CHAPTER 24

The two entered the campus just in time for the flag ceremony and found Tony and the others waiting for them at the back.

"Hey, Mr. Balmeo was looking for you two." said Tony.

"What for?" asked Robert.

"Something about a pictorial." said Mia.

"They're taking the pictures for the Mr. and Ms. TU Contest." said Bern.

"Right now?" asked the two in unison.

"O-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!" came a haughty laugh from behind. The group looked back and saw Mona on the other line, staring at them. "It seems that my rival isn't ready to take her picture taken." she said, "I on the other hand, am always ready for the camera."

"...yeah, I've already given it to him yesterday." Angela told Tony.

"Good, then we can..." said Tony.

"Hey, listen to me when I'm talking!" yelled a forgotten Mona.

"I'm listening" said Mr. Balmeo appearing beside her. "Go back to your line."

"Y-yes Mr. Balmeo...!" said Mona. She gave a quick angry look at Angela before stomping back to her class.

"You two, follow me." Mr. Balmeo said to Angela and Robert. "You don't need to join the morning ceremony."

The three of them made their way to the auditorium where several other candidates were already gathered.

"It's Angela!" Robert heard some of them whisper to each other as they entered the room.

"He's really cute..." he heard some girls say.

"Okay, kids," said the photographer motioning to them, "all girls to the right side, all boys to the left." he took a big black camera from his bag and affixed it on top of a tripod. Robert was watching him intently. "After the make-up, come out and sit with your partners on the chairs at the back."

"What make-up?" asked Robert horrified, "No one said anything about makeup!"

"It's a pictorial, what do you expect?" said Angela. "C'mon."

The contestants went to the back stage accordingly, Robert being the last. He passed by the photographer and watched him put up the lights.

"Hey, I told you to go to the back stage." said the photographer.

"Can I watch you for a while, sir?" asked Robert with a shy smile.

"Eh?" said the photographer, "You like cameras?"

"Yeah, but all I have right now is a polaroid." he said.

"Polaroid is a waste, you can't do much with it." said the man before him. "I suggest you practice with a digicam then get serious with an SMR."

"Yeah, I've been planning to buy a digicam for some time now..." Robert said happily.

"Yeah, good for you. Now go back there and change."

With a sigh, Robert finally went the back stage to change. There were 4 seats lined in front of a long mirror, all of which were already occupied.

"Hey, You're Robert from 4-5, right?" asked someone beside him.

"Yeah," he said with a smile, "and you are?"

"Carlito Sanchez." replied the other with a grin. "You sure are lucky to be paired up with Angela.

"Eh, so he's the coward they've all been talking about." he heard from the back.

"I heard he hides behind Angela when the head comes near."

"Don't mind them." Carlito told Robert, "They're just jealous 'coz they couldn't even get near Angela."

"I tell you guys," said one of the younger looking ones, "When I win this contest, I'm going to ask Angela out on a date!"

"Hey, when we win, she wouldn't have time for little kids like you." said another. Robert took a hanky out and rubbed his face slowly.

"Okay, you in the back." called a melodious voice. Robert looked up and saw one of the make-up artists motioning to him. "Come here, you're next."

"Hey," said the other homo beside him, "I saw him first!"

"Too bad, I got to him first."

Robert shuddered. He was about to leave the room when Mr. Balmeo suddenly appeared.

"Okay, the coats are here... Robert, how come you're not fixed yet? Here, take one tux and one bow tie each..."

"Ah, I like this one best, look at those tense muscles!" said the make-up artist. Robert wiped his face once more.

Angela was already waiting outside when Robert finished. She was wearing a white chemise with golden trimmings, making her brown eyes shine the more. Her short hair was held back on one side by a clip and it fell on her face on the other side in beautiful golden brown curls. Robert was staring at her, so did most of the other guys in the room, but she didn't seem to notice.

Mona was on stage with Carlito, pausing in front of the camera. She kept winking at the boys looking at her. She saw Robert and winked at him too. Robert shuddered and looked away.

"Next." said the photographer.

"Our turn." said Angela without looking at Robert. The two made their way to the stage and stood there like twigs.

"Closer. I said closer. Now smile." said the photographer. "Don't you want to smile?"

"I'd rather not." said Angela. Robert tried to smile, but couldn't make himself to do so. He kept remembering the murmurings at the backstage.

"Okay, suit yourself. Just look at the birdie." The two looked at the photographer as he held a little rubber ducky. "Quack! Quack!" went the ducky. The camera flashed.

"Are you going to change?" asked Robert as they went off the stage.

"What do you expect?" she replied.

"You look really nice in that outfit, you know" he said softly. Angela looked at Robert. The white tuxedo looked well with his brushed-up spiky hair and deep brown eyes.

"So do you." she said. Robert smiled and followed her backstage.

"So, how did the photo shoot go?" Bern asked the two as they entered the room.

"Not so good..." mumbled Robert.

"Why not?" she asked again.

"It went well." said Angela.

"I just hope your picture doesn't get lost again..." said Mia.

"Lost?" asked Robert absentmindedly.

"Someone always steals Angela's pictures." explained Mia, "It's been going on for 3 years now."

"Robert, you still have some foundation on your neck." Tony said, pointing at Robert.

"Geez... I thought I got rid of it all..." he said, rubbing at his neck. "This is more troublesome than I thought..."

"Here." said Angela as she rubbed a spot on Robert's neck. Robert looked at her with wide eyes. "Hey, don't forget about our practice later." she added.

"Ah, I've got my speech ready!" said Mia, "Here, I'll show it to you..."

The two made their way to Mia's seat where they took out a notebook and went over the speech Mia prepared. Robert watched Angela, his hand over the spot on his neck where Angela touched him.

"So," said Tony, interrupting his thoughts, "you still think this contest is stupid?" he asked Robert, smiling at the way his friend gapped at Angela.

"Umm..." replied the other, still holding his neck.

"Hey, heard that the pictures for the Mr. and Ms. TU are coming out tomorrow." said Bern. They were in Robert's house, practicing for the contest.

"At long last!" said Tony, "It's been almost a week!"

"I wonder how you too will look..." said Mia.

"Probably awful..." said Angela, holding sheet music.

"Oh, c'mon, it can't be that bad..." said Robert, placing the violin down.

"So, why don't you two start from the beginning?" said Tony, motioning to Robert and Angela.

"Later," said Angela, "my throat is getting dry..."

"I'll get some hot tea..." said Robert.

"Stay here, I'll get it." said Bern, "Why don't you play something for us instead?"

"Yes, Robert, you play so well..." said Mia, "I'm kinda envious, I've always wanted to play the violin." she looked at Angela, "Didn't you want to learn too?" she asked her friend.

"Yeah," replied Angela, "but my father wouldn't let me any way..."

Robert looked at Angela. He has been teaching Angela every evening after practice when the others left. It was her who said that no one was supposed to know. He didn't really mind though, he knew Angela well now, and there were always reasons behind her weird behavior.

"So, what do you guys want me to play?" he asked.

"You, know, the one that goes 'ta-ta-ta—ta, tata-ta tata!'" said Tony

"Ah, yes, that's my favorite too!" said Mia.

Robert smiled and took the violin up. He looked at Angela. She was busy reading her song. He closed his eyes and began to play.

"Her parents both play the violin..." he thought to himself, "She's only been learning for a week and she's improved so much. I guess she's talented in playing the violin. If she started in an earlier stage, she would have been a protégé."

Robert finished the piece and opened his eyes. He saw Angela was looking at him, but she quickly looked away. Bern was back with the tea and she was applauding with the others.

"Robert, you're so cool when you play the violin!" she said. Robert just scratched his head and grinned.

"Anyways, it's getting late," said Tony, "What say we call it a day?" he told the others.

"Yeah, Angela needs to save her voice too!" said Bern.

"Mia, how's the speech coming?" asked Angela.

"I've almost got it!" she said beaming, "Tony's been a big help!"

"It's nothing, really." replied a blushing Tony.

"Well, then, I guess we'll see each other in school then." said Bern taking her bag, "I can't wait to see the photos for the Mr. and Ms. TU contest..."

"Yeah, we'd better get to school early tomorrow..." said Tony.

"You've got that right," said Mia, "There would probably be another crowd in front of the bulletin board."

"See you tomorrow." called Mia.

Robert watched as his friends left. He waited for a while when they were out of sight when he went to Angela's house and rang the bell.

"They're gone." he told her as she opened the gate.

"Okay, come in." she said.

"Robert!" called Ria, "just in time, we've baked some cookies for your practice this evening." she said with a smile.

"Thanks ate Ria." said Roebrt, returning the smile, "Man, if Danny knew about this," he thought, "he'd surely kill me."

"C'mon, it's late already!" said Angela impatiently.

The three made their way to the den where the grand piano stood. It was locked, as always. Angela took the violin and held it, taking a deep breath before gently passing the bow over the strings. The soulful music filled the room.

"Twinkle-Twinkle little star..." Ria sang softly with the tune. Angela looked pissed. She stoped in mid tune and looked at Robert.

"Look, I already know this tune by heart." she said, "Can't you teach me something else?"

"No." said Robert. "Not until you've memorized the right position for your fingers.

"But I already know the positions!"

"No." the other replied again. "You're still a little off key. Now play it again."

"But I'm tired of playing the same tune over and over again!" said Angela, taking the violin down.

"Do it again." said Robert, his voice firm. "Take up that violin and play. Or this class is over."

Angela glared at Robert. She was about to argue with him, but the no-none-sense look in his face was a little frightening. With a sigh, she played the tune once again.

"Oh, scary..." thought Ria as she watched the two. "Robert can be real scary too when he wants.

"Hey guys, bad news." said Pia entering the room. "Dad just called." The group looked at her, Angela stopped her playing once more. "He said he's on his way home."

"Oh, but we haven't even heard Robert play yet!" said Ria.

"No time, he said he's already near the mango groove." said Pia.

"Guess I have to leave then." said Robert. He stood up from his seat and took the violin case from the table, handing it over to Angela.

"You take it with you." she said, "It's not like I can use it when he's around."

"Hurry, we'd be in trouble if he lays eyes on anything that resembles a violin!" said Pia.

Robert made it home just in time. He was closing the door when he saw Mr. Bartholomew's car pass by. He went inside the house and slumped on the sofa, his eyes up the ceiling. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"I should have brought a handkerchief.." he said to himself. "How long is this supposed to go on anyway..."

He remembered back then, when his cousin was still teaching him. He used to hit his hand with a plastic ruler when he made mistakes. He even had to walk around the pool with the violin tucked under his chin and his hands behind his back 10 times every day before they started a class. Sometimes his hands were so sore from his punishments that he could barely hold the bow. Robert smiled. He wasn't as strict as Glenn, he wondered if he could even be considered strict. He just wished that Angela would respect him as a 'teacher'.

"What's her problem anyway?" he thought to himself, "Back then at the bridge when I saved her cat, she was all soft and cute, then after the storm, she suddenly gets as cold as ever..." Robert took the remote and turned on the TV instead. "I could never understand women..." he said out loud.

Robert was up early the next day. He was already in the mango groove when Angela showed, her eyes looking puffed.

"You okay, Ange?" he asked the girl with concern.

"Don't ask." she replied, looking away.

"What happened?" he asked again.

"I said don't ask." Angela retorted.

The two spent the rest of the way in silence. Angela sniffling every now and then, trying hard not to let Robert notice.

"Did you have another fight with your father" he finally asked. Angela didn't reply. Robert waited, but she ignored him completely. He gave a sigh as they neared the school.

"Angela!" called Bern, "Come here quick! You too Obet!"

"Why?" asked Angela, rubbing her eyes so as her friend won't notice them, "What's up?"

"The pictures!" the other replied, "They've posted the pictures!"

The three of them made their way to the main hall where a small crowd was already gathering. Most of the students saw Angela and Robert and quickly gave way, smiling a greeting.

"Nice pose." said Tony, suddenly appearing beside them.

Robert finally saw them. Most of the couples wore smiles, some of them fake, but one picture stood among the rest. It was him alright, with Angela by his side. They stared back at him as if taken by surprise, the light glow of the camera flash making them look like a heavenly apparition. There was a look of wonder in their eyes, their mouths slightly opened.

"Angela looks so innocent...." he found himself whisper.

"I know..." said someone beside her, "She really looks like an angel..."

Robert looked at the boy beside him and saw Carlito staring at their picture.

"Oh, hey there!" he greeted him, "So, where's yours?"

"Third from the top." the other replied. Robert looked at the picture and saw Carlito smiling gently while his partner Mona sported a flirtatious smile.

"They're going to distribute the tickets today too, you know." said Carlito smiling.

"Tickets?" asked Robert.

"You have to sell tickets in this competition," explained Tony, "The couple who sells the most tickets have a higher chance of winning."

"That's why it's called a popularity contest." said Angela matter-of-factly. "Who needs talents if you've got money?" she then left the group, Bern trailing behind her.

"Is that why Angela never shows up during competitions?" Carlito asked.

"In the contrary." replied Tony. "Last year, she has the highest number of ticket sales." Robert looked at Tony, alarmed, "She was second the year before..."

"I guess she really has a lot of admirers." Carlito said laughing.

"It's going to change today, though!" said an obnoxious voice behind them.

"Oh, hi there Mona, seen the pictures yet?" asked Carlito.

"Of course!" the other replied, "And as everyone can see, our picture seems to gather the most attention." the other students looked at hey annoyingly. "I can't help but feel sorry for you though, Obet," she said turning to Robert, "Everyone's laughing at the way that horrid girl is gaping like a fool at the camera! And you had to be in the same picture as her!"

Robert looked at Mona, took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face.

"C'mon, Tony, better head to the classroom..." he told his friend.

"Right..." replied the other, still looking at Mona with a frown.

"Hey Obet," called Carlito, "Later, why don't you buy a couple of tickets from me, and I'll buy a couple from you too?"

"Okay!" replied Robert, "I'll see you later then!"

The first bell rang. The students left for their respective classrooms to get ready for the morning ceremony. Mona stood in front of the bulletin board, quivering with anger. Once again, she's been ignored. Put aside and forgotten. With a snarl, she pulled back the plastic covering the bulletin board and took Angela and Robert's picture, tearing it in the middle and shredding Angela's part to bits.

"No matter how many times it has to take me..." she hissed, "I will win over you!" she threw the shredded picture in the waste basket and looked at the other part, "And you..." she said with a twisted grin, "Will be mine."