The Bitter Faces
The Bitter Faces
As the two walked through the breezy hallway, Maxene saw some students gazing in their direction. She has two assumptions in mind: it's because Rosie is well-known, and it's the first time they saw a new face.
"So, why did you decide to transfer here?" Rosie curiously asked as they walked together.
"I didn't really choose this university. The person who helped me did," she responded.
Surprised, Rosie turned her head at her. "What do you mean? Someone else aside from your parents is paying for your tuition fee?"
"I'm an orphan, actually," Maxene casually answered.
It seemed like Rosie felt bad about what she said because of the change in her emotion. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Maxene. I didn't mean to…" Rosie then covered her mouth with her palm.
"It's fine, Rosie. It happened a long time ago." Maxene beamed at her. If anyone who actually knows her would see her right now, they would feel uneasy and awkward because of how different Raven was before she became Maxene.
Maxene pretending to be someone she's not is just as good as how is at differentiating who's two-faced and who's not.
"Still… I should've been more careful," Rosie said with a sad expression on her face.
Maxene looked at Rosie whose eyes were shining as if she were about to cry. She doesn't understand why Rosie's acting this way when she's not even the one who lost her parents. Maxene wanted to raise an eyebrow but she just decided to just let it go.
"Rosie!"
The two stopped walking when a girl yelled Rosie's name from behind. The girl, who seemed to be about their age, tip-toed and walked in their direction. She seemed so excited to see Rosie that she didn't notice Maxene.
"Oh, hey Melinda," Rosie greeted her.
Melinda is shorter than Rosie but they have the same classic style that made them look put together.
"What are you doing here? The class is about to start soon!"
Maxene noticed how Melinda ignored her despite having a close distance from Rosie. They are obviously walking together!
"I have to take Maxene to her assigned room though," Rosie replied.
Melinda glanced at Maxene and said, "I'm sure she wouldn't mind going there herself. Right?" Then she smiled at Maxene sweetly.
"Of course, I don't mind. I think I can manage. Go ahead, Rosie. I don't want you to be late for your class because of me," she stated. After all, she knows exactly where to go.
"Are you sure?" Rosie made a sad expression on her face as if she was worried.
"Yeah."
"Oh, alright. Then… come with us this weekend. We're going to have a little party in my house," Rosie stated and smiled from ear to ear.
On the other hand, Melinda doesn't seem pleased because why would Rosie invite someone they just met anyway? Melinda had a hard time getting close to Rosie but Maxene just got her attention so easily. She thought it was unfair.
"I can't," Maxene firmly responded, which made Melinda's jaw drop. She couldn't understand what she just heard.
Meanwhile, it seems like what Maxene said hasn't registered in Rosie's head. Who would say no to her?
"You'd love to be there, I swear. My girl friends will all be there too. It's a good chance for you to make friends," Rosie told her and tapped her shoulder.
Maxene wanted to chuckle because of what she did but she stopped herself and grinned. "Thanks for inviting me but I'm fine, really. I still have other things to do, anyway. Have fun though," she responded and tapped Rosie's shoulder twice in return.
The two ladies seemed shocked by how Maxene treated Rosie, especially Melinda although they tried to act normal to hide their reaction. Maxene knew exactly what Rosie was trying to do. She's trying to show Maxene her superiority, but of course, Maxene won't let her because she doesn't feel any less than Rosie. Rosie must know that Maxene is not the dog type that would follow her around just like Melinda.
Rosie was clearly attempting to exert control over Maxene, as she had undoubtedly done with the majority of the students here. She was attempting to make it clear who was the queen and who was superior to everyone. She's trying to make her name shine and Maxene knows exactly why.
Maxene knew exactly the type of person Rosie is. She sees everyone as a potential competition and Maxene is no different.
Once she attends that party, it will be like going to the den of snakes. It will be just a waste of time and energy.
"I should go. My class is about to start too," Maxene stated while looking at her wristwatch as she beams at them.
"S-sure!" Rosie tried to respond cheerfully but she could barely hide the annoyance in her face. Maxene could see how Rosie was trying not to clench her fist
Meanwhile, Maxene passed between them and gracefully walked towards the staircase without looking back. "I think I made quite an impression," she pondered and chuckled while thinking of what she was going to do next. "It's my first day yet the social hierarchy already greeted me. It's not that bad though," she thought and grinned.
On the other hand, Rosie and Melinda looked at each other with their mouths slightly open.
"What the h*ll?" Melinda whispered. "The nerve!"
Rosie held Melinda's hand to stop her from raising her voice. "Shh, don't do that here." Her face has darkened opposite to the bright expression she had earlier.
"I just can't believe she said that," Melinda stated. "She's acting as if you guys are on the same level," she added.
"It's nothing, Melinda," Rosie told her, acting unbothered.
"But she–"
"Enough. Let's go, we're going to be late," Rosie firmly said and walked ahead of Melinda with a stern expression.
That doesn't seem like it was nothing to her at all.
—
Maxene knew exactly where her assigned room was and she knew that the class already started but she waited for five minutes before knocking on the door. The curtains are covering the windows probably to lessen the students' distraction when the class is ongoing.
The reason she knew that the professor was already inside is because she could hear her from the door. When she entered the room, all eyes were on her.
"Good morning, professor… everyone. I'm sorry I'm late. Please continue with your class," she uttered and smiled softly.
"You must be?" the professor who seemed to be in her 30s asked. She's quite pretty.
"Maxene. Maxene Claire… the new student," she answered.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't informed that there's a new student. I'm Professor Aileen Reyes. Please be seated," Ms. Reyes responded with a smile.
"Thank you, ma'am."
Maxene looked around and saw a familiar face looking at her with curiosity. A smile automatically forms on her lips the moment their eyes meet. She finally saw her target: Lianey Erica Falcon. Surprised, Lianey smiled back.
Unfortunately, there is no seat available beside her. Maxene had no choice but to sit in front that is empty. Actually, all of the front seats are empty as if everyone's avoiding interaction with the professor.
Maxene doesn't really care about where she'd sit in the class because attending is basically a little sacrifice she has to make in order to succeed.
Well, that's what she thought because eventually, Maxene found herself enjoying the course instead.
—
"Hi!"
Just as Maxene expected, Lianey appeared in front of her after the morning class. Everyone else is leaving the room to have their lunch while Maxene is fixing her bag (on purpose).
"Oh, it's you. Hi," she responded with a smile.
"I'm Lianey. Do you wanna join me for lunch?"
Maxene couldn't help but smile because of what Lianey said. Perfect.
"Of co–"
"Hi, Maxene! Come join us!" A group of girls went around Maxene excluding Lianey whose face was saddened. It was as if she was sure that Maxene would choose them over her.
Meanwhile, Maxene has been observing them since the first class. They seem pretty chaotic and have been gazing at her from time to time as if they were talking about her. She's not sure if it's good or bad though and she's not really interested in knowing.
"I'm sorry. I've already told Lianey I'd join her," she responded and took Lianey's hand. "Right, Lian?"
Lianey slowly smiled and said, "Yeah!" She looked so happy and held Maxene's hand tightly.
"I'll see you around guys," Maxene told the girls whose faces seemed bitter.
—
End of Chapter 4