Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

T hankfully, I was able to convince the contact and I was in high spirits when classes resumed.

I updated Cholo on the drive back to school about what happened and he was satisfied. We also used the time to catch up on what happened for the days between New Year’s and the resumption of classes. Upon arriving in the building, we walked together to class and saw Gian waiting outside the classroom.

He folded his arms upon seeing us, both eyebrows raised.

“Yes, we’re together, now bug off,” I said to him just as Cholo was opening his mouth.

“Thanks for letting me speak,” Cholo teased. “But yes. Over Christmas.”

“What’s with the tone? I just wanted to say congratulations,” Gian said and I aimed a little punch at his arm.

Gian then made this ‘I’m watching you’ sign with two fingers and Cholo shook his head and laughed. He knew he would need to get used Gian being around now. The idea of it all working out with Cholo and my tiny circle cheered me up.

Unfortunately, my good mood did not last very long.

I was changing my clothes for a case presentation that afternoon in the washroom when a couple of people came in, talking in booming voices.

“Gosh, this is so weird,” someone was saying.

“I know! When I found out, I was nothing short of insulted, really,” a second voice said and her voice was familiar. “Like, if your pseudo ex-boyfriend dated someone like that after you, it’s pretty much an insult. I mean, Lavinia Exconde? Someone from the opposite side of the tracks?”

She said my name like it was a disgusting swear word and there was only one person I could think of. The phrase ‘from the opposite side of the tracks’ echoed in my ears.

Wait. Cholo did not tell me anything about him dating Summer or anyone, for that matter.

“Not really, Summer,” said the first voice. “If you think about it, they’re alike. She’s patapon and he’s the motherless bastard struggling to belong. They’re actually a good match!”

I was tempted to hurl my shoes over the cubicle but I was not sure if it would land where I wanted it to. It was one thing to insult me but to attack Cholo without his knowledge for something he could not control grated on my nerves. It was not like we could choose to whom we would be born to.

I froze on the spot, my mind racing but unable to spur my limbs into action.

“Maybe dating someone that problematic would make his dad and fake mom notice him already,” said Summer, whose voice was now far-off and I figured they were on their way out. I could not believe my ears. Cholo’s family history was not common knowledge so that part about him dating Summer before must be true. “Pity he couldn’t choose anyone prettier.”

“Attention-beggars can’t be choosers,” the other girl replied. I was left seething in the cubicle as they laughed their heads off.

I spent twenty minutes in that cubicle trying to calm down. No more violence for me or my graduation would be delayed and my Seoul trip this summer would be hanging on the line. The thought of not graduating on time and fulfilling exactly what Summer expected me to be kept me at bay.

There was an Ephemere meeting that afternoon which Patsy had set up at the last minute as club advisor. I did not look forward to the thought of seeing Summer but Miss Co insisted on all of us coming, saying it was important.

Cholo and I were first to get to the library conference room. I was tempted to ask him about Summer but I did not trust my temper that was already on edge. I did not want to end up shouting at him when I was angry at someone else so when he asked if something was bothering me, I told him I was just hungry. It could wait, anyway.

He left me alone then as Miss Co already came in. I folded my arms and tried to concentrate. Summer was the last to appear.

“I understand that today isn’t our regular meeting day so I’d keep this short and sweet,” said Miss Co, smiling as she took the floor and I understood this wasn’t her regular grin. She fixed her eyes on Summer. “I got a notice from the lights and sounds contact for Ephemere telling me a certain someone had stood him up,” she continued, her voice calculated and all the more scary. “Correct me if I’m wrong but have we not already established that maintaining good relationships with sponsors, customers, and suppliers was the whole point of this club?”

Everyone fell quiet and Summer went pale. I felt a strong rush of vindication.

“Summer, you’re one of the chairpersons for this event and you should have known better,” said Miss Co. “We’ve been working with this contact for years now. I don’t care if it’s a supplier, co-presentor, or minor event partner but we should always keep in mind that we’re representing the club and the university at all times and that this branding is always at stake.”

Summer muttered an apology.

“Now, the upcoming launch party is going to be fully sponsored by the co-presentor, backed by a relative of mine,” Miss Co went on and I noticed Cholo’s fists clench. “As club adviser, I would like to remind all of you that we have a reputation to uphold, a brand to preserve. I want everyone to put their best foot forward. Is this understood?”

“Yes, ma’am,” everyone chorused.

“Great,” said Miss Co, who pocketed her phone and stood up. “Because if anybody messes up, you’re out. And I don’t care if you’re chairperson.”

Summer’s jaw was set and she seemed frustrated she could not talk back to a teacher.

“Thanks, guys. One week till launch and three until Ephemere. Home stretch,” she said, opening the conference room’s door. “Keep up the good work. And thanks for saving the team, Vinnie.”

“Vinnie for Ephemere Chair!” said Kristine and everyone joined in. I felt rebellious and jokingly curtsied but made sure I caught Summer’s eye as I did.

She walked away with her chin up in the air.

I wish I knew early on that joining the club was going to be this fulfilling as I would have met Cholo and these people earlier. I also could have turned from a hot-headed pottymouth to a trusted team player much sooner.