The Agony of Elsa

Ever since I started the narration of Elsa's sad life, never was there really a time when I felt that I was truly appreciative of the Grown-Ups! I can enumerate several reasons why this is so, and I could always justify - a million times over - why I feel unappreciative of them!

As I have said in The Sorrowful Salutation: "I have been with the sad company of the Grown-ups, and I know how they think! I know how they look at things!" I also know how they say one thing but mean the complete opposite! For instance, when a Grown-Up says: "You look really beautiful." what he or she actually meant with that is: "You could actually look better if you had your hair done this or that way."

Grown-Ups are dishonest, impatient, insincere, cruel, ill tempered, materialistic, opportunist, manipulative, evil, sinister, and... I could actually go on forever listing down all the bad things about them if only the chance permits!

But, in the spirit of fairness, allow me to also say that: "There is always an exemption to the rule." In every 9 million Grown-Ups there would be 1 who is different! Someone who - because of age has learned to be - patient, sincere, kind, helpful, and lenient! Minerva Jalova, the Librarian of St. John's Academy is 1 in the 9 million.

Minerva Jalova - allow me to say - was once a Student Leader in her youth. She once rallied the streets of Mendiola for a cause! She once marched the streets of Makati and Katipunan with other Student Activists for Freedom, Equality, Women's and Children's Rights, and No Tuition Fee Hike. Minerva Jalova was a Graduate of The University of the Philippines with a course in Library Science. She graduated with Honors. And believe me when I say that there is a lot of good things about Minerva Jalova! Behind the stiff and conservative looking wardrobe is a very nice person! I promise that you'll get to know Minerva Jalova - the Lenient Librarian - a lot better as I go on with my actual narration of Elsa's very sad life in this Episode.

Allow me, at this point, to pick up from the last part of the episode entitled: The Pinheaded Principal. The part when Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal appeared in the School Canteen where a melee was going on and approached Elsa, who was at that time being accused by the Groveling Guard of committing Violation Number 6: Estafa.

Now upon hearing Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal say: "Definitely! Hey you! The only one of you! I want to see your parents tomorrow! Right Now!", the Groveling Guard quickly grabbed Elsa and dragged the Simple Schoolgirl to the Principal's office. While Omario Bulatao walked away and tagging Elsa along with him, the Canteen Manager and the Canteen Cashier continued hurling unwashed plates, spoons, forks, water glasses and pitchers while repeatedly calling Elsa: "Ugly, stupid, poor!"

Inside the Principal's Office, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal - upon the instructions of Mrs. Lucy Fernan who at that time was disguised as a shadow - violently tied Elsa's hands with blue colored nylon cord and covered Elsa's mouth with a locally bought packaging tape. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal then said: "Definitely! You bald girl is very bad! You already have six violations in my prestigious school! What is your reason? Answer me in simple English only!" Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal waited for an answer but Elsa could not give her reasons because her mouth was covered with packaging tape. When Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal did not hear Elsa speak she then said: "Definitely! Are you deaf? Did you hear me? Why did you not answer me in simple English only? Are you making me angry? Now, answer me! Why do you keep making violations in my prestigious school"? Again, Elsa could not speak, she could also not make gestures as her hands were tied up. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal then got very furious and she said: "Definitely! You are making me more angry! I want to see your parents tomorrow! Right now!"

Again, upon hearing Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal said: "I want to see your parents tomorrow! Right now!" the Groveling Guard, who was at that time still inside the Principla's office, immediately ran to the classroom of the Terrible Teacher to relay what Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal just said. It was the Terrible Teacher who then immediately ran to the Gotohan of the Misinformed Master to tell Mang Joey that Elsa committed Violation Number 6: Estafa and that Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal wants to meet Elsa's parents. Mang Joey, the Misinformed Master believing that Elsa was already an orphan decided to close the Gotohan and then proceeded to the Principal's office.

Back in the Principal's Office, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal - upon the instructions of Mrs. Lucy Fernan who was at that time still disguised as a shadow - said: "Definitely! You are not the Parents tomorrow right now of this bald girl who is very bad! You are Mang Joey the owner of the Gotohan which is located near my prestigious school! Why did you come here?" Mang Joey replied: "I'm very sorry, but Elsa is already an Orphan and since she works for me, please allow me to be her guardian." Elsa heard Mang Joey and she wanted to explain that she is not yet a complete orphan. But Elsa could not speak as her mouth was still covered with packaging tape. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal upon hearing what Mang Joey said, replied: "Definitely! Sure why not? Now I am warning you that if Elsa commits 2 more violations in my prestigious school, I will expel her! Do you understand me?" Mang Joey simply answered: "Yes, Miss Hampto. And I am very sorry." Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal still upon the instructions of Mrs. Lucy Fernan who was at that time still disguised as a shadow then said: "Definitely! I forgive you but I will not yet forgive Elsa! I will punish her again! She will now be assigned as a Student Assistant Majoring in Cleaning at the School Library! Do you understand?" Mang Joey simply said: "Yes, Miss Hampto."

Now it was because of the said punishment that Elsa, the Simple schoolgirl met Minerva Jalova, the Lenient Librarian. The next week immediately after the Canteen incident, Elsa was to start reporting to the Linient Librarian named Minerva Jalova. Elsa was assigned to clean the Library from start of classes until dismissal and the said punishment will be effective for a whole week! This simply means that Elsa was not to attend classes again!

Anyway before I go on, allow me to tell you that because of the new punishment on Elsa, the Terrible Teacher, the Brattish Bully, the Contemptible Classmates, the Groveling Guard, and the Pinheaded Principal along with her tutor named Mrs. Lucy Fernan were all very happy! The Terrible Teacher was happy because, without Elsa in her class, she could now ask all her students to give her gifts! The Brattish Bully was happy because she could take a rest from her evil antics! The Contemptible Classmates were happy because they too could take a rest from following Ely Rose Apple's evil schemes on Elsa! The Groveling Guard was happy because he could concentrate on roving the school grounds without thinking of new violations that he could accuse Elsa of. And the Pinheaded Principal, along with her tutor named Mrs. Lucy Fernan, was very happy because she felt that she has done a good job in making sure that her prestigious school was properly managed!

The Misinformed Master though, unlike the other characters that I have already mentioned in the sentence above, was not really very happy with the new punishment on Elsa. He was not very happy because he felt very sad for Elsa. He was not very happy because he felt that the punishment was way too harsh. He was not very happy because he thought that Elsa would grow very exhausted by cleaning the Library from start of classes until dismissal time. This means that by the time that Elsa would be working at his Gotohan in the graveyard shift, the Simple Schoolgirl may already be too tired to be able work as well as she use to. This thought really saddened Mang Joey a lot! Allow me now to say that: "Mang Joey is really a very kind man, and his only flaw is that he loves money a lot!" This means that, if Elsa wont work as well as she use to, the Gotohan might loose part of its earnings!

Anyway, going back to the story. On Elsa's first day as Student Assistant Majoring in Cleaning at the School Library, she was very nervous! Elsa was very worried because she thought that Minerva Jalova might hurt her too. Elsa was very tense because she thought that Minerva Jalova might throw and hit her with heavy books. Elsa was very anxious because she thought that Minerva Jalova might call her stupid, ugly, and poor. But, Elsa's fears all vanished when Minerva Jalova spoke to her.

On Elsa's first day as Student Assistant Majoring in Cleaning at the School Library, Minerva Jalova invited Elsa in her office and talked to Elsa very kindly and told the Simple Schoolgirl: "Good Morning Elsa. I already heard about your story. I was told why you were sent here. And I was also told that you were assigned as Student Assistant Majoring in Cleaning at the School Library for a week. Now, please don't be frightened and don't worry. I know Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto very well. And I have to be honest with you. I don't really agree with her. I don't think you deserve this punishment. But what can we both do? Let us just let her be. Just report here everyday. You don't have to do all the job here. I'll also ask your classmates to lend you their notebooks so that you could also catch up on your lessons. Please don't hesitate to tell me what else you need, okay?"

Upon hearing what Minerva Jalova just said, and upon realizing how kind Minerva Jalova is, Elsa's face brightened up! Elsa felt glad! Elsa was happy that after encountering several sinister characters in her stay at St. John's Academy, she finally met someone who seems really very accommodating, affable, affectionate, agreeable, altruistic, amiable, approachable, auspicious, beneficent, benevolent, charitable, commendable, compassionate, congenial, considerate, cordial, decent, estimable, excellent, fair, fine, forgiving, friendlike, friendly, generous, gentle, good, good-hearted, good-natured, good-tempered, goodly, gracious, helpful, humane, humanitarian, kindhearted, lenient, loving, merciful, nice, noble, openhearted, patient, sisterly, softhearted, sympathetic, tenderhearted, thoughtful, understanding, unhostile, unresentful, unrevengeful, very good, virtuous, warm, warm-hearted, warmhearted, well-intentioned, and well-meaning!

Now at this point of the story, allow me to say that Elsa was absolutely right when she thought that she finally found someone who is the complete opposite of all the other sinister characters that she has already met so far in St. John's Academy! Allow me to also tell you about Minerva Jalova's own encounter with Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal. Telling you - my dear readers - of these details will make you understand why, on the 4th paragraph of this episode, I mentioned that Minerva Jalova is an exemption to the rule!

Let me begin with: "The Most Outstanding Teacher incident." Now you should know that every School Year, St. John's Academy gives out an award for The Most Outstanding Teacher. The Teacher who is declared as Most Outstanding should pass several criteria! The Teacher who is declared as Most Outstanding should be Kind, Intelligent, Hard Working, Approachable, Morally Upright, is active in Community Service, and is Well-Loved by his or her students! The Teacher who is declared as Most Outstanding will be given a cash prize, a salary increase, a golden trophy, a certificate of recognition, and a gift check worth 1,234.50 in Robinson's Department Store!

The previous winners of The Most Outstanding Teacher award were all very much deserving! The previous winners were all very Kind, Intelligent, Hard Working, Approachable, is Morally Upright, is active in Community Service, and is Well-Loved by his or her students! So, everyone in school was expecting for someone no less! At the beginning of the School Year, teachers of St. John's Academy were already rooting for Mrs. Remedios Purificasion as the recipient of the Most Outstanding Teacher award! Mrs. Remedios Purificasion has been with St. John's Academy for a long time! Mrs. Remedios Purificasion is well loved not only by her students but by all her co teachers as well! Mrs. Remedios Purificasion has all the qualifications for being The Most Outstanding Teacher. However, when Mrs. Clarita D. Castor moved to St. John's Academy, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal immediately wanted to declare the Terrible Teacher as the Most Outstanding Teacher.

Many teachers reacted to Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal's hasty and unfair decision and they demanded for an explanation. When Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal learned of the teacher's reaction, she called for a meeting. The meeting was to be held in the school library. Minerva Jalova, being part of the school management was also asked to be present during the meeting. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal, with the help of her tutor, Mrs Lucy Fernan, prepared for the meeting.

On the day of the meeting, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal arrogantly delivered her prepared speech. Her tutor, Mrs. Lucy Fernan was also present during the meeting - she was disguised as an Artificial Flower on a vase! The bottom line of Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal's 2 hours and 45 minute speech is that: Mrs. Clarita D. Castor is very much deserving of the award as The Most Outstanding Teacher simply because: "They are friends!"

At first Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal thought that she did very well with her speech and that the teachers wont be asking any question. But when the teachers started questioning her if her basis has logic, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal started to panic. She panicked because her tutor can't coach her since she was disguised as an Artificial Flower on a vase. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal just stared blankly at the teachers. The teachers waited for an answer but Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal just stood there infront of the teachers without saying anything! The teachers started to get impatient.

Minerva Jalova, seeing that the teachers were starting to get really exasperated and sensing that Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal was lost for words again, immediately stood up and calmly repeated the teacher's question to Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal. But when Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal heard Minerva Jalova repeat the question, she took offense, pinpointed, and screamed at Minerva Jalova saying: "Definitely! You are a very bad Librarian! You are not the Principal of this prestigious school! You are only the very bad Librarian! You should ask me question in simple English only! I will not answer the question because I am tired!" After saying this, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal walked out from the Library carrying with her the flower vase.

Minerva Jalova was left with the teachers. Minerva Jalova kept her cool. Minerva Jalova knew that reacting on what Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal did to her would only stir more chaos! Minerva Jalova, in her youth, has seen many leaders like Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal. Minerva Jalova knew that leaders like Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal should be dealt with patience. And so, Minerva Jalova, after being treated badly by Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal, calmed herself and tried to pacify the teachers. Minerva Jalova promised the teachers that she will talk with Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal again and demand for a clear answer. The teachers of St. John's Academy listened to her. The teachers of St. John's Academy listened to Minerva Jalova because they respect her. The teachers of St. John's Academy respect Minerva Jalova because unlike Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal, she actually showed how a Grown-Up should conduct herself infront of other Grown-Ups!

Let me now tell you of the: "The Foreign Student incident"! Now it was actually the Second Quarter of the School Year and at the same time St. John's Academy's celebration of the English and Book week when this story took place! At that time, all the teaching and non teaching personnel of the school and students were in the school's gymnasium watching the oratorical contest when a foreign couple from New Castle in England named Mr. Stephen Sullivan and Mrs. Beth Sullivan along with their son named Lee Sullivan went to St. John's Academy. The British couple are considering St. John's Academy as the new school of their son Lee. The British Couple wanted to gauge the school first and wanted to speak with someone from the school administration. Now since everyone is in the school gymnasium, it was only Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal who was available to speak to the British couple.

At first, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal was very excited to meet with the British couple. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal was also very excited on the thought of having a foreign student in her prestigious school. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal tidied up her office before meeting with the British couple. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal also brushed her teeth so that she'll have fresh breath. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal was in the act of ordering her tutor, who at that time was disguised as a picture frame on the wall, to turn into a shadow when the British couple suddenly entered her office. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal was left without a choice but to smile and offer the British couple a seat. But as the British couple take their seat, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal started to get really very nervous because her tutor was still disguised as a picture frame hanging on the wall!

The British couple smiled at Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal and then told her how impress they are at the tidiness of the school. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal smiled back and nodded her head as a response. But the truth is, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal was already struggling to understand the accent. The British couple, in an authentic British accent, then said: "Hiya! now what it is, we are considering of enrolling our son here named Lee in your stupendous school! We see that everything seem spot on! However, there are some things that we would like to be assured of. Is it okay if we ask several questions about your school?" Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal got really nervous but, in a stammering voice, still managed to say: "Definitely!"

The British couple were very glad at Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal's response and so they went on to ask: "Do you offer extra curricular activities to students so that they'll learn how to hone their individual talents and skill?" Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal answered: "Definitely!" The British couple looked at each other smiled and nodded their head as if to show that the are impressed! The British couple then continued to ask: "Do you have highly qualified teachers who are ready to respond to the challenges of various students with multiple intelligence and who would make sure that students are given proper training and would acknowledge individual differences?" At this point, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal started to get really nervous. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal started to perspire! Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal was hoping that she had her tutor with her. But, even if Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal didn't fully understand what the British couple just asked her, she still managed to say: "Definitely"!

The British couple looked at each other. They seemed unconvinced. They sensed something wrong. They were not sure however what it was. Then they continued to ask: "Could you please tell us how you deal with students who are misbehaving?" Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal, immediately answered: "Definitely!" The British couple nodded in responce and waited for Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal to expound on her answer but Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal remained quiet and was obviously very jittery and was perspiring profusely! The British couple then said: "So, Can you tell us how?" Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal's nose started to bleed but she still managed to say: "Definitely!" The British couple noticed that Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal's nose was already bleeding and they got very concerned and so they asked: "Are you okay?" Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal replied: "Definitely!" The British couple looked at each other and got very scared, and so they said: "You don't seem okay! Are you sick?" Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal replied: "Definitely!" The British couple were taken aback! Then they asked: "Do you have AH1N1 or Swine Flu Virus?" Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal answered: "Definitely!" The British couple turned pale with shock, panicked and hurriedly ran out of Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal office!

While the British couple ran away, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal was left wondering why the British couple ran away from her. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal was infact clueless why the British couple hurriedly left. It was her tutor Mrs. Lucy Fernan, who has at this point turned into a shadow, who told her that the reason why the British couple ran away from her was because the foreign couple finds her face horrible! Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal immediately believed Mrs. Lucy Fernan! Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal did not even suspect that it was her answers and her bleeding nose that frightened the British couple!

Mrs. Lucy Fernan went on to tell Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal that the British couple does not like talking with her because her breath stinks! Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal right away believed her tutor. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal got very mad and so she hurriedly went to the school gymnasium where a program for the English and Book Week was being held. Upon entering the School Gymnasium, Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal started hearing everyone speaking in English. Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal nose started to bleed again! Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal then ascended the stage and grabbed the microphone from the emcee of the program! Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal, upon the coaching of her tutor who was at that time disguised as a shadow, then said: "Definitely! Hey you! The all of you! I am the very good Principal of this prestigious school! I will declare that no more school program from now on! No more English and Book week, no more United Nations Day, no more Nutrition month, no more Intramural, no more Acquaintance Party, and no more JS Prom! I will allow only Graduation Day and Linggo ng Wika! Stop this program! The all of you, go back to your classroom immediately, right now!"

All the teachers were shocked at what Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal just did and said! The students were unhappy with what Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal just declared! The students started booing Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal! Some students threw crumpled papers to Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal! Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal immediately left the school gymnasium! Miverva Jalova, who was the chairperson of the English and Book week took the microphone and calmly addressed the audience saying: "Dear Teachers and Dear Students, I need your attention please." The audience, upon hearing Minerva Jalova started to quiet down and listened. Minerva Jalova then said: "I know you are all very upset at what you just heard. But I'm sure our Principal has a reason why she said those. May I please ask all of you to just relax and I will speak with the Principal. I will also ask her if she could allow us to have other school programs and activities. Now, Dear Teachers kindly escort your students back to your classrooms and for the meantime resume your classes while I speak with our Principal."

The teachers of St. John's Academy listened and followed Minerva Jalova. The Teachers asked their students to line up and proceed back to their classroom. The students quietly formed a line and headed back to their classroom. The students did not react violently at the orders of Minerva Jalova. The students wholeheartedly obeyed Minerva Jalova. The students of St. John's Academy obeyed Minerva Jalova because they could feel that Minerva Jalova meant well. The students of St. John's Academy respects Minerva Jalova. The students of St. John's Academy looks up to Minerva Jalova because unlike Glenda or Marissa Soccorro G. Hampto the Pinheaded Principal, she actually showed how a Grown-Up should conduct herself infront of other Grown-Ups and most specially infront of the young ones!

Watching horror movies in a third class movie house, walking along bare foot in a stony beach, strolling in a flowerless park, playing with faceless paper dolls, eating meatless meat lover's pizza, learning how to play an old bamboo flute, climbing an ant infested mango tree, flying a kite made of sticks and Japanese paper, and staring at the stars on a breeze less summer night would be a lot more enjoyable when done with a friend or to be more specific about it - a bestfriend! I'm sure a great number of people will agree with me if I say that things are absolutely better when done with a bestfriend!

Elsa Ragoza, the Simple Schoolgirl - despite being bald and seemingly different from other schoolgirls her age - also has a bestfriend! Or should I say - HAD a bestfriend! Now you must remember that HAS and HAD are two different words! While both words are verbs and may infact be used with a singular noun, it still plays a great role in making a point clear! HAS is used to indicate an action or state of being in the present tense, while HAD is used in the opposite- The PAST tense! In other words - Elsa used to have a bestfriend!

Before I go on further explaining why Elsa now only USED to have a Bestfriend, it would be a matter of great importance - specially to the Grown-Ups - that I define this episode's title: The Breathless Bestfriend! As perhaps already known to many, Bestfriend is a compound noun which is normally spelled separately! Bestfriend is made up of two words - Best and Friend. Best is a word which means: " In the highest degree or beyond all others. " While Friend means: " A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. " In other words, A Bestfriend is: " A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts in the highest degree or beyond all others! " Now the word: Breathless may also be broken down into two separate words. Breath and Less. Breath is actually a noun which means: " The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration. " While Less is a suffix which is used to form adjectives meaning: without (the thing mentioned). In other words, Breathless means: DEAD! Elsa Ragoza's bestfriend is already DEAD!

Now please pardon me if I had to say that there is really nothing much to tell about Elsa's bestfriend. As a matter of fact, her being DEAD means that she will not be playing a very major role in my actual narration of Elsa's grievously sad story! So if you expect to read an episode - after this one - where the Breathless Bestfriend would suddenly defend Elsa from those who inflicts her pain, then that - definitely - won't happen. This is no longer possible for the simple reason that: the Breathless Bestfriend, as I have already mentioned, is DEAD!

Here and now I must say that it is also very important that I tell you that the Breathless Bestfriend, despite being DEAD - and just like all other Bestfriends whether living or dead - has a name. It should also follow that I tell you the name of the Breathless Bestfriend. Being DEAD does not strip one of the right to be known or to be introduced. Being DEAD does not erase the good - or even the bad - things that one has done in the past. Anyway, the name of the Breathless Bestfriend of the Simple Schoolgirl is: Ivy Violinda Ubesa.

Ivy Violinda Ubesa was actually Elsa's Bestfriend when both girls were just at an age when one - aside from enjoying the activities that I mentioned at the beginning of this episode - still believes that they could become Princesses with an elegant violet colored gown and a sparkling diamond studded tiara! The Breathless Bestfriend unfortunately did not live long enough to learn that not all girls grow up to become a Princess! Ivy Violinda Ubesa died at a very young age!

Ivy Violinda Ubesa - if mentioning it would make any sense at all - was the second person next to Icasiano Antonio who truly, genuinely, and honestly loved Elsa. Ivy Violinda Ubesa being DEAD is enough proof that she truly did loved Elsa. And to further prove my claim I also must tell you that when Ivy Violinda Ubesa was still alive, she took it to herself to serve as Elsa's defender. Ivy Violinda Ubesa made sure that she defends Elsa from other mean girls. Ivy Violeta Ubesa also made sure that Elsa was always happy. Ivy Violinda Ubesa always tries to cheer up Elsa specially when she sees Elsa looking sad. Ivy Violinda Ubesa's presence made Elsa Ragoza The Simple Schoolgirl not very different from other young girls! And so, despite being physically, psychologically, and mentally maltreated by her own mother - on a daily basis - Elsa still had reasons to be happy because she had her bestfriend to cheer her up. And despite being bullied by other girls - on a regular basis - Elsa still had reasons to be strong because she had her bestfriend to defend her!

Now I have to tell you that the Breathless Bestfriend was not any richer than Elsa, infact she herself had a very sorry life. Ivy Violinda Ubesa had to vend pandesal just like Elsa. Ivy Violinda Ubesa had to harvest Indian Mangoes from an ant infested mango tree as a part time job! Ivy Violinda Ubesa was infact - also a subject of ridicule by other girls because she does not have any nice clothes to wear. Ivy Violinda Ubesa is Elsa's neighbor in Baseco Compound. She lives in a shanty made of scrap woods and galvanized iron with her mother and 10 other siblings. Food was not enough for all of them. Her father left them for another woman. And she has dark skin and she is devoted to the color Violet! But despite all her miseries, Ivy Violinda Ubesa still manages to smile everyday and see the beauty behind all the misery. Ivy Violinda Ubesa always seem to have every reasons to be happy. Ivy Violeta Ubesa is a very positive person! This attitude is what actually drew Elsa to her. And it is the very same attitude that Elsa herself grew to learn. Now I have to reveal that it is actually Ivy Violinda Ubesa who inspired Elsa how to be Optimistic!

There is another thing that I need to tell you about Ivy Violinda Ubesa apart from her being DEAD and apart from her being the Breathless Bestfriend who defended Elsa from bullies, who cheers up Elsa, and who inspired Elsa how to be optimistic. I must make sure I don't miss out telling you this very important detail as this may allow you to understand Elsa better as you continue on reading about Elsa's string of agonies!

At this point I wish to tell you that Ivy Violinda Ubesa would appear before Elsa everytime the Simple Schoolgirl is in trouble, is sad, or is hurt. Ivy Violinda Ubesa appears before Elsa as a spirit and tells her that things will be fine. Nobody except Elsa would see and hear Ivy Violinda of course. Ivy Violinda Ubesa appeared to Elsa when the Terrible teacher was punishing her! Ivy Violinda Ubesa appeared to Elsa when the Beastly Boss was making her life miserable! Ivy Violinda Ubesa appeared to Elsa everytime Fanchita Isidra makes her do impossible things like singing backwards! Ivy Violinda Ubesa appeared to Elsa while she was walking around the campus while holding the placard saying: " I am a cheater! Do not imitate me! " Ivy Violinda Ubesa appeared to Elsa while the Simple Schoolgirl was doing her task as a Canteen Assistant.

Ivy Violinda Ubesa appears to Elsa to tell her and assure her that things will be fine! Sometimes, Ivy Violinda Ubesa visits Elsa in her dreams or while Elsa is resting. Ivy Violinda Ubesa, even in afterlife has remained a real friend to Elsa. A friend who tells another friend that things will be fine. A friend who would defend another friend in trouble. A friend who supports another friend in all her undertakings. A friend who makes sure that her friend has a friend when the friend needs a friend.

In the first sentence of the 4th paragraph of this episode, I wrote that there is really nothing much to tell about Ivy Violinda Ubesa, The Breathless Bestfriend of The Simple Schoolgirl. But I guess - after saying what I said above - I managed to somehow introduce her to you anyway. It is important that you know who Ivy Violinda Ubesa is! Even is she would not be playing a very big role in my actual narration of Elsa's story! Knowing who the Breathless Bestriend is, would allow you to understand Elsa better. I have to say that, this episode did not actually narrate a story! The truth of the matter is: I added this episode with the primary purpose of making you understand Elsa a lot more.

By the way, Ivy Violinda Ubesa The Breathless Bestfriend - mysterious, impossible, and intriguing as it may seem- died of an ant bite!

Name is a word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known. Adnos Uyañe Plein is a group of, seemingly nonsensical and unrelated words that was designated to me, by two Grown-Ups otherwise known as my parents, when I was born. Adnos Uyañe Plein then - having no other choice - is my name!

Now in all honesty, I have always been fascinated with Names - People's Name specifically! People's Name and it's etymology constantly occupy my mind. People's Name is also a topic that I would often research about! It is in one of those researches that I found out that the name: Daniel ranked 12th in the 25 Most Popular American Male Names. James, John, Robert, Michael, and William being the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth consecutively! Daniel also means: "The LORD is my Judge". I love the name: Daniel! I wish that it was my name.

More about names, I once was acquainted with a person named: Happy. Now " Happy " is actually an adjective meaning: " Cheerful! " Happy, just like other cheerful adjectives, may be used as People's Name then! Anyway, going back to Happy - the person and not the adjective - In my opinion, his name suits him well as - true to his name - he is indeed a jolly person. I have heard of someone said that your name - the one that you have no choice of having since its your parents or the Grown-Ups choosing it for you - represents the kind of person that you will be!

Several years back, I was fortunate to have been in acquaintance with someone with the First name: Brillan, and with the Last name: Te. When combined together his name would read as: Brillan Te. Such a sparkling name isn't it? Then I have met people with a combination of 2 or more names! Arvey Lester is somebody that I met back in the 1st Grade! Jeffrey Jose is somebody that I used to play Chess with! Juan Karlo was once a friend. Christopher Caezar is a friend who does not know how to say NO to his friends! And Albert Jason is someone whom I used to share my secrets with! Anna Karen Nina, Mary Pauleen Joy, Carl James Nicholas, and Miguel Sebastian Rodrigo are examples of 3 names within 1 name!

Then of course I have met people with uncommon but very interesting names! To name a few: Cleofela Septem, and Xzyql Dominique. Now, I have to admit that my name fall in this category! Anyway - Rouen France, Manila, Paris Grace, Jay Rome and Kenya are friends who were named after the place where they were born! Joselito Gregorio was named after his Grandparents from his Mother and Father's side. And I have even heard of a child being named after a storm, a political figure in history and even after a softdrink brand! Flowers are very common name for girls! There is: Rose, Lily, Dahlia, Jasmine, Daisy and even Geranium! If the Grown-Ups would want it, they could even use Rafflesia! Then there are those named after a specific type of bird: Wren, Raven and even Eagle! Gem stones may also be used as names! Pearl, Ruby, Garnet, Beryl, and even Amethyst! Violet - which is a color produced when you mix Red and Blue - is also used as a girl's name! Brown, White, and Black are often used as Last Names!

Occasions may also be used as person's name! Valentine, Christmas, Winter and Summer are common "Event Names". Foods - including fruits and anything that is sweet tasting - could also be a good source of names! I'm sure you have already heard of someone named: Strawberry, Cherry, Almond, Hazel, Sugar, Candy, Cookie, and Muffin! I even know of one girl named Russel Cake! Now I wonder, has someone - in any part of this world - ever been named: Lasagna or Vinegar or Broccoli or Anchovies or Pepperoni Pizza or Buttered Croissant or California Maki?

There are various ways on how a person could be named! The possibilities are endless! If I had the choice, aside from Daniel, I would absolutely have wanted to be named with any of the following: Will, Jill, Hester, Chester, Peter, Polly, Tim, Tom, Mary, Larry or even Little Clarinda! I wont even mind being named after Santa Claus' Reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen or even Rudolph! But never in my wildest dream did I ever thought of bearing the name: Ely Rose Apple! Why? Read along!

Ely Rose Apple is the name of the Elsa's classmate who was wearing red headband and whom Elsa - on her first day in school at St. John's Academy - approached to ask where she could take a seat. Now to be frank about it, Ely Rose Apple is such a sweet name for a sour faced, pungent breath and bitter mannered little girl!

Ely Rose Apple is a rich kid. She always has nice clothes to wear! She always has the most expensive bags! Aside from being rich, Ely Rose Apple is also the most popular girl in St. John's Academy! That is why she is always surrounded with "friends"! Her minions which is composed of 4 girls and 2 boys always follow her wherever she goes. Her minions consider her a boss! They always do what she tells them to do!

Ely Rose Apple is an attractive girl! She has an angelic face! As a matter of fact, because of her good looks, she is consistently being voted as class muse! It is also because of her cherubic looks that many boys in school get attracted to her! But behind her heavenly image however hides a monster! Now, allow me to say that: it is with her looks that a lot of people, specially the Grown-Ups, would not believe that she is capable of doing evil things!

Ely Rose Apple is an only child! And as an only child, she gets every single thing that she lays fancy on! Her father always buys her what she wants! Her father always brings her wherever she wants to go! Her father always allow her to do what she feels like doing! Her father doesn't scold her! Her father doesn't tell her what is right and what is wrong!

Ely Rose Apple's father however, is really not a bad person. He is just very busy! He is busy helping other people. He is busy helping anybody who seeks help from him. He is busy donating to charitable institutions, giving alms to the mendicants, helping elderly people cross the street, planting trees to help save the environment, volunteering to clean clogged esteros, and regularly feeding street children!

Ely Rose Apple's father, aside from being busy helping other people is also very busy running their business! Ely Rose Apple's father run a food business! A food business in front of the school. The school which is named: St. John's Academy! Ely Rose Apple's father owns the only gotohan in 10th Avenue Cubao Quezon City! Her father is a very helpful man and a very busy businessman whose name is: Mr. Joselito Montealegre! He is also known as Mang Joey!

Ely Rose Apple's name - in case you have not noticed - has been repeated 12 times already up to this point and if I mention the name again at least once before the end of this paragraph that will all total up in: 13! Now you have to understand why I am doing this! You have to understand really well the reason why! However, if you have no time to understand the reason why I keep repeating the name of the girl whose name I don't wish to bear, and if you feel that it is better to find out how much it would cost to have Cable TV installed into your home than to understand my reason, then by all means, I will explain why I keep repeating the name: Ely Rose Apple!

Now, the reason why I keep repeating the name of Elsa's classmate who was wearing red headband and whom Elsa - on her first day in school at St. John's Academy - approached to ask where she could take a seat is because: this episode - after all - is not about Names but is about The Brattish Bully who has an angelic face, who is very popular, who gets whatever she wants, who can go wherever she wants to go, and whose name is Ely Rose Apple!

Just how brattish Ely Rose Apple is will be the next thing that I shall telling you! Allow me to start with the " Notebook Sticker incident! "

Now, Ely Rose Apple - on Elsa's second week in school - accused the Simple School girl of stealing her expensive Hello Kitty notebook sticker with which Elsa was severely punished! Now what actually happen was: Ely Rose Apple approached Elsa on her seat while the teacher was busy giving her lesson in Addition and Subtraction. Ely Rose Apple pretended to ask Elsa that she wants to borrow a red kilometrico ballpen. When Elsa was on the act of getting the said pen from her bag, Ely Rose Apple then secretly pasted the Hello Kitty notebook sticker on Elsa's Math notebook. When Elsa was about to hand Ely Rose Apple the red Kilometrico ballpen, the Brattish Bully started to scream and shouted on top of her lungs saying: "Teacher! Elsa stole my expensive Hello Kitty sticker! Look! Its pasted on her cheap spiral Math notebook! Its pasted on the upper right hand corner of her locally made notebook! Its pasted about about half an inch from the edge! I am so lonely! Teacher! Punish Elsa! If you don't punish her I will tell my father not to give you an expensive gift on Christmas!" Upon hearing Ely Rose Apple, the Terrible Teacher grabbed Elsa on her hand and dragged the Simple Schoolgirl at the corner of the room then she made Elsa hunker down the whole day! The Terrible Teacher did not investigate! The Terrible Teacher did not ask! The Terrible Teacher instantaneously took the side of the Brattish Bully and unfairly punished the Simple Schoolgirl who never complained!

After classes, Ely Rose Apple - surrounded by her minions - approached Elsa and threatened the Simple Schoolgirl saying: "Hey you! Don't you ever try telling my Daddy what happen in Math Class today! If you do, I will tell him to fire you off our Gotohan! Do you understand?"

The Simple Schoolgirl understood very well what the Brattish Bully said. Elsa did not say a word of protest! Elsa knows what the Brattish Bully was capable of doing! Elsa just thought that the reason why Ely Rose Apple accused her of stealing the expensive Hello Kitty Notebook sticker was for her to learn how to save money so that she could also buy expensive stickers in the future!

After the Notebook Sticker incident, The Brattish Bully once again thought of a way on how to make fun of Elsa. This would be the " Flagpole incident! "

What happen was: A month after the Simple Schoolgirl attended school at St. John's Academy, and a few minutes before the students gather in the quadrangle for the Flag Ceremony on a Monday Morning, Ely Rose Apple - together with her minions - approached Elsa and told her: " Hey you! Today I will accuse you again of stealing! This time I will tell our Teacher that you stole my expensive Hello Kitty key chain! And if you complain, I will tell my Daddy to fire you off the Gotohan! But, if you do what I tell you to do, I will not do what I plan to do! Okay? "

Elsa did not utter a single word. The Simple Schoolgirl simply nodded. The Brattish Bully then said: " Now, I want you to climb to the top of the Flagpole in the quadrangle! Stay there until a Maya Bird with tangerine wings perch at the tip of the flagpole! Go! " Upon hearing Ely Rose Apple's command, Elsa immediately run and sprinted towards the flagpole in the quadrangle! Upon reaching the flagpole, Elsa hurriedly climbed the top of it. It has only been seconds that Elsa was on top of the flagpole when the school bell rung to signal that the students must already gather at the quadrangle for the Flag Ceremony! It was too late for Elsa to get down! The students all gathered up in the quadrangle and the Flag ceremony started. Then before the flag was completely hoisted up, the students started laughing upon seeing Elsa on top of the flagpole! The flag ceremony was put to a halt and the Terrible Teacher - using a megaphone - ordered Elsa to go down! Elsa immediately slid down and was very humiliated! Then the Terrible Teacher grabbed Elsa by the hand and dragged her going to the Principal's office! Elsa was made to clean the whole campus that day as punishment!

Elsa did not complain! Elsa just thought that the reason why Ely Rose Apple made her climb the flagpole to wait for a Maya Bird with tangerine colored wings was for her to be Physically Fit and to be an Animal Lover! She also thought that the reason why she was made to clean the whole campus was for her to learn how to love Mother Earth!

Two weeks after the " Flagpole incident ", Ely Rose Apple - together with her minions - decided to make more fun out of Elsa! Allow me now to tell you about the " Hide and Seek incident! "

It was during Physical Education Class when the Brattish Bully - together with her minions - approached Elsa and told her: " Hey you! We are going to play Hide and Seek! I am thinking of allowing you to join us! But, you have to be the "it"! If you do not agree, I will tell my Daddy to fire you off the Gotohan and I will tell our P.E. teacher to give you a failing grade! " Elsa, upon hearing what Ely Rose Apple said, simply nodded her head!

Ely Rose Apple then told Elsa to go to the Amugis tree near the School Canteen where she must count 1 to 9,274,677,889 with 5 seconds interval each count before she begins seeking! Elsa agreed! Elsa did not complain! The Simple Schoolgirl just thought that the reason why Ely Rose Apple wants her to count that much and with 5 seconds interval is for her to learn how to count well!

Elsa was almost done counting until 9,274,677,889 and was ready to seek when suddenly she sensed a bright light flashing on her face! She opened her eyes and realized that it was dark already! Elsa's eyes was momentarily blinded by the bright light. She tried squinting her eyes to adjust with the bright light ahead and the darkness around her. Then she started seeing a figure of a man holding a flashlight! Then, the man spoke: " Violation number 5: Over Staying! "

The Grovelling Guard grabbed Elsa's hands and dragged her to the Guard House! And while dragging Elsa, Omario Bulatao was saying: " It's 9:36 PM already! All the students left at 4:01 PM! What are you doing inside the campus at this time? I will charge you with Over Staying! and that is your 5th violation already! "

Upon reaching the Guard House, Omario Bulatao then told Elsa, with a soft voice that he will not report the incident anymore to the Principal if she promise to bring 2 orders of Hot Goto with tuwalaya the next day! the Grovelling Guard also told Elsa that she must also bring 5 Okoys, Maanghang na Sawsawan, and 1.5 litres of A and W Rootbeer! Elsa nodded her head. Elsa did not complain. She promised the Groveling Guard to give what he asks to be given. Elsa then thought that the reason why Omario Bulatao asked her to bring him food was for her to learn how to be generous!

The day after the " Hide and Seek incident ", Ely Rose Apple, upon noticing that Elsa was not punished for staying until past 9:00 PM in school, became very furious and she called her minions! Ely Rose Apple told her minions about her next plan! This time, the Brattish Bully thought of a way on how to make Elsa fail in class! I now have to tell you about the double evil deed of Ely Rose Apple! The " Homework incident " and the " Leakage incident "! Allow me to start with the former!

The Terrible Teacher gave the class a homework that will require research work in the library! Elsa did her homework and was infact the only one in the class to do so. The whole class - with the exemption of Elsa - purposely did not do the homework because Ely Rose Apple told them to do so! Ely Rose Apple did this so that she could perform her evil deed! On the day of submission of the homework, Ely Rose Apple approached Elsa and asked if she could copy her homework, Elsa graciously allowed Ely Rose Apple. The Brattish Bully then announced to the whole class that it is only Elsa who has an assignment! All the students approached Elsa and asked the Simple Schoolgirl if they too could copy the assignment. Elsa agreed. Elsa was happy that she was able to help her classmates!

Finally, the Terrible Teacher arrived and asked for all homework to be submitted. Elsa submitted her notebook. The Simple Schoolgirl was feeling very confident that finally her teacher might appreciate her because she has done her homework well. But, instead of saying that she did a good job, the Terrible Teacher shouted at her instead and threw her notebook hitting her face!

Apparently, when the Terrible Teacher was already inspecting Elsa's notebook, the teacher saw a blank page! There was nothing on Elsa's notebook! Elsa was again punished! She was made to clean the room! Elsa did not complain! Elsa did not say a word! She just thought that the reason why she lost her assignment was for her to learn to make an extra copy next time!

Elsa was almost finished cleaning the room when all of a sudden, a paper plane landed on her feet. She noticed something familiar with the paper plane so she picked it up. She inspected the paper plane and noticed a familiar handwriting! She unfolded the paper plane and saw that it was her homework. When she looked around to locate where the paper plane came from, she noticed Ely Rose Apple and her minions giggling mischievously!

The " Leakage incident " happen the very next day after the " Homework incident "! It was examination day! Elsa was accused of being in possession of a leakage! Naturally it was Ely Rose Apple who accused Elsa of having a leakage! The Terrible Teacher did not investigate! The Terrible Teacher did not ask! She just took the Brattish Bully's word for it and quickly grabbed Elsa by the hand and dragged her to the Principal's office!

The Principal was about to punish Elsa when she thought of asking the Terrible Teacher for the "evidence". When the Terrible Teacher was about to hand the Principal the "evidence", she realized that the said "leakage" was just a copy of a song lyrics! The Terrible Teacher, realizing her mistake and not wanting to lose face just said: "Ma'am, this poor moneyless girl has found a way to make the leakage disappear from my hands! But, I am very sure that she was in possession of a leakage during my exam! Punish her! "

The Principal then said: "Definitely! You poor moneyless bald girl is very bad! I will punish you!" That day, Elsa was disallowed to take other exams and was made to walk around the campus while holding a placard saying: " I am a cheater! Do not imitate me! ". Elsa did not complain! Elsa did not feel bad. She just thought that the reason why she was accused of having a leakage was for her to learn not to bring song lyrics during exams!

For being wrongly accused of possessing a leakage during exams, aside from being disallowed to take the exams and being asked to walk around the campus while holding a placard saying: " I am a Cheater! Do not imitate me! ", Elsa was also ordered to be a Canteen Assistant for the whole week! She was made to wash dishes, fetch water, chop woods, clean the dining area, and serve foods to students during lunch!

Parents is a word, which here in this episode of Elsa's story would mean: Preposterous! It may also refer to such lexemes like: punishment; apathetic; defilement; and umbrella!

Elsa, if euphemism would make it any different, has what I wish to call "a natal mother who is four quarters short of a dollar, a substitute father who is five cans short of a six packs, and a biological father who is wandering the Elysian Fields"!

While most young girls of Elsa's age would be delighted on the thought of going home from school every afternoon knowing that a loving mother would be ready to meet her at the door with a warm hug, Elsa, just so that you are aware, does not!

If most young girls of Elsa's age would be confident on the thought that what ever happends, a supportive father will always be around to defend her from bullies in school, Elsa, to make my point clearer, does not!

The reason why Elsa does not look forward at meeting her mother at night after school is easy to understand! And it is easier to understand why Elsa does not consider her father supportive! At this point of the story, allow to me remind you about the name of Elsa's father. He is: Icasiano Antonio Ragoza. It is important that I mention that name again. It is important that I remind you of that name in case you have forgotten all about it. Some people, especially the grown-ups, have the proclivity to forget minute details like the names of people.

If you are a grown-up who has followed this story from the onset and has forgotten about Icasiano Antonio Ragoza, I honestly do understand and infact, you are forgiven! But if you are new here and is just starting with this episode, then you have three options: the first is to leave hastily and look for something else to read; second is to trace back four episodes back and start reading the episode entitled: The Simple Schoolgirl; and third is to forget about prerequisites, just read along, infer, and make a conclusion! A conclusion which, since it’s devoid of basis, may end up biased!

Anyway, for the third time in this episode, allow me say again that the name of Elsa's father is: Icasiano Antonio Ragoza! Icasiano Antonio Ragoza spent his childhood days in the largest province and the biggest rice producer of Central Luzon in the Philippines: Gapan in Nueva Ecija! When he reached the age of 22, he decided that he had enough of the provincial life! And so, he went to Manila to look for a job. Unfortunately, he wasn't very successful at finding an employment! Knowing nothing else and having no other skills but to sow and reap in the rice fields, he always ends up with small jobs with very meager pay! But, despite the elusive luck, Icasiano Antonio discovered that he attracted the attention of many women due to his nice looks! And, Icasiano Antonio Ragoza also soon found out that he could survive life in the city using only his good looks! He got romantically involved with several women who could afford to give him allowance every month. Icasiano Antonio Ragoza got things going until he met Maritess Dolores Pulmones, The Vile Vendor!

His liaison with The Vile Vendor paved the way for him to meet the woman who he really fell in love with and whom he eventually married, Fanchita Isidra! Unhappily, his love relationship with the woman who he really fell in love with was doomed because of a curse made by The Vile Vendor! A curse that states: "Death will be the reward for whoever gives true love to the first born child of Fanchita Isidra and Icasiano Antonio Ragoza!"

After spending sometime of his life as a gigolo, Icasiano Antonio eventually wedded Fanchita Isidra in a civil ceremony. They used the earnings from the Special Banana cue stall, which Icasiano Antonio took with him when he eloped with Fanchita Isidra, to start up their family. The two contentedly lived together and in no time, Fanchita Isidra got heavy with their first child.

When Fanchita Isidra concieved, it was then that Icasiano Antonio realized that he has to start working hard for his family. He realized that soon he will grow old and his good looks would no longer be much use to him. He realized that it was time for him to take his life seriously! And so, he decided to go to Hong Kong and worked as a Cutter in a Clothing Factory. Icasiano Antonio worked really hard! He sends home a big portion of his earning every month so that Fanchita Isidra could save a portion of it so that she'll have money to spend when she delivers her child and she spends a portion of it for household expenses and home improvement.

A couple of months past and Fanchita Isidra gave birth to Elsa. But Elsa's birth, which was supposed to be a very happy event, turned out to be the beginning of The Vile Vendor's curse. When Icasiano Antonio learned that Fanchita Isidra gave birth to a baby girl, He was very happy and was so full of pride that finally he is a father. Icasiano Antonio became more determined to work hard for his family. Icasiano Antonio felt so much love for Fanchita Isidra and his new born baby, which of course would be Elsa! And because of too much joy, Icasiano Antonio decided to celebrate the special day by inviting some of his Filipino friends in the factory for a night of drinking in a bar.

The celebration went on and then ended a minute past midnight. At the end of the drinking spree, Icasiano Antonio was already so drunk to even go home that he fell asleep on a bench in the park which is right infront of the bar. When he woke up that morning, he was no longer feeling well. He was nauseous. He was throwing up. He was feverish. At first, he thought that it was a simple flu that he caught as a result of sleeping in the park. But, he got worse as the day progressed. He still reported for work however! But toward the end of the day, he just went from worse to worst. In the afternoon, he collapsed while at work and so he was rushed to a nearby hospital. He was confined at the hospital for a week before he breathed his last. The official hospital report indicated that Icasiano Antonio's cause of death was: Meningococcemia!

When Fanchita Isidra learned of the news of Icasiano Antonio's death, she was devastated! When she learned about the cause of Icasiano Antonio's death, she was terrified! When she learned about the reason why Icasiano Antonio went drinking that day, the drinking that made him drunk, that made him fall asleep in the park, that made him sick, and that made him pass to life eternal, she was furious! Fanchita Isidra was very angry! And she blamed her new born child! She took it all against Elsa! From that day on, Fanchita Isidra never really cared about Elsa anymore!

Fanchita Isidra never breastfed Elsa! Fanchita Isidra never changed Elsa's diapers! Fanchita Isidra never sang a lulluby for Elsa. Fanchita Isidra never hugged Elsa! Fanchita Isidra never even considered Elsa as her daughter!

Elsa grew up uncared for by her own mother. Elsa never really knew what happened to her father. Fanchita Isidra never spoke about Icasiano Antonio to Elsa. And it was because of that missing piece in The Simple Schoolgirl’s life that made Elsa think that her father "was not supportive"!

Six weeks, six hours and six minutes after Icasiano Antonio's death, Fanchita Isidra met Rodelio Jay Cabogus. Fanchita Isidra was on her way to the Juetengan to place a bet that time when she met Rodelio Jay Cabogus. By the way, Rodelio Jay Cabogus is a short stout senior Jueteng bet collector who came from a family with history of mental illness!

Because of Cupid's mischievous game, Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay, upon laying eyes on each other, instantly fell in love. Fanchita Isidra even gave Rodelio Jay a “beautiful eyes” as the latter took her bet. Rodelio Jay on the otherhand reciprocated by giving Fanchita Isidra a wink. Then he made sure that Fanchita Isidra won on that particular Jueteng draw! Of course, it was Rodelio Jay who delivered Fanchita Isidra's winnings that night! And it was that night too when Elsa's life went from worse to worst! Rodelio Jay and Fanchita decided to live together. Rodelio Jay didn't mind if Fanchita Isidra already has a child! Rodelio Jay didn't mind at all because he knew that he could make use of Elsa when she grows up!

Time flew fast! Days went on to weeks, weeks went on to months, and months went on to years! Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay now have three daughters! The two love their children! They took care of them well! Fanchita Isidra breastfed all of her three daughters. Fachita Isidra also changed their diapers! Fanchita Isidra sung lullabies to her three daughters! Fanchita Isidra hugged her three daughters as well. Rodelio Jay also helped in taking care of his daughters. Rodelio Jay played with his daughters! Rodelio Jay bought dresses for his daughters! Rodelio Jay brought his daughters to the playground! Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay were good parents...but only to their three daughters! To Elsa, they were terrible! Not once did Fanchita Isidra ever considered Elsa to be her daughter. Not once did Rodelio Jay ever bought Elsa a dress. Not once did the two ever cared for Elsa. Infact, they treated Elsa as their slave! Elsa was made to do all the household chores! From repairing the roof, to doing the plumbing, to washing the dishes, to boiling water for Rodelio Jay's hot bath, to cooking Kalamay Hati for Fanchita Isidra's dessert!

Fanchita Isidra also forced Elsa to go to work at an early age! Fanchita Isidra forced Elsa to sell Pandesal every Labor Day, Taho every Town Fiesta, Sampaguita Garlands every Piyesta ng Nazareno, Kamoteng Kahoy every Easter Sunday, Cotton Candy every Christmas, and Thunder Lolo every New Year! Fanchita Isidra also didn't mind if Elsa was tired, hungry, lonely, or sick!

Rodelio Jay also required Elsa to hand over to him all her earnings! Rodelio Jay also required Elsa to tickle his callously feet every night so that he could fall asleep. Rodelio Jay also required Elsa to sing him a song every night as his lullaby! But it is not suppose to be an easy task as he required Elsa to sing songs backwards! And while Elsa is singing... she must pull off her hair one by one! Now, didn't I just answer the question that I promised to answer back in the first episode?

Anyway, Rodelio Jay and Fanchita Isidra took turns in making Elsa's life miserable. Sometimes they do it in tandem! They punished Elsa for the slightest mistake! They did all terrible things to Elsa! They called her names! They repeatedly told Elsa that she was useless! They repeatedly told Elsa that she was ugly! They repeatedly told Elsa that her life was headed nowhere! They repeatedly dampend Elsa's spirit! They inflicted pain not only in Elsa's young body but also in Elsa's innocent heart!

Now allow me to mention that when Fanchita Isidra discovered the sleeping effect of the feet tickling and the backwards song number that Elsa performs for Rodelio Jay, she also required Elsa to perform the routine to her! Fanchita Isidra also required Elsa to learn to sing her favorite songs backwards! Her song list includes: Lollipops and Roses, Moonlight becomes You, Maria Leonora Theresa, Kahit konting awa, Pearly Shells, Tiny Bubbles, My Pledge of Love, Ang Pipit, Yesterday when I was young, Tipitipitim, and Yeyeh Vonnel! And, if Elsa doesn't sing the songs backwards perfectly, she also asks Elsa to pull off her hair as punishment! Fanchita Isidra does everything to make sure that Elsa's life was miserable!

This episode wont be complete if I dont tell you about the miserable incident about the umbrella. The event with the sunshade took place one day, at around 2:46 in the afternoon, Fanchita Isidra went home gnashing her teeth. She was very furious because she left her favorite umbrella in an Airconditioned Baliwag Transit Bus! The umbrella is fuchsia colored and she got it as a prize in a raffle! So, she ordered Elsa to run after the Airconditioned Baliwag Transit Bus and retrieve the sunshade! Elsa, without second thought, obeyed! Elsa, after writing down the plate number of the Airdconditioned Baliwag Transit Bus on her palm, quickly sped off and ran after the Airconditioned Baliwag Transit Bus which was enroute to Baliwag, a 1st class urban municipality in Bulacan, Philippines! Running by the way was an easy task for Elsa! The reason why could be inferred in the first episode.

While running after the bus, Elsa was thinking only of making sure that she retrieves the precious fuchsia colored umbrella. She was motivated on the thought that if she is able to bring back home the umbrella, her mother would start appreciating her. Elsa was also thinking that the reason why her mother ordered her to ran after the bus was for her to learn how to be speedy so that one day she could enter the Olympics and be a well-known sprinter like Lydia de Vega and Nancy Navalta!

Without Elsa knowing it, she already out run the bus and has arrived at the bus terminal ahead of time. She waited for the bus to arrive. Elsa waited for 3 hours, 17 minutes and 52 seconds! When the bus finally arrived, she breathed a sigh of relief! She waited for all the passengers to alight the bus! When everyone has gone down already, Elsa went inside the bus and started searching for the sunshade. It wasn't in the front seats! Elsa became nervous, she wondered if she was in the right bus! She checked the plate number, it was the same one. She went back inside the bus and continued her search. Elsa looked among the middle seats! But the fuchsia colored umbrella wasn't in there either! Elsa became even more nervous! She wondered if someone already took it! But Elsa continued looking around until finally, she found it at the left corner at the back seat! The sunshade was on the bus floor beside an empty canister of Pringles Cheez Ums Flavor size 163g! When Elsa saw the fuchsia colored umbrella, she quickly grabbed it and embraced it like it was the most important thing in her life! Then after making sure that it was indeed the umbrella that Fanchita Isidra won in the raffle, Elsa almost immediately started running back to Baseco compound where her mother was waiting!

When Elsa reached home at around 8:03 in the evening, she quickly but lovingly handed the fuchsia colored umbrella to her mother. Fanchita Isidra grabbed the umbrella and inspected if it was indeed the same one that she won in a raffle! After making sure that it was without a doubt the same one, she knocked Elsa hard on the head with the handle of the umbrella and scolded Elsa for taking too long! She yelled at Elsa, called her useless 29 times, told her that her life was worthless 39 times, told her that it was better if she was dead 49 times, and then she whacked Elsa’s face really hard for 3 more times! She never said thank you! She blamed Elsa for a delay in her schedule! Apparently, Fanchita Isidra wanted to stroll in Luneta Park with Rodelio Jay...and the fuchsia colored umbrella!

Most fairy tales begin with: "Once upon a time". But if you noticed it, my story started with the word: "Most"! Now, you must understand this firstly because the truth of the matter is this is not a fairytale - infact this is a sad story! Secondly, I have to remind you that the reason why I wrote this sad story is to narrate the grieviosly melancholic events in the life of a poor young girl whose name is in the main tittle. Having used the words grieviously and melancholic would only mean that: I have no intention of making my readers feel spellbound or enchanted, which normally is the case with a great number of fairy tales! Third and - actually if only to tell the truth - the most important reason why I had to start my yarn the way I did is because the poor young girl's story is like no other and so it requires a beginning like no other as well!

And so before I go further into details, let me once again remind you that this is a sad story! A narration of a poor young girl's life that has nothing in it but pure misery! If you are expecting to read about a Prince Charming with a transcendental kiss, a Fairy god Mother with a magical wand or a Winged White Unicorn who would rescue a Wizard in distress, then this is not the story that you should be reading! I am sure that there are other stories out there that you might want to take hold of, but not this.

Again, not this!

But, If you take extreme indemnification in reading stories about how doleful a poor young girl's life is because it makes you feel that your life is not as sorry as you think it is, then by all means - read along!

If the above reason however is not your sole basis for being here still reading this part of the story and your real aim really is to be entertained, then again, my apologies! This story is not at all enthralling! In fact, at some point it may even be bromidic.

Bromidic or - to use an alternate word - drudging because it is my bitter duty to put into words all the circumstaniality leading to the lugubrious life of that young girl. This of course - in the process - would oblige me to give exact details of all the how's, what's, who's, where's, when's and why's of the poor young girl's very sad story! A process which, for most Grown-Ups, is absolutely boring!

At this point allow me to say that: "Unequivocal trivialities are sometimes a source of vexation to the Grown-Ups!" This personal opinion, if only to be really honest about it, is yet another thing that I don't fully understand about them! Grown-Ups - when in distress and sometimes even out of it - usually demand explanation but never really listen to all chapters and verses specially if it's a child giving them reasons!

Having said all that I have said above, If you are a Grown-Up who abhors having to listen to exact details of all the how's, what's, who's, where's, when's and why's of the poor young girl's very sad story, or if you are someone who feels that you are not geared up to peruse such kind of a story like this one, then leave. I would understand and be assured that I would definitely not take it against you. But if you decide to stay, then it is for you that I shall introduce the luckless little girl - whose name is in the title of the story - of this allegoric chronicle.

The name of the main character of this sad story is: Elsa. Elsa Ragoza!

Elsa Ragoza is a resident of Baseco Compound, Barangay 649, Zone 68 Port area Tondo Manila, an Urban Poor Settlement Community near the Port Area in the Philippines.

Elsa - to begin with - is an ordinary girl. She is a girl like all others! She enjoys playing with dolls and dreams of being a princess. She loves wearing pink dresses and adores the smell of flowers. She likes the refreshing feeling of the rain on her skin and blushes every time the sunshine kisses her cheeks. She loves eating ice cream just like any ordinary young girl and gets thrilled with the thought of staring at the twinkling stars in a dark cloudless night.

But unlike other girls her age, Elsa must wake up very early each morning then go back home very late at night! This is because of her employment at Estrella's gotohan and special mami store in Binondo Manila whose owner requires her to work twice as hard than an ordinary grown-up person.

Elsa must report to work at the gotohan and special mami store before and after school. This means that she must wake up before the neighbor's rooster could even crow and go home at around the same time as the She and He Whores would roam the dark streets of Ermita. This situation leaves Elsa with just around 2 hours and 54 minutes of sleep everyday.

To those who knows what real beauty is, Elsa could be considered beautiful! Her eyes are almond shaped, her cheeks are the color or the cherry blossom, her lips are as red as a polished apple, her nose is impressively high bridged. Her brows are arched perfectly and her hair... aahhmm, her hair is... Oh! how could I say this? Her head is... Okay, She is bald headed! Elsa is bald and the reason for this I shall explain anon in the story.

I wish to inform you further that, Elsa has 1 mother, 2 fathers, and 3 sisters. Elsa loves them. But, they don't love her. That situation of course makes Elsa again, quite different from other girls her age. While most young girl are taken well cared of by their parents, Elsa is treated otherwise. One time Elsa even thought that the reason why her parents and 3 sisters doesn't love her is because she is bald. She was almost convinced of this way of reasoning until she saw a cancer stricken young girl around her age on TV being well taken cared of and loved by everyone. So, after seeing the cancer stricken girl on TV and after realizing that even if one is bald she still deserves to be loved, Elsa was left with no other idea why her parents and 3 sisters doesn't love her. And so she just convinced herself that in this world, there are those who are born who are meant to be loved and there are those like her who was born to be ignored and neglected! Even by her own family.

Springing forward from what I mentioned above, Elsa, needless to say is an optomist...to a fault! She always thinks that no matter how bad a situation may become, there is always something good behind it. Once her mother, for no reason at all, slapped her face very hard for 11 times in front of her classmates until her lips bled, she thought that the reason for this is because it is only her mother's way of showing how much she cares for her. One time still, while she was passing by a neighbor's house and when all of a sudden the neighbors dog got loose and chased her and bit her all over until she was bleeding then no one helped her, she didn't complain. She didn't feel bad, she just thought to herself that one day she'll own a dog and take care of it well so that it wont bite others and that the reason why people didn't help her is because she must learn how to take care of herself.

Another proof of Elsa's extreme optomism showed up the day when her mother forced her to work at the gotohan and special mami store of Aling Estrella. Being made to work from sun up to sun down means she must give up her playing time and be faced with an adult obligation. But despite that, she still managed to make out something good of the situation. She said that her mother made her work only because she needs to learn how to be independent.

Working at the gotohan in Binondo by the way was not the only employment that Elsa is engaged in. She also has part time jobs! Elsa must also sell Pandesal every Labor Day, Taho every Town Fiesta, Sampaguita garlands every Piyesta nang Nazareno, Kamoteng kahoy every Easter Sunday, Cotton candy every Christmas and Thunder Lolo every New year!

With Elsa's very busy time table, she has no more time to make friends. Making her again, different from other girls her age.

Making matters more lamentable, Elsa has dog bites all over her body. This is because every time she sells pandesal, she must walk along Asu Asuhan Street. The street is so named because of the furious dogs roaming that area. The truth is, if only Elsa has a choice, she wont pass that street anymore. But she has no choice because most of her suki or patrons are living in that street.

In addition to what already seem like a life so full of misery, Elsa always has goto residue all over her clothes. This is because she always gets wet with the hot goto from the gotohan and special mami store where she works.

And to top it all... Elsa only has one pair of yellow worn out slippers with Betty Boop design that she wears only every time she goes to school.

Death is a topic that most Grown-ups refuse to talk about. The reason for this is simple! A great number of the Adult populace would prefer to live forever than live a short but full life! This is actually another thing that I do not understand about them! Grown-ups are incomprehensible! They call themselves learned and wise when they know all so well that dreaming of living forever is beyond the bounds of possibility!

At this point I again hail the wisdom of the Children! Unlike the Grown-ups, Children knows that living in everlastingness is contrary to reason! Children knows that even the Dinosaur has to die as some point!

Why are Grown-ups so drawn into the idea of living a mortal life in perpetuity when they could live a brief but meaningful life?

What goes on in the mind of an Adult when, if given a choice, he would readily choose to live for billions of years?

Who would they live their long and sad life for?

When then would they say that it's over and that they are ready to depart their life?

How, once they say they're ready, would they choose to die?

I guess, just like most of the time, I would never know the answers to these uncomplicated questions because Grown-ups would never really want to answer these queries! I know I wont because I once tried asking some Adults! They didn't answer me of course! In fact, they just looked at me intently and then scolded me heavily for asking what they call: "stupid questions"!

But, I am not losing hope! I still wish and I know that someday I would meet a Grown-up who will be eager to answer all my "stupid questions" about death and other things that bothers me!

Right now, having no clear idea about the worthy reasons why people should live forever rather than embrace death, I shall then write on this page my last will and testament!

If, for any reason I pass on to the next life, and considering that I am all alone in this world, I want Kerwyn Jadraque to inherit my very much valued blue feathered notebook collection! I want him to take care of those small and seemingly value less jotters because those are all that I have got! I have no money! I have no property that is of worth to me other than those sky colored notepads!

For Francis, Armando, Lorenzo, Catherine, and Janus I want to give them all my art works including those that I shall be using as I trace every woeful step in the life of a young girl named Elsa!

To Gavroche and Hyacinth, I give all the toys that I have! I want to give him my toys because I know he would be a wonderful playmate! And once I'm gone I am sure he would make other children happy!

To Beethoven and Ephraime, I give them my dreamcatcher! The very same one that I saved money for and that has been hanging near my bed since I learned about the magic that a dreamcatcher gives to the dreamer!

To Christmas and Treasure, I give them my lucky bracelet! The very same bracelet that brought me serendipity whenever I set foot on an unfamiliar land!

To Yoshiro and Kondwani, I give them my DVD collections! I give them those in the hopes that through the films that I love watching, they would be able to understand the pain that resided in my heart!

To Vincent and Amigo, I give them my inexpensive mobile phone so that they could take a picture of the world and continue to warn children about how cruel this world really is!

And most importantly, to all the children of the world, I give them this blog! Elsa's Story! I do this with the wish that they will continue to relive Elsa's sad story to other children who has lost hope!

I hope that they would cherish the little things that I gave them! I also hope that one day, when they grow older, they will never forget how it was to be a child! I also pray that in the future, If a child goes up to them to ask "stupid questions" about life and death, they would be willing to give an answer!

Honestly, I would perhaps never really know how you got to this page today. Though I have 4 guesses! First, the kind wind might have blown you here. Second, a friend of yours might have told you about this site. Third, you might be one of those pure souls who heeded to my invitation! Or fourth, maybe it was plain luck that brought you to this page on this fateful day.

Anyway, whatever it is, whoever it is, whichever it is, you could either blame it or thank it eventually!

Now be it known that on this page I shall narrate a story. A story like no other. A story about a young girl named Elsa. A story about Elsa and her agonies in life.

This early however, let me warn you that this is not going to be a pleasant story! This story would not be about castles and fairies, spaghetti and meatballs, sandy beach and sunshine, and iced tea and chocolate mouse! This story would definitely be not like other stories with heroes and happy endings!

And so, I am reminding you that, at this point here, you still have time! You have a choice!

At this very moment, you can read along until the bottom part of this sorrowful salutation and then come back another day to see how Elsa's story unfold, or you can leave this page hastily and forget all about what I said. Pretend that you didn't know about all these! Just like what I said earlier, you have a choice!

Now, allow me to say that: I have been with the sad company of the Grown-ups, and I know how they think! I know how they look at things! Sometimes a Grown-up knows that something exist but they refuse to acknowledge it! Grown-ups does this because they don't want to get involved! Grown-ups are good at pretending! Grown-ups pretend because they are very busy earning fame, name and money to even care for things that pains other people, specially those who are weak! A Child on the other hand, looks at things and begins to wander at what lies beneath! A Child observes and asks questions! A Child is pure at heart! That is why, I am writing this story for them!

Thus, this story is not for the Grown-ups to read! I do not suggest for Grown-Ups to stay longer and read! If you are a Grown-up, then I politely ask you to leave now! I only allow Children who are pure at heart to be witness to Elsa's story!

But.

If you are a Grown-up who still knows the Child that lives inside your heart, then I welcome you.

I am Adnos Uyañe Plein. and I wrote this story.

This is The agony of Elsa ( an allegoric chronicle of a regrettable affair ).