Chapter 3 - Accusations

I was browsing through a job application website when I heard Carlota's high-pitched voice. "Hey! I'm heading to a laundry shop; will you accompany me?" He's not used to using a calm tone, unless it's a gossip.

"There's no need. I'll wash my clothes."

"As you said, I'm simply going to go out, make your food, and don't open the door without peeking through the peephole when someone knocks." He narrowed his eyes, as if warning me to be cautious with my actions. But, of course, I won't since this isn't my home. I quickly answered yes to him, so he could go right away.

I'm almost through cleaning this condo unit when I realize I need another part-time job. I've already begun working at the bakery store, but the salary is insufficient to meet my needs, and I think my body is capable of doing other jobs, therefore I'm seeking for another one.

I instantly recall a card handed to me by a woman from the mall. Will I call them or will I wait years after I acquire a degree? But she said she'd welcome me abruptly if I recounted the incident. Gosh! That is already an opportunity.

Eventually, I type the number and call them.

"Good day, this is Mrs. Locsin, the secretary to the CEO of Vulgari Corporation; how may I help you?" A woman's professional tone welcomed me, and I needed to remove the lump from my throat before responding.

"Good day, Ma'am. The contact number was given to me directly by the CEO. She told me that I may apply to your firm whenever I like. Can I stop by for a formal interview or passing of application?" There was a brief delay before I heard some grumping sounds from the devices. I'm guessing she's analyzing something.

"May I know your name, Ma'am? I'm sorry, I wasn't notified abo—"

I hung up without saying goodbye; what was I thinking? It was shameful of me not to use my head in this situation. I fell into the trap since the woman from the mall may have lied to me. If she is the true CEO and expecting my call at any time, she should notify her secretary about me. I can't believe I'm that foolish and desperate for a job. I've already finished preparing our lunch, but I'm still sulking in my room. I had great expectations for it, but I ended up with damaged wings as well. I think I need to settle now in the bakery store. I will merely look for another work someday or when there's a great opportunity—that is not fake.

"Chrizanta, don't you have a class at 2:00 p.m.?" I take the towel and my belongings, without thinking about why Carlota was already at home. Oh my goodness! I had completely forgotten about my class. This is not possible; attendance is very essential to me, even if it has no bearing on our grades. How could I have forgotten about that when grade is everything?

I was on my way to the kitchen with my bag when I noticed Carlota eating. "Thank you for reminding me. I almost got an hour late because I didn't move quickly." My hair is still damp, and I don't have time to blow dry it. I just grab something to eat and say my goodbyes to him before leaving.

I'm sitting in my chair, waiting for our biology professor, when Natasha, a want-to-be Queen Bee, appears in front of me. What's with her? We're not close, and I'm not going to get in her way because I don't want to make issues.

"The slut," she murmured, her brow furrowed.

"What?"

"I just said you're a slut,"I'm raising my brow to show her that I'm not frightened and that she can't spit any bullshit about me.

"Skip me from the gibberish. What's your point?" I shrugged.

"Are you being tough? You're concealing your whoring behind your academic achievements, not realizing that it won't cover you outside of school." She points her finger at me, so I take it and set it down. I saw how her cheeks redden as a result of what I did, maybe out of humiliation and because no one else has the guts to put it on her. I really don't want to put myself in any circumstance that might jeopardize my grades or reputation at school, but this accusation is an exception.

"Can you just get to the point? You don't need to blabber gibberish," Natasha lost her cool when I said it, and she almost grabbed my hair, but I was quick enough to stop her. "Don't dare. You don't know who I am."

"Ah! Someone saw you with Mr. Vulgari the other day; how could you flirt with him? You little pitiful whore," she said, drawing everyone's attention to us. And who is he—Mr. Vulgari? I'm not even sure who she's referring to. I met the fake Mrs. Vulgari, but I never met Mr. Vulgari.

"You're foolish, really? I don't even know that surname. Stop making up a story and calling me a whore or a flirt. We all know who looks like one here."

"You can't deny it. I've been hitting on him since, and you simply can't—" She was cut when our professor entered the room. Since her gaze is fixed on us, this girl has no choice but to slump in her seat. "I'll get back to you," she added, and I just shrugged. Go ahead and try! I'm not scared at all.

Mr. Vulgari? And to whom is she referring when she says she saw me with that guy? Natasha will not just point a finger at me if she does not hear such silly falsehoods from someone else. I'm now beiing too attached to those Vulgari's, and I don't even know them personally or face to face. And a poor person like me will never be welcomed by the affluent. I have nothing to brag about except my academic achievements.

"Just to let you know, Ms. Ambrosio," everyone laughed when our lecturer highlighted Natasha's surname. They find it funny. "I'm not a fan of bullying; don't bring that attitude into my class." I didn't bother looking Natasha in the eyes since I knew she'd give me a dagger look. That is, after all, her fault.

"I didn't. I just asked Ms. Martin about the project we're working on, right, Chrizanta?" I shrugged, which elicited a chuckle from our classmates. I will not tolerate her bullying. Natasha gestures to me as if she's sending me a warning.

"Come on. I saw what I saw," she says as she raises her files over the table and looks at us. "This week, we'll have our seminar, and the PSS officers recruited a well-known psychologist. I'm encouraging everyone to join, and I'll give you extra points if you show me a certificate." I'm not troubled about it because I enjoy attending seminars connected to our program. But I believe this is the first time I've seen them designate a term as "well recognized" to a visitor. He/she must be highly well-liked. Isn't that Albert Bandura? That's creepy.

Oni raised his hand; he's one of our class's dean's listers. "Do we need to prepare something, or will we just show up?" Perhaps he is referring to the activity that our class organizes whenever there is an occasion in our program.

"One intermission number can do. You have Ms. Martin here, and I know she's good at singing," our professor says, and I gasp.

Oh my gosh! I wanted to object, but everyone agreed with her, except for Natasha and her group. Although I like performing, I am certain that I will need to buy things such as a dress that will fit their theme. I don't have enough money for that, and I don't want to take advantage of Carlota's generosity. I can't just ask for more if you're giving me refuge.

I raise my hand to show my disapproval. "I'm sorry, but I can't." I gathered my courage to explain my position, but Natasha cut me off.

"Why can't you? If it's about preparation, we can assist you. And in terms of expenditures, come on, you have a wealthy man. You're a gold digger, Chrizanta. You can use his money." Everyone gasps, and I want to yank her hair out.

This idiot is definitely putting my patience to the test. She's embarrassing me, and she's enjoying everyone's reaction. Our lecturer sat silent, perhaps because she was taken aback by Natasha's filthy statements.

"I believe you're referring to yourself. We all know here that you're the one who loves hook ups and waste money on nonsense. Maybe you have a sugar daddy, Natasha." She sprang up and was about to assault me when the professor stopped her. She may have imagined it would be simple for her to bully me, dumb.

"Stop behaving like kids. I don't want you to bring that attitude to the department; don't bring dishonor to our program, especially the school." I sat down before I could say anything further. Natasha is really putting my patience to the limit, and I don't want her bogus allegation to stain my grades.