One

Lunchtime feels so empty right now, I’m sitting at the same table with my two close friends, Britney and Nina. The two of them had already found their partners, because they were indeed older than me.

“Have you found your mate?” asked Nina with a faint smile.

I nodded.

“Oh, my God, really?!” they both exclaimed so gladly.

“He rejected me, and I don’t know why,” I said. 

“Who is he? Does he go to school here too?” Britney asked. I didn’t answer it and ignore it, but Nina already knew the answer.

“I thought it was because of Raflesia? Or Giselle? Lately they’re both close,” Nina sighed deeply. 

“Felix?” Britney asked, making sure.“ But, aren’t you two dating already? How could Felix refuse you?” 

“I don’t know.”

Nina and Britney looked at each other when they saw Felix and Giselle come out of a class while chatting. I sighed and stood up. I know maybe Felix and Giselle have a slightly special relationship because they are often together but, am I not worthy of Felix.

“Don’t fight in school or you will be punished by Ms. Rogue,” Britney whispered.

I let out a long breath. Staying in school isn't a good idea for me. I don’t like this. I hate the atmosphere that surrounds me at the moment. I went home immediately and cry as much as I could.

I went home and immediately went to my room, closing the door with a slight slam. I didn’t think that a relationship that had been two years could collapse because of Giselle’s presence? This is weird! Why is it that easy? They were close due to a project from Elder James.

“Sweetheart, what happened? Why did you come home earlier than usual, sweetie?” My mom opened the door slowly.

“It’s all right, Mom.”

“Then why are you crying?” asked my mom.

“I’m not crying, and I just think some dust got into my eyes.”

My mom entered the room and sat on the edge of the bed. “Have you met your mate yet?”

I nodded resignedly.

“Really, sweetie? I hope you two can be together forever, unlike your dad and me,” my mom mumbled, stroking my head.

“But, mom. He rejected me,” I whispered.

“Reject you? How could that be? Haven’t you guys met before?” my mom asked.

“I don’t know why Felix turned me down, mom.” I took a deep breath.

“Oh, honey.”

I got a warm hug from my mom, and she kissed my forehead softly. Tears were falling down my head, making my head spin.

“It’s okay, and there’s still time. Take it easy,” she whispered.

I sobbed in my mom’s arms. I don’t know until what time I cried and fell asleep. In the middle of the night, I woke up with an annoying pain in my stomach. I screamed and crumpled the sheets that were already drenched in cold sweat. This pain is more than just an ulcer pain. I got a hand from my mom.

I screamed in pain as I tried to explain what I was feeling at that moment. The pain was getting worse and made me jiggle here and there. I moaned in pain.

“Mom… please do something. This is so painful. Find a doctor or something,” I said through groans of pain.

My mom mumbled softly with a look that words couldn’t describe. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I can’t help you or find a doctor in the middle of the night like this.”

“Mom-”

She stroked my head and tried to calm me down, however. I really couldn’t stop feeling the pain.

“Mom, what exactly happened? Why is this so painful?” I asked in such a low voice.

“Your supposed mate is having sex,” she said.

“Then what should I do to relieve this pain, Mom? Please help me. This hurts so much!”

“Sweetheart, forget him. Accept his rejection,” he replied later.

I groaned even more when I heard my mother’s answer. I didn’t know whether to be so happy or sad because I would be living alone. I don’t know if I should accept Felix’s rejection or feel the pain worse than this. It’s just… can I live alone like my mom who was rejected by my dad?

+++

The sun rises on the eastern horizon and illuminates my room as if asking me to get up immediately. I sighed deeply as I tried to get out of my bed, and I saw a strange mark on my body. However, I didn’t know where it came from. I tried to think about it alone and didn’t tell my mom about it, because I understood she must have had a lot to think about.

I got up and immediately took a gray jeans and a red t-shirt. I will not take a shower this morning, I don’t need to shower regularly or look good in front of everyone. I will go to school as early as possible from now on, because since I don’t have a mate I don’t need that kind of treatment.

I quickly grabbed my backpack and immediately went to go downstairs. My footsteps echoed throughout the house, making my mother, who was in the kitchen, immediately turned to stop me.

“I made you a serving of your favorite spaghetti with cheese on top. Have breakfast first.”

Mom, I’m not in the mood to eat anything today, I complained to myself.

“Honey, are you still thinking about it?” asked my mom with worried eyes.

“No, Mom. I’m just not feeling well.” I shrugged.

“Would you like me to allow it to your teacher? You look pale and—”

“I’ll be in today, Mom. No need to worry.” I answered while walking to a dining table to eat his spaghetti.

“Honey, how are you feeling? Did you feel something odd?” he asked then.

Does she know the lines, I asked myself.

She looked at me a little scared.

I shook my head, “I’m fine, Mom.”

“Okay, but you really are okay, right?” She asked again with concern.

I nodded and smiled. “I’m fine, Mom. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Allright darling. I finished your meal and I’ll take you to school,” my mother mumbled.

I was shocked and shook my head, declining his offer. “No, Mom. You don’t have to take me.”

“You don’t have to take me to school, mom.” I smiled and gave her a big hug. “Mom, I’m fine. I don’t need a ride. I’m fine. I’ve got it.” 

I winked. “And I can take care of myself.” 

“Honey, I trust you. Besides, I think you need to find another mate.”