CHAPTER 1-SHIVERS OF REGRET

  Rachael could not help but increase her walking pace, completely ignoring her best friend's call. Joy was irritated and furious, as she tried to keep up with Rachael, breathing in and out gently as she seemed to have gone through a long walk.

  Joy stopped abruptly, folding her hands into fists as she began to run, not minding the stares from those in the hallway who happened to watch her in awe, surprised she was breaking one of the school rules.

  Rachael halted, turning to see her friend running after her, her mind going frenzy. Can't she give up?" she thought.

  Her mind went back to how she had avoided her three best friends, but she had no doubts how she would be able to keep up with her acts especially now that they are back to school. She shook her head trying not to reminisce over what happened, as some strands of hair made their way to her face, which she brushed lightly.

  Joy seeing Rachael stopping for a while made her halt only to bump into someone. Her heart skipped, almost thumping out of its place seeing the big guy. Compared to her average height, she is nowhere a match for the janitor who was as tall and big as something else, as his face shows nothing but contempt.

  His chinky eyes squinted as if he was purposely trying to scare the shit out of her. At this moment, Joy wished Rachael was beside her. 

  Apart from being tall, which makes her look like an adult, she is a good friend of this fellow in front of him whom she detested since their sophomore year.

  "You know the consequences of running through the hallway right?" the janitor questioned, his voice deep, making her flinch as she took a step back.

  At this time, she could not help but imagine everyone was looking at her. She peeked sideways noticing some of them staring as if she was a clown, as she cursed inwardly.

  She does not mean to get into trouble on her first day in her last year as a 12th grader.

  

 " I am sorry I broke the rules. I was just trying to get to the class early," she explained, trying to keep a calm composure, as she needed to convince the janitor.

  At the same time, she was beginning to think of the beatings she would give to Rachael, who has been on a danger dash since their last holiday.

  The janitor's gaze narrowed, making her realize that she would be in detention on her first day at school.

  "Oh, sorry about my friend. She was running after me, my bad," Rachael said as they both gazed at her.

  " I think you should tell your friend to be careful next time, or she will end up in the detention zone, "the janitor stated, his look like a piercing knife, before leaving the two.

  Rachael mouthed a 'thank you' as Joy sneered, giving the janitor a fuck you sign. Thankfully, he was not facing them as Joy would have been in a bigger mess.

  Rachael let out a sigh, grateful she was able to save her friend from the janitor. 

  "Show is over, move to your classes," Rachael commanded as some let out groans, forcing their feet to move to their various classes.

  Rachael no doubt was a respected student. Apart from being a topper, she has been known to be a well-behaved student earning her great honor from both her juniors and classmates.

  Joy moved closer, as she gave Rachael a knock on her head.

  " Ow, what was that for?" her eyes wide opened, as she gently caressed her hair, the pain slightly hitting her.

  Joy held her right hand leading her to an empty class, as she banged the door behind. She stood akimbo, standing straight, her hands on her hips, her elbows turned outward, showing off her haughtiness and annoyance.

  Rachael sighs, realizing what her friend was trying to say.

  "You still don't remember right? You don't remember how you left our friend at the altar," Joy explained as Rachael bit her lips, trying not to laugh, not because of Joy's seriousness but the mention of the word 'altar'.

  What does she even mean by leaving him at the altar? She is not getting married anytime soon.

  " I never left anyone at the altar. I was just shocked by Kevin's act. It left me speechless. I'm sorry", Rachael apologized as she began to regret what she did about three weeks ago.

  

  Joy left out a mocking laugh, not buying her friend's words.

  "I am sorry, it left me speechless, blah, blah, blah," she mimicked Rachael, whose expression looked grim.

  " I was not prepared and acted stupidly. How would you have reacted if Andrew confessed to you?" Rachael asked as she felt she was now the center of attention.

  

  Andrew was the fifth on the list. Rachael, Joy, Kevin, Grace, and Andrews are best friends.

  "Wow, you are turning the question to me. Let me now tell you what I will do. Andrew, I appreciate that you like me. I am sorry that I do not have that kind of feelings for you, as I only see you as my best friend. I hope we can still be friends, and I hope that one day I will be able to return that kind of affection you deserved. Simple," Joy stated, as Rachael facepalmed.

  " You should apologize to Kevin, not me. Did you know how long he has been having this feeling for you? Since 10th grade. He prepared everything, the music, poems, lunch just to grace that special moment but you ran away like a coward. You left him hanging," Joy's words kept piercing through Rachael's heart as she realized how stupid she was, leaving her best friend hanging after he had confessed his feelings to her.

  "Can we not talk about this? Even though Kevin confessed to me, I cannot date him. Remember the rules. No dating throughout high school," Rachael said

  " Not until you are sure it is true love," Joy added as Rachael appeared to be cornered.

  "I will apologize to Kevin. I believe he will understand. What can I do to make you stop being angry at me? It is killing me," Rachael made a face as Joy burst into laughter.

  " Okay, okay, I have forgiven you. Just try to chat with Kevin. He is head over heels in love with you," Joy said, bringing out her hands as they hugged each other.

  At that point, Rachael realizes how she was a coward even though she appears to be bold in front of others. She made it a point to bear in mind, as she decided on telling Kevin how she felt for him, as a friend and not in a romantic sense.

  They both made their way to the chairs as they sat down to gist for the time being, as there would not be any lecture, not until the next 45 minutes.

  "I like someone. I mean like like like," Joy said, her eyes glimmering with emotions.

  " Enough with the like. Who is the lucky fellow?" Rachael teased as Joy blushed slightly, her face reddening.

  "He lives opposite your house. He is tall, light, and handsome, " Joy almost squeaked, at the last part of her word.

  " You mean Zack?" Rachael asked as Joy nodded in affirmation, turning her face away shyly.

  Rachael's mind almost went blank as she realized whom her friend has puppy love for. For a while, she felt her breath almost leaving as her face almost turned pale.

  "Hey, what do you think?" Joy asked Rachael, who was trying to keep a composed look.

  " Erm, I think you should at least try to know who he is. I don't want my friend to end up with a playboy," Rachael gave her a piece of her mind, as Joy nodded, obviously in a fantasy world with just her and Zack.

  She met Zack during a business party her parents forced her to attend. From that day after their little conversation, Joy's feelings continued lingering at the handsome guy she wished she could spend her whole life with. It was the first time she would be having such a strong feeling, and she never planned to let go of it, even if it meant breaking some rules. She is in love with Zack", she continued telling herself.

  Rachael felt her last school year would be a nightmare. Not only is there unrequited love for Kevin, but the same also goes with Joy and probably herself as she is attracted to Zack. She is not going to let her friend know that little fact", she told herself.

  To be on the safer side, she has to get rid of the attraction she had for Zack or else...

  The door opened as they both raised their heads. Kevin was standing by the door in his handsome glory. 

  He was putting on a black top, a black leather jacket with fitted blank pants, his black pair of shoes shining, reckoning all to see.

  Rachael's heart started beating, realizing how stupid she was for not realizing how kind and caring Kevin has been. His kindness, meekness, and care were supposed to be a green light, but she ignored them.

  "Rachael, can I talk to you for a sec?"

  Those words alone sent shivers of regrets down her body.