Alonzo had just taken his seat when the professor suddenly called his name.
"Mr. Santiago, please stand up and introduce yourself to the class," the teacher said with a warm smile as he looked at him.
Alonzo's POV
"This is it, Alonzo… you can do this."
He forced himself to take a deep breath, scanned the entire classroom, and began introducing himself.
"Good morning, everyone. My name is Alonzo Santiago. I am a freshment student. I am a scholar of Eastwood College Academy, and I'm excited to meet all of you."
As Alonzo smiled, some students smiled back—especially a few girls who noticed his natural good looks. However, there were also others who laughed quietly because of the way he was dressed. Despite his nervousness, he still felt the warmth of acceptance from some of his classmates.
"The poor country boy!" a group of boys shouted, followed by loud laughter.
"Mr. Cruz, please stop! That kind of attitude is not a good example here at the Academy,"
the professor scolded firmly.
"Alright, Mr. Santiago. Where are you from?"
"I'm from Mariveles, sir. My parents are farmers, and they are my inspiration. That's why I'm here, and I want to finish my studies for them."
A few of Alonzo's male classmates, including Benjie, laughed softly again.
"Hmmm, nice, Mr. Santiago! You are a good and kind child to your parents. People like you truly deserve to be in a school like this!"
"Th-thank you, sir."
Alonzo felt his motivation grow stronger. He became more determined to study hard and overcome every challenge that came with being a scholar, especially among his arrogant and elitist classmates.
After class, instead of following the crowd to the canteen, Alonzo walked toward a quiet hangout spot at the side of the campus. There were stone benches under the shade of tall trees, with a few students busy with their own activities. He sat on an empty bench and opened a law book—filled with ideas about protecting farmers' land, dreams he carried with him from the province.
He read quietly, barely noticing the time, until someone suddenly spoke.
"Hey, you look really serious with that reading," Maverick said as he offered him a sandwich.
"Oh wow, thanks! I thought free sandwiches were already included on campus!"
Alonzo replied jokingly as he accepted it. To him, it felt like a small gift amid the heat and anxiety of his first day.
"Man, you're lucky! A scholar giving you a free sandwich—what a deal!" Maverick laughed.
They both laughed together.
"You're a newbie, right? Don't worry too much about the other students here. Just focus on your studies and ignore them—especially Lexus' group," Maverick added.
"Lexus…?"
"Yeah, that guy over there—Lexus Marasigan. The so-called heartthrob of Eastwood Campus."
Alonzo looked in the direction Maverick pointed. Across the campus, Lexus was walking with his friends—confident, elegant, and clearly used to a luxurious lifestyle.
"They're the rich kids here at Eastwood. Sometimes they're funny because of how over-the-top they are, but most of the time they're annoying because of their arrogance. Still, no matter how rich they are, they can't measure academic excellence."
Maverick continued while munching on his sandwich.
"And I know you're good, Alonzo."
"Huh? How can you tell? I just got here. It's only my first day."
"Because I can feel it, bro. And honestly, I'm glad you came. At least I finally have someone to talk to and hang out with!"
When Maverick glanced to the other side, he noticed Janice walking with a group of students.
"See her? That's Janice.. Janice De Guzman. She's the campus president—and also the muse. Almost everyone in her group is smart and wealthy."
"Janice? President and muse? Wow! She's the girl from the convenience store—the one I accidentally bumped into!" Alonzo said as he took the last bite of his sandwich.
Maverick suddenly choked and started coughing.
"Hey, bro! You okay?" Alonzo asked, patting his back and handing him a bottle of water.
"Don't worry! I just choked… probably because I thought of my crush!" Maverick joked.
"Huh?! Crush? Where?"
"Right there! One of Janice's friends—Angela. I call her Miss Demure."
"You're something else, bro! I thought your crush was someone serious already. But hey, good choice—she's pretty!" Alonzo laughed.
They both burst into laughter.
"But seriously, bro," Maverick said. "Just focus on academics and don't mind them. I'm already used to those rotten elite students here at Eastwood. You'll get used to it too—especially for the sake of your scholarship."
Alonzo smiled, feeling a new sense of confidence. Even though Eastwood College Academy was a strange and intimidating world, he now had someone by his side—a friend, a partner in chasing dreams.
However, while Alonzo and Maverick were talking, they noticed a group of students approaching. Lexus and his friends walked toward them, arrogant and clearly spoiled.
"Guys! That's the new kid I told you about from Section B—Alonzo, a.k.a. The Probinsyano Boy!" Benjie mocked loudly.
Alonzo and Maverick stood silently as the elite students continued their insults. Maverick was about to suggest leaving when—
"Hey! We're not done with you yet. Where are you going? The principal's office? Going to snitch? Hahaha! You're nothing to us!" Benjie sneered.
They blocked the way, laughing loudly.
"We're just heading back since classes are over," Maverick said calmly.
"Oh, we actually have rules for new students here," Lexus cut in. "And the first rule is—you dance Mr. Cheap."
The group burst into laughter again.
Maverick glared at Lexus, remembering how he had also been bullied on his first day.
"So, Mr. Santiago or A.k.a Mr. Cheap, are you going to dance?! Or should I shout across the campus that there's a cheap newbie here—cheaper than a carabao?!" Lexus mocked.
Students nearby gathered, laughing and watching in the middle of the flagpole area.
Alonzo's POV
"What is wrong with these people? Their attitudes are worse than farm dirt."
Maverick whispered, "If I say run, Alonzo—run, okay?"
"Hey, The poor country boy! Are you thinking of escaping? Or do you want trouble on your very first day?" Reymark taunted.
Alonzo stayed silent, forcing himself to remain calm.
Alonzo's POV
"I can't back down. I may be like this, but I can fight. My scholarship matters more than them."
Before Alonzo could respond, a firm voice cut through the tension.
"Stop that!"
It was Janice, pushing through the crowd.
"What are you doing to the new students again, Lexus? Haven't you learned your lesson? It's always the same with you!"
"Relax, babe. I'm just orienting these cheap newbies," Lexus replied arrogantly.
The crowd screamed and giggled at their so-called love team, but Janice stepped forward to defend Alonzo and Maverick.
"Enough! Lexus. Leave them alone. Nothing good comes out of what you're doing."
"Fine. But babe, can we go on a date later? After your class?" Lexus smirked.
The students cheered again, but Janice rolled her eyes and turned to Alonzo and Maverick.
"Alonzo, right? Are you okay? Please ignore them. They're just troublemakers. I'm sorry—you might even lose your scholarship because of people like them."
"We're fine. Sorry for the trouble, Janice," Alonzo replied politely.
"Thank goodness you came, Janice! You're like Wonder Woman—saving us from those cockroaches!" Maverick joked.
"Oh, Lexus, looks like you've got competition now," Benjie teased.
"Yeah! You've got a rival for Janice already!" Jacob laughed.
"That guy? He's nothing compared to Lexus!" Reymark scoffed.
"Who is he anyway? I'm rich—Janice would never choose someone like him over me," Lexus declared confidently.
"Lexus, please go back to the student council room. They need you there. Please," Janice pleaded.
Lexus shot Alonzo a sharp glare before walking away.
After everything, Alonzo and Maverick decided to head back to their dorm. Maverick still couldn't get over what happened.
"Bro, you're seriously lucky. I still can't believe Janice came to save us earlier."
"Well, she is the class president," Alonzo replied, staring at the ceiling.
"But I know it—she caught your attention, didn't she?" Maverick teased.
"Enough with the gossip! Let's sleep already, Okay?"
Alonzo turned his back, but the smile on his face—and the rapid beating of his heart—gave him away.
Narrator's Note:
On Alonzo's first true test in the world of Eastwood Academy, he learned that it wasn't only academics that would challenge him—but also social status and arrogant elite students like Lexus' group. Having allies like Maverick and Janice gave him the strength to stand his ground. Meanwhile, Lexus—once confident and in control—began to feel unsettled by Janice's sudden defense of the new scholar. And perhaps, without realizing it,
new emotions were slowly beginning to surface…
Lexus' POV
"No… that's impossible. Janice is mine. No one else deserves her attention but me."
To be continued…