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■ ALEXIA ■

'Brunggg, brunggg brungggg!'

"Ready, get set...

....GO !"

Mabilis kong pinaharurot ang kotse.

Sobrang bilis ng pag-andar ko and I took the lead as usuals. Nakita ko sa side mirror ang mga kalaban kong todo harurot ng kotse nila para maabutan ako. I smirked.

Nakarating agad ako sa highway. Ugh. This is the worst part. Your speed doesn't matter, dahil sa mga punyetang nakaharang na kotse ang poproblemahin mo.

Buti nalang talaga at 5 ng umaga pa lang! Bilang pa lang ang mga kotse at motorsiklo sa paligid, pero ang tindi pa din nilang harang sa daan.

Dala ng inis, bumusina ako ng pag-kalakas lakas. Kaya naman nabulabog ang mga kotse sa harap ko.

My racing car is as speed as the light, and I'm creating very loud car noises at the moment and there's no denying that the cops already heard or sensed that.

Mas exciting.

My good mood suddenly changed when I saw an orange race car on my left at binaba nito ang bintana niya.

I saw her smiling proudly.

"Yeah! Kiss my ass, Alexia!"

Mayabang na saad ni Lily at mabilis na pinaharurot ang racing car niya. Causing Lily to went above me now.

Shit!

There's no way I'm not gonna win this one! Fuck! Lily cannot win that.

She's only Lily Yuri Margaux, my dear best friend and also my great enemy. Gaya nalang ngayon, Lily is basically winning this race and being a competitive bitch that I am, siyempre hindi ako magpapatalo.

This is a racing competition. It's unofficial and illegal held by the Sniper brothers. They are rich and handsome as hell.

The competition started last week and basically, we need to race through the highway hanggang sa Pasay underground parking lot.

Kung sino ang mauuna sa parking lot, may winning point na siya. We will race once a day throughout the whole week at kung sino ang may pinaka-maraming points will win a brand new Tesla.

Because of my skills, I successfully drove above Lily. Ako na ulit ang nagle-lead.

Tsk. This time, I ain't slacking off because this is already the final race. And I'm also not gonna lie that Lily is good at this too.

Bigla akong nakarinig ng tunog ng paparating na police cars sa likod kaya mas lalo kong binilisan ang takbo ng kotse ko. Oh well, time to do my next strategy.

Fortunately, hindi pa din kami nahuhuli ng mga police the entire week. Wanna know why? Before we reach the underground parking lot, kaniya kaniyang diskarte muna para hindi mahuli. Some make them confused by going to different streets, some make damages everywhere para hindi mahulaan, and I, would take a shortcut route that nobody would notice.

Well, that's a secret of mine now. That is my main strategy on why I always win in racing. Right now, I already have three points as I won three consecutive days. Lily also has three points which result in both of us tying. If you think about it, parang saling-kitkit nalang ang ibang racers dahil isa saaming dalawa ni Lily ang for sure na mananalo.

This is the last day of racing at hinding hindi ako papayag na hindi ko makuha ang dalawang Tesla na 'yon.

I already drove through the shortcut and drove as fast as possible.

This shortcut doesn't have many people and establishments inside kaya madaling dumaan dito dahil walang paharang harang sa dadaanan ko. One way lang din siya.

Jeez. It rained last night so the soil is a bit wet and for sure nadudumihan na nang todo ang kotse ko ngayon.

Well, I don't care. I need to get that Tesla so I need to win this!

"Hey Alexia! So this was your secret that you've been keeping all along, huh!"

Agad akong nagulat nang may sumigaw sa likod. And there I saw Lily, and her racing car that is already inches away from mine. Damn! How did I not notice her?!

That only means, Lily successfully followed my secret route. Shit. Sa lahat ng mga dinaanan kong streets, paanong hindi siya nalito?!

"Damn it, Lily! I hate you!"

Malutong kong mura sa bintana. Malakas itong humalakhak. "You got me there, Alexia. You're one hell of a difficult woman. Pero paano ba 'yan, I found you! I found your secret!"

Saad pa nito at tumawa ulit ng malakas. Tangina!

"I'll win this you bitch!" Sigaw ko ulit at mabilis na pinaharurot ang kotse.

Wala akong nararamdaman ngayon kundi inis, galit, and the drive to win. Lily had only been in my shadow ever since. But this year, bigla nalang itong nagbago. She became stronger and braver for an unknown reason.

Kung dati ay nakikinood lang ito sa racing ko, heto na siya ngayon at kinakalaban ako. I must admit it's pretty hard to beat her and our scores shows. We're basically tied now, at kung sino saamin ang mauunang makapunta sa parking lot ay ang winner.

I regained my confidence while smirking in the process. You've been a lovely best friend to me, Lily Yuri Margaux. But I'm not stupid enough to give this title to you...

So I'm gonna need to destroy you.

"I love you bitch!"

I shouted as I held the gear lever intensely.

Sinadya kong banggain ng malakas paatras ang harap ng kotse ni Lily, causing for it to create a loud sound of metal. "Ugh, shit!" Narinig kong sigaw ni Lily.

Umabante ulit ako at mabilis na umatras para mas masira ang ulo ng kotse niya. "What the heck, Alexia?!"

Naguguluhang tanong ni Lily. I hit her car for one last time as I immediately ran off. I smirked.

Let's say Lily already improved, but she still can't beat the true queen. Bwahaha!

■ ■ ■ ■

"And the winner, of the 28th racing competition...

is none other than Misty Alexia Valdez!!!"

'WOHHHHHHHHH!!'

I smiled proudly while accepting the car key, as I waved it to the audience making the screams louder.

"Congratulations, Alexia!"

Mark Sniper loudly said. He is the host of this competition.

I winked at him. "Thanks, babe." I flirted. Mark smirked.

He put the mic away from his mouth as he walked towards me. "You're such a badass, my queen." I stared back at him. Hinawakan ko naman ang pisngi niya.

"I know, king." Sagot ko. He chuckled.

"I'm gonna be back, I'll get something." He said smiling. At umalis muna sa harapan ko.

Ugh. Why did he have to do that in the middle of our flirt? Umalis muna si Mark kaya nakita ko na si Lily on the other side. Her face showed envy and disbelief.

"Won't you congratulate me, my friend?"

Pang-aasar ko sa kaniya at lumapit pa sa kaniya habang winawagayway ang susi.

After I purposely bumped her car thrice, I immediately drove at dahil sobrang laki ng sinira ko sa kotse ni Lily, hindi ito nakaandar agad. I finished the race without being caught by the cops, and that's how I won it. And yes, the majority of the audience are my fans and some lame schoolmates. Well, whatever.

Na sa likod ko ngayon ang Tesla na sobrang kinang while I swing the car key on my middle finger and teasing the shit out of Lily in the process. "Sinabi ko na sayo, you can't stand a chance against me."

Pag-mamayabang ko kay Lily. She rolled her eyes habang nakakibit-balikat. "Whatever, Alexia. That's still unfair, you bumped me! You cheated." Lily said in disbelief.

"There's no such thing as cheating on racing, Lily! Bakit na-injured ka ba? Racing is not a test in school where cheating is not allowed, paganahin mo kasi 'yang utak mo! Create strategies and shit." Saad ko.

She looked at me with one brow up. "My strategy is to follow you all the time so I'd know your secret route. My only mistake is nag-pahalata ako!" She scoffed.

"Exactly, bitch. I wouldn't bump your ugly ass car kung hindi ka lang nag-pahalata." Saad ko at nagkibit-balikat din.

I saw my fans still cheering endlessly. Kaya pala napaka-ingay! Tss. Hindi pa ba sila pagod sa kakasigaw nila? Totally annoying but it feels good because that only means my impact is no joke! Haha.

Going back to my situation, Lily and I are heated right now as I feel the tension between us. This is the only time I can ask Lily about her change, the way she evolved mentally and suddenly became a confident ass.

"Something going on with your life?" I asked without glancing at her.

Lily scoffed. "I'm not gonna small talk with you, Alexia, after you shit my car."

"I can drive you though."

"Using that Tesla behind us? Parang pinamukha mo lang sa'kin 'yang unfair victory mo."

"Okay, that's not what I want to talk about." I cut her off. Binalingan ko siya. "Lily, why did you change? Did something happen or what?" I asked.

Binalingan niya din ako. "Huh? I changed?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Lily.

"I don't know. It's like you changed something about yourself and you seemed more confident now," Sagot ko. It took her a while to answer while staring at me. "What? Are you just gonna stare?" Pagtataray ko.

"Do you need to go to the medic? Nauntog ka ba kanina kaya kung ano ano sinasabi mo ngayon--"

"Just answer the damn question! Fine, hindi lang ngayon kundi nung mga nakaraan pa, like two years ago. After that Texas trip with your parents, you suddenly embodied that cowboy energy shit. So, pray tell." I raised my brow as we stared at each other.

Now that I heard my own words, I feel like the stupidest person ever. People change over the years! Being friends with me most probably influenced her to exude the confidence she has now, and it's fine.

Did I come out as the insecure one here?

"You know what, forget about it Lily--"

Then Lily spoke. "I want to step up my game now, Alexia. I want to be a stronger and much better version of myself." Mas lalo pa siyang lumapit saakin, I stared back intensely.

"And when I have the chance, I'll be your rival so that I can crush you."

"Congrats, bitches!"

Naputol ang matalim naming pagtititigan nang bumungad sa harapaqn si Molly.

"Alexia won and Lily is the runner up? It's a win-win. Pasakay ha." Biro ni Molly at saka tumawa.

Lily's gonna crush me?

Pinagsantabi ko muna ang sinabi ni Lily kanina at bumaling kay Molly.

"I'll drive that to school." I excitedly said.

"Spot on. What are we waiting for?" Molly went near the Tesla behind us.

"Hey, don't touch it! Madudumihan." Mataray kong saad.

She's Molly Oquindo. Kung kami ni Lily ay sobrang competitive at mataray, Molly is the exact opposite. She doesn't care about competition and I'd say, she is the sweetest and kindest one on our squad.

But don't be fooled by that side, though. She's not into competition but she is devoted when she wants something. Siya yung tipong ahas na tutuklawin ka na pero hindi mo pa din napapansin.

You'll get blinded by her stunning beauty and the next thing you know, she already stole what she wanted from you. She also uses that face to attract boys and break their hearts later. Yeah, that's Molly Oquindo for you.

"Tsk. I'll call home to bring me another car. I'm not riding that." Maarteng sabi ni Lily kaya napabaling ako sa kaniya.

Naalala ko nanaman ang sinabi ni Lily. I don't know why but there's something, parang tototohanin niya ngang sisirain niya ko. While she said those words, her eyes tell different. Parang hindi siya.

I shrugged the thought off my head. What's going on with me? For all the years we've been friends, why doubt her now? Argh. I'm pretty sure she's just joking about what she said to me earlier... right?

"Gurl! Hey. Wake up."

Nabalik ako sa reyalidad nang iwagayway ni Molly ang palad niya sa tapat ko. "Let's go to school na. I'll wait outside for y'all to change."

Saad ni Molly at naglakad paalis sa harap namin ni Lily.

"Let's go, Lily." Saad ko sa kaniya.

Naglakad kaming dalawa paalis ng mini stage habang kinakawayan ang mga fans ko kaya mas lalong umingay ulit.

It's safe to say that me and my friends are the campus queens of our university. Kinakatakutan kaming tatlo, simply because malalakas ang dating namin and we are also the wealthiest students. Kaya doon ako nagkaroon ng fans, I think because they see me as a cool and badass figure. At yung ibang schoolmates ko ay mukhang sumasama lang sa bandwagon.

Ayaw akong tanggapin ng school principal dati due to my previous records on my past schools. Dahil 'yun nga, I'm a bad student. But mom paid that oldie more millions para lang tanggapin ako. Guess I'm that dangerous. Haha!

Nakarating na kami sa locker room exclusive for the racers. I opened my locker at kinuha ang damit na gagamitin ko. My outfit is black leather overalls and a white helmet. My hear is tied up neatly para hindi sagabal sa racing. My racing car is white.

Samantalang si Lily nakasuot ng cropped leather jacket, safety shorts, and ankle boots. Kaya siya siguro natalo dahil sa suot niya, it's damn uncomfortable to race with boots kaya! Tanga lang?

"I'm so hungry. Let's drive-thru at the nearest fast food." Saad ni Lily habang nilalagay ang helmet sa locker.

"Pagtapos mo kong bantaan kanina, you're back to normal as if wala kang sinabing kahina-hinala saakin." Mataray kong saad sa kaniya.

Lily chuckled.

"I was just joking. Do you really think I would destroy you? Come on, you're a queen. I won't stand a chance against you." She explained.

I smirked. "Good girl. I know I am."

I said confidently at saka sinara ang locker ko.

Naglakad na ko paalis sa locker room at iniwan si Lily doon. Deretso na kong pumunta ng fitting room which is kaharap lang ng locker room.

Papasok na sana ako nang makita ko si Mark, walking in my direction.

"I've been looking for you everywhere. Nandito ka lang pala." Saad ng lalaki nang makalapit na siya saakin. I chuckled.

"Sorry, Marky dear. You must've looked everywhere." I said, inserting that concerned tone.

"Not that much. Are you gonna change?" Mark asked, his voice changing. He glanced at the clothes I was holding.

"Yes. Bakit?" I asked.

He went near me as his large palms cupped my waist. I went along and held his pointy chin. How cute.

"We've been flirting for a month now, wanna step it up? What you think?" He whispered huskily in my ear. I chuckled.

"We'll get there soon, baby. Be more patient." I whispered back and bit his left earlobe.

"Hey, retards. Padaan."

Someone bitterly said.

Lumayo ako kay Mark, annoyed at the fact that we got interrupted once again. Argh! Every single time na maglalapit kami ni Mark, there's always an interruption!

I glanced at the one who said it. Oh yeah, Lily. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.

"What? I just wanna change my clothes may problema ba?" Lily cluelessly asked me.

I want to pull Lily's hair at this point! Can't she see nag-uusap kaming dalawa ni Mark? Tsk. Kailangan ko munang pigilan ang sarili ko dahil masisira ang impression ni Mark saakin 'pag inaway ko 'tong si Lily sa harapan niya. I sighed in defeat.

"Alright, I'll go get changed na. Let's go to Xylo on Saturday, 6 as usual." I said to him. He just nodded.

"Sure. Oh and your race car, mga staff ko na magdadala sainyo later. I assume you'll drive the baby you won?" Mark smirked.

"You know it, babe." Jackpot, Marky!

"Can you fix my racing car too?" Singit ni Lily sa usapan namin.

Mark glanced at her. "Sure. It'll take a week I guess." He responded.

Na sa automotive industry ang Sniper family. They also invest in car companies dito sa Philippines.

"Yeah right. Bihis na kami ha." Lily impatiently said.

"Of course." Bago umalis si Mark, tumingin muna siya saakin at ngumiti. Ngumiti din ako pabalik at doon na siya tuluyang naglakad palayo saamin.

Siyempre hindi naman ako napatol sa kung sino sino lang, 'no. You may think I flirt with Mark only because of his money. Darling, no. If we're being honest here, mas mayaman kaming mga Valdez. We own a cruise line and it's the best and most well-known cruise ship overseas. Together with so many other businesses that I will never be able to sum up.

I think I have the biggest crush on Mark, he's so cute and handsome kasi! The time I saw that godly-face at the bar last month, hindi ko na siya pinakawalan pa.

Pumunta na kami ni Lily sa fitting room at pumasok sa seperate cubicles.

"You're so annoying for cutting off our convo with Mark earlier," I said to her.

"Ang tagal niyo kayang paharang harang 'don." Tugon ni Lily.

"Yeah, right. Sasabay ka ba with me?" I asked her.

"Not like I have a choice." She answered and I could just see her eye roll.

I removed all the clothes I was wearing at sinuot ang dala kong damit. It is a black cropped top, denim shorts, white fishnet stockings, and white boots.

My outfit looks too simple. Damn those dress codes kasi! As if hindi naman magiging wild ang mga students after they graduated, duh! I used to break all the school rules but the principal warned me na kung hindi ko daw aayusin ang ugali ko, they would drop me out just like every other school out there that did the same to me.

I don't give a damn if they drop me. Pero I realized if I keep breaking school rules edi lagi akong lilipat, mas mapapabagal pa ang education ko and in the end ako lang din ang magsisisi. 

Tinanggal ko ang tali sa buhok at nag-lugay nalang, wavy naman ang buhok ko eh. I retouched my makeup and put on a scarlet red lipstick while looking at the full-body mirror.

Lumabas ako ng cubicle and faced the large mirror to look at me again. Well, can't help it. Ganon kasi ako kaganda.

Lumabas na din si Lily sa cubicle niya as she walked beside me para tingnan ang sarili niya.

Umalis kami ng fitting room at nilagay ang mga racing clothes sa kaniya-kaniyang locker. At saka pumunta sa parking lot.

Umalis na ang mga tao dahil alam nilang hindi legal ang racing na 'to, wouldn't get yourself caught you know. A lot of workers are cleaning the whole area. My Tesla is now covered with leather car cover. Nilapitan ko iyon at pinatunog using the button in the key.

Molly is standing beside my car while checking something on her phone.

"Hey!" Tawag ko sa kaniya. Lumingon si Molly saamin habang papalapit kami sa kaniya.

"Grabe, why are you so matagal?" Pag-rereklamo ni Molly at inirapan niya kami.

"She flirted with Mark for an hour." Saad ni Lily.

"That was five minutes, Lily." Saad ko sa kaniya at umirap. "Anyways, let's go girls. The sun is slowly rising."

■ ■ ■ ■

"Marketing is the action of promoting and selling products or services, this includes market research and advertising--"

"Argh!" Inis kong saad.

Nakakainis naman! Why is school so boring? Why the hell do summer classes exist?! We're still going to school in April, for fuck's sake!

Then I will keep doing this for three more years. Buti pa si Lily nakapag-all year live-in pa sa Los Angeles last year!

Why can't I just have fun? Bakit kailangan pang mag-aral? Bakit kailangan ko pa 'tong gawin? And years later, businesses will be thrown in my face and I have no choice but to handle it.

Sometimes, I just want an escape from my world.

Haha, what a thought.

"Do you have any problem, Ms. Valdez?"

I snapped back to reality nang tawagin ako ng professor. Napansin ko din ang mga classmates kong mukhang kanina pa nakatingin saakin.

"What?" Mataray kong tanong, still clueless.

"You were complaining and you seem to not pay attention to my class either." The professor said to me. I just rolled my eyes.

"Oh come on,