MORENA-Chapter1

It was Dylan Mae Felicidad’s second month at Eton International School. If it were not because of her aunt, she would not be here. Her parents could not afford to send her to a school of this kind. Earlier this year her aunt went to Cebu. Her aunt practically begged her parents and asked Dylan to live with her in Makati.

Knowing her parents, they would not accept help from people that easy, not even from a relative. But, her aunt came at a very right time. She was diagnose with scoliosis and was transfer in a private school near their house, even though they cannot afford it. But, it was for her, for her scoliosis not to worsen. They suffered from serious financial problem because of that. She was still at a junior high school then; if her aunt did not help, she would have not continued her studies.

Her aunt Mardy is her favorite aunt, and as her aunt always claims, Dylan also is her favorite niece. Occasionally, she goes to Cebu to convince Dylan live with her in Makati because she is all alone in her house. She always declines any chance of going away from Cebu but eventually, she needs to sacrifice to lessen the burden of her parents.

For her, this is a strange school. Richs and brats study here but surprisingly, her friends Frances and Ian are different. They are very nice to her. Frances was also from Cebu. Frances started her high school at Eton so, she really is a big help. There is of course Ian, her dear brother in school. They may not be related but they are like siblings.

Being a girl raised from plain and simple family, Dylan knows that she is privilege to be at Eton. She swore that every cent thrown by her aunt to this sumptuous school would be worth it.

Yes. It was hard at first because she cannot break in to her classmate’s worlds. They were talking about places, foods, and events, she cannot relate to. But, slowly, she went out of her shell. She showed her real self and was able to gain many friends.                

She checked her watch, its 7:20. Still early, her class starts at 8:00. She took her guitar from her locker. She plays and sings her favorite song Hawak-kamay. It was her therapy when she missed her family.

She was at the middle of the song when she became aware that someone was staring at her. She looked around. There were some students walking along the corridor.

But, there was only one person who was looking at her side. She knew him. That was Cedric! Another senior student but belong to a different section next to their classroom, the one who always looked at her in a strange way, Brannon’s best friend and Brannon is by the way Frances’s close friend.  

“You’re early!” Cedric said as he walked close to her.

“I just don’t want to be late…”

“You have a very nice voice. And you can play the guitar. Not all girls can play the guitar like the way you did.” Cedric said those looking straight to her eyes.  

“Ahmmmmm! Errr… Thanks!” Dylan seemed embarrassed by that compliment. She was not used for compliments especially if it’s from a guy.

   

“Ei! Morning guys! You are both early” That was Frances , talking from their back.

“Hey,Good---! Oh! You have a guitar?!”  That was Brannon looking so cute at the back of Frances.  He seemed so impressed of Dylan who was holding a guitar.

“Yeah! I play whenever I feel like it. But I’m not good at it” She answered while putting the thing back to her locker. Perks of being in an International school, lockers are big.

“And she has a very nice voice…” Cedric told Brannon  

“Nooooo! It’s nothing!” Dylan turned red. She is not comfortable being the topic.

“Dylan, you should be thankful. Cedric isn’t the type to praise people,” Brannon said smiling. 

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“She’s photogenic.” He unconsciously uttered. Cedric was scanning the pictures on Brannon’s new camera.

“Yeah! Frances is really stunning” Brannon replied. He was busy stacking his things ‘cause they were going home.

“I am not referring to her,” Cedric answered.

Brannon went beside Cedric and stole a look to the picture his friend looking at. The image showed two girls, Dylan and Frances in their uniform. Both girls were smiling.

“So it’s Dylan?!” Brannon said with his wide grin. It sounded not a question. It is more of confirmation.

Cedric did not answer. Dark skin and white teeth is really cute. He thought.

“Dark skin makes her stands out and she has a lovely smile.” Brannon commented.

Cedric frowned. Did I say it aloud? Or maybe her skin and her smile really attract people?

“Hey! She’s all yours. I am more interested with Frances.” Brannon explained hands up.

“But what about Addi? She likes you dude. Since what? Grade school?” Still from his talkative friend Brannon.

Cedric simply shrugged his shoulder.

“You like Dylan. Cedric, you maybe mysterious but I know you so well” Brannon was so sure.

“I didn’t say that.” Cedric answered.

“Leslie likes Addi so much. Your sister is a real witch when it comes to your girls. Make sure to address that first before when you start to court her. She’s---…“

“What are you talking about?” Cedric interrupted his friend.

“She’s Frances friend. So I also want her welfare.” Brannon seriously told his friend as he tapped his shoulder. “And don’t you dare deny you like her… Dylan is a lovely girl and she’s close to Ian. If you know what I mean.” Brannon winked and walked towards the door.