Days have passed, and I am satisfied with the time I spent with my family. It is finally my first day in high school again.
I never hated high school and I also don't like it. There are no important memories that I have with it.
"It is still early. I should go to CR for now." If there is someplace inside the school that is overly terrifying. That is the CR inside the school. The smell, the dirt, if a worm lives inside this place. That worm may die due to how dirty it was.
"I don't have a choice though this is the only place that has a mirror on it." I looked at the mirror as I covered my nose. My mother helped me buy a uniform last night. I checked it before I left but still I had to look at it before I entered the classroom. After all, this uniform turned my high school life into a hell. I simply learned my lesson.
Seeing my handsome appearance in the mirror I quickly leave that horrible place and rush toward my classroom.
Sigh.
"Do I have to do this again?" I muttered as I walked toward my classroom. I never really had great memories during high school. I was bullied, and I only had a single friend throughout. That is why my body feels heavier with every step toward the classroom.
I sat in the corner of the room. This was also my old seat, and it carried a lot of memories. I remembered that I once broke this very chair while doing absolutely nothing. Then my teacher asked me to pay for it.
"That really pissed me off because the price for a single chair was about 300 pesos. Same with how much a diligent worker gets paid."
Sighed.
"Wait what if?." Having a great idea, I start laughing in my heart. I can't control any expressions because I started to smirk. My plan is evil. But it was much better than not doing anything and having to pay for something that is faulty.
I dragged the teacher's chair quietly…
Let's see who pays for it this time.
The chairs look the same she won't notice.
"This is the payback for the stress they caused me."
Time passed quickly, and students started entering one by one. I was the first one inside because I didn't need to search for the room. Others had to look for theirs all over the school.
Thirty minutes later, the once quiet classroom turned chaotic. Students started talking to each other, clearly excited. After all, they were placed in the highest section of the school.
These kids are absolutely clueless. Looking back I was like them in my previous life. After all it was an honor and you made your parents proud. That is only on the first day.
After that,
"You'll probably start crying after a while. Being in the top section sucks. Teachers expect too much," I thought quietly.
"Hey!! I'm Jomarie. Who are you?" Someone interrupted my thoughts and sat beside me.
Even in my previous life, things also started like this.
"I'm Brier. Nice to meet you" I greeted him.
This guy, Jomarie, is my only friend in this school. We won't be separated into different sections. He's good academically, but he's also unique. He likes to play pranks on classmates and teachers.
In the past, we lost connection before college. I didn't pass the national university and was forced to study in a community college.
After that we didn't meet anymore. Maybe because I've never attended a reunion.
"Class, settle down. We are about to start!"
Our first subject is English. Her name is Louis Rembry. We call her Madam Rembry. She is an old teacher and will retire before I even graduate.
"I am Louis, your English teacher. I've been teaching for 30 years. I am 56 years old. My two children have already finished their studies," she said as she wrote her name on the board.
"Now that you know me, it's time for me to get to know you. Introduce yourself and show a brief talent," she added.
The class started murmuring. No one expected a talent showcase on the first day.
"Talents are meant to be shown. If you think you are talented in one field, you should show that and gain some recognition. Okay, let's start with the people at the back!"
That shocked me.
No, not her pep talk. I know she is going to say that. It was familiar.
However, from what I remember, it should start from the front. Why is she starting at the back now? How can things change?
"Butterfly effect?" I whispered, recalling a theory.
Confused, I watched as the introductions began. Luckily, I was on the opposite side. I would be the tenth.
One by one, they introduced themselves. Some sang, some danced, some performed poetry.
Then it was Jomarie's turn.
"I am Jomarie, 13. I live in San Isidro. My talent is acting," he said with a smug face.
This was the first time someone claimed acting as a talent. It's difficult and embarrassing if done poorly.
Three minutes later…
Everyone clapped.
"You did a good job. You can be a great comedian!" the teacher said.
"Hey! That was a drama!" Jomarie protested.
"Ahem! The next one should prepare. I'll just get water from the faculty."
Jomarie sat down, realizing there was no point arguing.
"Hey, what do you think about my performance?" he asked.
I didn't want to hurt his feelings, so I thought carefully.
"Hmm… you're hardworking," I replied.
Jomarie just stared at the board and didn't respond.
We waited for a while until the teacher came back.
"Next!!"
I stood up and walked to the front.
"Good day, everyone. I am Brier. 13 years old. I live in San Juan. I will sing."
I thought about it for a while and decided to sing. It's the least embarrassing option.
The song I chose is one of my favorites. It's also one of the sweetest songs I know. Sadly, I don't have anyone to dedicate it to.
Araw Gabi by Nonoy Zuniga.
In my previous life, this song never faded. It was always part of karaoke playlists during fiestas. The mood is soft, emotional, longing, and sincere, something that makes people listen, even if they're not in love.
I sang with all my heart. Just the first verse and the chorus. I played around with some parts songs are meant to be played with, after all.
As I sang, I remembered someone important to me back in high school. I felt excited to meet them again.
Those memories made me smile without realizing it. During the chorus, my hand started moving on its own.
I couldn't hear the audience anymore. It didn't matter. My focus never broke until I finished the chorus.
The room went strangely quiet.
I must have messed up.
I quickly returned to my seat. Even after sitting down, no one reacted.
"Wow!!!!"
"That was so cool!!!"
"So fake… why react so late?" I said begrudgingly.
"Brier?"
I heard a voice from behind. I was shocked to see my teacher already there.
"Ma'am?"
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