"These are the major views or philosophies in the study of history."

I yawned as I glanced at Mrs. Buenaverde's presentation. History, ugh! The most boring subject for me. I don't know why some of my classmates enjoy this subject while I can't sit still and contemplate smashing my face on the desk.

"The first major view is—"

I was just half-listening when I felt my phone vibrate. Our subject teacher was engrossed in discussing our lessons, so I sneakily checked who dared to text me in the middle of class.

Family dinner tonight! Dad's coming home, so be early, okay?

As I read my elder sister's text message, it made me frown.

Dad is coming home today? How unlucky of me. Another instant sermon about the vast gap of achievements between me and my sister awaits.

"Are you listening, Ms. Sevilla?"

All eyes were on me when our teacher mentioned my surname. I saw her raised eyebrow, as if ready to bury me alive if I answered incorrectly.

"I'm sorry, Ma’am, and yes, I am listening," I said while adjusting my seat.

She nodded, turning off the presentation on the TV.

Damn, she's definitely going to ask me a question.

"Then, what are the examples of philosophies of history?" our teacher asked, folding her arms. I knew it! I need an escape route here, for Pete's sake!

I scanned my surroundings, seeking answers, and it seems fate is not that cruel today because I spotted my seatmate's notes.

"Uh, cyclical view, providential view, linear view, Marxist view, and relativist view." As I recited them, my teacher gave me a three-time clap.

"Very good! I didn't expect that you did listen to our lesson today!" Mrs. Buenaverde complimented. She seemed genuinely happy because, for the first time, I answered her question.

Phew! That was close! I don't want to add more negative points with Dad; he might turn me into siopao filling if that happens, and I'd be in big trouble.

I thanked my teacher, she just nodded, and we resumed discussing our lesson.
I almost bit the dust there. Thanks to my classmate's notes, I'm saved.

CRING!

The final bell signaling the end of our History class was like music to our ears! I could finally head home early, unlike my classmates who were eager to flock to their usual hangout spots for some fun.

I let out a sigh. I'm not your typical student relishing in the joys of teenage life. I am the daughter of Jake Sevilla, one of the most powerful and affluent humans in our country. How am I supposed to enjoy it when I'm constantly surrounded by judgmental eyes assuming I'm just like my family—known to be intelligent, well-mannered, and seemingly perfect in every way?

Rolling my eyes at that thought, I couldn't help but feel unlucky.

"Hey! I thought you'd never answer Ma'am's question earlier!" Carl, my seatmate, chimed in as he slung his backpack over his shoulder.

I just smiled and put on mine. "Lucky guess!"

He returned the smile as he began walking. "Care to join me? I'm in a hurry too, family dinner, I guess?" he offered.

I nodded in agreement and walked beside him. All eyes were glued to us as we exited the classroom and strolled down the hallway.

Well, this is Carl Beltran, the son of Henry Beltran, another powerful figure among humans. To the onlookers, the idea of me and Carl having a good time together seemed spectacular. The mere thought of two affluent individuals enjoying each other's company created quite a buzz.

"I knew they were a couple!"
"I ship them, but sometimes I dislike Fiamiolle because she's not that bright in class!"
"Carl is so handsome!"

These were some of the murmurs I overheard as we passed other students on the campus. I paid no attention, but Carl appeared bothered, so we stopped.

His forehead had been furrowed since earlier, and he couldn't seem to walk without appearing uneasy—a telltale sign of discomfort in the atmosphere.

"We're just friends, guys! Don't spread rumors that might lead us into traps. Our families might arrange a marriage out of nowhere!" Carl clarified with a smile, and the students around me, even the boys, smiled in response.

Are they infatuated with each other? No. They were simply captivated by Carl's perfection, I presume.

Seconds passed, and they all nodded, then silence surrounded us. Now, we can walk in peace. The person beside me breathed a sigh of relief upon realizing that other students were no longer paying attention to us.

As we exited our Academy, Carl started talking, or should I say complaining? "I hate them! They think we’re perfect, but in reality, we’re not! The slightest mistake, and they start whispering! Don't they have anything better to do in their lives?" I chuckled as he vented beside me. When there's no one around, that's when his true personality emerges. He's childish and talkative, unlike the composed Carl seen earlier.

"They think we're a perfect couple. Rich × rich, I think?" I replied, making him frown even more. I watched him mess up his perfectly gelled hair, and I just rolled my eyes. Well, that effort was wasted, but we're heading home anyway, so no worries.

We turned to the left. "If this reaches Dad and they try to arrange a marriage, I won't forgive them!" he exclaimed, making strange gestures in front of me, resembling a witch babbling about incantation spells. He's amusing yet incredibly annoying.

"We're here," I announced as we hurried towards the bus stop. We stopped upon arrival and sat down, waiting for our ride.

He continued to share stories beside me, but I only responded with nods and occasional agreement. I wasn't interested in his tales. I had a better story in mind than his. I grinned at the thought.

Wondering why we didn't have a car to pick us up? As our parents insisted, we need to be independent sometimes, and I'm fine with that, except for the boy beside me.

"I opened my notes for you to take a peek during History Class. How was it?" he asked, typing something on his phone.

I forced a smile at his words, momentarily forgetting he was the one beside me earlier. I was too preoccupied, I guess? "Thank you?" I said, and he laughed a little. I wondered why he found it amusing.

"You're welcome, Ms. Sevilla!" he grinned ear to ear. "Oh! Here's my bus! See you later!" he added, waving goodbye. I waved back, puzzled by the "see-you-later" phrase. Are we going to see each other? I shook my head at my thoughts.

Now, I am alone, and I love it. I took the book I borrowed earlier from the library. This book caught my eye. It's really old, and no matter how I tried to pick another one, I couldn't. It's like it's calling me. Am I saying weird things?

Well, let's start reading!

I sighed into nothingness as I read it. It's just a light novel that you encounter many times. Nothing special. I put it down in disappointment; I thought it would be exciting, but no. I shouldn't expect too much. Tsk.

My bus finally arrived, so I hastily packed my things on my lap. As I stood up, the book fell. I needed to grab it quickly because the bus was waiting, and then I saw a piece of paper landing with the book.

Someone must have placed it inside the book. I picked it up and boarded the bus.

There's nothing special on the paper; it's blank, old, and smells old. Probably someone used it as a bookmark; it's a thick book, after all. No one can finish it in just one day.

As my bus moved, I felt a bit of sunlight when it wasn't blocked by buildings or trees. The sun's rays touched my skin. I looked out the window; the sun was setting, seemingly afraid of the dark, hiding away.

I raised my hands when the sun reached my face, lowering them as it disappeared. I looked down and saw it touched my thighs. This sun today is something.

My attention was stolen when I glanced down. My eyes widened at something spectacular. It's a piece of paper!

If it was blank earlier, it now has writing on it! The sunlight made it visible!

I couldn't see myself, but I knew my eyes were sparkling. Every time I discover something new, I feel pure delight! This is exciting!

I quickly focused on the piece of paper. My fellow passengers, especially the one beside me, stared at me, but I ignored them because what I discovered was more important!

I was about to read it when we entered a tunnel. Ugh! My excitement faded as the sun disappeared. Just great.

Well, at least I have this piece of paper. I can look at it tomorrow, and I'm eager about it.