Chapter Seven

< Nina >

It’s strange really.

At first, I was worried about my future predicament and Gene’s as well. But here we are chatting about the most ridiculous gossip we’ve heard from school.

“I didn’t know that Mr. Roacher writes poems.”

“Apparently, he has a huge crush on the cafeteria lady and he thought women like poems.”

“We’re in the 21st century, you know?” Gene arches a brow.

“Well, old-fashioned romance isn’t that bad. If Mr. Roacher finally marries, he won’t be so cruel to you anymore.”

“Nah, he’s probably worse, knowing the cafeteria lady’s temper. Besides, I’d rather if he gives me the toughest equations because I’m starting to question his ability to teach.”

I turn to his direction with a frown. “Sometimes, you’re harsh, Gene.”

In return, Gene just looks at me with a deadpan expression. “He started it.”

We keep talking about random stories we’ve heard from school, more like Gene just listens and asks questions as I talk about the most random things. Occasionally we giggle like children at the silliest tidbits that only the two of us find laughable.

It should be boring, yet, Gene never bores me out.

As the clock goes past three, I can feel my eyes getting heavier by the minute. I keep yawning and Gene immediately notices my drowsiness.

“You should get some sleep.”

“How about you?” I ask. “You have school tomorrow.” Speaking of which, I didn’t expect trapping in the janitor’s closet would be the last memory I have in that school.

“I’m already sleepy but you kept talking,” he yawns. ”Not that I’m complaining.”

I frown a bit. “You just did.”

He smiles a bit then lies down on his pillow, I follow suit as I stretch out a bit.

I scoot a bit closer to him and lie my head on his arm.

We haven’t slept together since 2nd Grade but for some strange reason, being next to him gives this familiar feeling of comfort.

He flinches a bit, staring at me with an indescribable expression before he smiles. 

“You sure are daring, Nina,” he muses.

“I know...just let me sleep,” I yawn one last time. “Good night, Gene.”

As I close my eyes, I can feel his eyes staring at my direction. Too tired to peek, I just address it lazily. 

“What?” 

My best friend doesn’t say anything yet I feel his hand slowly reaching out to my cheek and pinching it.

Real hard. 

“Ow!” I give him the “what the hell” look. “What g-gives?”

“Nina, whatever you do, don’t go defenseless like this with your new guardian just because you and I are used to each other’s skin,” he says as he smiles. 

“T-There’s no way I’ll do that to him!” Not in a million years especially when he hates my guts!

Gene just hums as he lies back on his pillow. “Good. Go back to sleep now.”

Like a spell casted on me, I did what I’ve been told as my eyes slowly shuts down, drifting to a deep slumber.

The last thought that comes to my mind is that hopefully I’ve already locked the door because otherwise, my mom won’t stop teasing us seeing us like this the next morning.

--

“So, this is it.”

Three days passed by in a flash and now at 9:15 AM, Gene and I are waiting at the bus stop. With me I carry only one travel duffle bag that has all the clothes I’ve got, my necessities and a picture of my mom, Gene and I.

Since I’m just staying with my future stepbrother for a year, I’ve already had my stuffed toys, presents and other clothes shipped to Spain.

Mom had prepared all of these for me.

Speaking of which, I remember the day before she left, she gave me a warm longing hug. I could feel her shoulders tremble when she told me that everything would be just fine and she couldn’t wait to see me during her wedding day.

Afterward, a night alone in my room made me feel empty. I never felt so alone in my own house. It was as if the house I used to call home no longer exists.

My loneliness didn’t last long when the next morning, Gene came knocking on my door so he could pick me up at the bus station. He is also willing to skip school for me, a rarity since he never plays hooky before.

“I’ll find a job,” Gene suddenly says, which interrupts my trail of thoughts. “And then I’ll go visit you there during Thanksgiving.”

I should be happy, really. But in this small town where everyone knows everyone, Gene Sullivan might not get a job easily here. “Is...is it possible?”

He nods, his green eyes showing a new side of Gene that I rarely see: determination.

As the bus arrives, and the door slowly opens in front of us, an impending uncertainty and fear await me.

But I shake those thoughts off as I give Gene one last embrace. It will etch in my memory before leaving.

“I’ll call you every day, I promise.” And I meant every word.

As I release him, he shows me a small black box and, before I could say anything, places it in my coat pocket. “Please take good care of this one, no matter what.”

“W-what?”

“Consider it as your birthday present.” Without warning, he gently pushes me inside the bus. I could almost trip if it weren’t for the iron bars next to the bus door.

I turn to look at him once more and he gives me a warm smile, waving a bit. “See you, Nina.”

“S-see you, Gene.”

And the door finally shuts.

As I enter the bus and walk straight to the available seat, I immediately slump down as I give a long dreary sigh.

Gene Sullivan is going to be alone in Freedomville. The more I think about it, the more I’ve become a worry-wart.

I need to stop thinking about it. I am the one who decided to live with Luca de Milano from now on.

Oh, right. Gene just put a black box inside my pocket. I take it out and examine its features: it’s nothing but a black small box that is usually meant for engagement rings.

Hesitantly, I open its lid.

“What the?” I blink thrice and take out what’s inside.

Inside the box is the silver cross necklace. A necklace that is very precious to him.

His brother’s necklace.