the lights. The only light in the dark is coming from my lampshade which is on top of the bedside table. I lay down on my bed and closed my eyes. Why would I waste my time on a nerd girl like her? Tss.

Keath Gray Galvez

Today is the second day of school, as I walked through the hallways towards our building there are some students going to their rooms. When I arrived at the classroom I saw Ladwick and the others. I walked towards my seat, I saw Beatrice talking to Nerdy. Ugh, she is a total eyesore. I took my seat and our teacher arrived. It was a good thing I didn't get late, she discuss our lesson for today and give us a quiz.

"Gray," I heard Lad whispered, I looked at him as I raised my eyebrow. "What's your answer for number one?" he whispered.

I glanced at my paper. Geez, didn't he listen to what our teacher discussed?

"D," I whispered back and he replied me with a grinned.

Time passed by slowly, I was glad when lunchtime came. I'm fixing my things in my bag. I brushed my hair using my fingers, my hair seems to grow long.

"Let's have lunch at the resto again," Ladwick announced.

"Sure," Daryl agreed. "They have discount there, it doesn't hurts my wallet that bad," he added.

"Their food also taste great," Ladwick said while looking at us.

I stood up and grabbed my back. Maith also stood up and put his bag on his shoulder.

"Let's go," Ladwick said. "Hurry up," he added while pushing us to the door.

"It's so obvious that you're dead hungry," I commented as we walked through the hallway.

"Well, I'm not gonna argue with you," Ladwick replied. "I'm really hungry, Dude," he added.

I sighed when I heard girls giggle when we passed by classrooms. I hate hearing them, it irritates me. Even the girls we passed by who are standing by the hallways, ugh.

"Tsk."

"Gray, you should get used to it," Maith whispered as he tapped my shoulder.

I'm used to it but it still irritates me, I hate that kind of attention. We went out of the school and headed to the resto. When we arrived there, it wasn't crowded like yesterday. Well, we're a bit early than yesterday. We looked for a vacant table and occupied it. The kid who took our orders yesterday greeted us, she's getting our orders just like yesterday.

"You're so cute, baby girl," Daryl said in a voice full of adminration.

"Thank you," the girl smiled. "I'll give your orders to the kitchen," she said and left the table, she also took our IDs.

I looked around and I noticed that the surroundings slowly became crowded. I frowned when I saw Nerdy sitting at one of the tables at the corner. When did she arrived here? I didn't noticed her left the classroom.

"Oh, look, Nerdy is here," Ladwick said while looking at Nerdy's direction.

"Should we invite her here?" Daryl asked. "She looked so lonely," he added.

I was about to object his idea when three students approached her and occupied the seats on the table where she is sitting. It's look like the girls are from Montenegro National High School, judging from the uniform.

"Whoa, her friends look beautiful," Lad commented. "Why is she the only who's ugly?" he added while looking at Nerdy's direction.

"Well, she doesn't fix herself properly," Daryl answered as he shrugged.

"Stop looking at them, will you?" I complained and the both of them looked at me.

"We're just looking at them, Dude," Ladwick answered.

"Stop wasting your time, tss," I replied.

Our orders arrived and we started eating our lunch. Before leaving we went to the counter to pay and retrieve our IDs. When we arrived at the classroom, I noticed our classmates went silent when they saw us. Did something happened?

"What's up?" Maith asked while placing his bag on his desk.

"Well..." I saw one of our classmates gulped.

"Layla was here a while ago," one of them said while looking at me. "She was looking for you just like the usual," she added.

"Layla?!" Ladwick asked while looking at our classmate.

Shit. Why is she here?! What does she wants?!

"Where did she went?" I asked while looking at them.

"Uh, she said she'll come back here later," another one answered.

"You're dead, Dude," Ladwick said while gesturing his hand, as if slicing his neck.

"Shut up, you're not helping," I said in an irritated tone.

"It's almost our first subject for the afternoon period," Daryl commented while looking at the wall clock at back of the room.

We looked at each other when we someone shouting from the hallway, I bit my lower lip as I recognized the voice. I heard Daryl shouted that it was Layla. I run towards the second door of our room, I hide behind it. I gulped as I closed my eyes when I heard her voice. Damn it.

"Oh, Hi, Maith! Daryl!" I heard her greeted my friends. "Hello, Ladwick! Wait, where is Gray?" she asked, just by her voice, I'm already irritated as hell. Tsk.

"He said he's going to grab a few books at the library," Maith lied.

"Oh, okay, thank you!" I heard her footsteps left the room.

"Layla's gone," one of our classmates said.

I went out of my hiding place. I took a deep breath. Why is that she always looks for me when she's here? Damn it.

"Ladwick-"

My eyes widened because of the voice, it was Layla! I immediately run out of the classroom. I don't know where I should hide. I just found myself standing at the rooftop of our building. I sighed as a cold breeze passed by. I should stay here for a bit, it's still second day, being absent won't hurt that bad. I walked towards my favorite spot, I took off my blazer and unbuttoned three buttons of my polo, and I loosened my necktie too. I put my bag at the edge of the rooftop and lied down, it's also safe here because there's a wire fence that will prevent anything from falling. I closed my eyes, I'll just take a nap.

When I opened my eyes the sky's color is changing, what time is it? I looked at my watch and it was already dismissal. Damn, because of Layla I skipped the whole afternoon period. My nap was good too but still, tss. I stood up and went downstairs. When I arrived at the room, I saw Ladwick, Daryl, and Maith waiting for me. They're the ones left in here.

"Where have you been?" Maith asked when he saw me.

"Rooftop," I answered.

"You know what, Layla is so irritating," Ladwick said while showing an irritated face.

"You said it," Daryl agreed. "That girl is so head over heels for you," he said while looking at me.

"Let's just go home," I told them.

As we walked downstairs, Ladwick and Daryl are still teasing me about Layla. I just remained silent and ignored them. Tss.

"I won't be surprised if she'll visit you later," Maith said as we approached the gates.

"For sure, that girl will go to your house later," Ladwick said. "Her love for you is unreachable," he added while grinning.

"Let's sleep over at Ladwick's place for tonight," I suggested.

I sighed when the three of them laughed at me. Tsk.

"You know its Tuesday, Mom will not allow me," Maith said as he shook his head.

"Yeah, it's Tuesday, Mom will not allow it, Dude," Ladwick said.

"Friendly advice," I looked at Daryl. "Eat dinner early and stock some food at your room, incase Layla will visit you," he said as he tapped my shoulder.

"Daryl has a point," Lad agreed.

When we arrived by the gates, I saw our family car. Maith and the others are also fetch by their own cars. When I arrived at home, I saw Kelly watching movies at the living room, while Mom is cooking dinner at the kitchen. I went straight up to my room and change clothes before laying down on my bed. I'm still sleepy, I grabbed my phone and played some music. I closed my eyes as I listen to the lyrics of the song playing.

I heard a knock from my door. I opened my eyes and glanced at the clock at my bed side table. It's already 7pm, damn, I dozed off. I stood up and opened the door. I saw Kierra standing and giving me a sharp look.

"What?" I asked her.

"You have a visitor downstairs," she answered.

I silently hope that it wasn't Layla but my prayer wasn't heard.

"Layla," she answered.

"I'm not going downstairs," I firmly said.

"Gray, Dad will be mad if he'll found out that you ignored Layla again," she reminded me.

"Is he here?" I asked.

"He's still at work," she answered.

"I don't want to go down, I don't give a damn, send her home," I was about to close the door but she stopped me.

"She's having dinner here with us, Gray," she gave me another sharp look.

I told Kierra I'll change into presentable clothes as an excuse to leave me alone. I shut the door and sighed. They damn predicted that Layla will come here. Kierra warned me that she'll kill me if I won't follow her downstairs after a minute. Tsk.

Why is she following me even at our house?! Goodness. What if I'll die? Don't tell me she'll follow me to the afterlife? The hell. It seems like I'm the only guy she sees in her eyes, it's irritating. I changed into my pedal shorts and black t-shirt. I grabbed my black hoodie and wear it. I grabbed my wallet and phone. I silently opened my window. It's a long way down if I'll fall from here.

I quietly went out of my room through the window. I slowly closed the window. It was a good thing that there's a big and steady branch here near my window. I slowly climb my way out of the house. The big tree we have here reaches the boundaries outside of our gate. I bit my lower lip as I climbed down from the wall of the gates. I was able to go outside without getting caught.

I wear my hoodie properly and grabbed my bike. I leave it here for emergencies like this. It's a good thing that nobody stole it. I ride my bike and drive away. I don't know where I should go, I just want to stay away from the house. I don't want Layla to catch me, because if she'll me, I have no escape. She's irritating as hell.

As I pedal away from the house, I felt hunger crawling into my system. I passed by some eateries but I don't feel like their food is well sanitize or what. I stopped in front of the resto. I parked my bike and went inside the resto. They only have a few customers here at the moment, also the café.

I sit at one of the vacant tables. They placed the menu at the table, I opened it to choose my dinner for tonight. I realized they served different food around this time of the day. Hmmm. Would fried chicken and some pork be good for tonight? Damn, I really want to eat Mom's food for tonight, if it wasn't for Layla, tsk.

"Good evening, Sir, I'll take your order," I heard a girl's voice from my side said.

My eyes widened when I saw the person standing by my side. I blinked twice to see if I wasn't hallucinating. I saw how her eyes widened, she's surprised to see me as well.

"Nerdy?" I called.

I saw her raised her eyebrow at me. She's wearing a blue dress and a white apron, it seems like a uniform here. She's holding a notepad and pen, her hair is tied into a high ponytail. She's not wearing her eyeglasses! Wait, is she wearing her make-up?

"I wasn't inform that my name became nerdy," she commented. "Anyway, what's your order?" she added.

"Are you working here?" I asked back.

"Part-time," she replied. I slowly nodded. "Your order," she reminded.

"Uh... uh, I'll take dinner meal set A," I replied as I looked at her.

"Alright," as she wrote it on her notepad. "Wait for a few minutes," and she left.

I bit my lower lip as I remember what Ladwick and the others saying about Nerdy. She's beautiful if she'll dress up properly. Wait, why am I thinking about her? Nothing changed, she's still ugly, and she's not pretty at all! Tss. I felt my phone vibrated, I took it out to see who texted.

From: Ate Kierra

Where the hell are you?!

As if her text will scare me. Instead of replying her, I composed a text and send it to Mom.

To: Mom

Mom, I'm at the newly opened resto near our school. Don't worry about me, I'm fine. Please don't tell Layla.

After sending it, an incoming call from Ladwick. I pressed the answer button and placed the phone near my ear.

"Hello?" I asked.

"How are you, Gray?!" he asked and laughed. "I bet Layla is at your place! Hurry up and be online!" he added.

"I'm not at home, Dude," I replied as I looked outside.

"Huh?!" I can imagine his confused look. "Where-"

"Bye," I cut him off and ended the call.

He will ask where I am right now, and he will ask a lot of follow up questions. After a few moments, I heard somebody talked from my side. I turned my head to see who it is, it was Nerdy. I gulped when I met her gaze. Damn, why is she intimidating right now?! What's wrong with me?!

"Here's your order, Mister Galvez," she said as she put placed my order in front of me.

"Thank you," I said while avoiding her gaze.

"No problem," she replied. "Just call me if you need anything," she was about to leave.

I want to punch myself when I said something unexpected. Damn.

"You're pretty if you'll dress properly," I said.

I avoided her gaze when she looked at me, I am regretting what I just said. Damn. I hope she won't say anything-

"If I'll look like this every day, I'll melt because of your stare, Galvez," I heard said.

I gulped and secretly looked at her walked away. What the hell did she just said?! She'll melt because of my stare?! Does she think she's that beautiful?! She wasn't like that back at school. She's quiet and aloof at school, when did her confidence rise up?! Tss.

I shook my head as I took a bite from my meal. I finished my meal and went to the counter to pay. I saw their wall clock saying that it's already 9pm. I hope Layla left the house already. I looked at the door where authorized personnel are allowed. Did she went home already?

"Are you looking for Nathalie?' I coughed because of the cashier's question. That's when I realized her face is familiar, she was one Nerdy's friends, the one from MNHS.

"W-what?" I asked. "No, I'm not. Thanks for the meal," I said as I turned my back and headed out of the resto.

I really hope Layla is not at our house anymore. I took a deep breath and ride my bike. I pedaled my bike my way home in a slow pace so I can make sure that Layla left. I was about to pass by a corner of a street when five men blocked my way, making me grabbed the brakes of my bike. Damn it, I smell trouble.