Chapter 14

I already got discharged from the hospital. My mom insisted me to take a rest and not go to class for a while. But I explained to her why I needed to attend my class, and thankfully, she listened to me.

"Hopie, just be careful, okay?"' My mom stood up and took one of her paint brush on our kitchen's countertop.

I know in myself that she is really sad and worried for my health being, at the same time I know she wanted me to enjoy my last remaining days here... with her.

I am now on my way to school. I have this unusual feeling since I am riding this bus all by myself. Stacey couldn't go to school with me, because she and her father visited their farm. I don't exactly know if she's just going to be late or will not entirely go to school today.

I felt like I am a loner... but I am a loner, or rather, was a loner. I heaved a long sigh and just plugged in my earphones and ignored this empty feeling.

When I got off the bus, I went to the side street. As I was walking, I saw Lucas came out of the bakery store, he looked at my direction but looked away immediately. I am not really sure if he saw me, he just stopped and was standing like a statue in the middle of the street.

When I was about to surpass him, he took my arms lightly.

"I knew it was you." He gladly said... now he is being weird.

"Yes. It's me." Then Lucas removed his hands on my arms.

"I was having a second thought if it was you, because you're not with Stacey." I chuckled, even Lucas noticed the unbreakable bond of me and Stacey.

"Anyways, you're okay now, right? Feelin' much better?" His eyes were full of concern. He was checking my temperature by putting the back of his hands onto my neck.

"Yes. I'm okay." I scoffed at him.

"Okay. I feel so relieved. Let's go walk to school together, master." I really hate the term together coming from him, and the master thing, it was like I was really really enslaving him.

While we were walking, Lucas was just telling me facts about him. He also told me about his French best-friend in this planet. I could sense that he was longing for him.

"We were just like you and Stacey. We were the best partners in crime, 'til, Anne, his mom, decided to go home in France." He scratched his nape. I actually don't know what to say to him.

"That's okay. You have, Nate." Even though I know in myself that he really wasn't.

"Oh, Nate. Of course." He just laughed awkwardly.

I wanted to tell him what I heard when I was behind that tree, but, I don't want to interfere on their own issues.

"How long have you and Nate been friends?" Maybe If I could not tell him, I'll just give him some advice.

"We became friends when I started to become a varsity. That was a year ago." I nodded. So I see, that's why it is easy for Nate to betray Lucas.

Lucas looked at me, as if he's not yet ready to share something to me.

"You know what, I respect your privacy, you don't need to—"

"I was just feeling a little off with the varsity team. It was like, yeah, we were all cool, but I can feel that when I am with them, I am not being true to myself." He then cleared his throat.

There's a sudden silence between us.

"Did I went overboard?" I looked at him, then saw him scrunched up his nose.

"No. It's okay." I just smiled at him.

"There! You smiled again. Cool." He just gave a short laugh and either did I.

_______

Our second subject just ended and I am wondering why is Stacey still not here. I guess she wouldn't come to school today after all.

I fixed my things before leaving the classroom.

I was about to go to the library but when I reached second floor. I think I saw someone familiar to me and I just can't figure it out who.

The lady walked farther to my direction. I swear, she's very familiar to me.

I brushed off the thought and just made my way to the library.

When I reached the library, I picked the table afar from the students. I sat down and plugged in my earphones, then started playing some instrumental songs.

I took out the new book that my mother bought me. It was entitled: Cast a Spell on Me; it was a fiction-fantasy book.

I was indulged reading the story when someone poked my shoulder. I looked up to see Lucas, waving his hands at me.

He's with his varsity friends.

"Hey mas—" I eyed Lucas, not in front of his so-called friends.

"—Layna. Stacey's still not here?" I just shook my head as an answer. His friends were just looking to the both of us.

"Uhm... these are my friends." Lucas pertaining to the people at his back. "This is Calvin, our team captain." Lucas pointed to a somehow muscular but not that tall tanned guy. Calvin gave me his wide smile, and I just nodded.

"This is Nate." Yeah, I know that guy. But not that know know. If you know what I mean. He's hair still semi-shaved and he has the same built with Lucas.

"This is Alayna, bro? Man." I don't know what's with the tone of his voice... he laughed then offered his hands to shake. But I was caught off at the moment and just stared at his hands.

Why was he laughing again?

Lucas just slapped Nate's hand. "Eh, Okay, Alayna. See you later after class." Lucas and his friends then left.

Well... that was awkward.

After half an hour, I went back to our classroom for our last subject. My classmate told me that tomorrow we'll start rehearsing for the musical play. Then I thought, I just got out from the hospital... what if?

I shook my head to brush off the thought. I will be more careful this time.

I sat down on the back row, and the exact time our teacher went in.

It is our Music Theory I, we were discussing about 'Hamilton'. When Ms. Dane, our teacher, said the word later, I remembered something... Did Lucas said earlier that he'll see me later after class?

I hid my cellphone under the desk and texted him right away.

✉️ Me 

Subject: No Subject

For what? (delivered)

14:30

After just a few moments, my phone vibrates.

✉️ Lucas At-Your-Service Nielsen

Subject: You texted me, cool!

For what what, master? (seen)

14:30

I glanced on Ms. Dane who keeps on discussing before I replied to him.

✉️ Me

Re: You texted me, cool!

See me later after class? (delivered)

14:32

I placed my cellphone under my notebook and tried to listen to Ms. Dane. It is really hard to focus when something's bothering you.

It's been five minutes, but still, no reply from him. I closed my eyes, forcing myself not to get irritated with this guy.

Inhale. Exhale.

Our class with Ms. Dane ended 30 minutes earlier.

When I went out of the room, I checked my phone once again. Still no reply.

Ugh!

Wait.

Why am I so frustrated? I shouldn't be. Maybe I should just go home and rest.