Eri's P.O.V.
I stood in front of a full-body mirror, quietly observing myself. The new uniform of the school we would be attending was simply beautiful. It was simple, yet so elegant and dignified in design. There was a blazer and a shining pin on the left collar of the inner blouse, paired with a tennis skirt that moved gracefully with every step — almost matching the rhythm of my soft breathing, as if inviting me to embrace a new beginning.
"Eri, hurry up! Butler Johann is waiting outside," Fasely called.
I immediately stepped out of the room and found her still applying makeup.
Really? She called me to hurry, but she's not even done yet?
She noticed me as she was putting on her lipstick.
"Are you done?" she asked.
"Yes, a while ago," I answered lifelessly.
"Aren't you going to wear makeup or any accessories? So they'll be starstruck by us on the first day of school." She even made a dramatic gesture.
"I just want to keep it simple. You know me."
"True. But you know what? Even without skincare, your skin is so smooth. And your hair — it's so shiny. I almost rummaged through your stuff because I thought you were lying before…"
And she kept on talking. Didn't she tell me to hurry?
Finally, after she finished, we were driven to school.
Monforte High Academy.
That is the name of the school we're going to study. One of the most prestigious and top schools in the country. Pinapangarap ng lahat. Because what's more advantageous in this school, they have a job prepared for you after OJT and graduation.
Yet the tuition and other fees are very expensive, that only students who came from an affluent family can afford.
Also, one thing that's good for this school is their scholarship. If you're a good athlete, without money to pay the tuition, you can enter the school. If you're a singer, dancer, have other talents, and of course, if you're smart. You should have high and remarkable grades and pass the tests. That's why I've got the chance to transfer here.
It wasn't my idea to transfer here. And I didn't intend to go back here again. Yet Fasely kept on insisting that I should, 'cause she's transferring here again.
I still couldn't help but marvel at this school. When was the last time I came here, aside from when I enrolled?
"It still hasn't changed... Still so beautiful," I softly said without realizing.
"Huh? What are you mumbling about, Eri? We just came here on the first day of the month. It's not like it would suddenly change," said Fasely.
I didn't notice I had said it out loud.
"It's nothing," I replied.
We arrived at the school entrance, and the butler stepped out first to open the door for us.
"Please send my regards to the other butlers and maids, Butler Johann. Especially to the Head Maid and Head Butler," said Fasely as she stepped out of the car.
"Yes, Lady Fasely. But it would be much better if you come visit us again. We all miss you dearly, and even Master would be happy to see you," he said.
"Is that so? Alright, take care," she answered with a smile — a fake smile.
She really reminded me of someone I met years ago.
"Let's go, Eri."
As we walked, I noticed the stares from the other students.
"OMG, who's that girl? She's damn gorgeous."
"Whoa, look at that chick!"
"She's probably a transferee. If we had someone that pretty at school, I'd definitely know her."
After a while, we stopped in front of a cafeteria.
"Eri, can you please buy me something sweet here? I'll just go over there for a while," she said, pointing at a nearby park.
"What are you going to do there? Didn't you just eat? I thought you were—"
"Please, Eri, just buy me something before class."
"Alright. But what sweet food? What do they even have here?"
"Anything sweet. Thank you." She quickly left after handing me money.
What could be so important that she ran off to that park? It felt like the food thing was just an excuse.
Good thing there wasn't much of a line. But even without Fasely by my side, I still felt everyone's eyes on me. They were talking about me, too — and when I sharpened my hearing, that's when I understood why.
I rushed out after buying the food. From afar, I saw her... talking to a guy.