Chapter 4: My treasure

I saw the nerd who's still sitting on the floor after I stood up. Tss. She's also the bear reason why people treated her wrong! She must learn to fight for herself alone.

Her situation makes me mad but I preferred to pull it out to these crazy brats.

I looked back. "Frankly, I feel bad seeing people like you. Do you guys think it's cool making this kind of lame thing? For what? To gain attention?" I can't stop rolling my eyes. "Well, it can, but you must know that oppressing the weak ones makes you look pathetic."

Everyone laughs at them after what I say. It exposed her, and all she can do is scream as she making a quick exit out of this place.

"Go find people at your size," I commented and finally turned to the counter to get my tray. Tss. I can't believe I wasted my time arguing with those kinds of people.

Students were still making noises about the incident, but I didn't bother to waste any more time with them again.

As I looked for a desolated spot, I stopped as I came past this nerd position. Of course! She's still there waiting for nothing. Tss!

I wield my anger as I looked down at her. "Stand up," I commanded and didn't wait for any of her responses. It's her choice, I don't have time for people who allowed themselves to be miserable.

But there's a bit off about her. Maybe it's her dead-eye glare behind those thick eyeglasses. A look that as if I have done something wrong to her.

Oh god, people nowadays.

Finally, I found vacant seats at the back of the huge crowd, near the window. I beamed and settle my food trays, but when I am about to be seated, one voice approaches me.

"Um, H-hi Myrttle. Can I eat with you?" Said the girl with a cute voice. I looked up and can't resist how that voice suits her.

A girl I know that is not our age showed up. Beaming with her pinkish skin tone, pigtail hair bun, and an irresistible dimple.

But I stood still, recollecting why her face looks familiar. Until I remember this smart kid who happened to be in our room by a special request. Maybe, to take advanced studies? Well, I overheard that she's a middle school student.

I snapped as a flush crept up her face. "Please, Please, I am a fan of yours. I've been admiring your cool ways since I saw you in one of the classes I've been seating in," she pleaded in her adorable puppy eyes.

Dang! How can she manage to be cute while pleading?

"F-fine," I whispered as I awkwardly bit my lips as a defeat.

I just hope it's her last day here. I can't afford to have an attachment for someone I know might leave. But as soon as I was seated, I regret everything. She started blabbing things I don't even ask for!

"What you did earlier was the coolest! It's like I am watching a live-action movie!" She drooled out trying to ignore her to continue my lunch. She, unfortunately, noticed it and do the cursed thing that made me stop.

Fighting back her tears she purses her lips, "Ugh, you must be mad. I've been talking and distracting your lunch."

Oh no no! You heartless kid! How could I even speak if I can't find space for me too?

"I'm so so-"

"What's your name?" I immediately asked stopping her tears to fall. My god! I won't forgive myself for making this child cry.

Her eyes lit up, and I signed as relieved.

"Oh my god! Yes!" She cheered standing up!

"My name is Celine Harrison Blaire!" she continued, blinking too fast as if there's something wrong in her eyes.

Pfft. She reminded me of someone. Well, Celine is a nice name.

Fortunately, the bell rang which made this girl in a hurry for she'll be getting something somewhere I didn't recall. I at least waved her goodbye and to my surprise, she hugged me which leaves me stunned.

"See you, Idol!" she waved back as she disappeared.

That's the last time I saw her that day. Maybe, something got up on her way.

***

A delicious smell of stirred-fried garlic and onion woke me early in the morning. 'Nay Julie must be cooking something delicious again! She never failed to make me drool!

Quickly, I fixed my bed and run downstairs to surprised her. It's only four in the morning, which is not my usual thing.

I walked slowly as soon as I've reached 'Nay Julies back and hastily grab her hips as an embrace.

"What are you cooking this time 'Nay Julie? I'm starving" I joked as I pulled myself and peak at what she's doing.

"You startled me!" we laughed as she holds her chest and continues.

"Well, I'm making your favorite soup!" She exclaimed and added chicken strips to the casserole dispersing the aroma more.

"Sopas?!" I drooled out. "What more can I ask for you 'Nay! You're always making me special. I'm just lucky for not getting fat." I laugh touching my flat belly. Well, I can't be. I have works to be done, and excess weight is not good news for those.

"Wait," Nay Julie suspiciously stopped me but I still responded with a smile.

"What got into you? You smile a little brightest today."

Am I?

"I don't know, 'Nay Julie. Maybe this day will go smoothly today." I leaned on the table as I reached the dining area.

"You surely will, dear." She cheered up as she continued adding something to the soup while smiling.

I continued staring at Nay Julies back without a word. I am thankful for having her in my life. She's been taking care of me since I was born. Even she's not a family member, she never made me feel different and treated me like her own child. She's one of those few people who truly knew me. Yet refuses to leave me.

One of the few people I treasured the most and I needed to protect. That's also the reason why I limit myself to be in touch with anyone. Because the more people I let into my life, the less possible I can to protect all of them. I just can't afford to lose another person important to me again.

Two-way protection that will protect them from the curse my life had and also the last thing I can do to prevent those kinds of nightmares I never wanted.

I've finished my breakfast and immediately ready myself for school. This day, I planned to get a ride with Alexander and Shenny, so that I could see the path they are taking which is surprisingly way too normal than the secret path Harrison University had me in the forest.

Alexander took a U-turn to the main road and turn to the ascending road that will take us to the university. It even had a big signboard leading to the place which made my eyes rolled.

"The road is too shin. Are there other routes I could take from here?" I asked with a bored tone, pretending not to know anything, and to confirm if they knew something about the forest.

"I don't know, but this must be the only way. Have you seen the forest? My god, I wouldn't dare to get near to that place." Shenny twitched looking at the deep forest we've come across a minute ago.

So they don't have any idea huh?

Oh hell. There is something wrong with this place.

***

Me Shenny and Alexander part ways when we've entered the university. Their building is way too far from mine so we waved goodbye to each other.

My mind was crowded by the thought of this place's mystery. I just don't understand why they like me to take that road.

Is it because I've skipped their classes? But even if I skip their classes why not all students knew that route? I don't understand.

It's starting to get on my nerves, especially after seeing how normal the route we've taken earlier is. There's no special tunnel or even a scanner that I thought for their attendance or something. It was plain and typical.

I snapped as my mind directed me to a bad idea about the scanner.

Did they just...

Oh hell no. There's no way they can have that kind of technology... Just no.

I smiled as I shook my head to erase that thought. But as soon as I continue stepping forward I dumped into something. No Someone.

Great!

I lamely looked up to make him moved by my stares, but I failed for the sun makes his silhouette hard to recognize.

"Move." I finally commanded. As I noticed he's been staring at me for the whole time which irritated me the most.

My eyes finally adjusted to the light and made me see how his hawk eyes puckered towards me.

"Are you Myrttle?!" He yelled in my face that I don't expect.

As in Seriously?!