IRIS POV
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" Maam nandito na po tayo "
Napatingin ako sa bintana ng sinasakyan kong taxi.. Tinabi ko ang cellphone at kumuha ng 500 pesos at binigay sa driver.
" Keep the change po kuya "
" salamat Maam ! "
Inayos ko ang suot kong bag at isang maleta. Pagbaba ko ng sasakyan ay kaagad na sumalubong sa akin ang init ng araw. Pati na din ang ilang mga studyante paloob at palabas ng University.. May mga pumapasok ding nga sasakyan pero paunti unti. Hindi kagaya sa dating school na wala kang makikitang naglalakad sa tapat ng gate..
Mabuti nalang maliit lang ang dala kong maleta. Ilang pares ng damit lang ang dala ako at mga personal na mga gamit. Although hindi ako laging mag stay sa dorm, mas mabuti ng may lugar akong tutulugan just in case hindi ako makauwi sa bahay. Halos apat na oras din kasi ang byahe mula dito sa University papunta sa Villa.
I walked inside while looking around. I can't help but to be amaze on how beautiful and refreshing this school is! This not your usual commoner or community university. The environment is good , and it's so huge. The buildings are tall and fields are green! It's not luxurious but it is comfortable and clean.
" hala! Miss tabi!"
I stepped back in reflex.
" Mabuti nalang naka iwas ka! sorry Miss! Eto kasing si Aki umiwas , sya talaga babatuhin ko ng libro. Sorry talaga ! "
Pinanood ko lang sya habang nag eexplain. I can see that she is nervous and didn't really mean it. She's actually sweating now. Maybe because i'm not talking and just looking at her.
" Miss, pasensya kana dito sa kaibigan ko. Hindi nya sinasadya. " sabi rin nung Aki. Inabot nya yung maleta ko at tinanggalan ng buhangin bago iabot sa akin.
" I'm okay. You didn't hit me. Be careful next time "
Nagkatinginan ang dalawa at awkward na tumingin sa akin.
" english speaking, ikaw kumausap "
" Ayoko, ikaw best in English nung grade 3 "
I couldnt help but silently giggle. These two are cute!
" you're cute! My name is Iris "
I smiled when i saw their eyes widened and blush. I don't even know why.
" Cute ako? Enebe "
" wag mo syang pansinin. I'm Akira or Aki for short, tapos etong may atraso sayo, si Mia. Bago ka dito ? Ngayon lang kita nakita "
" Yes. Kaka transfer ko lang. Can you help me to the dorm? "
" Oo naman! Teka, may bago kaming room mate na dadating, baka ikaw yun! "
" Aki, sure ako sya na yun. Anong dorm number mo? " excited na tanong nito.
" R309 building A "
" om my God! Magkaroom nga tayo! "
" nice meeting you Iris. Hatid ka na namin para makapag pahinga kana. "
" Tulungan na kita sa maleta mo Iris! "
" thank you "
I can't help but to smile and like these people. Akira is sensible while Mia is energetic.
Umakyat kami sa 3rd floor at huminto sa tapat ng pinto na may silver label na 309A. Pag pasok sa loob ay hindi ko maiwasang magulat. I didn't expect it to be wide and spacious. There are 4 single beds. May kanya kanya ding wardrobe, studytable and side table at lamp shade. I can also feel the airconditioner na naka turned on. The floor is tiled and clean. There is one bathroom which is enough for four people. The window is wide and made of glass. Kaya kitang kita ang green field sa labas.
For someone like me who experience poverty in my last life, this is luxury. Naalala ko ang apartment na tinirhan ko noon. There's not even a window to inhale fresh air. No dinning table to eat. Just a bed and bathroom.
" This place is nice! " i commented in satisfaction.
" mabuti naman at nagustuhan mo. Mukha ka kasing mayaman, baka hindi ka sanay sa gantong kasikip na lugar. " Aki said while looking at me in curiousity..
" do i look rich? " i deliberately wore plain and casual clothes. You can't even see a brand.
Sabay silang tumango kaya napangiti ako.
" may family business kami, pero hindi sobrang yaman na mapapasama sa forbes list.. At hindi ako maselan. I was actually surprise na sobrang luwag ng dorm. " sabi ko habang binubuksan ang maleta at pinapalitan ang bed cover. May sarili akong unan at kumot.
" tulungan ka na namin! " alok ni Mia. Hindi na ako tumanggi dahil mukha itong iiyak kapag hindi ako pumayag.
" sure, thank you "
I place my laptop at the study table. May dala din akong ilang libro na pwede kong basahin kapag may spare time. Sila Mia at Aki na ang nag ayos ng mga damit ko sa wardrobe .
" Kakaunti lang ng dala mong damit. Bibili ka ba sa Mall ? Pwede ka naming samahan kung gusto mo? " tanong ni Alice.
" No need. Actually hindi naman ako araw araw mag sstay sa dorm. I need to go home during the weekends , and at least a day during weekdays. Magdadala nalang ako ng ibang gamit pag uwi ko "
" mabuti ka pa. Nasa probinsya kasi family namin ni Alice. Tuwing vacation lang kami nakaka uwi. "
" my home is 5 hours away from here. I'll invite you sometime kapag free kayo. "
" Nako kahit hindi na Iris. May part time job kami kapag weekends kaya baka hindi rin kami makasama "
" I understand. What do you do?"
" tumutugtog kami sa bar.. Actually may banda kami. "
" Really?! That's amazing"
" mahilig lang kasi talaga akong kumanta. Tapos si Aki naman marunong mag gitara kaya naisipan naming mag part time. May dalawa pa kaming ka banda kaso taga ibang school. Tuwing week ends lang kami nag me meet up. Sama ka minsan, don't worry safe doon. Friend ko yung bouncer dun "
I laugh and agreed. They are actually fun. Not nerdy but i know they are smart. Hindi naman sila makakapasok sa school na to kung hindi.
" what do you study? I'm taking Finance 2nd year " tanong ko.
" Business Management. Pareho kami ni Mia, same class at same year. 3rd year "
Business...
I glance at them. I actually felt that i've seen them before. But where?
I was about to ask them if we met each other before when the door opened.
A beautiful girl wearing white dress came in. She was surprise when she saw me but ignored me afterwards. When she saw the two, i saw disdain in her eyes. While the two made face when the beautiful girl turn back to change clothes in the bathroom.
I was curious about the mood but decided to be silent. When she came out, she changed clothes to a more comfortable one before going out of the room again.
" .......... "
I suddenly laugh making the two looks awkward
" What was that?? " natatawa kong tanong. I just think it's funny!
" hmp! Akala nya kung sinong syang maganda! Kung ikukumpara kay Iris, wala syang panama. Baka kuko mo lang sya. Ang yabang yabang! " Inis na sabi ni Mia na ikinatawa ko
" Bakit nadamay ako? She's actually very pretty "
" Maputi lang sya "
In fact , That girl was really beautiful. Her skin is white, black long haired paired with black midnight eyes and red lips. She's even prettier than my bestfriend, Lacey..
" Mia, Wag kang sira, maganda naman talaga si Samantha. Parang nilait mo na rin sarili mo nung nilait mo sya "
" at pano ko naman nilait sarili ko ha? "
" kasi kung di sya maganda sa itsura nyang yun. Anong itatawag mo sa mukha mo? "
" grabe parang di kaibigan! "
Pftt! Hahaha!
I will never get bored with these two!
Napansin kong hindi na sila nagbabangayan at nakatitig lang sa akin. I was still smiling from laughing silently. Mukhang nahuli akong pinagtatawanan sila.
" why? Is something wrong in my face? "
" walang something wrong sa mukha mo. Something right meron ! "
" Ha? "
I'm confused. Sometimes i can't really understand their casual words. Siguro nasanay na akong puro formal ang ginagamit when socializing before.
" Wag mong pansinin si Mia.. Ang ibig nyang sabihin, you are too beautiful. In fact, mas maganda ka pa sa mga artista at model sa tv at mga magazines. It's not an exageration to say na, you're the most beautiful person we've seen so far. Sanay ka na sigurong pinupuri, pero from the heart ang sinasabi ko "
I looked at them and smile. I'm actually very flattered and moved. Although, sanay na akong pinupuri lalo na nung past life ko. These kinds of pure flattery is very few. During social events, they will flatter you but was jealous inside or have malicious intents. It's suffocating.
" tama si Aki, may mga gandang nakaka sawa. Pero ikaw, habang tinitigan mas lalong gumaganda. May plano ka bang sumali sa Miss Universe? Siguradong mananalo ka promise! "
" thank you for your praised. I was flattered. I'll make sure to invite you for dinner later. At hindi ako sasali sa Miss universe hahaha. "
" grabe ka , hindi kita pinuri para magpalibre noh? ~ pero anong kakainin natin mamaya? "
I giggled when Aki slap her at the back of her head. She looks so funny.
" it's settled then. "
" may gig kami mamaya. After dinner sama ka sa amin. " yaya ni Aki
" great! I'd love to see you perform.. But can you tell me first about Samantha? I want to treat her for dinner. It's not right to just invite you two without including her"
Nagkatinginan ang dalawa at napa buntonghininga.
" akala nya hindi kami seryoso sa studies. Nung nalaman kasi nyang lagi kaming gumigimick every weekend ang trato nya sa amin ay bad influence. Sa totoo lang, hindi naman sya masama. Nerdy lang hindi lang halata. Sya yung klase ng taong hindi alam ang salitang FUN, super serious at walang ibang iniisip kundi studies. Kilala sya sa department nila, kahit maraming may gusto, walang lakas ng loob lumapit. Lalapit palang kasi nakakamatay na ang tingin. "
Interesting..
" Ah! Baka same class kayo Iris. Financial din kinukuha nya at same year kayo. "
" really? Well, i'll still invite her for dinner.. Anyways, may mga books akong hihiramin sa library, maiwan ko muna kayo "
" gusto mong samahan ka namin? " alok ni Mia
" No need. Mag pahinga muna kayo para hindi kayo masyadong pagod mamaya sa gig nyo.. "
" sigurado ka? Hindi mo kabisado ang campus "
" Don't worry.. See you later "
Paglabas ko ng kwarto ay agad na akong bumaba. 4pm, still early for dinner. We can go out anytime kasi wala namang curfew at hindi nag sasara ang dorm. Pero may restrictions din if their parents requested.
Ilang minutes din akong nag lakad lakad to familiarize myself. Kagaya ng buildings ng mga classes na meron ako tomorrow. I don't want to be late because i got lost.
Library!
At last, i found it. Hindi naman pala sya mahirap hanapin. After security procedure, i started looking for the books i needed tomorrow. Dito ikaw mismo ang maghahanap ng books. Mabuti nalang organized at hindi nakakalito ang structure ng library. May mga librarians din na pwedeng pag tanungan.
It didn't take too much time for me to get the books i needed. I sat at one of the study tables and started browsing the content. In my last life, i didn't have the chance to graduate from college. But it didn't stop me from learning by reading and field experiences. Experience is my best teacher.
I didn't notice the time and found out that it's almost 7 pm! I rushed out after borrowing the books and almost ran to the dorm..
" i'm sorry. I didn't notice the time. Anong oras ang gig nyo? " bungad kong tanong pagkapasok ko ng kwarto.
" Relax Iris, 9pm to 12 pm, maaga pa. " natatawang sagot ni Aki. Naka hinga ako ng maluwag.
" I'll just change then let's have dinner first. Wait for me "
I took a bath and change into a pair of black ripped jeans and fitted v-neck shirt. I just blow dried my hair and comb it with my fingers. I didnt do any make up but settled with lip balm. My lips are red and plump so i don't need lipstick.
" i'm done -- "
When i got out , i saw three pairs of eyes looking at me. Hindi ko pinansin ang dalawa at tinuon ang pansin kay Samantha. She's looking at me with curiosity. I didn't see disdain in her eyes. It's a good thing!
" My name is Iris. Can i invite you for dinner? " i ask casually but sincerely.
" not hungry " her voice is soft but cold.
" I understand.. I'll invite you next time then?"
I saw her nod making me smile more. I looked at Aki and Mia proudly.
Did you see that? She doesnt hate me haha.
" Let's go. Where do you want to eat? May resto ba na malapit dito? " i ask after going out of the room.
" kahit fastfood okay lang "
" No. First time ko kayong itetreat. Although i'm not very rich, i can still afford a few thousands to treat you. "
" Not very rich pero a few thousands ang ililibre mo? Alam mo bang pinaka mahal na libre ko kay Aki ay jollibee happy meal? Feeling rich na ako nung time na yun "
" You're funny "
" hindi ako nag bibiro "
" ..... "
This girl... I don't know what to say.
" hahaha wag mong pansinin babaeng yan Iris. Ikaw na bahala, ikaw naman manlilibre. Kahit fine dining restaurant pa yan , go kame " natatawang sabi ni Aki.
At least may isang matino sa kanilang dalawa. Mababaliw siguro ako kapag si Mia lang ang makakasama ko.. Sa tingin ko mag kakasundo sila ni Cass at Rem. Pareho din may something sa utak ang dalawang yun..
" okay , fine dining it is ! "
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" Iris, joke lang . Wag dito please, di ako marunong ng french. "
" Ano ka ba Aki. First time in our life to. Kung di natin maintindihan yung Menu, pwede namang ituro nalang. "
I giggled and shook my head in helplessness.
I already called the restaurant and booked a room.
" don't worry akong bahala. Let's go "
A staff led us to the room. I started ordering for them making them sigh in relief in secret.
" thank you Iris. Nag booked ka pa talaga ng private room para sa amin."
" No problem. At isa pa, magiging busy tayo starting tomorrow, we can't eat out and hang out like this anymore. Sulitin na natin "
We chatted while enjoying the food.
I rarely have time like this. And i can see that i found real people again. It's good to have friends like them.
" did we met before? " i asked , because it's bugging me.. I have a very good memory. But i can't remember them
They look at each other and shook their heads.
" Hindi.. Kasi kung nagkita or nagkalilala na tayo before, hindi ka namin makakalimutan. "
I nodded.
I met them in my past life. But where?
I closed my eyes and think again.
" Ayos ka lang ba Iris? " tanong ni Aki na halatang nag aalala.
" yes, i'm fine "
I dispel my thoughts for now and continued eating. Afterwards we went to the bar and watch them perform. I met their other bandmates, they are also funny guys. Maybe because i'm mentally older than them, i find them refreshing.
They are really kids in my eyes.
When we got home, we saw Samantha still awake reading a book..
And that book was mine.
When she saw me looking at her , she got flustered. Maybe because i saw her using my things.
" i borrowed it. Are you mad? " she asks. Only i , heard her because of her low voice. And my bed is besides hers.
I looked at her in disbelief. How can she ask that directly without apologizing first? She doesnt have any expression in her face. But her eyes are almost teary.
How can i get mad? She looks like a puppy being reprimanded. Although she's hiding it with her expressionless face, i can definitely see in her eyes that she was embarassed.
I bit my lips to stop myself from laughing.
" No. You can have it "
" You won't study it? " her eyes squinted looking straight me.
"....."
Now i understand why Aki and Mia said that they are being despised. This girl is really obssesed in studying!
" uhh i already studied it earlier. "
She nodded.
" you went clubbing with them? "
Am i being interrogated???
" Uhh yes. We just --- "
" i'm sleepy " she closed the book and went to bed and sleep.
Damn!
Did she just ignored me and cut me off ?!
But instead na mainis , hindi ko maiwasang matawa. This girl is really unique. I wonder if she has friends? If i wasnt reborn and i am my previous self, God knows what will happened hahaha!
" anong nangyari sayo? " Aki asks after changing into night clothes.
" Nothing.. I'll change clothes and sleep. "
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I really have the same classes with her!
Anyways, hindi pa nya binabalik ang libro ko. Kailangan ko ng isauli iyon bukas or else mag kakapenalty ako. Mag babayad ako ng twenty pesos per day!  Kidding , wala akong paki sa twenty pesos , pero mag kakaron ako ng penalty points at kapag dumami ang points na yun mahihirapan na ulit akong humiram at mag uwi ng libro. And it's almost a week now. Bukas na ang deadline.
Padapa akong humiga sa kama at sinubukang umidlip.. I am mentally tired. Aside from my classes, i need to study stock trends and financial prosprective plans.    
I heard my phone ringing and answered it without looking.
" hello " i answered lazily. I just want to sleep.
" It's me. Are you busy ? "
" Almost went to sleep. What's up Jaimie ? "
" it's about Lime Film and Entertainment. The aquisition was completed today. We bought it from original 570 million to 520 Million pesos , 100% share holdings"
Hmm.we saved 50 million, that's great.
" Good job. How did you negotiate? "
" I didn't.  52 out of 67 trainees quit so the evaluation of the company dropped. "
" what? What happened? "
We are not saving money, not loosing money either. But we will loose time by training new people from scratch!
" they were poach by competitors. This company haven't made any top list celebrity since it was founded. And the only source of money already left even before aquisition.  I'm not really optimistic about acquiring entertainment companies either. What do you see in this industry? "
" Entertainment industry is always a pot of gold Jaimie. And don't worry about the trainees.  They will be printing money soon. Choose the best ceo candidate and schedule a meeting for me. I'll visit the trainees at the same time. Better set up an appointment on saturdays. I have school during the weekdays. "
" I understand."
There's a reason why i wanted to invest in entertainment industry.
During these past few months. I discover a very terrifying thing. ~ Butterfly effect!
Hanggang ngayon, kinikilabutan pa rin ako. I just change people's future by just singing songs! Imagine how scared i was when i heard  Taylor Swift stopped cooperating with ATV music publishing house and won't be releasing any album this year.. This should be the year where she will release her second studio album FEARLESS ,  which will later on win 4 Grammy awards. As well as Her pop crossover hit singles Love story and You belong with me. Pakiramdam ko ako may kasalanan nito. I sang her songs even before releasing it, changing the timeline.
At ang mas kinakabahala ko pa, hindi lang kanta ni Taylor swift ang kinanta ko in my spare time. I even remember singing Ed sheeran's song, Adam Levine, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande , Bruno Mars while bathing!  I don't know what will happen to these people. If they are talented enough, they will surely create new songs. But for those who relies on luck and became famous. Without those songs, they will never appear in the limelight.
" Boss, are you asleep? "
I heard Jaimies voice and replied
" No.. Are you saying something? "
" Yes, i sent you an email. It's our turnover for this month. We currently have 7.2 billion on hand, and invested a total of 4.5 billion pesos. The five companies that we invested in are starting to show potential rise.~ in addition,  we rented another floor, and hired more employees. We are expanding and rising quickly. We are getting too much attention.  we didn't make any loses since we started, which is really terrifying as a new comer. The pressure is heavier and competitors will start to appear.  However because of the newly acquired Lime Films, they are still doubting our abilities. They don't believe that the 6th company we acquired will show success.  "
" you don't need to worry about them. Just continue what you are doing. We will not loose. In half a year, Lime Films and Entertainment will rise, and our war will begin. You should be ready by that time. By the time they consider us as a threat, our foundation is already firm, they can't push as back anymore. In another two months, i need at least 10 billion ready. Our biggest investment plan this year will start "
She went silent.
I know what she's thinking.. Because if we lost that money, we can't stand up anymore...
" you just have to believe in me. "
" Of course, i believe in you. You are someone who turned 500 million into  12 billion pesos in just a few months. No one will believe that our Chairman is only 19 years old this year.  If you manage to make that 10 billion investment plan to success. I can only say that you are a monster, Iris.  "
I smiled silently.
" alright Jaimie. Don't stay up too late. "
" Goodbye Boss "
I sighed and close my eyes.
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Blag!
I was confuse a little but got up lazily. I saw her looking at me in daze. She's looking at me with complicated gaze.
She heard me. I thought i was alone. Didn't expect her in the bathroom. 
" you dropped something " i said but wasnt aware how cold my voice is
" ah y-yes. My toothbrush " she picked it up nervously.
I took a deep breathe to calm myself down. I was so angry for a moment. Pero narealize ko rin agad na wala syang kasalanan. She was here first, and it's not her personality to talk and greet me. Mabuti nalang hindi ako naka loud speaker. But the clues are not omitted! Alam kong binanggit ko ang Lime Entertainment, and by just that, she can guess my identity and connect me to my Investment Company.
" where's my book. May balak ka pa bang isauli? "
Tumayo agad ito at kinuha ang libro sa bag  at inabot sa akin. Her hands trembled a little before stopping..
Is she scared of me??
" what did you hear ? "
She sat down on her bed and glance at me.
" Everything you said. I heard it all.. Will you blame me? "
This question again. She really has a terrible personality. She's not going to apologize!
I sighed in surrender. I feel that she's not malicious person so I can't really do anything to her.
" i won't blame you.. Just keep this a secret. Can you do that? "
She nodded.
" in exchange, Can you hire me? "
" what??!!! "