Alexander's Point of View

POV

"Hey! Don't sleep here! Get out!" the librarian scolded.

Being a working student is tough, but I don't have a choice. I lack the funds, so I'm pushing myself to finish my studies and work at the same time. I hope something happens that will ease the burden and allow me to support my education more comfortably.

"Alex! There's an announcement, come here!" called Tyrone, the student council president and my best friend.

I prefer sitting in the first row of our classroom because it allows me to hear the teacher clearly. As Tyrone makes an announcement about the upcoming pageant, all eyes turn to him. It's clear this won't be an ordinary pageant.

I've known Tyrone since childhood, and he loves adding unexpected twists to things that leave people amazed. I wonder who will participate this time. Last year, our school's heartthrob, Calvin, won the pageant and became the school prince. Sadly, he won't be able to participate this year.

"Since Calvin is the current school prince, he can't participate. Any suggestions?" Tyrone asked the crowd.

"Mr. President, I think Alexander would be a perfect fit! He has the right look!" someone suggested.

Wait, what? Me?! No way! I don't want to do it!

"Yeah, we agree!" others chimed in.

"Well, well, well. Looks like our representative for the pageant is Mr. Marquez. Let's give him a round of applause," Tyrone announced, as if it was all planned.

"Hey!" I started to protest.

"What about the girls? Who will represent us?" I interrupted Tyrone, feeling frustrated.

"Marina will be our representative!" Tyrone replied.

"Okay, so it's settled. We have Mr. Alexander Dale Marquez and Marina Malvar as our representatives for the pageant. Any objections? No? Great, that's all," Tyrone concluded, dismissing my protests.

"Hey, Tyrone! I haven't agreed yet!" I yelled, but he pretended not to hear me.

Damn it!

"It seems like it was all planned!" Marina said, appearing out of nowhere.

"Yeah! It WAS PLANNED!" I replied angrily.

"Hahaha! I wonder what kind of pageant it will be. Good luck to us!" she said, then walked away.

Yeah, I wonder too. That's precisely why I didn't want to be a part of this pageant. Tyrone came up with the idea, and none of us have any idea what it entails.

It's already afternoon, and since the teachers are in a conference, we don't have any classes today. I have to get ready because I'm going to work. I need to work double shifts since the exams are approaching.

As soon as I entered the restaurant, my manager, who is also my cousin, approaches me. I work as a part-time waiter here, and having my cousin as the manager has its advantages.

"What's this I hear about you being a candidate for the pageant at your school?" my cousin asks, leading me to her office.

"You know? Who told you?" I inquire.

"Hahaha! I knew it! Tyrone told me. In fact, he's right there," she points to Tyrone, who is currently on the phone.

"Don't get too excited! I haven't agreed yet. I'll go change now. Bye!" I dismiss her and leave her office. She's always annoying whenever she hears any news about me.

A couple of hours pass, and it's already 5:30 in the afternoon. I've been working for two hours now.

"Alex! Table 13 needs your attention," a colleague tells me.

I bring the orders to table 13, but something seems off.

Ignoring it, I place their orders on the table.

"Come on, let's go out!" I hear a guy say.

Elaine's Point of View

POV

I need to leave this place as soon as possible. I have goosebumps all over. Can anyone save me?

I wish someone would come and rescue me from this situation!

"I forgot to mention that I'm waiting for her!" I grab the waitress's hand and drag her out of the restaurant. I even hear someone calling my name.

I face the waitress I grabbed. She's adorable, no, she's beautiful.

"I'm sorry for grabbing you. I wanted to get away from that man. Thanks for saving me. Also, don't worry, I'll contact your boss and apologize. Thanking you isn't enough, but I promise I'll repay your kindness."

She seems to be in shock.

"Thanks again, but I have to go. Bye-bye. Hope to see you again. Haha!" I can't help but laugh.

She's so cute.

"Miss! I've been looking for you everywhere! Where have you been?" my driver says.

"I was just getting some fresh air. Let's go!" I get into the car, and one last time, I glance at the waitress and mouth a thank you.

I hope we meet again.

*Sigh*

Alexander's Point of View

POV

"Hey, where did you go?"

"A girl suddenly grabbed me and dragged me outside," I respond.

"Whoo~ don't make excuses. You had a private conversation. Haha! I'm deducting your salary!" my manager teases, enjoying her mischief.

"Hey! You can't do that. I didn't do anything. She grabbed me, and-" I trail off, realizing it's pointless.

"That's enough. Get back to work!" she commands.

What a lousy day. What was up with that girl anyway? Never mind.

I don't have a choice.

After finishing my shift, I head home. I take a shower and then go to my bedroom. I open my social media account and see a post about the upcoming event. I notice my name among the participants.

It's over. I can't back out now.

I turn off my phone and review my studies. It's already 10:48 in the evening, and although it's still early, I need to sleep. Ever since I started sleeping late, I've noticed bruises on my legs.

I've informed my family about it, and they're starting to worry. I'm concerned about my health as well, so I've decided to sleep early.