Chapter 1 - The First Day

"I never hated her. But, I just didn’t like her."

**

"Have a nice day," said the old man with a faint smile from inside the car. I replied with a smile before entering the school grounds.

"Tam!" A call made me look back and it was my best friend.

She gave a cheerful smile on his first day of school. Unlike me, who didn't give a happy expression at all. Because I'm upset.

"Is there anything that excites you more than your first day at school?" I asked to the point.

"Do you want to know?" This blonde hair girl even teased me back. She must have some appealing news.

"Of course," I replied as I walked to class.

“Emm… Tommy confessed his feelings to me last night.” The words that came out of my best friend's mouth made the corners of my lips lift.

I'm so happy for her, because I know how long she's been expecting it. But on the other hand, I feel sorry, because I have given the man I like to my best friend.

"You must be pleased. So, are you guys officially dating?” She quickly nodded.

"It feels like a dream," she said flowerily.

“But you must remember that Tommy is a popular man. So, sooner or later he will be liked by many women. You have to be prepared to prevent that.”

The originally radiant face became somber. Did my words make her sad? But! isn't that the reality?

"You are right! I have to be more careful!”

"Yeah, because that's the truth," I continued, putting my backpack on one of the benches in the classroom.

Brak!

The sound of the door being pushed hard made me stunned and when my eyes met the girl's, I immediately looked down. Oh, that's annoying. Are they our Army thugs?

"Hey, isn't that Liza?" said my friend who recognized one of the three women.

Liza? Impossible. Why do I have to go back to high school with her? I don't want to see her again though. Then, who are her friends?

"Oh, Tamara. Is that you?" Liza asked who knew where I was and unfortunately she started to approach me.

"Wow, how small is this world?" The question that came out with that sly smile made me a little annoyed. However, I couldn't reply at all.

"Do you know her?” The short hair girl asked Liza. I just hope she doesn’t say anything.

"Yes, I know him. Her name is Tamara and she is my middle school friend,” she explained with a scornful look at me.

"Oh nice to meet you. My name is Alexi and this one is Maria. Do you want to be friends with us too?”

I was silent for a moment. Before Liza gave me a condition with a nod. I obeyed.

"Oh, yes, I can," I replied forcefully.

"Lex, you should know that this girl is as crazy as we are."

"Is it true? That means it's good. We have a lot of compatible,” said Alexi who was pleased with Liza's words.

Gosh, what a match? I didn't even know her. Sometimes she said that.

"Oh yes, also introduce my friend Sandra. She was also Liza's friend in middle school."

"Oh, um ... nice to meet you!" said Sandra nervously.

"Oh, hi!"

They gave different expressions to Sandra. Is it because Sandra is unattractive? Hmm… I guess if I fished them out a bit, they'd be interested in Sandra.

"Do you know Tommy James?" I asked those still standing at the table.

"Isn't he the popular guy from the next class?" asked Maria back.

"That's right, and this Sandra is his girlfriend," I explained which made them immediately fall silent.

Sandra who heard my words immediately asked me out of the classroom. I could feel her grip on his hand so strong. Is she angry?

“Tam! Why did you tell them? Tommy will be furious if he finds out about the news!”

"Why should he be angry? Is he ashamed of you?”

Spontaneously those blue eyes stared at me and I knew what I said was too much. I approached her guiltily. However, the girl who was wiping her tears avoided me.

"Again your words hurt me, Tam. Are you actually mad because I took the guy you like?”

I just kept quiet, didn't respond to her words and slowly, I left her alone in the library corridor.

After school, I have to apologize to her. Otherwise, Mom would find out and nag me all night long. Oh, that sucks.

“Even when it comes to friendship, she manages it too.”

**

"San, look what I brought!" Surprised me as she handed me a bar of milk chocolate that she likes.

I purposely rushed to the cafeteria after hearing the recess bell ringing just to buy her some chocolate. I hope her will make up with me.

"What for? I'm on a diet." Annoying answer. But I can't swear for her.

“Hey, are you still mad? Even though I've been struggling to get to the canteen to buy this for you. Come on, don't be angry anymore!” I asked a little ignorant to bring the chocolate to her chubby cheeks.

"Huh, yes. I accept."

She is an easy girl. That's why I had no trouble persuading her. Ah, I don't know how long this friendship will last.

"Oh yeah, let's go to the cafeteria! We haven't had lunch yet," I asked while fixing my messy hair ponytail.

"No, I just want in class."

"Why?"

"Eat some chocolate."

"Eat it later. Let's have lunch first," I whined on his shoulder.

"Yes yes."

Finally she relented and accompanied me. She then quickly embraced my arm and instantly I could feel her fast heartbeat.

"Are you okay?" I asked which confused her.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked back and I immediately shook my head.

Maybe I'm overreacting a bit. But I'm feared about it. What's more, she's been silent ever since.

Arriving at the canteen, Sandra and I immediately took the food that was still served on the table. Today the menu is sandwich with juice and I’m so loved it.

"I think the food at this school is much better than in middle school," I joked to Sandra.

Prang!

"Oops."

"Ha ha ha …."

Oh shit! My new shoes got splashed by the girl's juice and again, Sandra and I also had to be a spectacle because of what she did.

“Tam, your shoes….”

"That's how it is."

My eyes then fell on the bespectacled girl who was still sitting on the floor. She with a sad look makes me a little sorry. Her clothes were all dirty from the spilled food and juice. Ah, at least she's even with me.

“Tam, I'm sorry for what happened to your shoes. Honestly, she's really clumsy,” sneered Alexi who had just finished enjoying her lunch.

She who sat not far from the scene was really relaxed looking at us. Likewise the other students, who just laughed and gossiped about the girl below me.

“You will get used to this sight, Tam. So prepare yourself," Alexi whispered in my ear before she left.

Even though she was alone. She is very brave to make trouble. Is there anything that supports her actions?

“Tam, let's go to the toilet! You have to clean your shoes,” said Sandra, gently tugging at my sleeve.

I nodded. Even stared at the girl for a moment. Oh, I'm so sorry. But, I refuse to help her.

"Come on!" take me to Sandra.

But before I left the cafeteria. I realized, that there was one person who kept looking at me. The man in the corner. Why does he keep looking at me?