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!

The episode that you are reading right now, assuming that you are indeed reading it and that you have an eye - regardless if it is one or two - to serve that purpose, is where Elsa would finally realize that what I wrote in the second sentence of the last paragraph of the ninth episode of this tragic tale - which to be exact is the very same episode prior to this one - is true!

In the event that you have not read that episode and you have any, if not all, of the following reasons: "I simply have no time to scroll down to read it" ; "I totally am not interested to know what was written in the second sentence of the last paragraph of the ninth episode of this tragic tale" ; "I strongly prefer not to know what it was that was written "; and " I love the aroma of brewed coffee", then allow me to retype and enclose in a quotation mark what I said there!

"But, just like what is believed by many, the sad truth is: some good things surely doesn't last."

Honestly, I would want to assume that it wont take for one to be university learned to understand what I mean! The message is very obvious and very clear! The sentence is so worded to make anybody who reads it understand straight away that there are things in life that seem to be so good that we tend to think, or even wish earnestly, that it would stay and last long! But the sad truth is - anything that is positively overwhelming will surely - and must - come to an end! Just like how an ice cream - no matter what flavor it is - would melt under the heat of the sun, how a rose - whether its red or white or pink - withers after several weeks, how the sun - whether you are in the north or south hemisphere - sets at the end of the day, and how today's happy moments would become tomorrow's history!

Now, to cut the chase - for I truly am not the type who usually beats around the bush - allow me to say that: Elsa's streak of luck ended when her acquaintance with the School Guard started!

And so in this episode, I shall start my actual narration of what seem to be Elsa's never ending agony on the very day that Elsa first step foot on St. John's Academy! The school which is right infront of Mang Joey's Gotohan! The school that is located along 10th Avenue Cubao Quezon City, Philippines! The school where Mang Joey enrolled Elsa. The school where Elsa, the simple schoolgirl, studied again after being unfairly accused of murdering a terrible teacher and a vile vendor which resulted to her being expelled from her former school which resulted to her working full time in the gotohan of the beastly boss which resulted to her being assigned all the job in the gotohan that resulted to her being overworked which resulted to the fire that caused her to lose her job which resulted to her fearing the reaction of her preposterous parents once they find out that she is jobless which resulted to her walking from her house in Baseco Compound to 10th Avenue Cubao Quezon City Philippines in search for a new job that in the end resulted to her meeting the misinformed master who offered her a job that resulted to her going back to school that unfortunately resulted to her getting acquainted with the groveling guard of the St. John's Academy! St. John's Academy by the way is the school which is right infront of Mang Joey's Gotohan! The school that is located along 10th Avenue Cubao Quezon City, Philippines!

It was a typical Monday morning when Elsa woke up with high hopes that the day would be just like the past 2 weeks! Elsa was very optomistic that just like the past 14 days, positive things would happen to her! Now allow me to also tell you that Elsa was very excited to head off to work because it was also the day when she was to go back to school! And so, after making sure that she has performed all her household tasks, Elsa quickly took a shower, prepared her things - that includes her new carnation pink and orange colored school bag with Garfield design, 7 pieces of 50 sheets spiral notebook, and blue and red kilometrico ballpen - and then headed to Mang Joey's gotohan!

Upon arriving at the gotohan, and - without even taking breakfast yet, Elsa right away performed her duties! Elsa cleaned the kitchen, swept the floor in the dining area, scrubbed the toilet floor, washed the dishes, repaired the broken picket fence, cooked goto, welcomed customers, served hot goto to customers, took payments, and tidied up the tables! Mang Joey was very happy to see Elsa working really hard even when not told!

At around 10:59 A.M., Mang Joey instructed Elsa to take a rest, eat her lunch and prepare for school. Elsa right away obliged because her classes starts at 12:00 noon! But before Elsa started preparing for her first day in school, she first made sure that she has done all her duties in the gotohan! After making sure that there was nothing else for Mang Joey to worry about while she is in school, Elsa quickly ate her lunch, freshened herself up, put on her new pink and white uniform, grabbed her new carnation pink and orange colored school bag with Garfield design that has 7 pieces of 50 sheets spiral notebook, and blue and red kilometrico ballpen, said goodbye to Mang Joey and headed to school!

When Elsa was finally infront of the school's yellow gate and was about to enter, the School Guard stopped her and demanded for an ID! It was at that point when Elsa realized that she has left her ID at home! Elsa tried to explain in a meek voice that she has left her ID in her house and that her house is in Baseco Compound and if she still go back to her house to pick it up she would be late on her first day in school! The School Guard listened to her explanation but still refused to let her enter the school! The School Guard even said: " Violation number 1! Illegal entry" When Elsa heared what the School Guard accused her of doing, she meekly informed the School Guard that she is new to the school and that she is working as the new All Around Helper in Mang Joey's Gotohan! It was at this point when the School Guard's heart finally seem to have softened for Elsa. He smiled and then said: "Is that so? You are the new All Around Helper at Mang Joey's gotohan? That is great! Now, I will allow you to enter the school premises but promise me that tomorrow, you will give me hot goto with tuwalya, okay?" Elsa thought for a while. When Elsa realized that she could actually give her share of the hot goto to the School Guard, she meekly said: "Yes!" After hearing Elsa's answer, the School Guard opened the yellow gate and allowed Elsa to enter the school!

When Elsa saw how big the school was, she was momentarily mesmerized! She walked along slowly and observed her surroundings! The school was very different from her previous school! St. John's Academy has a playground, a canteen, a drinking fountain, a stage, a clinic, and a library!

Elsa was so consumed at the view of the new school that she has totally forgotten about the time! It was only when she heard the school bell rang that she realized that she was to attend classes that day!

When Elsa realized her purpose for being inside the school, she quickly looked for her classroom! Elsa looked at her registration form and only then did she realized that her classroom was actually in the 3rd floor! Elsa walked fast and tried to reach the classroom on time! Unfortunately, when Elsa reached the door of her classroom, the door was already closed and surprisingly the School Guard - the very same one who was at the gate earlier - was already standing beside it! When the School Guard saw Elsa, the School Guard shouted saying: " Violation Number 2! Cutting classes! ". Elsa tried to meekly explain to the School Guard that she was not skipping her classes. Elsa tried to reason out that she was only late. Elsa then remembered the School Guard's earlier request, so Elsa said : "I am really very sorry for being late, I promise that it will never happen again. Don't worry, tomorrow I will come in early and bring you hot goto." Upon hearing this, the School Guard smiled and said: "Oh! Really? Cross your heart swear to die? Do you also promise to give me 1.5 litro of A and W Rootbeer?" Elsa thought for a while then upon realizing that she could not guarantee the 1.5 litro of A and W Rootbeer she said: "I promise to give you goto, but I cannot promise the 1.5 litro of A and W Rootbeer." Upon hearing what Elsa said, the School Guard frowned, pouted his lips and said: "What? You can not promise? Okay! Get inside now!" Then the School Guard opened the classroom door and pushed Elsa in!

When Elsa got inside the classroom, she was already 23 minutes late! Her classmates were already taking their quiz! The teacher had her back turned from the class and was writing something on the board! Elsa said good afternoon but no one paid any attention to her. Elsa stood motionless beside the door then once again said: "Good afternoon teacher." The teacher didn't turn her back and didn't seem to have heard her! Elsa, fearing that the teacher might get angry if she said something again, decided to approach one of her classmate who was wearing a red headband to ask where she could sit. Elsa was on the act of asking her classmate when the teacher finally finished writing in the board and faced the class! The teacher saw Elsa standing beside the student with red headband! The teacher, upon seeing Elsa, started to yell saying: "Cheater!" The students got startled and started to scream as well! Suddenly the door opened and the School Guard came in and held Elsa's hand and said: "Violation number 3! Cheating during exams!"

Upon the teacher's orders, the School Guard brought Elsa to the Principal's office! Elsa wasn't given a chance to explain! The teacher who is most concerned about the welfare and well being of all her students, who always makes sure that all the students under her care are properly guided, who likewise makes sure that she prepares her lessons well so that her students become well knowledgeable, who treats her students with utmost love, care and understanding, and who loves those students who shower her with costly gifts during Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day, Foundation day anniversary, Linggo ng Wika, Nutrition month, English and Book week, United Nations Day, Halloween, Birthday and even during Rizal day bombing anniversary and Eid ul fitr - is just like Elsa - fairly new to St. John's Academy! She moved to St. John's Academy after being forced to resign from her previous school after the school officials found out that she was asking gifts from her students and that she was just pretending to still being sick after being confined in the hospital for Leptospirosis! By the way, just to let you know, the teacher's name is Mrs. Clarita D. Castor!

Anyway, going back to the story, the School Guard dragged Elsa from the classroom to the Principal's Office. And while walking, the School Guard repeatedly ennumerated what according to him was Elsa's School Violations! Upon entering the Principal's Office, The School Guard gave out a big smile, flexed his muscles, winked his eyes, cleared his throat, stood beside the School Principal, and said: "Ma'am Yes Ma'am! You are the most intelligent Principal in the whole wide world! You are very just and fair! You are also very sexy and beautiful! I caught this bald girl today! And I find her guilty of the following offences: Violation number 1: Illegal entry! Violation number 2: Cutting classes! and Violation number 3: Cheating during exams! I know that you are wise enough to see that I am saying the truth! Punish her!" Elsa, though was shocked at what was happening to her on her first day in school still managed to meekly say: "I am very sorry Ma'am but I didn't do all those. Infact I explained why I didn't have my ID with me and I was allowed to enter after I promised to give him hot goto from the gotohan of my new Master whose name is Mang Joey." The School Guard after hearing what Elsa said was quick to say: "Ma'am! Yes Ma'am! You are smart and flawless! I am sure you will agree with me when I say that what the bald girl just did was: Violation number 4: Attempting to bribe an honest School Guard!"

The School Principal gave Elsa a mean look, pretended to write something down on her notepad, glanced and smiled at the School Guard, then said: "Definitely! You bald girl is very bad girl! Leave her with me now and Thank you very much Head Guard Omario Bulatao! You did a great job today!"

Here and now you must know that Elsa has a teacher. Just like any ordinary schoolgirl, Elsa is under the tutelage of a pedagogue who is most concerned about the welfare and well being of all her students! The kind teacher always makes sure that all the students under her care are properly guided!

The school mistress likewise makes sure that she prepares her lessons well so that her students become well knowledgeable! She also treats her students with utmost love, care and understanding! The teacher does this specially to those students who shower her with costly gifts during Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day, Foundation day anniversary, Linggo ng Wika, Nutrition month, English and Book week, United Nations Day, Halloween, Birthday and even during Rizal day bombing anniversary and Eid ul fitr!

Unfortunately this does not include Elsa! In as much as Elsa would like to buy her teacher some gifts, she could not just afford the teacher's taste! Once she bought one dozen of China manufactured ponytail with assorted colors as a present to her teacher but her teacher did not accept the ponytails because according to her it was bought for a song! The teacher even took a pair of big red scissors and shredded the multi colored ponytails into several pieces while Elsa looks on with a slight hint of tears at the corner of her right eye!

Anyway, our story in point of fact started on August 14 in the year when military destabilization was the monthly agenda of some selfishly motivated politician who were in cohorts with some members of the armed forces who have been grudging silently against a government who remunerated them meagerly reason for why they live their mortal life in extreme destituteness!

The same day was actually Elsa's birthday! Elsa was already at that age when girls would normally be looking forward to going home so that she could play with her doll. But do remember that, in Elsa's case of course this was not a possibility! One reason why this is not possible is because Elsa owns no doll. The dolls that she plays with are owned by her sisters. And two because Elsa does not go straight home from school! She still has to go to the gotohan in Binondo where she works and stay there up until past midnight. And once she arrives home, she still does the dishes, clean their house, does repairs, and serves her parents and three sisters and only after finishing all those household chores could she cop some z's.

Anyway, as I have said earlier, our story began on August 14. It was Elsa's birthday and it was a rainy day! It was also the day when Elsa was caught sleeping again inside the classroom for the 108th time!

Upon learning from the bootlicking class monitor that Elsa was again caught napping on her chair inside the classroom, the teacher, without asking for any explanation at all, got on the warpath and punished Elsa! The teacher kicked Elsa, dragged her out of the room and made the simple schoolgirl hunker down near the stinky john while carrying a heavy teacher's table! After 3 hours, the teacher called Elsa back inside the classroom and this time ordered Elsa to shine her jet black 3 inch stiletto! Still not contented, the teacher shoved Elsa hard on the wall then hit her face hard 4 times with a thick oxford dictionary wrapped in pink stationery! Then, severely scolded Elsa for what she called: "laziness" and "stupidity"! At this point the school mistress still has not even considered asking Elsa why she was slumberous inside the classroom!

Had the teacher asked Elsa the reason why she was lethargic, She would have found out the truth about Elsa's life! She would have learned that Elsa was multi employed, was working hard and barely had enough sleep every day. Something that a young girl shouldn't be experiencing! Anyway, there it was! Elsa was gravely castigated for sleeping inside the classroom on her birthday! Elsa did not however, complain despite it all. Elsa did not even feel bad that no one even remembered that it was her birthday. She just smiled, stared blankly on the wall and silently sang the happy birthday song to herself. She, with optimism, accepted the teacher's punishment and was in fact a bit happy that her teacher finally paid her attention!

Now allow me this opportunity to detour for a while and bring to your knowledge that, it was just a very normal thing for the teacher to ignore Elsa's presence! This is so evident during the start of the day. The teacher, who only has the heart to affluent kids and basically ignores those students who are financially challenged, would deliberately skip Elsa's name during the class roll call. The teacher also makes sure she doesn't include Elsa in any school programmes! She does not allow Elsa to join any extracurricular activities! Her reason for not allowing Elsa join school activities is that: "Elsa is poor"!

Let me also tell you about the time when Elsa joined the Teatro Club. It was actually Elsa's dream to become a stage actress. But when the teacher learned about her inclusion to the league from one of her favorite rich student, the teacher got really livid and told Elsa to bow out! She even threatened Elsa that if she doesn't quit the Teatro Club, she will flunk Elsa and would make her take summer classes! Elsa got frightened on the thought of failing and much more on the idea of taking summer classes! She could not afford to pay for summer classes and would want to use summer vacation as an opportunity to earn more money for her family. So the very next day, Elsa approached the Club adviser and despondently told her that she is bowing out! The Club adviser was saddened because she saw great potential in Elsa. She convinced Elsa to stay in the Club. But Elsa still insisted that she needs to leave. When the Club adviser asked Elsa the reason why she wanted to quit Elsa told her that she just wanted to follow her teacher's orders and she doesn't want to flunk and take summer classes. Upon learning these, the Club adviser told Elsa that she would talk and convince the teacher to allow her to stay with the Club.

Elsa thought that everything would be fine once the Club adviser talk with her teacher. But it only went from bad to worse because her teacher got awfully piqued. As a result the teacher yelled and humiliated the Club adviser in front of the class. Then, during recess, the teacher approached her while she was snacking on her three pieces of boiled kamote and sipping her unsweetened am under an amugis tree and blipped her two times! The teacher also pulled out a bente nueve and held this in front of Elsa's face while she threatens Elsa further saying: "Hey you dirt poor! Never ever join any league! You have no right to join one because you are flat broke! Empty handed girls like you has no right to be in a club! Much more to dream and have an ambition! Don't dream! They won’t ever come true anyway! Especially with a pauperized girl like out! Quit! Give up! Did I make myself clear?" Elsa was very shocked at what the teacher did and all that she could do was to nod and grief-strickenly utter: "Yes Ma'am."

And so, after that incident, Elsa gave up her dreams of becoming a stage actress someday. She also quit from the Teatro Club much to the Club adviser's disappointment. When the teacher learned about Elsa's decision to bow out from the club, she became very happy and even whistled to the tune of "Bongga ka day". She even gave her rich students plus five in their quiz that day! And from that day on, the teacher vowed never to include Elsa during any school activities! The teacher did not allow Elsa to participate in the school's feeding programme, flag ceremony, class monito-monita, and even during the class gardening! She just keeps Elsa inside the classroom and makes her clean! This by the way is one reason why the teacher still keeps Elsa in her class. The teacher permanently appointed Elsa as the cleaner! And, being as optimistic as ever, Elsa considered this as the teacher's way of showing her utmost love, care and understanding!

Now please forgive me if I already said so much! I hope that you understand that it is my obligation to narrate in full details the entire dossier pertaining to the life of Elsa. Also, I really have to tell you all those details about the teacher so that you'll get to know her more! So, picking up from where I ended and going back to the original story: After being severely scolded in front of the class, Elsa was ordered to clean the Music Room which was right next to their Classroom. What the teacher meant by "clean the Music Room" is: Elsa must get some matchbox from the school canteen, catch some spiders, keep the spiders in the matchbox, clear out the cobwebs, repair the broken roof, paint the cabinet, wax and scrub the floor with a bunot, polish the trumpets, wipe the dust out of the drums, tune the ukulele, and finally collect the trash from every classroom and dump these at the dump site across the street! The teacher did not even gave Elsa a chance to rest and eat her lunch of 2 pieces of fried galunggong and half a cup of rice which were wrapped in a transparent cellophane. Not eating lunch that day left Elsa lightheaded with hunger and fatigue!

While Elsa was busy cleaning the Music Room little did she knew that her teacher, who was busy in the other room preparing the report card of her class that day, accidentally discovered from the school records that it was her birthday. And so, when she went back to their classroom after cleaning the Music Room, the teacher was mysteriously clammed-up! Elsa was expecting her teacher to ululate at her and bemean her in front of the class. But, for some reason, the teacher did not say or do anything. This actually made Elsa feel more special. She thought that her teacher already loves her. Elsa felt more special when the teacher sweetly called her by her name and asked her to come near her. Elsa approached the teacher nervously. Then the teacher gently held Elsa's hand and in a hushed tone told Elsa: "Happy Birthday!"

Elsa could not believe what she heard! Her eyes brightened up and she smiled. When the teacher noticed Elsa smiling she harshly pulled Elsa close to her and whispered: "Foolish! Who told you to smile? Now go and buy me food! It's your birthday right? Hurry! Go! " Then she pushed Elsa so hard that Elsa fell flat on the floor. The class broke into laughter. But, Elsa just stood up, pretended that she didn't hear the laughing, and quietly left the room.

While walking away, Elsa felt warm tears cascading down her cheeks. But no! She was crying not because she felt humiliated. She was crying because her teacher greeted her happy birthday. And because of that, Elsa sacrificed her one week allowance of 5 pesos to buy her teacher a stick of Special Banana Cue from the vendor named Aling Doleh.

After purchasing the Special Banana cue, Elsa excitedly went back to their classroom. She was happy to sacrifice her money for her teacher. She was glad that she spent her money with someone who remembered her birthday. On her way back to her room, she was imagining that the moment she steps in, the whole class would be singing the Happy Birthday song to her. But sadly that did not happen. When Elsa arrived back at their classroom, the whole class was busy taking an exam. No one even noticed that she came back. No one except her teacher!

The teacher was already waiting at the door when Elsa arrived back with the Special Banana Cue. When Elsa gave the food to the teacher, the teacher instead of saying thanks, even knocked Elsa's head seven times with a broom! Then in an angry but hushed voice the teacher said: "You ungrateful moneyless child! Why only this? Why didn't you buy me Goldilocks Black Forest Cake and Rocky Road Selecta Ice Cream? Why only this cheap deep fried sugared banana on stick? I deserve something better! Now run and buy me Sago't Gulaman!" Elsa, with eyes fixed on the ground, nervously said: "Ma'am, I have no more money". Upon hearing what Elsa said, the teacher tightly grabbed Elsa's arms with one hand while holding the Special Banana Cue with another hand. Then she dragged Elsa back inside the classroom and pushed her near the desk.

Then the teacher threw a manicure set at Elsa and ordered the simple schoolgirl to give her manicure and pedicure.

Elsa obliged. But let me point out that while this was happening, it was already past 3:07 PM. Elsa was already very tired, very sleepy, and very hungry! And so, as a result, she mistakenly pulled out the teacher's toenail instead of the ingrown! This caused the teacher to shriek in pain! The class who was at that time taking an exam, thought that the teacher was just vocalizing and so they stood up, clapped, and gave the teacher a standing ovation! Elsa, not realizing her chafe, was surprised when the teacher suddenly screamed and so she accidentally poured the Merthiolate on the teacher's murdered toenail! Making the teacher scream even louder and making the class applauded even louder as well! Elsa, still very much dizzy, thought that the reason why the class was euphoric was because she did a magnificent job at giving the teacher manicure and pedicure. So, Elsa stood up and curtsied in front of the class. The teacher, seeing Elsa seemingly unmindful of what happened, got greatly enraged! And so, she dragged Elsa out of the room and ordered her to clean the Science laboratory! The teacher wanted to kick Elsa but she was in so much pain that she forgot about it. She wanted to hit Elsa's head with the broom but she forgot about it as well! She wanted to slap Elsa but she forgot about it too!

Elsa was only able to realize her mistake when she noticed her teacher limping and when she noticed spots of blood on her white uniform. And so, she hurriedly cleaned up the very dusty Science laboratory. After she was done cleaning she hurriedly went back to their room, intending to say sorry to her teacher right away. When she went back inside their room, Elsa noticed that her classmates were still taking an exam and they were very quiet. Her teacher was also quiet and doesn't seem angry anymore. Elsa considered this a sign that she was already forgiven. But little did she know that the real reason why the teacher seems forgiving was because the teacher took 5 tablets of antibiotic making her groggy. Had the teacher been in her normal sense, she would have beaten up Elsa!

After class at around 6:28 PM, Elsa stayed on as usual to clean the room. Elsa was already expecting her teacher to hurt her or to scold her but the teacher didn't! In fact, the teacher just ordered Elsa to clean up the chalk board then instructed Elsa further to smear the chalk dust all over her body as punishment! Elsa considered this another sign that her teacher has forgiven her already. Elsa still doesn't have a clue that the teacher was just overdosed with antibiotic!

Before Elsa could even leave her classroom, it started to drizzle! Elsa rushed at the school garden to get a San Fernando leaf that she could use as an umbrella. After choosing the biggest one, Elsa sped her way out of the school to go to the gotohan in Binondo so that she could finish off her obligations there. As Elsa started too sped off, she noticed that it has become muddy due to the drizzle. So, she took off her yellow slippers with Betty Boop design and carefully placed it in her bag. Then the rain started to pour heavily. Her San Fernando leaf umbrella could no longer protect her from the rain. The rain continued to pour down heavily and this time there was thunder and lightning! Elsa continued to walk. She must get to the gotohan. She doesn't want to lose part of her salary. Thunder continued to clap and lighting continued to strike! Until a generator got hit causing power outage! Now it was dark! But Elsa needed to go to the gotohan. So, despite the rain, the mud, and the darkness, Elsa continued to walk along going to the gotohan.

Suddenly, out of nowhere Aling Doleh the Banana Cue vendor came into view. Then a lightning strike at the background. The sudden flash of light allowed Aling Doleh to make out an apparition of what seem to be a ghost! A girl whose skin is greatly ashen, dirty, and with blood all over her body! The eidolic sight caused Aling Doleh to get a heart attack! Aling Doleh collapsed and fell straight into a shallow but filthy aqueduct. At the very same instance that Aling Doleh fell into the gutter, the teacher was also limpingly walking by! As Aling Doleh fell into the culvert, filthy water splashed all over. Some of these bacteria carrying water soaked the teacher's murdered toenail. The teacher, after getting wet with the polluted water screamed with pain and anger! Then another lightning strike! The temporary illumination caused by the lightning allowed the teacher to make out Elsa's figure! The incident along the muddy road on that rainy night saw two people being rushed to the nearby public hospital. Aling Doleh was confined for cardiac arrest and the teacher...for leptospirosis!

The next morning, news spread like wildfire! And as the story is passed from one loquacious mouth to another, it was no surprise that an ant hill eventually became a mountain!

Poor Elsa, without due process and on the basis of hearsays, she was expelled from school the next day for allegedly murdering a teacher...and a vendor!

Oh! By the way, I almost forgot to mention the name of the Terrible Teacher who has the reputation of being a mentor to the rich and a tormentor to the poor! Forgive me! Anyway, the teacher's name is: Mrs. Clarita D. Castor!