Chapter Eight: Naya doesn't believe in love anymore...

ADAM

 FRIDAY finally comes. 

And I’m sitting in the back of the class again as Mrs. Lee enters the room with her eyeglasses on. Every time she wears it, everyone would hold tight on their chair as if she’s going to kill somebody. The way she faces the class with sharp eyes and with one eyebrow lifted as she speaks, who would not be intimidated by that kind of teacher right? 

 “I want to remind all of you in this room about choosing your partners. I talked to the head of this trip and it is acknowledged for those who can’t find one, but we are hoping that all of you can join. So far none of you have approached me or reached any concerns so I am assuming all of you have chosen your partners…” 

Then I start zoning out while she continues to speak in the background. 

Naya’s words are still nagging in my mind ever since last night. Even during the walk this morning, I could still hear her voice in my head. If only I was careful enough with my actions. I didn’t think it through before meeting Tanya yesterday. In any way, I don’t believe Naya wants to cut off the string between us because of Chloe. She could be lying and using her as a reason so she can get away from me. 

Although it is still not confirmed whether Chloe likes me or not, it’s done. Naya’s done with me. 

“Mr. Yung?” I think I hear Mrs. Lee saying my name. 

“Mr. Yung!” She says again this time raising her voice enough to steal my attention. 

I snap my head back up at her and almost everyone is looking at me except Naya, who is seated in the front row next to Justin. They seem to talk about something since I saw them in the hallway right before they enter the room.

 “I’m sorry. I…” I can’t even finish a sentence when all eyes are on me. 

Mrs. Lee releases a breath of disappointment. “It’s okay, Mr. Yung, but you should pay attention to the class more often. I know I lot of you here are going through a lot of challenges especially in your love life. I understand because I’ve been there. I used to feel distracted and lose interest in my priorities, but always know there’s a time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to remember and a time to forget. A time to feel pain and a time to move on. ” She expressed with her arms folded in front of her. Her eyes smiling and it astounds almost everyone in the room with her pleasant words. 

I’m glad everyone’s attention seems back to her and no longer on me. When I glance over Naya, it’s the same time she is looking at me over her shoulders with a look of guilt painted on her face. She immediately looks away and smiles at Justin.

 Why are they talking to each other out of nowhere? I feel the jealousy quickly makes its way around me when it shouldn’t. 

“Are you okay?” Chloe whispers next to me. 

I nod immediately and glance back to Mrs. Lee who is talking to a student who raised a question.

“You don’t seem to look like it. Is there something bothering you lately?” She seems curious and she’s pretty much the only one that cares right now. 

“Nothing.” I lie. “How’s your mom doing?” 

She pulls herself back to her chair with a heavy sigh. “She’s doing fine now. I have to look after her for the next few days. I don’t think I’ll be able to join on the first day. I hope my aunt can come to visit her next week and take care of my mother until I come back.” She says as she starts doodling on her notebook page.

 Chloe’s father died two years ago in a car accident, so she’s been the only one left for her mother since then. 

“What did the doctor say?” 

“That she needed more rest. I am planning on taking a full-time job at the coffee shop that one of my friends working at. I hope I can get in, so she won’t have to go back to taking the night shift.” 

“You think you really have to do it full time? What about your studies?” 

Her hands stop moving. “I am still thinking about it. I won’t have to worry since we’re graduating high school next month.” She says. It sounds like she has planned it already. 

“I hope your mother gets better soon.” 

“I hope so too.” She says then goes back to doodling and signing the back page with her name. 

“Justin told me you went to Naya’s house the other night. How did you know her address?” Chloe asks. I didn’t see this coming? 

For a second, I contemplate between telling her the truth and just making up a story, but I just don’t see why Chloe doesn’t have to know about it. And I don’t have the energy to think of a story to make. 

“I saw here once.” But I feel like lying for now. 

“Is that so?” Chloe seems not convinced at all. 

 “Okay. I’ll give everyone the time to go over your partner and make sure you discuss the things you are bringing for next week. The list of things is already posted on the class group chat. So for those who don’t have any idea you can check it out on there.” Then, like what Mrs. Lee would always do, she picks up her black bag before she walks out of the room with her loud heels thumping on the floor. 

 I promised to help Naya find her partner, didn’t I? I haven’t talked to anyone yet. If I can’t convince someone today, Naya will be alone during the trip. I don’t want her to be alone and feel out of place out there. 

“Chloe?” She looks up. 

“Did Naya find–” 

“Yes.” Chloe quickly answers as if she predicts what I have to ask her. “I asked Justin to be her partner since he doesn’t have a partner yet.” She informs me. 

My eyes find their way towards Naya and him who are giving each other a high-five at the moment. They seem happy and enjoying the discussion as their attention goes back onto Naya’s phone. From the way it looks right now, it seems like Naya is moving on and doesn’t look bothered at all.

“I thought Justin and that girl with pink hair-” 

“Oh, Jeya. She can’t make it to the trip. She said she’s busy helping her parents with their business.” Chloe says. How does she have all the answers to all of my questions today? 

One more, I look Naya. Her smile is wider this time. She’s not like this when we were together. Does that mean I only bring her pain? Why does she have to make me feel guilty now?

Chloe notices my stare and follows my gaze. “Aren’t they look good together?” 

Look good? Is she serious? Because my answer is no. They don’t look good together. It just happens that she’s happy today. 

“She seems happy,” I say. I place my chin on my palm while my elbow is on the table.

“I think they’re the same age.” She adds, “My mother told me that people of the same age are most likely to move along with each other. Don’t you think so?” 

Chloe waits for my response but I don’t give her one as I watch Naya starts to laugh at something Justin is telling her. 

I feel a burn on my chest. I need to look away before Chloe catches a glimpse of my jealousy. “They look fine,” I say, grabbing my bag from the floor. “Wanna go somewhere?” I say.

“Where are we going?” Chloe begins to shove her notebooks inside her small bag. 

“Just somewhere.” 

She follows me out of the room. I just need to get away from that sight in front of me. I can handle it even if I would deny it myself. Justin is a good friend of mine. It would be better if I am not there than watch them enjoying each other’s company.

“Really Adam? Out of all places, it’s the cafeteria you think of taking me?” What was she expecting? 

“I just need to get out of that room.” I try to make an excuse. “Oh, I know a place. Come follow me.” I turn around and exit the cafeteria.

Naya and Justin are just exiting the room when we come back to the hallway. Chloe holds onto my arms as soon as they both look up. 

“You guys wanna grab some coffee later going home?” Justin asks. 

“Yeah.” Chloe says., the same time I say, “We have other plans.” 

Naya raises her gaze to me before dropping it on Chloe’s hand on my arms. Chloe steps in front of me as I feel Naya looks away. “What do you mean we have other plans?” 

I just give her a small secretive smile. I don’t know what I’m doing but maybe I also want to let Naya see me moving on too. Of course, with Chloe, as I assume she would expect. 

Justin says, “Well, I just found out that my partner right here loves coffee. Naya invited me in. Even though I’m not a coffee drinker, I am trying it for her request.” He eyes Naya, “Right?” 

Naya nods without meeting his eyes because it’s on me. “Yeah. I want him to at least have a new experience.” She says.

I know Justin is lying and making things up. And the worse part is she’s falling into it. It’s not true that he is not a coffee drinker because he drinks one every day. I know that because he told me once. I have no idea what he’s up to right now, but if he’s over with that pink-haired girl, he better not make Naya the next target.

I swear if he hurt her…

“You guys have gotten so close so quick. What’s the secret?” Chloe interrupts my suspension.

Both of them burst into laughter. It follows with a light high-five in the air. “I swear there’s no secret into social interaction but to force someone to watch scary prank videos.” 

“I like the Jalals though…” Naya tells him. It seems like they have their own world. Her laugh is fading out when she notices the seriousness of me and Chloe. 

“We’ll keep going. Come on, Chloe.” I say as I pick up her hand on my arms. 

Naya steps in front of Justin so he’s behind her now. “Where are you guys heading by the way?” Naya asks with a soft curious tone of her voice. 

I thought she said no talking, but why’s she's suddenly this close right now asking me?

She should do her part of not talking to me instead of making the first move. She should keep her words because if she can’t then I want her to tell me not to kiss her again right here right now in front of them. 

But you have to stop yourself, Adam. 

“It’s a secret,” I tell her.

“A secret?” Her eyes are glued to me. I look away. 

“It’s actually our secret place, Naya,” Chloe says, stepping in front of me with a smile playing on her lips. “You want to come with us?” 

Is she serious? I’m just making this up. Why does Chloe always have to go with my flow? 

Naya backs away so she’s standing on the side of Justin now. When she doesn’t say anything to Chloe’s question to her, there is a five-second bearable silence among us that passes by. 

“Are you ready for the school trip?” He asks her. 

“Yeah…” Naya’s cheerful voice is gone and replaced by a low weak voice. Is there something bothering her? 

Does the idea of me and Chloe having a secret place bother her suddenly? 

“Don’t forget your bikinis,” Chloe chimes. 

Bikini? I never pictured out Naya wearing those once. 

 “I don’t think…” There is a hint of hesitation in Naya’s voice

“Just bring one just in case. It’ll be fun, Aya.” Chloe still insists. 

Naya opens her mouth but Justin cuts in, “Aya?”

Chloe turns to him. “Yeah. That’s her nickname.”

“That sounds better than Naya though.” Justine is nodding his head as if he’s expecting us to agree with him. 

But as Naya laughs in a shy face, I guess she does agree with him.

Aya. 

I still prefer Naya, though. The night I knew her name, I told myself I won’t forget that name.

So Naya is still the best. 

“I think I better get going. I still have some classes to attend.” She excuses herself by ducking her head as she walks away.

“You still have a class? It’s our last one.” Justin asks.

“Ummm…. It’s not like a big session but I kinda missed a lot of classes the previous month so I’m taking make-up ones with the few subjects.” Naya explains.

“Okay.” Justin nods multiple times. “Are you still up for coffee later?”

“Would it be okay for you if you wait for me?” She asks him. I hope he doesn’t go. “It’s okay if you can’t.” 

“I have a practice with my basketball team later, I’m not sure if I can get it in my schedule.” He says, but when he looks over Chloe, he quickly changes his facial expression. “B-but I think I can just cancel it today and wait for you by the gate.”

“Okay. ” Naya shoots him a small smile. Of course, Chloe would help Justin to make a move on Naya. 

“That’s so romantic, Jus. I hope someone does that to me too.” Chloe clasps her hands together as she looks above the ceiling.

“I’m sure Adam has other strategies,” Naya says with a hint of firmness in her voice. 

Chloe looks at me, “I’m sure he does.” Naya’s eyes are watching as Chloe places her other arm on my shoulders. 

“I think I might have to go now.” She smiles at Justin before she walks away from us. 

What’s with those smiles? It doesn’t fit her. 

“She can be a little tight, Jus. Just be patient with her.” Chloe speaks up after she’s gone. 

“Are you serious, Chloe? You’re talking about her behind her back?” 

“What? It’s not like it’s a bad thing. What I mean by that is she’s very not easy to get and I know Justin has been crushing her since then–” 

“What?” I’m caught off guard.

“Bro, just support me on this. I have to make a move now or else someone might get in the way and steal my chance on her this time.” Justin says. 

I can’t believe what I’m hearing right now. Steal his chance this time? So he’s been liking her for a long time now?

“What do you mean? Naya seems not your type.” 

Chloe says, “She’s very his type, Adam. Simple yet attractive and smart too.” 

“Since Sophomore year, I had a thing on her.”  

“I thought you are into girls with experience.” I try to remind him. Maybe he’s just testing my patient out. But he doesn’t know what going on between me and Naya in the first place. 

They both look at each other and laugh at my statement. “Bro those girls I hooked up with, they’re just my pass-time. It’s nothing serious. Besides, now that Chloe’s helping me out, I’m sure I can take Naya on a date.”

“Naya’s actually an experienced girl, Adam. She’s been on different dates before. But ever since Sophia died. Naya seems to start to fade away and lose interest pretty much on things she used to have interest in.”

“Sophia?” I start to get more curious about the details. 

“She was our best friend. She died two months ago. We didn’t know she was in a terrible situation until she took her own life and… gone.” 

“Yeah, I heard about that on our team since one of the players was her ex-boyfriend,” Justin adds.

It happened before I transfer here, so I am not sure how to react. These things are not known to me until now. Maybe that’s why Naya is always on the rooftop.

“Naya must be having a hard time coping with it, maybe that’s why… the reason why she missed a lot of classes as she mentioned earlier,” I say.

“It was hard for me, too,” Chloe says in a sad tone of her voice. “I just kinda moved on pretty quickly because I can’t handle grieving over it every day. Got to move on with life, you know. 

I can’t imagine how this must have been affecting Naya knowing this about her. Also, the marriage of her parents goes along with the grief she must be bringing right now. It must be hard for her. 

“So, you’re planning to take her on a date?” I ask Justin. 

He nods. He’s about to say something but I go in fast before he could, “Good luck.” I tell him.

His face crumples into a shocked expression. Then I immediately walk away from him and Chloe. Chloe is in complete shock too. I don’t expect her to follow me but she’s jogging behind me with the expression still plunging on her face. 

“What was that supposed to mean?” 

“What?” I smirk. 

“What's with good luck to Justin? ” She says. I almost crack into laughter when she mimics my deep voice. 

“Nothing. I’m just being true.” I say.“Naya’s…” I pause remembering our kiss again along with other things she told me that morning. 

“What is it about her again? You seem to know a lot about her.” Chloe faces me with her eyes looking closer into me. 

“Nothing.” I just shake my head. 

I want to tell her that Naya doesn’t believe in love anymore but now I know Chloe is helping Justin with Naya, she would probably tell Justin later. Besides, I want Justin to figure it out himself, but that's only going to happen if Naya opens it up to him as she did to me. 

I bet she won’t. 

....