The Unpaved Road to the Stars

Episode 1

Flicker of light. That's what I see, that's how I see it. All this vehicle passing with the speed of light. Seconds later, the green light that will turn red. People walking and crossing the busy street. With different clothes and attire, different expression and moods, and different directions they take.

I wonder... What's on their mind right now? What are they thinking? How are they feeling right now? Are they happy? Are they in a hurry? Do they feel that the path they are taking right now is the right one? Do they know where is the right direction?

Enchanted... It's fascinating to think that this very road in front of me... This chaotic road witness every feeling, every hurry, and every emotion the passers feel without anyone showing and telling about it.

"And we danced all night to the best song ever

We knew every line, now I can't remember

How it goes but I know that I won't forget her

'Cause we danced all night to the best song ever," I sang along with the song while my earphones are still plugged on my ear. I never averted my gaze on the busy and chaotic streets of Carrington.

I even imagine myself dancing right now as I eat the tapa(beef) from my plate.

The nearly ending song stopped because of an incoming call.

Aly Calling...

I wonder why my friend is suddenly calling. What happened? The days she calls me were ranging from zero to none. I even doubted that my number is registered on her phone.

I swallowed the last piece of meat and drink my water. Then, I answered Aly's call.

"Hello," I greeted her, still looking outside.

"Where are you?! Are you still going to class?!" her tone is a little hysterical while asking.

My brows furrowed, "Of course, why are you even asking?"

I heard noises from the other line, sound of people walking around with the people I'm currently talking to.

"My God! What do you mean "Why"?! Do you know what time is it?! It's time for our second subject, Nali!"

It takes a while before I process what she said. Holy molly. I forgot to keep track on the time again! I'm good as dead now!

"Bye," I immediately said and ended the call quickly.

I promptly get my bag and my id hanging on its strap.

I put the empty glass on top of the plate before I came rushing for the front door of the eatery.

"Aling Cely, thank you po!" I thanked the owner of the eatery, she's in the cashier giving change to a customer.

She looked at me, "You little kid. Be careful, Nali!" I heard her shouted her goodbye as I close the door.

I swiftly run towards the pedestrian lane to cross the street. I am panting when I stopped because of the green light. Catching my breath for a second, before gazing at the descending number on the traffic light.

10...

9...

8... Oh, Lord!! This darn numbers! Are they slowing won on purpose?!

7...

6... I looked at my surrounding.

5... Many people are getting impatient like me.

4...

3... On the other side of the road...

2... The same scenario. I stare in daze with the people in front of me.

1...

I sprint like a runner, not minding the people walking towards me.

"This time I'm ready to run

Escape from the city and follow the sun

'Cause I wanna be yours

'Cause you wanna be mine"

I laugh a bit with I hear the chorus part of the song of my favorite band. My earphones are still plugged on my ear. What a fool.

Seriously? Is this some kind of joke? Am I filming a movie here?

I looked around. Despite the running, despite the busy street with the busy people, everything starts to slow down. Slo-mo.

I smiled softly when something crossed my mind. I thought about the unanswered questions I got earlier while on Aling Cely's eatery.

I wonder... What do people around here really feel? Are they happy? Do the busy streets fascinates them too? Are these paved roads the right path they are taking? What awaits them at the end of it?

"Oh my!" I got back from my reverie when someone bumped into me causing me to fall on the asphalt ground.

"Sh*t! Are you okay?" a baritone voice asked me.

I suddenly stopped moving. Am I okay? That's the question I always ask myself.

"Miss."

"Miss!" I jumped a little because of the shock. I'm spacing out again. My eyes turned to the guy who bumped into me.

His brows were furrowed as he looked at me while squatting in front of me.

"I- uh... Uhmm," I'm starting to get nervous. God! I'm not good at talking with others.

"I'm fine."

"D*mn!" A curse escaped my mouth when I remembered the reason why I'm running. I'm late for the second subject! I stand up immediately then I ruffled my skirt that got some dirt from the pavement.

Fetching my bag nervously that fell along with the earphones—still connected on my phone.

Then, I went back to running.

My feet slow down when I realized something, I looked back in the middle part of the road, the part I bumped into someone earlier.

"Sorry!" I shouted, regardless if that guy would hear it or not. I even forgot what he looks like.

I began to ran again towards the tricycle terminal that will drive me to school.

My eyes widened like those of an owl when I saw that the only tricycle just left.

"Kuya wait!" I tried to call the driver but my voice got drown with the sound of the vehicle on my side.

I checked my wristwatch. 2:10. I'm dead. If I wait for another ride to come, I'll reach the school on my third subject.

Looking ahead the road leading to our school. Lord, give me strength. I started running. Again. I sprint as if the devil is chasing me.

After 10 more minutes, I catch a glimpse of the tall gates of our school.

Calais City Academy.

The words are carved in the arc part of the tall classical gate.

I dash towards our building.

The guard shouts, calling me, "Hey kid! Where is your ID?! Hey!" Sorry, sir. I'm running late today.

"M-Ma'am, sorry I'm l-late," I'm looking at the floor when I reached the door of our room. It's even in the fourth floor!

My classmates' laughter filled my ears. I raised my head, my teacher isn't here!

For a second there, I forget to catch my breath. When I reach my assigned seat, I sit immediately.

"Hahaha" in my right side, Noe can't stop laughing. You really find it funny, sis?

It's embarrassing. I'm so freaking embarrassed right now. I don't even know if I'm glad the teacher isn't here or not. By the way, where is she?

"There's an urgent meeting among the teachers. The whole period and the next one is vacant. We won't leave this room for today, our last subject will be held here as well," Aly explained as if she read my mind.

I just nodded then turn to the window beside me. Even here, I can still see the road. I look up to see the cloudy sky today.

Slowly, I close my eyes as I rest my chin on the back of my palm. I feel the cold breeze coming from the outside. I nearly forget the experience I had earlier because of the calming feeling the air and the sunlight give me.

"So handsome."

"Faye, look! That's the guy you like."

"Hey, I know that guy."

"He's in college, right?"

"Dude, what's up?"

My eyes opened when I heard the voice coming from the door,"Excuse me, is this Section B?"

"Yes, can I help you?" Night, the class president politely asked.

"Is Inara Araceli Ferrer here?" My eyes flew from the window to the door because of the guy's question.

Hey, that's my name.

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