Dear readers, I'm sorry but I won't be updating this story anymore because of personal reasons. Search "skskscarsksk" for more stories. See you on my other works. I hope you can support them, too. Thank you for understanding. (Aphrodite Johnson, a business management student, 17 years old) "Wow, the nerd's late again." I rolled my eyes when I heard that. Everyone in the classroom cackled. "You're so adorable!" Said my seatmate, Samantha. I think they should go and see an ophthalmologist. Their visions are obviously more blurred than mine. Who's cute? Me? Yikes. No way. I arched my brow when I saw a small box under my seat. What is this again? I looked at the box. My name's on it. Is this for me again? C'mon, you're just wasting your money. I don't have time for any of you. "From whom did this little box came from?" I shouted so that everyone can hear me. Paul stood up, "Me." He proudly said. I went in front of him, carrying the tiny box he gave to me. I gave it back to him and confusion started to be seen on his handsome face. "You don't want it?" He asked, his eyebrows uneven. The whole class became silent. They're all watching, that's for sure. "I don't want it." I simply said. I was about to go back to my seat when he spoke up. "Don't be a hard-to-get type of girl. You know, just let me court you." I scoffed. Wow, the audacity of this guy! I turned my back on him. "I'm not being hard to get. I just don't like you." I finally went back to my seat. The whole class started yelling and teasing Paul. If you're going to like someone, why me? C'mon, where are your high standards at? I'm a nerd. A handsome guy like Paul shouldn't be in love with me. We don't match at all. --- I was dozing off when Samantha shook me lightly. That's when I gained back my consciousness. "Ms. Johnson?" Oh, that's why Samantha kept on shaking me. Our teacher's calling me several times. My half-asleep ass was awakened so I quickly stood up and bowed down my head, hoping that she didn't saw me. "What's the difference between a monarchy and an oligarchy?" She's looking at me with sharp eyes. Guess I won't sleep in her class for a while. I don't want to get in trouble. "Monarchy is a form of government with a monarch at the head. I think most of them are about royal families? I'm not sure though. While an oligarchy is a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution." I answered shyly, still can't look straight into her eyes. Everyone looked at me with amusement in their eyes. Our teacher smiled and motioned me to sit down. Whoa, that was close! --- I was reading a book when Samantha asked me. "Who's our next teacher?" "Sir MAPEH, I think," I said without looking at her. She tittered. I forgot his name. I don't pay attention that much to my classmates and teachers unless they're close friends of mine. Speaking of, Sir MAPEH came into our classroom just in time. I put back my book inside my bag, I don't want it to be confiscated. "For today's activity-" He said for the introduction. "Bring out your sketch pad and draw anything. Express yourself through art." He showed us his gummy smile that can make my classmates go crazy. "I'll leave this class for a while because I have an urgent meeting. I'll give you guys this whole time to finish your works." He added and then stormed out of the room. I drew myself. Inside a car while looking outside. The view's nice and it was perfect. The stars and the moon became my guide in the scary and dark place. How I wish I can travel again soon. I don't care whether it's only here in our country. I just wanted to be alone, far from everybody else. I wanted to see the sun while it's setting. I wanted to feel the cold breeze when it's night, while I'm searching for more stars, and to see the scintillating and exquisite moon. The timer alarmed. Some sighed, as they didn't finish their works. Some smiled, for they are satisfied with their art. While here I am, just relieved that this activity is done and I can finally relax. Our teacher came back and collected our artwork. Sir MAPEH has his eyes focused on my work. He then exclaimed, "Wow! Look at Aphrodite's art! You're a very talented young woman!" Everyone took a glance at my drawing. "I'm not that good," I whispered to myself. Paul looked at me and then back to his drawing, then shook his head. "Don't be too hard on yourself." He's not looking at me right now but I know that he's talking to me. --- The music room is my second favorite place here in school. I sat in front of the piano and stopped for a while, remembering the notes of my unfinished song. As I sang the chorus part wholeheartedly, I automatically closed my eyes, remembering the hard moments I went through all by myself. I sighed heavily and finally decided to stand up. I was shocked to see unfamiliar faces in front of me. I quickly ran towards the exit, not minding them. But before I could go out, one of them shouted, "You're a damn good singer, lady!" I felt like my blood went straight up to my face, so I covered it with my hands. I wasn't able to see their faces, and I'm glad because I didn't. --- I was too tired this day that I didn't notice I was far from the apartment I was living in. I rang the bell so that the jeepney driver will know that someone's going to go down. Great! Now I'm going to walk because of my stupidity. When I finally arrived at the apartment, I noticed a box in front of my door. C'mon, what is this again? I frustratedly picked it up and didn't bother to look at the name of the sender. After taking a shower, I decided to watch my favorite series to ease the stress I'm feeling. I was still eager to watch Sirlock Homes even though I watched it multiple times already. I mean, I can watch this all day without getting bored because of how good this series is. The plot was great and each episode was never dull. I finished the episode that I'm watching and now I'm back to studying. I'm in the middle of scanning my notes and reading the PowerPoint our teacher sent to us when my phone vibrated. I checked my phone to see who sent me a message, only to see that it's my best friend. I frowned when I saw her text. "Did you received my gift for you?" Uh, what gift? Then I remembered the box earlier. It's from Precious! I opened the box and unexpectedly saw the recording mic that I wanted. Aw, this damn girl knows how to melt my heart.