Liam walked behind me as we got off the trambus. He usually got off before me, so why was it different today, of all days when my skirt was stained?
Now, he must have seen everything—the blood slowly seeping through... the stain on my skirt. No!
Now, he'd probably think his conscience had been right all along—that I was a stupid, dirty girl. What a watchdog!
Maybe I should think of a way to hide this embarrassing situation as we walked into the school.
Just as I was about to turn around anxiously, he wrapped his hoodie around my waist. His fingers accidentally brushed against my chest, sending a strange ticklish sensation through me.
Suddenly, it felt as though a shield had covered all my shame, embarrassment, and anxiety.
"You should go to the washroom," he said.
I nodded, looking up at him, too speechless to respond.
"Your friend will get you some sanitary supplies," he added before walking away.
I hurried to the washroom and cleaned myself up immediately. His hoodie smelled like lemonade, just like he always did.
Ahh... such a fresh scent!
But... maybe Liam isn't that bad after all, even though he always wears a long face. Humph...
Then, there was a knock on the door.
"Chloe?" That was Lily's voice.
Relieved, I rushed to the door. I opened it and saw Lily holding a package.
She grinned and winked at me. "Your soulmate bought these for you. Hurry up and clean yourself so we can get back to class before the principal catches us here."
Curious, I took the package from Lily and quickly shut the door.
"I'll be done in a minute."
I placed the package on the sink and opened it.
Pads? Sanitary wipes? Panties?
Wow!
How did he know I needed all these?
**********
After I was done in the washroom, Lily and I walked back to the classroom, with Liam's hoodie still tied around my waist.
"He asked me to take him to the nearest clinic so he could buy those sanitary supplies for you. Don't you think he likes you, even though he always pulls a long face?" Lily asked.
I shook my head.
"I'm just his watchdog. He should take care of his watchdog too, right?"
"Oh, come on, girl! You two should just break the ice and tell each other how you really feel. Who knows how long you've both been hiding your feelings?"
I glanced at Lily.
"What feelings? You mean he likes me just because he gave me his hoodie and bought me sanitary supplies?"
Lily nodded eagerly.
"Only a few boys would do that, even for their girlfriends. See why I keep saying he's your soulmate? I don't think he hates you anymore. He's just hiding his feelings." She smiled proudly. "And as a future psychologist, I know what I'm talking about!"
I shook my head.
"I think your psychology is wrong. He's always been clumsy, not someone who's hiding feelings for me. If he feels anything toward me, it's part-time hatred, to be honest. That's all I know. I can never believe he likes me because I still remember what he told me when we were kids..."
I lowered my voice.
"'Chloe, you're ugly. I hate you. Stay away from me.'
"I still remember those haunting words."
Lily sighed.
"Calm down, girl. I understand. Just let fate decide."
I sighed.
"I think you should create some time for just the two of you. Ask him serious questions. Maybe... he'll finally tell you something."
Wasn't she actually making sense now?
I nodded.
"I'll try. Thank you, Lily."
She smiled.
"What are friends for?"
**********
Under the orchard tree, Liam stood with his arms folded across his chest.
"Why are we here?" he asked.
I smiled.
"Thank you for lending me your hoodie and buying those sanitary supplies for me. How can I repay you?"
"I don't need any repayment." He shifted his gaze toward the distant school building.
"Can I go back to class now?"
He turned to leave.
I hurried in front of him.
"No. I want us... to talk. Please."
He stared at me expressionlessly for a moment before reluctantly walking back to the bench.
I sat a few inches away from him, trying to think of the right way to begin such a serious conversation.
I cleared my throat and looked at him. I caught him swallowing hard, his Adam's apple bobbing.
"Liam..." I stuttered, my heart racing faster than a cheetah. "Do you really hate me?"
He looked at me quickly. For a second, I thought he was about to say he liked me.
Instead, he smirked and shook his head.
"I do. What else do you want to ask?"
He... hated me?
So Lily was wrong?
My eyes became moist. I clutched the hem of my skirt.
"What did I ever do to you?"
He said nothing, only looking away.
Finally, he spoke.
"Who's your counselor?"
Counselor?
"W-What are you talking about?" I stammered.
"Who gives you advice?" he asked.