Adrienne's POV:

              -----------*the year 2001*-----------

"Kriiiiiinngggggg..."

The school bell has rung, which means that the classes were over. I've woken up Primo from his deep slumber in the middle of our History class and immediately head to our respective clubs. I'm the vice president of the English club, and our club's head or president is none other than Epi. Our club is now in charge of monitoring the afternoon shift students and ensuring that they won't cause any trouble or interruption to other classes. After a two-hour duty, we can finally go home and do our homework or other activities. As for me, I'll go to my mother's restaurant after this and help them with simple chores.

I thought I was the first person to ever come into our club's room, but then I noticed that the air conditioner was running. As I slid the door, I saw Epi and that damn Jacey studying with a lot of books and snacks on their table. So, she ditched class because she had been here all the time with that guy. I noticed some of the casts lying down on the cold surface and sleeping soundly.

"Mr. Gonzales excused us for the day. Other casts seemed to be exhausted after the play." She used a shallow tone of her voice to avoid waking up the tired students. After she smiled, she focused her attention again on that damn guy. "Ah, Adi! I think I can't go rounds with you today. I'm kinda exhausted too. Please cover up for us!" Well, given the situation, I think I'll let this pass. I answered her with a simple "okay" and put my bag inside my locker. Today's duty would be a drag, I guess. The other officers were also the casts in the earlier's play, and some have already ditched their duty. I'll make sure to give those who ditched their duty a very nice nagging and a soft pat on their heads tomorrow.

Without hesitation, I did all the work on today's duty. I assisted the teachers in the afternoon shift's assembly, monitored the students' behavior, made sure they were listening to the speaker, helped the teachers arrange the stage after the assembly, and so on. I did all the jobs of four to five people at once. I think I'm on a roll today.

After finishing all today's duty, I decided I'd now go home. I went upstairs to the club's room to get my bag. When I arrived, Epi was the only one awake in the room. She said that that damn Jacey already went home a few minutes ago. As I opened my locker, I thought it was the right time to ask what was going on between them.

"So, what is the real score between you two?" thank God I did not flinch,

"Ah, me and Jacey? Well..." she smiled while arranging her things, "He asked me last time if I could tutor him in Math and other subjects. Seems like he's failing most of his major subjects. He offered me five hundred pesos in every three-hour session. It's a pretty good deal, isn't it? I'll treat you to lunch some other time! Also, ask Prim to come with us!" 

So the reason why you're smiling like that is because of the considerable income? Geez, you got me worried for a second.

"He's not making his way to you?" I asked her out of nowhere,

"Hell, no. That guy? That good-looking guy would actually ask me out? Snap out of it, man!" So he hasn't asked her, huh?

"Ah, is that so." I now have my bag on my back. I think I'll ask her to go home. "Do you want to go home together?"

"After waking up these folks, I'll head to his house because we haven't finished the other two subjects yet. Tell my mom I'll come home a bit late. I think around seven o'clock." You're going to his house? Seriously? I can't let her walk in the streets alone.

"Do you want me to pick you up later? Just tell me the address." Please don't refuse, please don't refuse.

"He said he'll bring me home with his car, so you don't have to make an effort. And I know you're tired because of the club's duty, so go home and rest. I'll see you tomorrow!" she pushed me out of the room and waved goodbye.

I went home alone and immediately headed to my bedroom. I feel my lids are about to give up. I think I cannot help my mom in the resto today, I'm so tired. 

In the middle of fighting my sleepiness, I can't help but worry about Epi. I think she's in dire need of money again. That's why she took up that damn guy's offer. And to think that she'll go to his house, huh? Is he super dumb that he can't absorb knowledge? I wish I could see her tomorrow. I miss eating lunch with her. After a few minutes of overthinking, my eyelids finally gave up.

                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Adi!" It's already 10 o'clock in the evening, and someone is knocking on my door loudly. I had a hunch that it was Primo, so I decided to not open it. He muttered another word that made me jump out of my bed, "Epi just came home! Her mom is scolding her!" I immediately ran towards my bedroom's window to see what was happening outside Epi's house.

I saw Epi standing next to her mother, looking exhausted, and she was looking down the floor. Her mom is continuously nagging her, but it seems like she's not her usual self. The Epi I know would stand on equal grounds even with her mother, whether she is right or wrong. But this time, it's different. The way her eyes look, you already know that something happened to her. I opened the door and let Primo inside. 

"You're late! I've been waking you up since earlier! Look! My hands are all red due to non-stop knocking!" I didn't answer him because he was annoying once again. "Anyways, have you seen Epi? She just came home, and her mother was so furious. Auntie might be able to blow out fire from her mouth as she nags Epi." I couldn't answer him because my head was full of thoughts about her. 

Why did she come home late? Why is she quiet? Is there something that happened in that damn guy's house? Is she alright?

I guess I have to wait for tomorrow to hear the words she's going to say. Epi doesn't lie to me, and even if she does, I can always tell just by looking in her eyes.