Amethyst' POV
Confusion. That is what I feel right now. I am confused by the things happening around me. I don't know what the reasons for them are.
After my asthma attack earlier, a guy approached me. He's also a student at WinMon. Kind and, of course, rich, which is evident from his aura of luxury. He said he came to me because he saw me having difficulty breathing. He introduced himself to me. Klyde Guevara.
The Klyde Guevara standing in front of me now is the person who helped me. He's a Medical Student, and his course is a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Degree. He is smart and clever; that's what I can say about him. He helped me ease the tightness in my chest and allowed me to breathe properly. And it turns out he's also the President of the Science Club.
But just because he was kind and helped me doesn't mean I will stick close to him. I don't want to be associated with another rich student here at WinMon. I've had enough of my classmates. And it looks like Klyde is not just an ordinary WinMon student, as almost all the students are talking about him.
After all the respective Club Presidents were called, they sat in the chairs reserved for them. As I looked at them, I could tell that the Presidents of each Club were intelligent and not to be underestimated. Superior and WinMon's pre-eminent students.
"For the Club Week, we set different activities. From your respective booths which the Presidents of every club and the old members will plan to create with dashing designs," Art Washington said. The students near me began to whisper.
"Just like before? And then they will choose who has the flashiest design for the booths." "And of course, Architecture and Civil Engineering will win." "Yeah, right. They are consistent in winning the booths every year." "Who wouldn't win when they have all the excellent students, right?"
I smiled. Not because I found their conversation funny, but because it was true. I want to pursue Architecture or Engineering, but my gut is saying I should take a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. I love different designs of sofas, tables, beds, cabinets, and everything related to the interior of a house. I also want to make my own name in that field.
"And also, there will be performances happening. And on the last day of Club Week, there will be a special closing ceremony. For now, you should be ready to choose your desired club. Your presence is a must for the whole week. And that is the sum of the activities for our Club Week. Head Master Lim will give his closing speech."
"As you can hear, I am expecting all the students to be present during those times. I am hoping for a smooth and successful Club Week for everyone. And you may now rise."
I stood up along with the other students. I didn't know what they were doing. The meeting here in WinMon was very different from West Hill.
"Hail high, Winter Monarch Students. Be a ruler and fly high until no one can reach you. Soar high and be a boss and superior among everyone!" He laughed and clapped. The other students also clapped, but I just stood and looked at them with a frown.
Head Master Lim. The ruler of Winter Monarch University. He rules and regulates the rules of WinMon. He knows everything in this school. Does he know about Ace Park's game? It's impossible for him not to know because he runs the school. There are a lot of CCTVs throughout the university, and there are many surrounding the gymnasium as well. It's impossible for them not to see what the students are doing.
Everyone bowed, and I did the same. After he announced that the meeting was over, the students began to walk out of the gymnasium. I glanced at the pocket of my coat; the black card Ace Park gave me earlier was still there.
I was startled when someone grabbed my arm. I looked at him, and he gave a slight smile.
"Let me assist you, lest something happens to you," Klyde said.
"I-I'm fine," I said shyly, directing my gaze forward.
"Klyde, when did you arrive? I thought you were going to study in the States for your medical course?" Brianna, who was beside me, asked. I noticed that she also knew Klyde Guevara.
"Change of plans. My sibling is there instead, and I chose to stay here. You know, to avoid trouble."
"But you also know that you can cause chaos here."
"Yes, I'm aware of that, Cassidy. But if he chooses chaos, then what should I do?"
"Stop mentioning my surname!" Brianna said irritably, pouting. "I don't know. I don't know when his brain will go crazy. You know I have no idea how Ace Park's mind works, right?"
Ace Park? Are they talking about Ace Park?
"I think all of us," Klyde said, laughing softly at what he said.
I heard earlier that Klyde and Ace Park are rivals. They are the best rivals. They are both aces in games, and I don't know what that game is. I'm not an old student to know that. I feel like I'm lost in a nest of enemies.
"Are you going home? Do you have a ride?" Klyde suddenly asked me.
"Ah, yes, my parents are picking me up," I replied.
"Really? Whoa! Seems like you are close with your parents."
"Yes, there's no reason for me to be angry with them. They took care of me, and I should return the favor. To be a good child," I answered with a smile.
I didn't hear him reply, so I looked at him. He was looking ahead and suddenly stopped, which made me and Brianna stop too. I looked ahead in confusion, and my smile disappeared at the sight of the people standing on the path. The Winter Flowers.
"Amethyst, let's go this way—"
"Klyde Guevara," Ace said while his hands were in his pockets. I looked at what he was holding. The black box. His gaze shifted to me. "Amethyst Benson."
"Amethyst, you come with Brianna—"
"Oh! What a hero, Guevara!" And he clapped. The other members of the Winter Flowers were standing behind him.
"Don't come near to him—"
His words were cut off again by Ace's laughter. His laughter was sarcastic. He even held his stomach. The other students were just looking in our direction.
"Go, I'll take care of him," I looked at Klyde, and he gave me a look of assurance.
"Enjoying your free time, Benson?"
I looked at Ace Park. He was grinning and waving the black box with cards.
"Don't you ever play that game again, Ace!" Klyde said to him angrily. Ace stopped and turned to Klyde. "Not with her."
"Ohh? But there are already 51 cards left. How can I undo it?" he asked mockingly.
"What do you mean?" Klyde asked. "What did he mean, Ame—"
"Stop saying her name. Aren't you disgusted by her?"
"Watch your words, Ace." I heard Brianna say. Ace didn't look at her.
"You speak her name as if you're close—"
"You also say her name, right? What's the difference?"
"The difference is that we're classmates, and you are not."
"What?" Klyde asked him in confusion, and then he laughed. "Oh god forgive me," he said, laughing.
"What's funny?"
"You. You're so funny, Mr. Park."
"Me?" He pointed to himself. "HAHAHAHAHAHA!" He laughed loudly. "Am I really funny?" he asked, laughing.
"Stupid funny," Klyde retorted, which made me slightly laugh. And he seemed to notice it.
"Really, Benson?"
I fell silent and lowered my head. I was trying to suppress my laughter and smile because I was afraid he might actually punch me later. His radar is too strong.
"Wow!" He exclaimed in disbelief. "You better watch your fate tomorrow. Think, one card is in you."
"O-one card? W-what? Amethyst..." Brianna approached me and turned me to face her. "What one card? Where is the card? Amethyst?"
"W-why?"
"Give me the card," Klyde turned me to face him and held out his palm. "The card," he said.
"Why?" I asked in confusion. "What will you do with it?"
"Just give me that damn card!" he said irritably.
I took it from my coat pocket. He snatched it and looked at it. I heard the loud whispers of the students. My chest was starting to pound again.
"Oh my god. She's done. She messed with the ace player, eh?" "I thought he wasn't going to use that anymore?" "Yeah, me too. That's what I thought. I thought he was going to stop that game." "Geez! Good thing I didn't bump into a Park." "She'll completely be living hell here." "I pity her. She looks weak, too."
I heard various whispers from the students' mouths. I wanted to curse, but I might be called ill-mannered, but damn them.
"Stop your bullshits, Ace! What is it? Have you lost your mind, for heaven's sake!" Klyde shouted at him angrily and moved closer. "What are you doing? Are you even going to pick on a girl? I thought you were going to stop, huh?!"
"You're too loud, Guevara. Can you just take it one at a time?" He closed his eyes and looked at me directly. He wasn't looking at Klyde.
"First, what am I doing? I'm playing my game. I just missed playing."
"Shut up." Klyde muttered.
"Second, even if she's a girl? Yes, let us say she's a girl, but I don't like her. She's irritating me, and she's a liar."
Tears were welling up in my eyes. I was just staring at him. I didn't know if he noticed my eyes, which were about to cry. Does he know my secret? My true status? That I am middle class?
"You're nonsense, Ace. Your excuses are nonsense!"
"And lastly, she wants it." He said with a smirk.
I took big steps and faced him. Klyde was now behind me. I looked at him sharply, and my tears finally fell. The first time, the second, the third, and continuous shedding.
"Yes, I want it." I said firmly and smirked back at him. He wants this, too. He's crazy. "I don't know what's in you, but you seem to like playing games, right?"
"Amethyst, what are you doing?" I heard Klyde say.
"You're an ace, playing your 'stupid game'." I said.
"Did she just say he's stupid? Omg, she's insane for that!" "How can she say those words to Ace? Huh! The nerve."
I no longer cared about the students' damn whispers. My full attention was on Ace Park's reaction. His face was contorted with glaring eyes and furrowed eyebrows. There was still a part of me that was afraid he might actually punch me, but I knew he wouldn't do it.
I wiped the tears from my cheek without taking my eyes off him.
"I will not let you lay on me. I will not let myself say your name and..." I looked at him from head to toe before looking back at his face. "I will stay in WinMon. No matter what my fucking fate on your card is."
I took the card from Klyde's hand and walked past Ace. I walked straight ahead and ignored the scrutinizing looks of the students. I heard Brianna and Klyde calling out, but I didn't look back at them.
I held my chest. My tears were flowing continuously again, and I finally sobbed. I looked at my personal cell phone when it rang.
Calling: Mama...
I sobbed as I walked the long paved road out of the university. I felt like a child abandoned by her parents on the street. When I reached the outside of the university, the guards just looked at me; I ignored them.
"Hello, Ma?" I answered the call, suppressing a sob. "Why?"
"Amethyst, honey, I'm sorry. Your Papa and I will be home late." Her voice was laced with apology.
"Is that so? Okay. I-I'll just take a taxi."
"I'm really sorry, honey. I'll make sure we pick you up tomorrow."
"I-it's fine, Ma. O-okay..." I said goodbye and ended the call.
I sobbed again. After I walked out of the university gate, I just ignored the scrutinizing looks of the guards. I continued walking along the roadside.
I was walking slowly, sobbing, with tears still falling. A cold breeze blew. I looked up at the sky, and it was beginning to get dark. I wiped my tears.
Did I do the right thing? Was it right that I went against him and accepted his challenge? What will happen to me now?
"You're so brave, Amethyst." I talked to myself. "You really confronted an upper-class person whom you despise. Do you deserve a pat on the back for that?"
Do I deserve it? Or maybe I'm going crazy for talking back to him. If I had remained silent, would the problem have been resolved? If Klyde had talked to him, would it have been sorted out? Earlier, as I looked at his expression, he seemed like a different person. He was very different from the person I first met. Is that the real him?
I stopped walking and looked at the quiet and empty park. There were vendors selling street food, but not many people. Rich people don't usually hang out in places like this. The lower class is far from here. They don't go near the upper class. If the middle class avoids the upper class, the lower class avoids them twice as much.
I haven't met or talked to any lower-class people yet. They are hard to find because they are very elusive.
I walked towards one of the benches near the fountain. I sat down before sighing. I wiped the tears that escaped from my eyes. I looked at my wrist watch. 6:20 pm. Is Andrea busy now?
I should talk to her to explain. Is she still very angry? She might curse me if I call her. I took my personal cell phone and dialed Andrea's number.
"Hello?" I asked softly when she answered the call. She didn't speak. "A-Andrea?"
"Why are you calling me? Didn't you commit a big mistake?" she asked, clearly still angry at me.
"Andrea..." I called her name. I was trying to keep from crying. I had no one else to call because she was my only friend. "C-can we... can we talk?"
"What for? I already know what you're going to say. Don't bother to tell me."
"Please... I just need you now."
"And why is that? Why do you need me? You lied, didn't you?"
"I didn't mean to," I replied and sobbed. "I-I was going to tell you. But I didn't know how."
"You could have told me directly, Ami. I would have listened. Don't you know me yet? I can understand your point," she replied. I heard her sigh.
"Andrea—"
"Where are you? I'll go to you."
I sat up straight and wiped my tears. "I-I'm at the park."
"Park? What are you doing there?"
"I-I'll tell you when you get here."
"Okay, wait for me there."
"O-okay..."
"I'll hang up now," she said goodbye and ended the call. I stared at the phone screen, and after a moment, I smiled faintly.
I know she's still angry at me, but she's still going to come to me. Even if she's annoyed, I know she can't resist me. When I called her earlier, she answered, so I know she still can't ignore me. If she was mad at me, she wouldn't have answered my call.
I wiped my tears and relaxed. The air was cold now because it was evening. Good thing the uniform coat was thick. There were already many stars in the sky, which meant it wouldn't rain. The light illuminating the park came from the streetlights and the lights wrapped around the branches and trunks of the trees.
I looked at the card in my hand. I was still holding it. I stared at it for a long time. I smiled bitterly. Because Ace's game is just nonsense. He is too childish, and doesn't he even think that he's the stupid one for creating his own game? He really has a big problem in his head.
"You took the bait, Ami." I said.
Was it really right that I fought back against him? What will his reaction be? What will he do? What will happen to me? Will they beat me until I lose my breath? Push me from a tall building? Drown me in a pool? Or maybe they will throw me into the middle of the Pacific Ocean?
Whatever he intends to do or whatever is on that card, I will face it.
"Ami..."
I looked up, and Andrea was standing there. She was wearing the West Hill school uniform. White with gold linings. She was also wearing a coat, and like WinMon, she was wearing bondage boots.
I stood up. I didn't know what to say because we hadn't seen each other for two months. I was the one who avoided her because I couldn't tell her about Mrs. Margaret paying for my schooling then. I also told Mama and Papa to keep it a secret from her. Am I a bad friend?
"Andrea..." I called softly. "H-have a seat." I offered shyly.
She walked towards me without a word and sat on the bench. I also sat down and quietly sensed the atmosphere. She didn't speak, so I looked at her. She was looking ahead and not saying anything.
"Andrea..." I called.
"After two months, we finally saw each other, or perhaps it's better to say you finally showed yourself to me." She faced me. "Amethyst, two months. How could you keep that a secret from me for so long?"
"Please, let me explain," I tried to stop her.
"Two months, you managed to endure not seeing me? I was always asking Tita why you weren't going out anymore, and you know what their reason and excuses were? That you weren't feeling well and shouldn't be exposed outside yet because of your asthma, and I believed that. But..." She let out a breath. She looked so done with me.
"Sorry..." I muttered softly.
"But I saw you this morning. Wearing that uniform," and she pointed to the uniform I was wearing. "I was annoyed at you. When you told me you were studying at Winter Monarch, I was annoyed because you kept it a secret from me."
"I said I'm sorry," I said, pouting. "I was going to tell you, anyway."
"You should have told me earlier. Look, you kept it a secret for two months." She folded her arms. "I hate you for keeping secrets from me. I don't keep secrets from you, you know." She said, pouting.
I smiled and moved closer to her. I hugged her and leaned my head on her shoulder.
"I miss you, Andrea the grumpy one." I said sincerely and closed my eyes. She didn't speak. "I'm sorry for keeping a secret from you. I know I was wrong. And I wish I had just told you. I didn't know what your reaction would be because I myself was surprised by Mrs. Silverstone's offer."
"But the least you should've tried to tell me. I would understand if you chose to study at WinMon. Because that's a great opportunity too."
I opened my eyes. "I wish I had just told you. Maybe I could have avoided that."
"Avoided what?" she asked in confusion.
I pulled away from the hug and sat properly, facing her. Andrea is the only one I can trust. I knew I would feel relieved if I told her this. I trusted her so much.
"I bumped into the Winter Flowers."
"Y-you what?" she asked with a frown and turned to face me. "Winter Flowers?"
"All your expectations of them, Andrea, are wrong. Very wrong," I said seriously, holding her hand. "They are not nice as what you've told me two months ago. Believe me or not, but they are not angels as what you've think, Andrea."
"What are you talking about, Ami? Winter Flowers? As in the famous Winter Flowers? Don't speak ill of them."
"What I'm saying is true, Andrea. They are not kind, as you told me before that 'respectful is the must' if you're an upperclassman. But no." I said, shaking my head.
"How can you say that they are not nice?" she asked softly.
"Because... they are my classmates," I replied. "And I bumped into one of them."
"Who?"
"It's..." I struggled to say his name. I promised myself I wouldn't mention his name again.
"Is it Art Washington?"
I shook my head. "It's Ace Park."
"Ace Park?" she asked in confusion. I nodded. "As in Ace Park, the heir of the Park Family? The owner of high-class hotels?" I nodded again.
She covered her mouth and looked at me with wide eyes. She looked completely shocked by what I said.
"Yes, it's him," I said and leaned back on the bench. "But my encounter with him is not what you think."
"What do you mean 'not what I think'? What am I thinking?" she asked.
"Your reaction, that's what."
"What is my reaction?"
"That, that! You're surprised again. It's not that, okay?"
She laughed and hit my shoulder. "You're crazy. Of course, I'd be surprised by what you said. I'm not going to cry, right? Then I'd be the crazy one."
"Your reaction... it's like you're thinking of a different meaning." I replied. I let out a breath and looked up at the sky. "I have a huge problem, Andrea. I don't know what to do anymore. The only thing I can think of is to just drop out so all this will go away."
"Drop out, what are you talking about!" She hit my shoulder.
"Ouch. That's a hard hit." I said irritably and rubbed the shoulder she hit.
"What's the reason why your problem is so huge? Can you please explain it to me briefly?" She turned me to face her. "Tell me."
I looked at her weakly. I felt like I didn't have the strength to tell her everything. What happened to me in the span of two days inside WinMon.
"Amethyst?"
I let out a breath and smiled at Andrea. I just hoped she wouldn't notice that my smile was fake. I stood up and pulled her up too. I don't want to tell her. I don't want her to also worry about the problem I have. I can probably handle it.
"Just kidding!" I shouted and then laughed. "You're so serious, Andrea. It's just a joke!"
"W-what?"
"Just a joke HAHAHA you actually believed it? Am I a best actress now, huh?" And I raised and lowered my eyebrows.
She frowned and hit me on both shoulders. I was laughing at her reaction. She looked like a volcano about to erupt.
"Ouch!" I said, laughing.
"You're a crazy witch! My god! How could you act like that, Ami?!" She said irritably and hit me again before fanning herself. "You're making me stressed. I probably look like an idiot looking at you!"
"Just a little bit?" I teased her. "Oh?! Wait!" I moved away from her because she was about to hit me again. Her future boyfriend would be pitiful. Bruised all over.
"You have so many mistakes towards me, Ami. And you even managed to prank me? You're so annoying!"
"Sorry," and I hugged her. "We're okay now, right?" I asked.
"Who said so?"
"Andrea, we're okay. You were worried about me."
"Me? Worried about you? That was just a prank too. We're quits."
"You're in denial, sis. I clearly saw your reaction earlier. I wish I had recorded a video."
"Hmm! I want to throw you off the face of the earth, Ami. Let go now."
I smiled and hugged her tightly, shaking my head. I must be the luckiest person to have a friend I can lean on. Even though Andrea is into being fashionable, she is reliable when there's a problem. She will come to you right away when you need her. She just doesn't like being kept in the dark about secrets. I'm the same way, though.
After we talked some more, we ate, and then she took me home. When I arrived home, it was quiet, and Mama and Papa were not yet there. I sat on the sofa and took off my shoes and coat. I leaned back and picked up the black card.
"You're so special. That guy really made you," I said with a grimace.
"You're my first card, do you know that? Good thing you're lucky, me. Why are you a black card? To be different from Meteor Garden? That guy is a copycat. He made you black when he could have made you red so he could truly be called Dao Ming Si!" I sat up properly and took my personal cell phone.
I frowned because I had a message. I clicked on it and read who texted me.
Recipient: Unknown Hello, Amethyst.
"Who is this?" I asked, confused. Unregistered number?
Amethyst: Who is this?
I went to my room and changed my clothes. I was only wearing short shorts and a white t-shirt with a printed smile. But I wasn't happy. How ironic.
I checked again if he had messaged, but he hadn't replied. Maybe he ran out of load? I laughed at my thought. You're crazy, Amethyst. He texted you, so of course he has load.
After a moment, my cell phone suddenly rang. I held my chest because of the surprise and read the caller ID. I clenched my fist. I immediately ended the call and went out of the room because I was hungry. But it rang again.
"Why is he calling?!" I muttered irritably and ended the call again. He can mind his own business. That spoiled brat has so much nerve.
I held my chest again because the doorbell suddenly rang. I don't even like coffee, but why am I so jumpy? I walked to the door and checked if anyone was at the gate, but there wasn't anyone. I was confused and then moved closer.
I opened it, and there was no one on the street. I wasn't afraid of a thief because this is a village and there is a guard watching at the main gate. Besides, I have many neighbors. I looked down when I kicked a small box.
What is this?
I picked it up and looked around again in case the person who put it there was still around, but there was no one. So, I decided to just go inside and closed the gate before entering the house. But before I could enter the house, my cell phone rang. I was surprised because it wasn't the spoiled brat calling anymore, but the unknown sender who texted me earlier.
I answered it.
"Hello?" I asked, feeling nervous. Because this might not be a wrong number anymore.
"You live here?"
"H-huh?" My heart pounded. "W-who is this?" I asked nervously.
"You're such a liar to the moon and back, Amethyst Benson." And he laughed mockingly. "It's an insult to me and to the whole WinMon."
"W-who are you?!" I asked irritably.
"Who am I? Why would I tell you? You're such a pretty little liar. You're so good at pretending. And you're also irritating."
"What's your problem?! Tell me who you are. Are you a WinMon student?!" I looked at the gate to see if anyone was there, but there really wasn't. "Where are you, huh?!"
"You deserved that game of Ace Park. Enjoy your life living in hell, liar."
"What are you—"
My words were cut off when he hung up the call. I wanted to explode with annoyance, anger, and fear. I was annoyed because I didn't know who it was because I couldn't make out his voice because it was clear. I was angry because he had the nerve to call me a liar; he didn't even know my reason. And I was afraid because someone knows who I am, but I don't know who he is.
I went inside the house. Good thing Mama and Papa weren't home yet. Otherwise, they would know that I'm not okay at WinMon. I looked at the box and opened it. A purple necklace was inside. An amethyst crystal stone. It was rectangular in shape. The box also had Elixelle Company stamped on it.
"Where did you come from?"
My cell phone rang again, and this time, the spoiled brat was calling. My patience for you is running very thin, guy. To keep him from bothering me, I answered his call.
"What do you—"
"Did you receive it?" he greeted, cutting me off.
"Receive what?" I asked irritably.
"Tch! Do you have it now?"
"Have what? What are you talking about?"
"I don't know that you're that stupid to the max, Benson!"
"What is it that I have?!"
"The necklace, for heaven's sake!" he shouted. I fell silent because of the surprise. He shouted at me again? Huh!
"You shouted at me again—"
"Yes, because you're so..." He couldn't finish what he was saying. He fell silent, and I heard him sigh. "Did you receive the necklace? That purple necklace."
I looked at the box in my hand that contained the purple necklace. It came from him? I frowned and let out a breath.
"Hello, are you there?"
I didn't answer him and then stood up. I looked at the box in confusion and then sat down again. How did he know my address and where I live? Was he the one who called earlier? But no. The voice of that person was clear, and it was obvious that he was using a gadget to hide his voice.
"How did you know my address? D-do you know where I live?" I asked nervously.
"I see. So you already received it." He replied, not answering my question.
"Ace, how did you know my address?" I asked seriously.
"H-huh?" he asked, stammering.
"Ace!" I said irritably.
"I-I don't know." He replied, which surprised me.
"How can you not know? You sent me a necklace that I didn't ask for. Tell me, how did you know my address?" I said firmly. Still nervous about his answer.
"I really don't know. I just ordered my butler to do it, and excuse me? I'm the one who gave you the necklace, and you're talking to me like that? Huh! You're really something, Benson."
"Your butler? Who is your butler? I want to talk to him!"
"Are you ordering me around? How dare—"
"Ace!"
"Why did you keep calling me ACE ACE ACE?!" he asked irritably, which silenced me. "You said earlier that you would never say my name ACE PARK again. So why are you calling me by my name?"
Right, Amethyst! You shouldn't be mentioning this guy's name anymore. You're really an idiot sometimes, Amethyst!
I sat up properly before clearing my throat.
"Okay. I will consider this for now because it's an accident. Don't worry, you won't hear your name from my mouth again. AND... I will return the necklace you sent—"
"W-what? Why will you return it?"
"Because I didn't ask for it."
"You didn't ask for it, but I gave it willingly."
"What for? It's not my birthday, it's not New Year, and Christmas is still far away. Why are you giving gifts?"
"Because... um..."
"Um what?" I asked, waiting for his answer.
"Because... No reason! Why are you asking? Just accept it!"
"No. I won't. After you warned me and gave me your black card? And now you're giving me a necklace? What is that, a bribe before you torture me? A funeral offering?" I asked irritably. "I'll return it to you tomorrow. And please? Don't call me again! Can you please delete my number and get your own life."
"Even if I delete it, I still have it memorized." He replied, which silenced me. "I want you to wear it. It's your luck. I will find a way to stop the g-game. Bye."