The cafeteria is more like a silent and loud place. While some students stick to table manners and eat their food quietly, others find it difficult to do so.
It was break time, after all, a time free of work, and the boring lessons, as well as the interesting ones.
Rachael watched as her friends talked about their weekends, a feeling of deja vu based solely on her imaginations. Even though Zack has never made any move since their previous confrontation, Rachael has the gut feeling that Zack is planning up something.
Ever since Zack mentioned that he was interested in Joy, she has always been around her friend, especially while they are at school. The thought of Zack finally getting to date Joy has crossed her mind, but she was quick to brush it off.
Maybe she was being paranoid, but she could never allow Zack to do something that might disrupt her
Rachael no doubt feels more confident with finding out about who Emma is. Apart from being observant, which was one of her beautiful qualities, she somehow felt the urge to know who she was. She noticed how gracious she was since the beginning of their 12th grade, but her facial expressions show the opposite of what she was. She never wanted to tell anyone about her observations, since there was not enough evidence to back up her thoughts. She was the type that always acts on her gut feelings. Most of the time, these feelings are true. One could think Rachael was the type that was nosy or headstrong, but that was just her personality. She noticed something about Emma and feel she should be investigated. If found guilty, she is not to be mocked, but to be corrected and helped. For some reason, Rachael felt she needed help. - AFTER SCHOOL HOUR
Taking two hats as they placed them on their heads, they decided to act in disguise. Rachael and Joy got down from the car, each one at the different sides of the road. The rich residential road was quite silent with big houses around. They both walked steadily taking small steps as they followed Emma who was taking a quick walk. It looks like she was rushing somewhere. Seeing her walking and not in a big car or great dressing style further increased Rachael's conviction of her gut feelings. Joy's walking pace was weird as she was pressing her phone while walking, with her head slightly bowed. Emma never thought anyone would follow her. It was not more than 8 minutes of trekking before Emma diverted into an alley at the right side of the road. Joy and Rachael took notice as they quickened their pace since they were a few meters away from Emma. 
Words alone cannot describe the look on Emma's face on seeing two of her classmates. Her mouth slowly drops open, her posture stiff, as sudden dread of coldness took over her. She was bewildered, as she felt her heart had stopped beating, as she stared at them without blinking. It was as if a cold wind went right through her. Yes, Emma. She works in the restaurant, as a part-time waitress. "Look who we have here. If it is not the popular Emma that dresses like a Princess," Joy mocked, as she dropped her snack on the plate gently. Her stare was boring right into Emma, who looks like a petrified rabbit. She could not help but wish the ground swallowed her instantly. Her tongue felt like it was tied, as she turned speechless. On the other hand, Rachael looked rather calm, even though she was surprised to see Emma as a waitr
With her head low, Emma began walking home, another fifteen minutes journey. She took slow strides as she reflected on Joy's and Rachael's words. A small part of her heart wanting to believe them, while a bigger part telling her to go on living a fake life. One could try to imagine how Emma has been living a fake life right under everyone's nose. It was a thing she referred to as using brains, a lot of research, and thinking for a full-proofed result. Emma was one with good and high moral standing in real life. What she loved most was helping others, especially older ones. On her fake life routine, she was the pompous one that carried herself with high regard, make-up all over her face, giving her the princess slash bad girl remarks. She tried to meditate on how her one little lie led to another, till it became too big to even say the truth. Her ki
Rachael felt her head almost crumbling out of its place. Phrases alone cannot describe how drowsy, weary, and famished she was. Thanks to the boys, they were able to get to Joy's driver who picked their tired self. Joy could swear she had never been to that part of the United States. She was from a rich family which made her feel more of being indoor or going out on a 30 minutes, or one-hour journey unless it was by airplane. Rachael, on the other hand, is from a middle-class family as she has to depend on her savings, part-time jobs during the weekend, and her mum's sales from her supermarket. She has only been around that area once and that was when she visited her maternal grandmother who passed away while she was sixteen years old.
Disappointments were boldly written on Emma's face as she called Rachael's phone constantly, without her picking it up. She dropped her phone gently in her mini pocket, as she began thinking of what to do the next day.She was afraid of what would happen if her true self was revealed at school the next day. Her heart ached, as her mind flashes to the words her mum has told her.She looked at her siblings who were crawled up, sleeping soundly on the floor, as well as her mother.'One day, things will be better for us', she hoped.She picked a torchlight as she made her way outside. Sitting on the old bench near their small house, she looked at the sky, which brought memories.She remembered how her father was hopeful when he was still alive. When things are difficult for them, he would always say 'GOD WILL PROVIDE THEIR DAILY BREAD'. They were that strong hope in him, that strong faith, and no doubt they always have their daily food. Though, it was no
One could feel the heartbeat of Emma, as she made her way toward the hallway. Her head slightly bowed, her blonde hair covering part of her face.Ignoring the stares mostly from the juniors, she made bold steps, fiddling with her fingers, as nervousness started breeding in. Somehow, she was having a second thought about her decision.Yes, she made a decision. Instead of the high-class clothes, she rented at a low price, she decided to go for her normal wear which looks rather outdated. A pair of white blouses with almost fading blue jeans, that look like second-hand clothes.She bit her lips gently as she felt the students who had begun taking pictures of her. They never expected Emma to be dressed in such a manner. To some of them, it was a perfect opportunity to take note of.Emma has called the driver who picks her up not to. She does not want to be recognized with the Lamborghini or Jeep. She was nothing but a fatherless child who has to
Joy, happiness, freeness of mind has been some of the positive vibes Emma was feeling. The facade that everything is going well, as well as the constant pressure to behave positively, was gone. Emma could feel a great sense of mind rest the past two weeks, after revealing her true self. While most are willing to be her friends, some who have led a fake life went to seek her words of advice. One way or the other, she became a role model for deciding to stick to her normal life. Three students who lived a fake life even followed her footsteps and decided to live by the rule of Authenticity, being true to oneself, in every moment. There was no doubt some people, like Maya and her crew, still detest her. Not only that, but they are also finding all means to teach Emma a lesson. According to them, Emma stabbed them in the back by pretending to be rich.
There is a true feeling that comes from within when you have friends who are ready to stay by you through thick and thin. They are friends who put one's interest ahead of theirs. A blessing in disguise.Loud chattering could be heard as the four jolly friends hung out two weeks after their graduation. It was a happy sight, as they looked vibrant, with joy on their faces."Guys, I have good news," Andrew confessed"Shoot," Joy said, putting some shrimps in her mouth."I have gained admission into Faculty of Medicine and Surgery," Andrew stated."Congratulations. More wins," Rachael smiled.Aww, Congratulations. I will miss you," Joy gave Andrew a side hug as he smiled.Kevin simply smiled as he already knew about the news."I would still be around during weekends. I don't want to miss the girls' faces for too long," Andrew announced as they all laughed."Let's make a promise. That no matter what, we will always have each
ANDREW POVI have never for once imagined my life as an easy one as I grew up with a single mother, the only love of my life.I always wanted to take things step by step hoping to give my mum a better life, one in which she would be free from haunting others who committed crimes.Everything began changing when my mum eventually brought a new person who began having a crazy obsession with me. I thought that was it all until I eventually ended my mother's life mistakenly. I do hope mum forgives me.If I hadn't tried to add sleeping pills to her drinking, she would probably not have died that night. At first, I blamed myself, but with time I realized that letting go of the past was the best.And when the WEIRD FEELING hit me hard, I became more saddened at my feelings for the same sex, something I deemed as an abomination.I came to und
Every ceremony has to come to an end,' that is often said. But the reality of the matter is how the ceremony was. Enjoyable? Lovely? Or was it one enough to bring joyful memories.There was no doubt Joy, Andrew, Kevin, and Rachael enjoyed their day. Their graduation brought memories of how their life had been especially as teenagers who faced different challenges.Andrew was shown love as he did not feel the absence of his parents. Since his stepfather had been sentenced to life imprisonment, he was more relieved and hope for the best in his own life. Rachael's and Joy's mums graced the occasion, as they showered them with advice, gifts, and prayers.Kevin felt his father's absence slightly. He could still remember how his father had promised him two years ago to grant him any of his wishes if he graduates from high school. For now, the promise will be on hold. It still amazed him that his father was sentenced lower compared to what he thought. Not
There is this great feeling when you are eventually ready to be a high school graduate. Passing through the years of learning, difficulties, challenges, and other unfathomable events which can either make or mar one is something yet extraordinary.Andrew finally felt the relief he needed when his stepdad was sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor. Kevin's joy knew no bounds when he was able to get more evidence which reduced his dad's sentence to only 5 years.Even tho it hurt him to see his father being given -a five-year imprisonment, his aunt made him realize how fortunate it was for his sentence not to be at least 20 years and above, since it was on fraud and embezzlement. Kevin decided to keep praying, hoping to see his father finally free one day..........It was marking the end of Joy and her friend's graduation, and the excitement on their faces was enough to describe how they felt.Joy was able to get the grip of her
Joy felt tensed for a while. She refused to speak to Andrew because she felt she might overreact and go far with her words.Even when Andrew kept pestering him, she just kept mute like a dummy. ' Was that the right thing to do?' she asked herself as she waited for her driver, frustration boldly written on her face.She could see some worried expression on Andrew, but she cared less. ' He has so many female admirers and compared to herself, she does not look fit'.She reprimanded herself inwardly when she began feeling her insecurities coming back to life. She draped her face with a handkerchief and felt even more impatient because her driver was not yet around.She sighed, as she looked at her wristwatch, realizing it has been some minutes past the normal time she was supposed to be picked."Joy. Are you going to leave me to trek home", Joy closed and opened her eyes as she heard Rachael's voice.She turned back, trying her best
Feelings can be the best thing especially when expressed, but limitation has to be put in place especially when such feelings might not be in the long term.They smiled at each other warmly as their short mesmerizing moment was being cut short by the opening of the door.Kevin coughed slightly as he quickly released Rachael's hands as he turned to leave. The juniors who entered greeted him politely as he simply nodded, bubbling inside like a happy kid.He decided to have his lunch at the classroom, hoping to see Rachael after school." Does this mean they are now dating, since they feel the same about themselves? Or they would remain just friends?"Those questions kept running through Kevin's mind. He sighed, hoping the day would come to an end soon.....Joy and Andrew on the other hand both had lunch together. Joy was entertaining Andrew with some of her jokes, which only made Andrew smile and laugh heartily. He must confess he
Saying YES will only make him be in the suffering end. How will he even tell his other friends that he broke the rule of dating, and has started dating Lydia? It sounds unreasonable.The shout kept getting intense, making Kevin blame himself for coming early to school today. He looked across the hall, as his eyes met with that of Rachael.He felt his heartbeat, as he saw the pain in her eyes, maybe it was his imagination. Before he could say a word, Rachael turned away and left.Within a split second, Kevin removed his hand from that of Lydia, ready to make his own decision. He took a step forward, as the noise began reducing."I don't know why you are making a fuss over this unless you want Principal Mullins to detain you all for disturbing the school peace. That is on a light mode.Thank you all for thinking Miss Lydia might be the right one for me. But I will like to clarify that we are just friends. The pictures you saw were not rea
FEELINGS are usually a nightmare for some. It becomes frustrating especially when it is unrequited. Sometimes, you feel down, and there are times you feel like forcing it on that person.Love is a beautiful thing. Happiness is a good fever. But when you are no longer with the one you like, your heart starts to ache badly.Kevin looked across the other side of the restaurant as he saw a family of three eating together. The father, mother, and a grown-up guy probably around his age.He felt bleak, as he sighed deeply, thoughts eroding his mind. A different form of sadness, wanting to make him feel unhappy. He has always wished his family will be like this, but every dream regarding that has faded like a gust of wind, nowhere to be found."Hello sir, will you like to order something?" The warm voice of the waiter brought Kevin out of his thoughts, as he looked up.The waiter handed over the menu as he scanned through it. He smiled noticing
It is often said that no matter how you hide something, it will one way or the other be exposed, even if it will be slightly.It can be said that Joy probably made the wrong decision by volunteering to be with Andrew, to help him with moving. It was more like a stance to increase the magnetic strength of her feelings.She helped with moving his stuff to his new apartment. For the first time, Joy complemented Andrew for his nice taste.The apartment had a small sitting room alongside two bedrooms, toilet and bathroom as one, alongside a well-furnished kitchen. The blue imprint on the sides of the living room even made it more beautiful, coupled with the simple furnishings in the mini house."Thinking about something?" Joy almost screamed, as her heartbeat fast at the sudden voice of Andrew behind her. It almost scared the shit out of her, as she tried to calm down."Well, let me just say I love your taste in the furnishings of this house. Be