CHAPTER II

CHAPTER II: MEETING THREE CONSECUTIVE INTERESTING FELLOW STUDENTS

After I finished eating, I strolled around the school. I decided not to attend class yet, for there are two reasons. First, I can’t find my adviser. Second, whenever I tell them my section, they get scared and frightened, some even run away from me. It feels like Black Section is curse and its name is forbidden to mention it. Basically, I’m skipping class. This is good for me! I also don’t feel like attending class yet so I lose nothing. Of course, I’ll still attend classes but in the afternoon. Brother will kill me if ever he finds out that I cut class again. To avoid suspicion, I’ll attend my afternoon classes.

I’ve been walking around for an hour now. Damn, I think I’m lost. I furrowed my eyebrows because there’s an open space in between of all these huge buildings.

There’s literally a park in the middle of the school! Woah, Pedelton High School sure is a prestigious school. I should not have been surprised. The grasses, plants and bushes are color green and trimmed very well. Thus, this park is well taken care of. There are benches where in you can sit down and take time to relax. What makes the atmosphere more calming and fresher is the giant tree in the center. It’s not just a giant tree but it’s cherry blossom tree! It’s a good place to rest, its ambiance makes you comfortable and feel at ease. At long last, I have found a place where I can always hang-out! I wonder why there are no students here. This place is deserted. Tsk, they can’t appreciate the beauty of this park, they’re completely blind!

I walked in the park. Then, I sit down on the bench beside the giant tree. I close my eyes and feel the surroundings. I can hear the sound of the wind and the birds chirping. This refresh and clear my mind. The air isn’t polluted instead the freshness odor of the plants is surrounding the place. Last but not the least, the breeze of the air and the sound of someone snoring- what?

I opened my eyes. Someone is here but I didn’t feel his presence until now. My senses are sharp so normal person can’t hide from me but this person, I’m fully unaware of his presence the whole time, whoever he is, he can’t be underestimated. Where is he hiding? I want to meet this person! Focus on your surroundings, close your eyes and concentrate. Feel this person’s breathing and movement. I’m the only person in here so I can easily track this person.

“Mhm,” then something hard falls on the ground. Got you! I turned around and walked on the other side of the cherry blossom tree then I saw a student sleeping peacefully under the tree. A book is on top of his face and the other book is on the grass, maybe that book is the one that fell a while ago. From the looks of it, he’s sound asleep. Well, I can’t blame him. In this place, I can easily fall asleep. Just by looking at him, seems like I also want to sleep too. I yawned. I sat beside him and leaned on the tree. Maybe a nap will do, just an hour.

3 hours later...

I really did fall asleep. What’s the time? I rubbed my eyes. I touched my neck. It surprises me that my neck is not stiff because of my sleep position instead I feel very comfortable. What’s this? When did the tree become soft?

“It looks like you’re awake.” I opened my eyes and it revealed a man who’s reading a book. I just noticed that I was lying on his lap.

“How did I end up lying on your lap?” I asked.

“Are you too comfortable that you don’t want to get up first?” He glanced at me for a second then glanced at his book. I chuckled. Oho, he has a sharp tongue. From the outside, he looks like a nerd and nerds are usually silent and not talkative but when he opens his mouth, you feel the urge to punch him because of his words. If I’m a hot-blooded and impatient person, I will easily get offended to this guy.

“I’m an honest person so I will answer your question honestly. Yes, I am comfortable this way that I don’t want to get up!” I said and faced him. He closes his book and stands up. He didn’t give me a signal resulting my head to bump on the ground.

“Aw! You should have informed me!” I exclaimed while rubbing my head. Luckily, the ground is full of grass and it’s not cemented so I didn’t get hurt at all.

“Now that you’re awake, you should attend your class. I’m going,” he said. I stare at his back as he marches off. I meet another interesting fellow. I have to know his name at least.

“Hey! Can I get your name?” I shouted. He halted then he tilted his head side wards.

“Fergus.” So, Fergus is your name, such a brave name you have. Speaking of classes, I almost forget about it! I wonder what time it is, maybe it’s around eleven o’clock in the morning. That nap so far is one of best naps! It hasn’t been a while since I had a good nap because I always have a nightmare whenever I sleep. I hugged my knees; the memory of the past is still hunting me. I tap my cheeks; I should stop thinking negative thoughts that will ruin the day. It’s time to study now. But first, what’s the time?

1:00 p.m.

My eyes twitched as I saw the time. Damn, it’s already this late? I overslept! And that isn’t a nap at all, I sleep for seven hours! This is my fault. I slept late. That explains why I feel hungry as I wake up. I didn’t even eat yet or attend at least one class subject.

5 missed calls

4 messages

Uh oh, I’m so dead, really dead. I forgot about my brother! He supposed to give me back my bag at exactly nine o’clock. I gulped, I’m out of luck this day. My hands trembled as I checked the messages. Naturally, it’s all from brother.

From: Bro

I’m here.

sent 9:15 a.m.

Where are you?

sent 9:45 a.m.

I waited an hour for you :>

sent 10:01 a.m.

Here I am trying to be a good brother. Dear sister, I can’t wait you any longer so I just left your bag at the guard house. P.S: You made me wait. I wish you luck when you arrive home.

sent 10:07 a.m.

I hold the phone tighter. The more he’s calm, the more he’s angry. As the saying goes, “the calm before the storm”. I need to prepare myself when I go home. Definitely, he’ll take revenge. But before that, I’ll eat first. I’m feeling hungry! I noticed that all I did is eat when I stepped foot in the school grounds. Okay! The first thing I need to do is eat lunch then after that is, I’ll go and get my bag in the guard house.

I arrived at the canteen immediately because I’m already familiar about the insides of the school. Not like earlier, there are quite a lot of students but not to the point that the place is packed. There are still vacant seats to sit in.

“Hi, we meet again!” I said cheerfully.

“Oh! You are the student who got along with President Leo,” she said then smiled. President Leo? So, it means that Leo is the president of Black Section?! Why is she addressing him with high respect now?

“I’m still new so I get nervous whenever I meet him hehe. So, I am saying that please forget what happened earlier. I’m so embarrassed!” She scratched her cheek.

“If that’s your wish, okay then. What’s the menu for today?” I asked.

“We have barbeque, grilled pork stake, Cotoletta with potatoes, Kinilaw and Fajitas.” My mouth watered as I heard the food choices. I’m getting hungrier!

“I’ll order all,” I said.

“W-What? You will order all?” Her tone sounds unsure. I looked at her with a serious face.

“Do we have a problem in that…” I glance at her nameplate. “Aimee.”

She shakes her hands and replied, “no, no! Not at all. Your food will be served in a while. Please sit while you’re waiting.”

I’m in high spirits because of the delicious foods! I walked happily to one of the vacant seats.

“Lalala~ Wait for me barbeque, grilled pork stake, Cotoletta with potatoes, Kinilaw, Fajitas~” I sang. However, someone blocked the way.

“Look who we have here, a new face. Are you a transferee?” I looked at the student who talked. She’s nothing but normal. Hay, I thought she’s something special. What’s with her get-up? Pigtail hair, she’s wearing glasses, and her skirt is long, typical smart-a$s student but she has guts. I placed my hand under my chin and nodded. I bet she’s also grade conscious so she’s bullying students who are weaker than her and I’m the perfect victim for that. Even though she’s little taller than me, it doesn’t mean she can bully me!

“Yes, I am a transferee. I just transferred today. Please excuse me, I’m going to find a place to sit because I’m here to eat. Will you move? You’re blocking the way,” I answered and I was about to walk when she grabbed my wrist.

“Wow, for a mere transferee, you’re arrogant and confident. Let’s see if you can be arrogant and confident at the end. We’re in the same batch based on our uniforms but I stand above you because I’m from Class A, do you know what I’m saying?” She said as she held me tighter. I looked at her with a blank face and held her hand that’s holding my wrist.

“LET GO,” I said as I emphasized each syllable. Then, I hold her hand tighter resulting for her to wince. If this is the game you want to play, I’ll play this little game of yours.

“A-Aw… my hand! Let me go!” She tries to remove her hand but I only hold her hand tighter. I pulled her towards me and whispered to her ear, “who’s the one who said that you stand above me? I win so I guess I have the right to be arrogant and confident.” After that, I let her go.

“Is this how you greet transferees?” I asked, “then this is how I greet other students who tries to provoke me. I hope you like my gift.” Seeing her annoyed face, I chuckled.

“Y-You will regret this!” She commented.

“Hoho, I’m scared!” I said then I continued to walk and left her. I just noticed that we gained the center of attraction. Witnessing the scene, they already know that I’m not an easy one. They can’t bully me anymore because they saw my capabilities.

I sit on the corner side of the canteen so that I will not attract more attention. Right in time, everything I ordered is being served on the table. I breathe in, wah! This smell… is so goddamn good! All of you, come to my belly! I grabbed the spoon and fork and started to eat. I don’t care if I look like a hungry beast when I’m eating, what matters to me is to satisfy my hunger.

“You made quite a scene,” I continued to eat not minding the student who joined me. Then, looking at her, she has good looks. Does all of the students here are good looking men and women except for the one I met earlier, well, she’s average looking.

“If you’re here to bully me, let me finish eating first,” I said while I munched the pork. Then, she laughed. “Oh, no, no! I will not bully you. I am amazed by your courage! You’re the only transferee who dared to fight back.”

“I admired your courage and guts. Earlier, I will to step in if things go out of hand but you handled the situation without anyone getting hurt. I’m here to send my gratitude for what you did back there. Allow me to properly thank you,” she said.

“You’re welcome. That’s a normal thing for me to do. I call it self-defense. If she tries to harass me further, that’s where when things will go out of hand. Luckily, she backs down,” I said and squinted at her.  She flinched a little as she met my gaze then she went back on her usual self.

“Did I catch you off guard? Sorry for scaring you,” I said as I chewed the food on the plate.

“AWESOME! You are outstanding!” She exclaimed. I choked on her comment.

“Did I surprise you? Don’t die!” She grabs the glass of water and gives it to me. I didn’t hesitate and takes it. Quickly, I drink it.

“Phew! I thought I was a goner,” I said as I wiped my mouth using a handkerchief. Then, I look at her. “You’re an odd one. I’m sure that you’ll feel threatened not the other way around.”

She smiled and leaned closer. “At first, I can’t move when I met your gaze but when I recovered, I find you amazing! For some reason, I have a thing for strong people. I didn’t expect that I will find another strong people here, wait, I’ll rephrase that, you’re not just strong, you’re more than that, you’re a monster, a whole new completely another level!”

“Let’s talk after I eat,” I said and began to eat again. After five minutes, I finished all of the food served, there’s not a bit of leftover left. I rubbed my tummy and burped, “satisfied!”

“I’m done. Sorry to keep you waiting,” I said then I fixed my position.

“It’s okay! I enjoyed watching you eat,” she replied then smiled. She always smiles at me! She’s creeping me out.

“First of all, I want to thank you because you’re the first person in this school who find me strong. All of the people I interacted with are bunch of fools who underestimated me,” I said and grind my teeth.

“I’m honored. This may sound rude and sudden; can I be your friend?” She asked. I observed her face. Her intention is genuine, she’s not lying because her eyes speak of the truth and she’s nervous, maybe she thinks that I will decline her offered friendship.

I leaned closer. I find her odd and interesting. “Sure, let’s be friends,” I replied then smiled. Her eyes twinkle. Then, she slams the table and stands up. “Are you for real?!”

I nodded, “I am for real. I am Lunox Radcliffe. You are?”

“I’m Seleste Tatum, call me Sele!” I silently grabbed the fork without her noticing. In a swift move, I stand up and aim her hands which is on the table.

“Woah!” She exclaimed while she avoided her hand from being stabbed by the fork. She has fast reflexes, not bad. She left her seat. “What was that?! I thought we’re friends!”

“You pass. You’re qualified to be my friend, Sele.” I release the fork and sit down.

“Oh, so, you tested me. You almost gave me a heart attack!” She said then pouted. She goes back on her seat and pokes the fork.

“The fork is stuck!” She tries to pull it out but she can’t. “I can’t get it out!” added Seleste.

“Don’t waste your time pulling it out,” I said. She stops playing with the fork and fixes her position.

“Because you are finished eating, I’ll tour you around the school. I heard earlier that you’re a transferee. Let me be your tour guide!”

“There’s no need. I already memorized the structure and complex of the school.”

“Oh… You don’t need my help at all, I see…” She lowers her head. Damn, she becomes sad in a blink. I don’t want people to change their attitude towards me. I need to cheer her up. Then, I thought an idea. I scratch my head and speak, “I’m going to get my bag in the guard house. I have this habit of forgetting important things. Will you like to come with me?”

Her mood uplift again and her eyes twinkle as she looks at me. “Of course! I will follow you wherever you go!” Is this the right decision? Why do I feel like I will regret this later? Whatever, maybe I’m thinking too much.

“Then, let’s go,” I said and stood up.

“By the way, I already know you are strong and I admire you for that but the student you fought earlier is not a simple student. Don’t let your guard down,” she said.

“Is she some daughter of a rich family?” I asked.

“Most likely, she’s the daughter of good for nothing elite student who only knows to bully the weak.” I pulled her hair making her shudder in pain.

“A-AW! Why did you do that for?! This is simply bullying. I’m your friend, you don’t suppose to bully me,” she protested. I averted my eyes on the student who kept on following us. We made eye contact and she was shocked when our eyes met.

“Where are you looking- oh!” I glared at the student. She steps back and turns around then she runs away.

“Someone’s spying on us,” I said.

“Maybe daughter of good for nothing elite student ordered someone to watch us. She’ll find a chance to strike back, my friend. You have to be careful,” she said.

“Even if you don’t warn me, I’m always careful. Let’s not spoil the fun. Let’s change our topic and not talk about her.”

“Okay, as you wish, if that’s what you want,” said Seleste. Then, she clings unto my arm. We talk about a lot of things. Seleste is very talkative, I enjoyed her company. She tells a lot of funny and interesting stories.

In the back of my mind, I keep thinking about the spy. I have to take Seleste’s advice seriously. The student from before, there’s something weird about her. It’s better if I should watch her more. Maybe, just maybe, she’s related to him.

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