Is It Love? I: The Princess and the Hunter

"Welcome to Philippines, Miss Al---I mean, Miss Agape. May you like staying here." The chauffeur greeted with so much respect as he bowed 90° to the woman in front of him after he waited for hours in NAIA Gate 3 airport.

Her stiletto made sounds with the fine tiles as the woman walks towards her chauffeur. She stopped right after him and removed her shades. She smiled widely and scanned the whole place. The airport was crowded and boisterous. This was the very first time she set foot in the world's second-largest archipelago, rich in natural resources, the country of paradise for her, the Philippines.

This may be her first time but she knew many things already about the said country. The maids who raised her are Filipinas. Their stories made her want to see it right before her eyes. She badly wanted to be here and it happened. She and her father had a deal before he permitted her. Being in the Philippines is one of her ways to distance from her father for a moment of time.

"Magandang buhay, Philippines!" She greeted and waved both hands in the air. Her insides were feverish as she looks after what will be her life in this new locality.

Her chauffeur took her luggage from her, "This way, Miss Agape." He escorted and she willingly followed her. Head turns over her as she walks pass by the strangers. They were starstruck at her goddess-like beauty. Some even mistook her as an actress or model or a celebrity. They even tried to have a picture with her, but the chauffeur didn't let them.

"Shall we go? I heard Petherá bought a house here already." She said softly with a smile, full of sophistication and elegance. Indeed, she's the epitome of beauty and elegance.

[Translation: Stepmother.]

The way she walks, it was like she owns the path she's taking. Head held high, she was like ramping in a runway and everyone was the audience. Her posture is full of poise and they can't help but stare. She's oozing in appeal and she has the looks that could attract anyone that will see her.

She was Medusa. The modern Medusa. Pretty face, long, wavy hair that's as soft as silk and cotton cloth. Everyone who will look at her stiffens but they didn't turn into a rock but were captivated and mesmerized.

"U-Uh, yes, Miss Agape. It was a modern Greek mansion. Just like what you wanted." The chauffeur answered and walked fast because he's being left behind. Agape nodded.

"Send my thanks to her." She sweetly said and the chauffeur nodded.

He opened the door for her. And the moment the driver closed the door, the lady immediately slouched and sighed loudly and deeply. She pouted and was about to throw a tantrum any longer.

"I'm so starving, Manong. Can we eat lunch first? My treat." She snorted while crossing her arms. She doesn't accept refusals. She's starving to death already.

(Manong - is used to address any older men unrelated to you and to show respect. Just like 'Uncle'.)

"Yes, Agape. I knew a five-star restaurant nearby---"

"No, no, no. I want to eat in a carinderia like what Aling Jena introduced to me. She said the foods there are delicious. And mostly homemade. I want to try that one!"

(Carinderia/Karinderya - is a food stall in the Philippines. It is a local eatery selling and serving affordable viands for the masses. Aling - is used to address any older women unrelated to you and to show respect. Just like 'Auntie'.)

"But, Miss Agape---"

"We'll eat to a carinderia and that's final!"

The driver sighed and nodded. He has no choice but to. It took him minutes before he found a better and decent-enough carinderia. The stall was clean and has a lot of customers. A mini restaurant. They sell home-made foods and it makes Agape drool.

"Wow! It looks like a mini restaurant!" She exclaimed and starts looking for a seat. Everyone inside turned their heads to see her. Mouths open.

"Boss, VIP please." Manong gestured to the crew and he immediately escorted them to the VIP room, the nipa hut.

"Wow! Is this the bahay-kubo!” Amusement is written all over her face. She does really learn many thanks to her nannies. Plus, she conducted researches too to widen the range of her knowledge about the Philippines so she could familiarize herself with the places already.

She found out that the Philippines has three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This country is so rich in natural resources and sceneries and even has a place in the 7 Wonders of the Earth.

She giggled.

The waiter gave them the menu finally. Excitement is obvious in Agape's face. She checks each food on the menu using her pointing finger. They all looked delicious. The serving in the pictures makes her want to eat them all.

"I want the adobo, sisig, and menudo please." She appealed with a sweet, innocent smile. The waiter jot it down, "What's yours, Manong?" Agape asked her driver.

"Uhm, sinampalukan and pork chops for the both of us. Thank you." He ordered and faced his master, "Thanks for the lunch treat, Miss Agape." He remarked with full respect. Agape chuckled.

"It's fine, Manong. Let's enjoy the food, hmmm?" She chirrups cheerfully and beamed a smile. After a few minutes of waiting, the foods they ordered were being served.

Everyone was surprised when Agape started eating using her hand. One of the common ways of the Filipinos to eat. They were wondering. She's obviously rich and only 'poor' ones only do that. Yet Agape was so happy. She was proud of her every action. She savors every bite and gulp. The foods are tasty. She never gives a damn to the people who are whispering things about her. Food is food. You know the rule.

Agape was stuffed because of her lunch. She gave a tip to them, she truly loved it! She even promised to come back to that carinderia. After minutes of resting, they went straight home. To her new home. The house she could truly call a 'home'.

"Wow. This is far more than I expected." She was flabbergasted. Her house was far from what she was expecting.

The house was painted in white and the exterior is truly simple. She feels like she, was still in Greece because the house was the modern type one. The Greek vibe lingers around the house. In front of it was a mini pool. The house is perfect for her since she will be living alone with her chauffeur and her maid, which is her chauffeur's wife. Their children are fresh graduates and they still need to gain incomes to support them since they were just starters.

They went inside. She was not surprised when the modern-luxury theme welcomed her. The living room welcomes them. There was a little chandelier hanging that lightens up the whole room. There were circular fluorescent lights making the whole room brighter. There's a flat-screen TV that lies in a costly tv stand. The sectional sofa and chaise lounge look comfortable to sit in. The carpet was soft to step on. The windows are being covered by thick curtains. And the vases and paintings, which was the main decorations were from Greece and it costs an arm and a leg.

In the left part was the grand kitchen and dinner table. There's a huge refrigerator there stuffed with foods, veggies, and fruits. And also, wines from Greece. The room of the couple was there too. The right part was the way to the pool area, it has a veranda. There can be found a few staircases that lead to Agape's room and another room if she'll ever have a guest. The house was simple but was screaming in luxury and modern Greece.

"Manong, I'll go upstairs to change first, okay? Let's rest then after that, accompany me to the school I'll be transferring. I'll be quick!"

"Yes, Miss Agape."

"Thanks." She briefly replied with a smile and went straight to her room. It was so spacious and so her bed, bathroom, and walk-in closet. Her room is also full of Greek paintings and murals. She smiled. She does really feel that she's still in Greece. She will truly miss her country.

She sat down to her bed and ejected out the air in her mouth. This is also her very first time to fly off from Greece alone. She was forbidden from departing from Greece alone, her father's order. But she managed to convince him. And her stepmother agreed too that's why she's here in the Philippines. She thinks it will be for the better.

She doesn't want to stay in their mansion any longer. She and her father have misunderstandings. And also, her stepmother is in her month of giving birth already. And she can't endure it. She's happy for the both of them. The baby that her stepmother was carrying wasn't his father's. Yet he still accepted her and so the responsibility.

"Woooh, don't mind it anymore, Agape." She cheered for herself and slap her cheeks gently.

She stood up and change her clothes into a simple one. Her mother isn't wicked like Disney princesses' stepmoms. But she could that she was faking it. So, she distanced herself from her to avoid fighting.

"Manong, can we go already?" She asked, walking down the stairs.

"Yes, Miss Agape." She smiled at him as a response.

~

@Academy of Elites

"This is the most well-known and prestigious school here in Manila, Miss Agape. Some of the students here are actors and actresses. And some are sons and daughters of a well-known (or) wealthy families. The securities here are tough and tight so it's safe. On a scale of one to ten, I'll give a ten." Manong Tinyong introduced. Agape was busy looking at the surroundings.

She was a late enrollee. She could notice the student's stares at her. Some are raising their eyebrows towards her as they scan her, buzzes of whispers and criticism. She felt ashamed but she shoved it aside and followed the directions that Manong Tinyong says.

The facilities are well built and neat. The whole school was so spacious and clean too. She's wearing her smile as she roams her eyes around. There's a stampede of ladies not far from her location. Maybe that was the celebrity Manong Tinyong's mentioned. She didn't bother to waste more time with them and pass them by. They went straight to the Principal's Office who's likely waiting for them to arrive.

"Have a seat, Miss Agape Clive." They gestured them to a seat, "I'm Principal Leonora Manalili." She introduced.

"Agape Clive. Nice meeting you, Principal." And they shake each other's hands.

"Actually, you're already enrolled in here. Your mother is the one who fixed your papers. I just summoned you here to give you a mini tour around the school and be familiarized with it. We also have Do's and Do not's in here. And about your school uniform, you can approach our designer---Miss Katerina Gibson about that later. Shall we go?" All she did is to nod, understanding everything the Principal has said. After the brief more talks, they went out to have a tour.

"Those are the buildings of the high schoolers. And that one is for the seniors. We also have a building of different 5-star restaurants in here aside from the cafeteria. That one is the school's supplies store if ever you run out of something. There are restrooms on each floor. The girls' and boys' restrooms are separated for safety. We have a very wide field too. And that one over there is our big gymnasium. That separated building is for sports only. Like basketball, volleyball, etc. Then the club buildings. The faculties. The garden became the student's relaxation spot. Also, we have an enormous library. Some of the books are imported from foreign countries."

She was listening to her and saving all the pieces of information in her head. They were in the middle of talking when they heard a stentorian voice that startled them. Their heads turn to the person where it came from.

"Katerina! What! How's your itinerancy in New York! You didn't even bother to invite nor take me with you! I hate you!"

"S-She's so loud..." Agape whispered in shock while wincing. Her nose crinkled. They are meters away from the woman, yet it feels like they're near her. Her voice is too loud for Pete's sake! It's enough to wake an entire village! She doesn't even seem to be embarrassed or ashamed by her loudness. Eardrum-piercing!

"Katerina? Isn't she the designer here, Principal? Should I talk to her already?"

"Oh, sure. You can. She's your classmate too. You are in Section 1. Most of the students there are actors and actresses. And sons and daughters of politicians and wealthy peoples. I also have something to do too. I just waited for you so we can have a mini-tour. Goodbye, Miss Agape!" And the Principal left the scene. She didn't think twice and followed the two women. Good thing there's an elevator. She won't tire herself from climbing.

"This is Section 1, Miss Agape." Manong Tinyong remarked as he stood in front of her soon-to-be-classroom. In the ground floor was Section 7 and 8. The second is for Section 6 and 5. The third is for Sections 4 and 3. The fourth floor is for Sections 2 and 1. And the fifth floor was the rooftop.

"Okay. Let me excuse Katerina." She beamed a smile and peek inside. She knocked to gain her attention. Even though the attentions all hers already. She smiled at them cheerfully and waved her hand gracefully.

"Hi. Good afternoon. I'm a transferee here but I'll start tomorrow. Can I talk to Miss Katerina to get my uniforms?" It was a moment of silence. Not until it was broken by the loud woman's voice again.

"Woah! You mean---The transferee! I thought it's a Fafa! Girlalu pala!" She said with a tone of a feeling of having a loss. A question mark popped in Agape's head. Fafa? Girlalu?

(Fafa - a gay term for gorgeous men. Girlalu is also a gay term for females.)

"Uhhh, yeah." She answered, hesitant.

"Miss Katerina, you're excused." Ordered the subject teacher. A beautiful woman stood up and faced her.

"Hi. I'm Agape Clive. The Principal told me to get the uniforms at you." Agape. The woman looks so bored and tired. It's visible in her poker face. The woman is beautiful. She thinks she's a celebrity. The shape of her body was good and she's tall. A model, perhaps?

She raised a brow at her, "But I didn't have it. Go to my boutique. Tell the clerks about the school's uniform. The name's Catwalk." The woman bluntly answered. Agape smiled at her and nodded. Not being intimated by her coldness.

"Okay. Thank you! Sorry for the interruption. Let's go, Manong Tinyong?"

"Sure, Miss Agape." They bid their goodbye to the teacher. They parted ways. When they entered the elevator, that is the time she blew all of the air she's been holding while talking to Katerina. She's really intimidating!

They didn't stay at school for long and head straight to the boutique Katerina mentioned. It was so fancy. The whole boutique was so fancy and fab. There were rich-assed girls scanning around. The clothes are unique. It's so trendy. The bags, stilettos, gowns---it's an all-in-one. She can't help but be in awe. She's so impressed!

"Waaaah~! Look at these classy clothes, Manong!" She exclaimed while checking each dress. Manong Tinyong asked a clerk for AoE's uniform. Agape was even more fascinated. She couldn't find a perfect word that could fit to describe all the products here in Catwalk. All of them are exquisite. Even this uniform.

It has a black blazer with AoE's logo on its right chest. The white polo shirt was tucked-in in a grey high waisted skirt that is 3 inches above the knee with black under flounce. It also has a black ribbon. The uniform... It is really mesmerizing. She can't hide her excitement to wear it tomorrow!

"Here's the three-set of uniform, Ma'am. We also added your PE uniform to them. If ever no one informed you, Ma'am, every Wednesday is the Civilian Day. You can wear anything decent you want. Do you need shoes and bags, Ma'am? We have plenty of choices that can match your taste." Clerk.

"Fovero!" She exclaimed as her eyes twinkle in all the unique shoes.

[Translation: Amazing!]

"Which do you prefer---flat shoes, boots, or heels, Ma'am?"

"BOOTS!" She answered in excitement. The clerk smiled at her and guided her to the boots section.

She've chosen a white brown laced and high-heeled boots. A clerk suggested a cute, white, leathered backpack to her. And it seems long-lasting. It's kinda heavy maybe because it was leather. It can fit many notebooks there and has pockets for miscellaneous things. She can even put a laptop there. The clerk said that a laptop is often used there. Especially for researching and making reports.

After they pay for the things, they head straight to National Bookstore to buy things for school. They also shopped for a printer and laptop to less the hassle. After that, they stopped at a fast-food chain for dinner. Attentions draws all over her. But she didn't mind entertaining them at all.

They decided to go home since Agape's feeling tired already. She let Manong Tinyong fix the printer in her room. And after that, she fixed all of the things they've shopped. She put the excess supplies in a drawer. She sits on her bed and stared at nothingness. She admits to herself; she was scared. No guards lingering around unlike what she used to see before. The night is so quiet that it deafens her. She sighed. This is not the time for thinking. What she needs to do is clean herself and rest.

After cleaning and drying herself, she rested and immediately drifted to somber.

She hopes for a better life here.