CHAPTER 5

"Niona, hurry up. We're going to be late for our dinner," Mommy called from outside my bedroom door. I rolled my eyes at the air. We still have thirty minutes left. Can't she wait? And it's just a family dinner again, with Sheldon included. I didn't want to go, but Mommy is insistent. Well, she's the law in this house.

I sighed and put some lipstick on my lips, taking my sweet time getting ready. Why should I rush for a dinner I didn't even want to attend in the first place? Besides, it's not like anything interesting ever happens during these family gatherings. It's just the same old routine—forced smiles, awkward small talk, and pretending like we're one big happy family.

As I finally emerged from my room, Mommy shot me an impatient look.

"About time, Niona. We need to leave now," she said sternly. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes again. Can't she see that I'm not thrilled about this dinner either?

But I plastered a fake smile on my face and followed Mommy out the door. After all, it's not like I have much of a choice in the matter. It's just another night of enduring Sheldon's annoying presence and pretending like everything is fine. Just another night in the life of a mean girl stuck in a dysfunctional family.

As I stepped out of the car, the sight of the grand restaurant before me was like a breath of fresh air. While it wasn't my first time dining in such opulent surroundings, there was something undeniably captivating about this particular establishment. The exterior exuded an aura of sophistication, with its grand architecture and tasteful landscaping.

A well-dressed butler greeted us with a courteous bow, his impeccable manners matching the elegance of the surroundings. "This way, Madam," he said, gesturing towards the entrance with a flourish. I couldn't help but appreciate the attention to detail, from the polished brass fixtures to the gleaming marble floors.

"Yes, thank you" sabi ni Mommy.

As Mommy graciously followed the butler inside, I couldn't help but admire the interior of the restaurant. The décor was simply breathtaking, with ornate chandeliers casting a warm glow over the dining area. Plush velvet drapes adorned the windows, adding a touch of luxury to the already extravagant ambiance.

The tables were adorned with delicate floral arrangements and fine china, each setting meticulously arranged to perfection. It was clear that no expense had been spared in creating an unforgettable dining experience for guests.

As we made our way to our table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at being able to dine in such an exquisite establishment. This was where I truly belonged, amidst the splendor and luxury that surrounded me. And as the evening unfolded, I knew that it would be a dining experience unlike any other, worthy of the discerning palate of someone like me, accustomed to the finer things in life.

Mr. Windsor immediately stood up as he saw us approaching, with Sheldon by his side, who just smirked at me. I rolled my eyes at him and turned my attention to his father, who embraced Mommy and carefully guided her to her seat. Gentleman, huh? Meanwhile, a butler pulled out a chair for me to sit on.

They were wearing tuxedos, the epitome of classic elegance. Mr. Windsor looked every bit the distinguished gentleman in his impeccably tailored black tuxedo, complete with a crisp white shirt and a sleek black bow tie. Sheldon, who's sitting beside his father, mirrored his father's attire with a hint of arrogance in his demeanor.

Meanwhile, Mommy and I were dressed in stunning dresses, a testament to Mommy's impeccable taste and design skills. My dress was a sleek and sophisticated black gown, perfectly accentuating my figure with its form-fitting silhouette and subtle embellishments. The plunging neckline added a touch of allure, while the floor-length skirt exuded timeless glamour.

Mommy's dress, on the other hand, was a showstopper in vibrant red. The color complemented her complexion beautifully, making her stand out in the crowd with its bold and eye-catching hue. The intricate lace detailing and flowing fabric added an air of grace and sophistication, perfectly befitting her status as the queen of the evening.

Together, we made quite the striking pair, exuding confidence and style as we mingled with the elite crowd. It was clear that Mommy's talent for design knew no bounds, as our outfits effortlessly commanded attention and admiration from everyone around us.

As we began to dine, Mommy and Mr. Windsor engaged in conversation about business. They talked about mergers, acquisitions, and other boring topics that only adults seem to care about. I couldn't help but stifle a yawn as they droned on and on, completely oblivious to the fact that I was even there.

Sheldon, on the other hand, appeared disinterested in the conversation unfolding between Mommy and Mr. Windsor. His attention seemed to wander, his eyes occasionally drifting away from the discussion to scan the surroundings or check his phone discreetly.

His posture was relaxed, almost nonchalant, as if he couldn't care less about the business matters being discussed. It was evident that he had little interest in the intricate details of mergers and acquisitions, preferring instead to occupy himself with more trivial matters.

Occasionally, he would glance over at me with a smirk, as if amused by the sheer boredom of the situation. It was clear that we shared the same sentiment—this dinner was a tedious affair that neither of us had any desire to be a part of.

Despite his lack of engagement, Sheldon maintained an air of effortless charm and sophistication, his demeanor exuding an aura of aloofness that only seemed to enhance his appeal. It was a stark contrast to the animated conversation happening around him, but he seemed content to remain on the sidelines, content in his own world of indifference.

"So, about our merger plans for the company... I was thinking we could discuss the potential benefits and challenges,"I heard his dad said.

"I agree. It's crucial that we align our strategies to ensure a smooth transition once we're married" sagot naman ng Mommy.

"Of course. We need to consider how our combined resources and expertise can enhance the company's growth and profitability," nakangiting sabi ni Mr. Windsor

"Yeah. I've already drafted a proposal outlining our proposed synergies and areas for collaboration."

"That sounds promising. I'll review it tonight and we can discuss it further tomorrow"

"Sounds like a plan. Now, about the restructuring of our departments..."

Nakita kong bahagyang lumapit ang mukha ni Sheldon para bumulong pero rinig pa rin ng mga magulang namin.

"Oh Niona, discussing business again. How thrilling, right?" Sarkastiko niyang tanong at sinigurado niyang maririnig ng dalawa.

I rolled my eyes and looked at Mommy "Can't we talk about something else for once? Like, I don't know, the weather?"

"Yes, let's continue. I believe streamlining our operations will lead to greater efficiency and cost savings" Mommy said, ignoring me.

Muntik na akong matawa sa ginawa niya. Wow. Just wow.

"Absolutely. And with our combined networks, we can explore new market opportunities and expand our customer base."

"Fine" I said.

Sumandal ako sa upuan at humalukipkip habang nakakunot ang noo. Kung ako lang ang masusunod ay kanina pa ako umalis dito. Hindi naman ako kailangan dito. Kaya lang naman ako nandito ay para may ipakita sila sa media.

Actually, alam ko nang business lang ang pag-uusapan nila at left out na naman kami ni Sheldon. What a great parents, huh? Well, sanay naman na akong ganito si Mommy. Laging nauuna ang work before me. Ah, right. Work walang pala, hindi ako kasama. Nagiging anak niya lang ako kapag kailangan niya ng model sa bagong damit niya.

This is why I hate family dinner. Or magkaroon ako ng kasabay kasama ang kahit sino sa pamilya ko. Ang grandparents ko ay nasa ibang bansa at sana hindi na sila bumalik pa rito. Kapag nandito sila ay ako naman lagi ang kailangan nila for business purposes. As always. It's like I'm born to be their business puppet and not as a heir. I am made just for their business.

I'm wealthy, yes, but it doesn't change the fact na ayaw ko sa pamilyang ito. Well, whatever. I don't care naman kung anong gusto nilang gawin sa akin. As long as I have money, I can do anything. I know that someday, makakawala rin ako sa kadenang itinali nila sa akin.

Pagod na pagod ako pagkarating sa bahay. Para akong dinaganan ng mundo. Pinilit kong magshower kahit ayaw nang kumilos ng katawan ko. My laziness is attacking me again.

Pabagsak akong humiga sa kama. Tumulala ako sa kisame nang ilang minuto at inisip ang mga bagay-bagay. Huminga ako nang malalim bago umayos ng pwesto sa kama. Patulog na sana ako nang biglang tumunog ang notification cellphone ko. Tamad ko iyong kinuha at binuksan. Bumungad sa akin ang message ni Rinoa.

Rinoa: Bitch, guess what?

I rolled my eyes. Mahilig talagang magpabitin 'tong babae na 'to. Pwede namang sabihin nang diretso kung ano ang gusto niyang sabihin.

Me: what?

Agad naman siyang nagreply. Akala ko ay may sasabihin siya dahil typing ang nakalagay pero nagulat ako nang magsend siya ng picture. Pinindot ko iyon para makita nang mas malinaw.

It was a picture of that nerd from the rooftop and a girl - wait, I think I've seen her somewhere.

Me: who's that girl?

Rinoa: My gosh, niona. Nakalimutan mo na ba? Yung nakatapon sa'yo ng juice!

Napa "oh" naman ako nang maalala yung babae.

Me: I remember now.

Muli kong binalikan ang picture. Magkasama sila nung nerd and ang babaeng nagngangalang Nezel sa rooftop habang kumakain. Kinailangan ko pang i-zoom in para makita ang kinakain nila. Ayon yung pagkain na kinuha niya sa cafeteria that time. Kaya pala punong-puno ang plato niya, dalawa pala silang kakain.

Me: Is she his girlfriend or something?

Rinoa: Why? Interested?

Kumunot ang noo ko. What is she saying?

Me: Nope, just asking. Don't answer it if you don't know.

Agad naman siyang sumagot.

Rinoa: I heard they're friends.

Hindi ko na siya sinagot at in-off na ang phone. Paniguradong tatawag 'yon kapag nakita niyang wala akong reply. Napaka-chismosa talaga ng babaeng 'yon. Maingay pa.

"Good morning, bitch!" Nilutungan ni niona ang pagkakatawag niya sa akin. Balak ko sana siyang iwasan ngayon dahil marami na namang siyang sasabihin. Nagsasawa na rin ako sa boses niya.

"What is it now?" Iritado kong tanong habang naglalakad.

She pouted, "Let's eat later"

I rolled my eyes, "Of course I'm going to eat later"

"At the rooftop"

Napatingin ako sa kaniya. She's grinning like a witch. Mahina akong natawa dahil paniguradong may gagawin itong kalokohan later.

"It's tempting but I don't want to"

Nawala ang ngiti sa labi niya, "Why?"

"I don't want to see her face again, right?" I said, pertaining to that girl.

She rolled her eyes at me, "Alright" she said with an accent sabay lakad paalis.

Napailing na lang ako at umakyat na sa third floor. I think this is the first time she rolled her eyes at me. Nagagaya na siya sa akin.

After class, dumiretso akong cafeteria. Habang naglalakad ay nakita ko sina Rinoa at Ariena na kumukuha ng pagkain habang nag-uusap. Napahinto ako nang hindi sila umupo sa lamesa nila at bigla na lang lumabas.

She's going to eat there, huh?

Hinayaan ko lang sila at kumuha na ng pagkain. Sa lamesa nila ako kumain nang mag-isa. Pansin kong pinagtitinginan nila ako.

"Nag-away ba sila?"

I heard them whispering.

"Not sure, bigla na lang umalis si Rinoa kanina e"

"That's what she get for being a bitch. Walang nagtatagal na kaibigan sa kaniya"

I just let them talk about me.

"I also heard she and Sheldon will become siblings soon"

"Yeah. What a perfect siblings right? A bitch and a jerk"

Just let them, Niona.

"Hindi pa sila nagiging magkapatid, may pagkakatulad na"

"Really, what is it?"

Just. Let. Them. Talk.

"They don't know how to keep friends"

Humigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa kutsara at tinidor.

Tumawa ang isa sa kanila, "Pansin ko rin. It's their nature, anyway"

Bigla akong tumayo dahilan para umurong ang inuupuan ko at lahat ng tao roon ay tumingin sa akin, but I don't care about them. Lumapit agad ako sa dalawang babaeng pinag-uusapan ako.

Matapang naman siyang humarap sa akin, "What?"

"Take that back" I said habang masama ang tingin sa kaniya.

Her alipores stood up and pushed me on the shoulder, causing me to step back.

"Hey, just because you call yourself a queen bee doesn't mean everyone's afraid of you," she said. They both stood facing me, challenging me.

I looked at the one who spoke earlier. "Why? Are you jealous because you lack the confidence that I have? That's not my fault." Then, I turned to the other one. "Take back what you said."

She raised an eyebrow at me. "Why would I take it back? You're just the child of a fashion designer while me? I'm the child of a governor. What chance do you have against me?" She said arrogantly and snidely.

"I don't care even if you're the child of the president; all I want is for you to take back what you said," I said firmly, unyielding.

I found her comparison between Sheldon and me utterly distasteful. The mere thought of being likened to someone like Sheldon sent shivers down my spine. I've always prided myself on being unique, on standing out from the crowd. I refuse to be lumped together with someone as insignificant as him.

Sheldon may think he's all that with his pretentious demeanor and inflated ego, but he's nothing compared to me. Well, I didn't even bother myself to carve out my own identity, to establish myself as a force to be reckoned with because I'm already famous when I transferred here. I refuse to let anyone belittle me by associating me with someone like him.

Moreover, it's not just about Sheldon; it's about the principle of the matter. Who does she think she is to speak to me in such a condescending manner? She's nothing but a mere acquaintance, someone whose opinion holds no weight in my world. She has no right to make assumptions about me or to pass judgment on my character.

I take great offense at her audacity to compare me to Sheldon, as if we're cut from the same cloth. I am my own person, with my own strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities. I refuse to be reduced to a mere stereotype or be pigeonholed into someone else's narrow-minded perception.

So, no, I didn't appreciate her comment, and I certainly won't stand for it. She may think she's clever with her snide remarks, but she's sorely mistaken if she believes I'll let him get away with it unscathed. She's about to learn that crossing me comes with consequences.

"I can't believe you're still hung up on this," the other girl sneered, her tone dripping with contempt.

"I'm not 'hung up' on anything. I just won't stand for being compared to someone like Sheldon," I shot back, my voice laced with fury.

"Please, you're just upset because deep down, you know it's true," she taunted, a smug grin playing on her lips.

I scoffed incredulously. "Oh, please. You're delusional if you think I have anything in common with that pompous jerk."

"At least he has some semblance of intelligence," she retorted, her words like daggers aimed at my pride.

I bristled at her insult, my anger boiling over. "And you have the audacity to insult my intelligence when you can't even see how wrong you are?"

She laughed mockingly, a sound that grated on my nerves. "Save your breath, Niona. You're just proving my point with every word you say."

I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain my composure in the face of her blatant provocation. "Fine. Have it your way. But mark my words, you'll regret crossing me like this."

With that, I turned on my heel and stormed away, leaving her standing there with a triumphant smirk plastered on her face. But deep down, I vowed to myself that I wouldn't let her get away with insulting me like that. She may have won this round, but the battle was far from over.

After that encounter, I made my way back to class, seething with anger and frustration. The audacity of that girl to compare me to Sheldon was beyond infuriating. How dare she insinuate that I had any resemblance to him? The very thought made my blood boil.

As I walked through the corridors, my mind was consumed with thoughts of the confrontation. I replayed the exchange over and over again in my head, each repetition fueling my rage further. How could she be so blind to the obvious differences between Sheldon and me? Did she truly believe that I shared any similarities with him?

The more I dwelled on her words, the more incensed I became. It was bad enough to be compared to someone like Sheldon, but to have it done so flippantly and without regard for my feelings was downright insulting. She had crossed a line, and I refused to let her get away with it.

By the time I reached my classroom, my mood had soured considerably. I couldn't shake off the anger that simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over at any moment. I took my seat with a scowl, barely registering the lesson being taught as my mind continued to churn with thoughts of retribution.

Thankfully, the girl in question wasn't in my class, sparing me from the added irritation of having to see her face again so soon. But the memory of our confrontation lingered, casting a dark shadow over the rest of my day. How I longed to confront her again and give her a piece of my mind, to make her understand the gravity of her words.

But for now, I would have to bide my time and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike back. Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but rest assured, when the time came, I would make sure she regretted ever crossing me.