The Trouble with the Rule

Chapter 26: Another punishment

Piper’s POV

It’s already been days since I've said harsh words to Elle. At times I think I, too, crossed the line. But every time I remember all the things she said to my friends, sorry, but I don’t feel sorry for her. She deserves to hear those things anyway. The way she treats people is just too much.

Ever since that day, hindi na niya ako kinakausap. Not that I miss her or what. Is it mean to say that I feel better because she’s not talking to me na? I’d rather choose that kaysa sa kinakausap niya nga ako, but I know nagpapanggap lang siya maging nice.

I’m not the nicest person either. Kaya before I could do something really awful, mas maayos pa nga na lumayo na siya sa akin.

“Simula pa lang ng bagong quarter pero ipapaalam ko na sa inyo ang project niyo sa homeroom.”

Gusto kong magreklamo kaya lang ayoko namang i-disrespect ang teacher namin. Kaya lang project? Project sa homeroom? Come on!

“Gagawa kayo ng presentation. Slideshow, role playing, video, scrapbook, kahit anong gusto niyo. Ang topic, simple lang. What is the meaning of happiness? I’ll divide the class into groups with five members each.”

Kung kani-kanino tumingin ‘yung teacher namin until her eyes landed on me. She smiled; not the real smile but it’s not a smirk or what. I don’t know what’s behind that smile but it gave me the creeps.

“To make everything more exciting, each groups will consists of one member per group.”

Someone from the class raised her hand, “Paano po? Group of five pero ang isang grupo ay magkakaroon ng isang member kada grupo? Paano po ‘yun?” tanong niya.

My teacher smiled again, “Ang ibig kong sabihin, sa isang grupo, may tig-iisang myembro ng bawat grupo. Grupo katulad ng Populars, Nerds, Jocks, Ordinaries at Rebels,” she then told the class who will be groupmates.

Almost everyone is called already but my name isn’t mentioned yet. She keeps on calling names until she stops.

“Halos lahat kayo natawag na. At konti na lang ang hindi pa. Siguro ngayon sa mga hindi ko pa natatawag, alam niyo na kung sino ang kagrupo niyo,” I didn’t get her. “This is really exciting.”

Mukhang tuwang-tuwa ang teacher namin sa nangyayari. Siya kasi ‘yung tipo na nag-eenjoy talaga kapag nahihirapan ang mga estudyante niya. Sadist? Yeah.

“For the final group, ang magkakagrupo ay sila Nathan, Hailey, Hunter, Warren at Piper. Also known as the leaders.” Nagsimula na ang whispers and murmurs sa mga magkakagrupo. I know they want to object but as if they could do something about it.

My teacher is really enjoying this. She obviously doesn’t have a single clue that we’re actually friends. Though I don’t know if Hunter is already our friend. He’s distant kasi. Siguro kasi he’s busy sa part-time. But whatever. I actually prefer na sila ang kagrupo ko. It means more bonding moments with my real friends.

“And!” she caught everyone’s attention again, “Hindi naman pwedeng mag-isa lang si Tamara. Kaya kahit wala siyang grupo, isasama ko siya sa isa sa inyo. Well it’s quite obvious already kung kanino ko siya ipapasok. Tamara, you may join the last group. The leaders.”