We would be back to being awkward after a vacation. My best friend who always sticks to me transferred to another school and I haven’t seen him since then. They always tell me that they are comfortable around me and they like being friends with me.
‘I don’t want to bother you anymore so I will see you tomorrow. Goodbye.” he said
“Bye.” I said before ending the call.
I decided to save his number because he might send a message or call again in the future. It would be embarrassing if I would ask him again who he is. I was about to put down my phone when it rang. A new number was calling that made me wonder who it was this time.
“Hello. Who is this?” I said
“Hello. It’s Henry.” He said before ending the call
“What was that about?” I said to myself
Why would he call then end the call after saying his name? I ignored it and went to take a shower. My phone was ringing as soon as I got out of the shower. Who is it again? I grabbed my phone to answer the call when it stopped ringing. There are a lot of missed calls from the number that Henry used to call. I dialed the number thinking that he had something important to say.
“Hello. Do you have an important thing to say? You have a lot of missed calls.”
I spoke as soon as he answered the call. I can’t remember any homework or group work that we need to do together so I can’t understand why he would call a lot of times.
“I haven’t talked to you about what happened last week yet. I didn’t know they would attack you because of our friendship.” he said
“That’s why you shouldn’t stick too close to me.” I told him
“What?!” he said
“Don’t pretend that you didn’t hear what I said. It’s better if you will make friends with them?”
“What did you say?” he said again
“A lot of our classmates like you, you already know that fact. If you keep on being close to me then they won't keep still.” I told him
“Stop telling me that or I will never talk to you ever again.” He said in a pissed voice. He hates it when I tease him about the people who have a crush on him.
“That would be good news for me. Shall we do that?” I said again
He ended the call after what I said. I smiled because I knew that he was annoyed by what I said. I smiled as I lay down in bed because everything is now going back to normal. I will just wait for the apology but if they wouldn’t do it then it is already up to them. I decided to continue the sketch of the flowers I started in school. I checked my bag but I couldn't find it. My heart started racing and eventually sank when I brought out all my things, turned my bag upside down and I couldn't see it.
The sketchbook is one of my precious possessions so not being able to find it is making me lose my mind. I keep on trying to remember where I left it but I can’t seem to remember. I am hoping that someone found it and will give it back soon. I have my name written on the cover so there would still be a possibility that I will have it back. I was tossing and turning the whole night because of my lost sketchbook. I went to school the next day having dark circles due to the lack of sleep.
“Good morning.” Allyson said in an energetic voice as soon as he came inside the room.
“Good morning. You’re very energetic and early today. ” I smiled at him
He sat down on his chair and moved it near my chair. He suddenly leaned closer and touched my face.
“What are you doing?” I nudged his hand.
“Hmmm. I don’t really know if I’m correct but why do you look so exhausted?”
“Huh?” I said
“Your face looks different today.”
“Excuse me?” I said since I know that I don’t normally get eyebags even if I lack some sleep.
“Maybe I am seeing things. Wait, let me ask Jackson.” he said
He went out after that and came back with Jackson and Henry. The three of them approached me with wide smiles and curiosity. I sighed as they stared at me with interesting looks.
“What now?! What are you going to use and make fun of me now?” I glared at them
“Yeah. She does look different. She looks exhausted.” Jackson said
“Or maybe we didn’t notice that she really doesn’t look young before.” Henry said
“Are you saying I look older?” I hissed at Henry
“I didn’t say that. You said it yourself.” He smiled
I frowned at them so they left me laughing. How dare they say that I look older. I don’t really mind but they are trying to make fun of me again. I know that I look exhausted since I didn’t really sleep well last night but it shouldn’t be that obvious. I still felt uneasy since I can’t remember where I had left my sketchpad.
As days go by, some of the girls who confronted me started saying sorry because they can see that there is nothing going on with me and the boys. I couldn’t be more thankful since they approached me first. I decided to forgive them and forget about what happened. Some of them even started to be friends with me.
I also lost hope that my sketchbook would be given back so I decided to use a new one. Months have already passed by but it hasn’t been returned yet.
One day Allyson was late after the lunch break and was all sweaty and catching his breath when he came inside the room. Our teacher was already in our room and didn’t speak when he came in. Allyson sat down on his seat and then leaned closer to me again.
“Do I smell bad?” he asked
I’m already accustomed to it since he always asks me to smell him if he comes inside the room sweaty. He doesn’t really have a body odor but he is still concerned about how he smells.
“No, you smell fine. Don’t worry. Here wipe your sweat.” I said handing him facial tissue
“Thanks.” he said then wiped his sweats
“What are you doing there Allyson? You came in late and then have the nerve to disturb your classmate?!” the teacher shouted
“Ha! He is bored again and wants some attention.” Jackson whispered
I opened my eyes wide to stop him from speaking since we all know that the teacher doesn’t really like them. We all don’t know why he is always mad at them. I looked back at Allyson to stop him from talking back while shaking my head.
“If you're not late in the class, you are always sweaty and disturbing your seatmate. You and Jackson should mind your manners.” our teacher said again
I can see Allyson clenching his hand to stop himself from talking back. All of our classmates are quiet but most of them have their heads down or frowning to express their disgust. The teacher then focused on the lesson and let us read the story that he had given. Our lesson was almost over when he started talking again.
“You know what Allyson if you’re not interested or don't care about your lesson then don’t attend my class. You’re always making trouble for yourself.” he said
He keeps on saying a lot of things that Allyson erupted in the end. He made a fist and was shaking. Jackson was also the same but I held his hand to stop him. They might get into more trouble if they talk back and show some arrogance. I have my attention on Jackson that it was too late for me to stop Allyson.
Allyson was standing with a clenched fist while glaring at the teacher. The teacher who was about to move near him moved back. Allyson is taller and bigger than our teacher and he wouldn’t have a chance if Allyson attacked him.
“Allyson, don’t do it. It’s not worth it. Just ignore him” I whispered to him
I’m not sure if Allyson can hear what I am saying since he did not respond. I held one of his hands to unclench it but he is very firm.
“Look at him backing away. He keeps on hating us but is too cowardly for a confrontation.” Jackson said while gritting his teeth.
“Stop it. Control yourself. We have to control Allyson. I can’t deal with the two of you alone so please.” I said glaring at him. He shut his mouth and breathed deeply. I faced Allyson again and nudged him to sit down.