cont...
We were practically sisters. We'd been best friends since we were in diapers. I laughed without humor, staring at my hands. We grew up together. Went to the same school. Stayed at each other's house just to play around and all that.
Sounds familiar to me. Seth chuckled. Come to think of it, we both have the same story.
Even before, I'm always the stronger one between us. Our classmates would bully her then because she used this really thick glasses. She'd often go home crying and when I ask her why, she'd say it doesn't matter. Until one day I myself saw how she's being bullied by others. So what I did was pull the tall girl's hair and scratched her face. Yza was crying and telling me to stop but I didn't. I continued strangling the girl until a teacher came and stopped the fight. I earned a trip to the guidance office on that same day.
You really are a brat. Even from back then. Seth commented, tossing something into the air.
I know right? I said, tucking my lustrous locks behind my ear.
What happened next?
My parents got furious of course. They asked me to apologize to the girl but I didn't. I told them I was just defending Yza from that bully but they said I should've just told our teacher so she can make the appropriate action.
Right. Why didn't you tell your teacher first before acting on your own?
Because believe it or not, I'm way too protective when it comes my friends. I may be a bitch but I value my friends so much. But when they start acting a bitch towards me, I won't just let that pass up. I said with a raised eyebrow.
So are you saying that Yza started bitching you out?
I guess you can say that. I nodded, remembering the days when we were still friends. When we graduated, she became valedictorian and I was the salutatorian though I know I am far better than her. But the teachers favored her because she's the quiet and polite student unlike me who talks loud and spontaneous. My mom gave her the dress she personally designed and tailored as a graduation gift, while I received a not so complimenting dress from her boutique. I started hating Yza since then.
Seth looked shocked. You chose that dress over you friend? You can't be serious.
It's not just a dress! I exclaimed, my voice raised an octave higher. All my life, I've never received anything personally picked by my mom. I was never given that much attention. My mom likes her so much, even my dad thinks of her as their daughter. I was neglected by my own parents, and it's all her fault. Because she's the sweetest girl and I'm not. She's the kind and honest and charming daughter while I'm the spoiled brat. She's always the better, the smarter and-
Seth hugged me suddenly that I lost track of what I was saying. Stop. You know that's not true. He stroked my back as I felt tears escaping from my eyes. He said things that were supposed to calm me, but it just made me cry harder.
A few minutes after being a little crybaby, Seth patted my head then smiled. I always knew you have that softer side in you. He said pinching my nose.
Shut up. I slapped his hand away. He laughed then got another apple.
So how did my cousin got caught in between you two?
His question hit me with nostalgia, but I know better than to let my emotions take over me again. I told him how I met James December last year then the events that led to Junior prom.
I invited him to be my date that night and he agreed right away. The moment we stepped inside the hotel's grand ballroom, all of their attention was set on us. Envious eyes followed us everywhere we went and everyone we bumped into told us we looked good together. Kat and Lia were very much happy for us that night. I looked at Seth with bitterness but he just nodded, telling me to go on.
Unlike Cinderella, I didn't have to wait for midnight for the magic to be broken. For a moment I was gone for the bathroom. I left James in our table, telling him I'd come back right away.
Let me guess what happened next. Seth offered. When you came back, James was already talking with Yza like they've known each other all along. Right?
Exactly. For the rest of the night, I watched him watched her with growing despair.
Then he decided to transfer from Eastville to Eastern High. Seth concluded.
That pink dress didn't even look good on her. I said with the same wrath I felt for her that night.
No one spoke for a matter of minutes, and I felt relieved that Seth didn't ask anything more about the topic. Just then, he stood up and offered his hand.
C'mon. Let's do something else. I heard there's a cable car ride in here. He said, smiling at me. I stared at him a few more seconds than necessary before taking his outstretched hand.
Take me there. I smiled in return, squeezing his hand and his smile turned wider.
