Chapter Twelve- Cherry On Top
"You alright Avery?" Leila peered over me in concern, her head slightly tilted while she eyed me intently. "---you've been staring into nowhere with your eyes looking like you haven't slept in days."
"Yeah," May chimed in, emerging, and resting her chin over Leila's shoulder, her brows scrunched up. "---you didn't even brush your hair. It's all tangled."
"You sick?" Rhea leaned over the wall, her body pressed against it with her arms folded to her chest. "---we can bring you to the clinic."
Well, if someone told me people would be worried about me, then I would've busted into fits of laughter. Seeing as they seemed to care about me—when I just didn't sleep, was...heart-warming.
I couldn't sleep last night, knowing that I was the reason who opened up Oskar's scars and secrets buried deep inside his chest that he never told anyone. If I was a bit more sensitive, then I shouldn't have asked. I didn't expect him to cry or even show his weakness to me. He was always smiling, poking fun at me and letting me do whatever I pleased; yet I couldn't do the same for him.
My hands clenched into fists as I placed them on my lap in shame. It didn't help that I didn't have the courage to find him or even ask if he was fine---because truthfully, it wouldn't get better over just some tears spilled. It was his reality. An ever-going cycle that would slowly kill him inside.
"Hey, I uhm, brought some melon bread," a hand appeared in front of me, his hands reached out with a single melon bread that still looked steaming hot and fresh out from the batch.
One thing is that the cafeteria is like a jungle; things get sold out in seconds and you'd have to push people to make it to the top to even garner the staff's attention and buy the food you wanted. That's why I never bought anything from the cafeteria. It's also one of the reasons I felt more burdened when Tom handed me over the melon bread he probably worked over.
I faintly smile, taking the bread off his hands, our hands slightly brushed against each other causing a static reaction. It couldn't also be helped that the three in the side let out small howls like they were watching some show. "Thanks. I'm fine. You guys are acting as if I have a grave sickness."
"Well, you look down," Rhea pointed out. "---and of course as friends, we were worried about you."
I blinked, feeling my ears ring when I heard her say "friends." So we're friends? Maybe we are. I cracked a smile, slowly peeling the wrapper off the bun and stopped once I found everyone's eyes were watching me like scarecrows. I raised a brow. "Please. I know you guys are worried, but don't stare at me."
May raised her hands in mid-air, taking a step backwards. "Alright. Then we'll leave you two to it."
"Lovebirds," she cheekily grinned with malice.
"Just call us if you need help Avery," Leila smiles, slamming her hand in May's mouth to shut her up.
"Get well, Avery," Rhea chimed in, planting her feet on the wall, and kicked herself off the wall. "---hope you'll solve whatever problem you're having."
I nod, taking their compassionate remarks to consideration while they bid farewell, heading towards the door---probably to the bathroom.
My eyes unraveled to find Tom smiling at me that his smile reached up to his eyes. He utters, might I say, in a bubbly tone. "I'm glad you met great people, Avery. That was nice of them."
"Well, they befriended me, so I can't take their credit," I mused, taking a small nibble off the melon bread and my mouth immediately waters from the soft and chewy texture.
It was so delicious that I couldn't help but take another hasty bite, my cheeks filled up with the bun. Tom lightly chuckles, pointing at my puffed cheeks. "Calm down. No one's taking it away from you."
I shot a short glare at him, before ignoring his light banter and nibbled another bite, this time more slowly.
"Hey Avery," his gaze softens as he glanced at me. "---if you need someone to listen, I'm here."
I know that. You're always there for me, so I know that you'd be there to listen to me. In my moment of weakness and whirling of emotions that I blurted out without thinking. "It won't be a burden?"
He blinks, surprised by my soft reply---which was usually replied in groans and snarky remarks. He composes himself, shaking his head profusely. "No, no."
I felt like shit for what I did. I knew it wasn't my fault, but I still couldn't help but think it was. Maybe I'll feel a bit better if I confide to someone. I heaved a sigh, letting my ego down just this once. Besides everything that happened, Tom was and is my friend, so I don't need to be wary. "Then, mind listening?"
"Ye---"
"Hey Avery!" a voice interjects whatever he wanted to say. Waving her hands with a wide, foolish grin and with people towing beside her, Emily finally reaches our spot together with some strangers I don't know and some familiar faces.
My brows scrunched up in confusion. What was she doing with these people? And why are they standing in front of my seat with their eyes almost pleading like a puppy wanting a treat.
It's fishy. Right. This is Emily we're talking about. She probably had a plan in mind.
She bent her arm and pointed a finger towards the people standing a few inches from me. With a mischievous grin, she started. "They need your help."
"What?" I was flustered. For what?
"Uhm, Emily said you were good at English," one girl piped up from the back, both hands pressed onto her chest with a notebook and pen. That explains why they were bringing textbooks.
I widened my eyes at Emily threateningly. With a grunt, I replied. "What is this? I never agreed to anything!"
"Oh come on, Avery," Emily casually shrugged, eyeing me nonchalantly. "---we both know you were going to say no if I asked. Plus, we should help people in need."
And why did she even say I was good at English? I wasn't! I only read dark humored books for fun---John Feat's poems and some couple of stuff---but that didn't mean that I was good at English!
This was another one of her schemes to get me to befriend these people. It was always her motive.
To other people's eyes it was admirable; helping an outcast make friends. But to me, that was unnecessary. I'm trying my best to put things behind and just because people are more accepting of me doesn't mean that I'd instantly want to be friends with them.
It's like when you've asked forgiveness to a best friend you've wronged for years ago. You two may have apologized and set peace between one another, but things won't be same. You can't just become best friends again. That's what will also happen here.
A hand clasps my shoulder. I cast a side glance to Tom who smiled at me in encouragement. It was in the way of how he looked at me that made me resigned. His eyes were saying, "You can do it." And the idiot me who had a crush on him, deep inside, didn't want to disappoint him.
Ugh. I hate crushes.
I pursed my lips to my distaste. "Fine."