Chapter 3: The Shadow

ADY

"It looks like you overslept."

My grandmother was already making us breakfast in the kitchen. I haven't had much sleep since the party. I drew until late at night. It's been over a week since I pulled at the last minute, and I still haven't had a chance to unwind. I also thought about Damon, someone I met at the party who suddenly left. I haven't seen him since that night, even though Elsa says I have. I thought he was trying to avoid me.

I stayed up late to tell my grandma what had been bugging me for a few days and nights. Because I didn't want her to worry more, I didn't tell her about my dream. She knew I was having a nightmare, but I stopped telling her that I was pretending that it was gone. There was no way I would say to her it came back. Grandma made me coffee and sat it beside my plate while I ate.

"Ady, how are you?" Granny asked. "It's been difficult to have a proper conversation since we relocated to the city, even during meals."

"Sorry, granny, for being unable to spend time with you. I've been swamped with schoolwork," I explained, avoiding eye contact.

Grandma let out a long sigh. "Just take care of yourself, alright?"

I responded with a slight nod. "Sure thing, grandma."

***

Every day, the train takes me to and from school. Naturally, it's always crowded. I never saw Damon again. Maybe he doesn't take the train anymore.

"My loves!"

I looked back and noticed a man standing beside me with a smile.

"I've been trying to reach you for some time now. You sure do move quickly! Don't tell me you're related to Flash." Jasper playfully teased.

When we first moved to the city, Jasper became my best friend. For some reason, I like Jasper because his parents are nice to us. Jasper attends the public college next to my school.

"Sorry, I missed your call." I giggled.

The train suddenly stopped, and everyone leaned over a bit. Standing passengers almost fell over when the train stopped, and they bumped into each other. Someone grabbed my hip from behind and pulled me toward the pole.

"Are you okay?" Jasper stood behind me to help me.

I nodded. "I'm okay."

After a while, the train kept going. Even though the train was packed, I did not feel like it was crowded. It could be because Jasper looked out for me like I was a weak woman who needed to be protected on the train so I wouldn't get hurt. After running to the train door, we waited for it to open. As we got off the train, someone ran into us and knocked my bag and drawing tube.

"Hey!" Jasper yelled at the guy and started to follow him, but I stopped him.

"I'm okay. Let it go—I'm fine." I said as Jasper got my bag.

Jasper said, "Let me take this."

I took my bag and said, "Nah, it's just too awkward."

"No need to be shy; we're friends," Jasper said casually as he grabbed my bag.

"Sure, Jasper, I'll grab my stuff," I said, reaching for my bag for the second time.

"If you keep insisting, I will kiss you."

That was not what I thought Jasper would say, so I let him carry my bag. His arms were so big that he could easily hold my backpack.

Jasper grinned. "Is it true then? You haven't been kissed yet. Jeez, you lied to me."

"What the heck are you talking about?" We didn't look at each other as we walked down the stairs from the station.

"I noticed your reaction earlier," Jasper remarked. "I noticed that when you mentioned your boyfriend being your first kiss, your reaction seemed to suggest that it might not be true. Can't you acknowledge your feelings for me?"

Strangers were walking around and looking at us when I turned around. I asked, "Why are you making a noise about that?" Jasper chuckled at what I said.

Many students from the other schools were walking with Jasper and me along the road that connected the three sites. There is one state university and two private ones.

"Give me my stuff," I told him. "Your school is almost here."

"I'll drop you off at school first," Jasper said casually.

"No need for that," I said as I attempted to remove my bag from Jasper's canister, only to find that he was still holding on tightly. I expressed my dissatisfaction with a pout and a frown. "Hey Jasper..."

Jasper smirked. "I want to go home with you after school."

I said, "I'll be out a little later."

Jasper handed me his phone after pulling it out of his pocket. Jasper mentioned that I should remove my phone number from there. I consistently declined whenever he requested my phone number. I would happily give it, but I feel embarrassed about him, even though we're close. Since realizing we're no longer young, I've slowly distanced myself from him.

I grimaced and looked at Jasper with the most severe eyes. After I looked at him for a while, Jasper laughed.

"Your grandmother will worry less if we go home together. I remember you were interested in getting my phone number. Maybe you're just hesitant to initiate a conversation with me."

I giggled. "Um, sorry, but you're asking for my number. You get it now. You used my grandma as an excuse, so I'm giving it to you."

I reached for Jasper's phone. He glanced in my direction and flashed a friendly smile.

"It's your fault. You decided to change your number and conveniently forgot to share it with me. It seems like you're intentionally avoiding me. That's why..." Jasper chuckled. "I shower six times daily and brush my teeth eight times."

"Jeez, you don't have body odor. Yeah, I guess I've been keeping my distance."

"See? So, you're finally accepting that you've been avoiding me."

"You're too clingy; we're not children anymore to have such a close relationship. It's awkward."

"Awkward? You were the only one who felt it because you liked me." Jasper chuckled.

"Oh, how silly!" I said. "Does my grandma get worried if I'm late getting home?" I asked, and then I gave the phone to Jasper. He nodded.

My phone suddenly rang, and I took it out of my pocket. Someone called from an unknown number, and I missed it.

"I can be reached at that number. Hold onto this," Jasper said quietly as he placed the canister and my bag on my shoulders.

"It seems that Granny is still feeling the pain of losing your parents, just like you are," Jasper remarked. "You should try not to let your grandma worry too much, considering she is your only family," he added. "What?" Would it be alright if I joined you on your walk to school?"

"No!" I said. "I am old enough."

Jasper responded with a laugh and a smile. "Sure. Would it be alright if I gave you a call later? Make sure to save my number on your phone. So, "Who exactly are you?" That's unacceptable," Jasper remarked as he approached his school's main gate. "If you do that, there will be consequences."

***

Surprisingly, Damon sat next to me in class on the last available seat. Lost in his thoughts, he immerses himself in the pages of a book. Despite my anger, I disregarded the man, although his presence strangely brought me a smile. I plopped down in my chair, finally relaxing after grabbing all my belongings. He set the book aside and turned his gaze toward me.

He said, "Hi, Ady."

"Are you sick?" I asked. So, you decided to come out instead of hiding. Did you think I wouldn't notice you avoiding me?" I had a frown on my face. "What's the reason for being in my class?"

"I changed my schedule, and even though this was the time you were supposed to spend with Mrs. Tolentino,"

I had a dissatisfied expression on my face. "If you prefer, you can return to your previous class."

"I won't be altering my schedule, especially considering we're in the same class." Damon's words carried a conviction as he locked eyes with me.

Damon puzzled me. "Really? I find it hard to believe!"

Damon said, "I'm sorry if I left you at the party."

"Don't worry," I reassured her. "It seems like you have a knack for leaving people behind, or perhaps I deserved to be left behind."

"I had to leave because I was experiencing a stomach ache that night."

"No need for explanations," I say, glancing at him. "Are we in the same class together?"

Damon gave a confirming nod. "Yes. "

I stopped talking. I put down my biology book. Eventually, Elsa made her way to me.

"Hey, Ady, I spaced out and left my book behind. Would it be alright if we shared your books?" Elsa said

I could hear Elsa's chair scraping against the floor as she moved closer to me in the classroom. I couldn't help but notice that everyone's attention was on her, and I was no exception.

"Apologies, everyone!"

She sat down and smiled. "Jeez, it seemed like I interrupted their studying. They're just engrossed in TikTok."

"Your voice, Elsa." I leaned close and whispered to her, "So, someone in our class could hear you."

"Hey, Damon..." Elsa said hello to Damon as soon as she saw him.

Damon gave a slight smile. "Hey, Elsa."

Elsa was delighted by Damon's response. Elsa's response always cracks me up. After glancing at Damon, I quickly averted my gaze.

The day went by swiftly. I needed to drop off a library book on my way home. The library was empty except for two student assistants (SAs). While the SA was reviewing the lending book, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone had their eyes on me. I couldn't find anyone in the library when I glanced around and checked between the shelves. I got spooked when I felt someone walking behind me, and my hair stood on end. I was terrified, so I immediately turned around. Altering my blood temperature gives me a unique sensation throughout my entire body. I had this strange sensation of being completely immobile.

A student assistant approached me and asked, "Excuse me, are you okay?"

I glanced in her direction. "Hey, did you happen to notice someone walking behind me?"

"Huh? Miss, nothin'. Why?"

"But..." I took a look everywhere. "I noticed someone walking behind me."

"You make us feel frightened, Miss. We'll be wrapping up our shift in thirty minutes."

"Huh? Um, everything's okay."

After marking it, she handed me my library card. Once I finished up at the library, I quickly made my way over to the cafeteria. Fearing it might burst out, I held my heart close.

"Holy cow, what just happened there?"

As I strolled towards the canteen, I noticed the curious gazes of my fellow students.

"Ahhh!" I let out a loud exclamation of surprise as my phone jolted into my pocket. I suddenly cried, immediately grabbing the attention of the students passing by.

"What's wrong with you, Miss? You scared us!" In a sour voice, the group of students said.

"Sorry about that!" I answered and quickly took my phone out of my pocket.

"Hello, my love!"

"My love?" As I looked at the phone screen, I noticed: UNKNOWN NUMBER

"I can't believe you! I told you to save my number, my love!"

It felt good to hear a familiar voice on the other end of the phone.

"Hey, Jasper..."

"Hey, where are you? I'm just standing here in front of the main gate to your university. Are you out now?"

"Yes, I am on my way to the gate."

I ended the call abruptly without waiting for Jasper's response. I let out another sigh and turned around. I glanced toward the nearby library. Jasper had already been staying at the main gate when I arrived.