05

“All right, Kuya!”

“Kuya, let me join you in your motorbike!”

I stood up and bid my farewell. I walked away from there and bought a juice on my way out before walking myself to home. I forgot that I didn’t have extra money with me.

It was already late when I reached home. I stared at my phone and tried to contact Grant but to no avail.

I hang up immediately and place my phone inside my pocket.

While walking, I heard a guy’s voice near the garbage. I went near to where the voice is and I was surprised to see a guy, as if shocked as to why he’s in the trash.

Or was he mentally ill?

When his eyes caught me, he smiled at me.

I was wondering why he’s dress that way.

He’s wearing old clothes probably centuries ago. He has a long hair and is very good-looking. “Such a pity if he’s mentally ill…” I whispered to myself.

“M-me? W-what? Mentally ill? Are you crazy?” he shouted at my face. Maybe he’s not mentally ill, just… out of fashion.

He looked as awkward as he stated, “Can I go with you?” My eyes widened at his statement. I knew it, he’s a rapist!

“No! You can’t possible come with me.” I screamed and run as fast as I could. His eyes also widened at that and he tried to chase me.

“Wait up, miss! I need your help. I’m begging you.”

“Are you out of your mind?” I shouted and ran faster, “Stop chasing me!” I went left and used the shortcut way to our home.

I looked back to see if he was still chasing me but I stopped my track to see that he was gone. I felt my surrounding and went inside the house. A pinch in the cheek is what I got.

“You’re late again! Look at yourself, Sid. You look like… Tsk. Hurry up and take a bath. Eat before you sleep.”

“Yes, Mama. Thank you.” I entered my round and did what I had to do. I also ate and brush my teeth before resting on my bed.

I got my phone and tried to text Grant, aren’t he even worried about me?

Does he even remember me?

Me: Hi Grant, are you asleep now?

I asked. After quite some time, I’ve received a reply so my smile was so big and bright.

Grant: Yes, I’m already sleeping by now.

I smiled even more and slightly laugh at his playful remark.

Me: Will you go to school tomorrow?

Grant: Yes, Good night.

Me: Goodnight, Grant. Sweet dreams…

I shook my head as I turn off my phone.

I also turned off the lights and covered myself with the comforter.

I remember the guy a while ago. 

Am I going to tell Mama about it? What if he’s a bad person and killed me? At least Mama would have a clue as to who’s my murderer.

I slapped my forehead at how ridiculous my thoughts are. I may be overthinking…

I heaved a sigh and started to close my eyes until I was lost in my sleep.

“Sid, fix your necktie. Make yourself look presentable, not that you look one…” Mama stated and she went near me; she fixed my necktie for me. Do I really look like a war freak just because of my necktie?

“Now, you look more decent.”  Mama continued after he fixed my necktie.

“Is Daya ready, Ma?” I asked and we went out of my room.

“I’m not really sure because when I tried to wake her up a while ago, she just wouldn’t wake up. You can go ahead first.” I nodded at that and headed out first.

When I reach at school, I hurriedly went at our room. There were just a few of us so I seated at the last row where I am assigned to sit.

It’s kind of annoying that I always get assigned to sit at the last row. I don’t really care about the seating arrangement but in every recitation, I am always called first because I have the surname next to letter Z.

I felt my phone vibrated and I fished it on my pocket. It was Sarah, my girl friend.

Sarah: I’m near the gate. Wait for me at the entrance, please.

I shook my head and didn’t bother to reply. I stood up and went straight at the entrance to wait for her. My eyes widened when I’m about to come across Grant.

He’s walking towards the room still wearing his poker face, hands on the pocket and a lollipop in mouth.

I was panting hard when we were about to meet. My heart is beating excruciatingly as if it’s on a race.

What am I  supposed to do? Should I greet him? What if he’d ignore me? I pouted and continued walking, I’d greet him, and at least I tried.

"Hello, Grant. Good morning." I greeted with a smile but he just continued walking as if he didn’t heard me so I just stared at him as he entered the room and was out of my sight. I could still hear from here the scream of my girl classmates. 

I turned my back and started walking towards the entrance to wait for Sarah. After quite some minutes, she’s finally here.

“Hello, Sid! Why do you look so sad at this early morning?” she’s laughing why she asked me that. She raised her hand and acted to give me a high five but I just rolled my eyes. She placed her arm over my shoulder and we walked towards the classroom.

"What's the matter?" She asked and I couldn’t answer but a deep breath. I shook my head.

Sarah has been my friend since the eighth grade when she transferred at this school. We became close in an instant. She’s way prettier compare to me; with her natural wavy hair that doesn’t need to be curled, his tiny pointed nose, small and thin lips and soft face.

She’s also tall, almost as tall as me.

She pinched my at my waist when she didn’t get an answer with me, “Was it Grant again? Did he ignore you again?” She asked me. Aside from being beautiful, they are also rich. Her bags are all designer’s bags, her make ups, clothes…

“Yes, as usual. He didn’t even gave me a look and greeted me back” I stated with a wryly smile. She used her hands to make my lips form into a smile.

“You look like a duck when you pout, it doesn’t look good on you. Smiling suits you more.” she stated while laughing and pulled me towards the classroom.

As we entered the classroom, a lot were already there. Sarah seated at the first row and me, on the last row. I take a look at Grant’s seat before I seated on my chair.

My eyes caught the tons of gift beside the empty chair of Grant, maybe they were given by his fans.

I suddenly wonder the feeling when a lot of people admire you… a lot of people would look up to you and they’ll give you a lot of attention.

Maybe it’s overwhelming… and hard.