Noah Confesses, Wrong Girl!
THE NEXT DAY AT SCHOOL
9:00 AM
CLASS 11-MARIGOLD
Free and I sit a little sore in our seats. My legs feel wobbly and I have a hard time waking up this morning.
Free groans and gently stretches her shoulder joints.
Orlando
I told you guys not to push it.
Ollie also is no exception.
He's been rotating his arms.
Free
Shut it. Weren't you the first to drop after running the last lap?
Lara
What happened to you guys? You look terrible.
We notice Lara standing next to our seats, and Noah not far behind her.
Free and I eye each other.
Lara
It's not what you think.
She leans slightly and whispers.
Free tugs on me lightly and Noah appears in front of us.
Noah's eyes darts from us to Lara. They share a moment for a while and suddenly looks away.
Free
She didn't tell him but I can tell something happend between them.
Free whispers and I nod, agreeing.
Both of them take their seats.
Noah
You alright Ollie? You look exhausted.
Orlando
Blame these two. They're inhumane.
Noah chuckles and shakes his head.
Erika
Did you drop Lara safely last night?
Free
Nothing. Guys usually fall for her immediately after talking to her.
You had that time with her last night and you're still on your feet.
Orlando
Noah may look fragile but he isn't someone who just gives his heart away.
Free
Hooo, what was that? That was cool just now.
Lara must have heard. She begins to fidget with her fingers.
My phone vibrates and I receive a text from an unknown number.
I click it open.
It's a message from Mckella, asking to meet in the campus parking lot at lunch. He gives me the car name and plate.
I sigh and reply, asking him what he wants.
I sigh, I'm seventeen and thinking of my first murder.
Free
Hey, you alright? Who was that?
I turn to the door and find Mckella in his usual extrovert self. He gives me a single glance and then back to his friends.
I meet Mckella in the parking and find the car he describe in his text. I knock on the passenger seat and he rolls the window down. He gives me a wave and unlocks the door.
I check the back before I go in. It's empty.
I slide in the passenger seat and keeps the windows halfway down.
"You're modest as always," He smiles.
Erika
Just get on with it, what do you want?
"This is a business idea proposal. I want you to put in a good word when you present it to Theodora," He says and hands me a yellow folder.
Erika
Are you a thug?
You call her name as if you're in the same calibre. Show some respect.
He gulps and loses all colors in his face.
"So-sorry. Right, please put in a good word for me when you hand this to Ms. Mansser," He repeats and I take the folder.
I un-clasp the thread lock and he stops me.
"What are you doing? It's not for you to see," He says, angrily.
Erika
Duh. If you want me to put a good word into it then I should atleast review the contents.
I can't give my mother something I know she wouldn't approve.
He yields and stays quiet. I open the envelope and find his report.
I read it silently.
Erika
I can't believe I'm missing lunch for this.
"Well?" He asks, anxiously.
I look at him, feeling sorry.
Erika
But it's not bad either. Maybe polish your calculations on your audience targets, they don't look realistic and convincing. Have you done enough research? Consulted enough people?
Erika
...And your chosen suppliers look really expensive. They seem shady to me, have you met them in person and discussed matters with them?
"What are you talking about? It's only an idea of what I envisioned, it's not the whole picture yet," He chuckles nervously.
Erika
Then this is good as garbage.
"Excuse me? I worked the whole summer for that, day and night!" He scoffs. "Who are you to tell me that it's garbage?"
Erika
You didn't know? I'm Erika Mansser.
Erika
Now let me out before I break your face.
He scoffs and I reach for the pen pinned on my blazer.
"All I'm asking is-"
Erika
Look, I said it's not bad. But there are details lacking, if you could just polish it more, correct your calculations and check your statistics then I'll be able to accept it.
"This is ridiculous! I don't need your insight! Just get it to your mom," He pushes.
Erika
My mom isn't some amateur, if you're that confident to give her this piece of crap then you don't respect her at all.
Erika
If you won't re do it, give up. She'll never spare time for this crap you call business.
I say and throw him his folder back.
He sighs and clicks the locks. I reach for the door quickly and go out.
I feel the air completely and it relieves me.
"Hey Eka," he calls but I don't stop.
"You keep going and I'll send this to your mom," he says and I get curious, but I keep going.
"You talk about respect when you see your father and his other family behind your mother's back!"
I stop. I stagger for a bit.
My fist clenches and I try hard not to break the pen in my hand in half.
"Let's talk Eka, come back," He says gently and I do as he says.
I return to him and keep a safe distance. He holds his phone out and I see the picture of me, my dad and his new family having dinner outside.
He chuckles darkly and turns off his phone. He shoves it back into his pocket and reaches the folder out for me to take.
Erika
This is so you Mckella. You ram into a corner with nowhere to go so you resort to blackmail and threats.
"I'm asking nicely but you always twist me," He says.
Erika
I'm not the one who's twisted.
Erika
And anyway, I'm used to your shits.
Erika
I stopped being afraid ever since you ruined me from Castle.
He snorts, "What are you talking about?"
Erika
Don't feign. I know it was you.
He clicks his tongue, "That was already four years ago! And the misunderstanding was cleared! Don't tell me you still hold a grudge against that?" He chortles.
Erika
I've only learned. I lost everyone that time.
"C'mon! Being a drama queen doesn't suit you!"
Erika
You're right. I'm the antagonist.
"What the heck?" He whispers incredulously.
Erika
So go ahead, send it. She's still my mother after that.
But you...
Erika
You were nothing to her and you'll still be nothing.
I give him a sweet smile and turn around. I walk away.
My fist grips the ballpen harder.
I feel a hand grip my shoulder and turn me around.
I am about to use the pen to stab Mckella but Levi comes in and takes his wrist, twists it and pins him to his car.
"What are you doing!" Mckella screams. "Let me go!"
I look around and see a few people watching us from their cars.
I walk to Levi and pull him away from Mckella. He stares at me, nonchalant and then to Mckella being squished against his car.
Erika
Leave him, I'll report him.
Levi doesn't seem to hear me and keeps Mckella in his place.
"Let me go, are you nuts?!" "Ooowww!"
Mckella wriggles like an insect sprayed with an insecticide.
I say and pull him by his arm.
He grips Mckella hard and pushes him one last time against his car.
Mckella drops on the ground and screams. I pull Levi away from the parking lot and we run back to the building.
We stop in front of my elective room, short of breath.
Erika
Seriously, if I wasn't in trouble back there you could've given me a heart attack.
I crouch a little, panting.
Erika
Are you a phantom?
You blurt out of nowhere like crazy!
Levi
A simple 'Thank you' would be nice.
I doubt it was for a 'simple thank you'
Levi
Was he an ex-boyfriend or what?
Levi
You hate him that much but still got in the car with him?
I stop and straighten up.
Erika
You were there the whole time?
Levi
Don't get me wrong. I parked my car across and recognized you.
Levi
Thought I should know what was going on.
Levi
Because Noah likes you.
He says and straightens up. He looks away.
Levi
I just don't want my friend to get hurt again.
Erika
You make it sound like I owe him my personal affairs just because he decides to do something on his own.
And who are you? His Ma?
He scoffs and shakes his head.
Levi
I'm just looking out for him.
And anyway, I thought you'd like him too.
Erika
I don't.
I already have someone.
I flinch a little.
Why is more surprised than he should be?
Erika
He's called 'None Of Your Business'
I smile and he chuckles, shaking his head.
I stare at him blankly for a while. So he can smile.
Erika
And about what happened earlier-
Levi
You don't have to explain.
I kind of caught up on what was going on.
Erika
You did? You heard everything?
Erika
Whatever. And refrain from telling Ollie.
Levi
Why? Are you two already that close?
Erika
Not really, but he's already close with Free. I can't let them know what happened.
I'm afraid he won't survive the day if the girls get word of it.
He stares at me for a while and then nods.
Noah
Hey what are you guys doing here?
Erika
This is my class too.
Levi
I was looking for you.
Noah
Why? You need something?
Levi shakes his head and grins.
Levi
Nah, just wanted to see your puppy dog face.
He says and brushes Noah's hair.
I leave them to their world and take my usual seat.
I hear Noah sit next to me.
The class starts soon and for todays recipe we have 'to make a dish we find difficult to make, but strive to achieve'
One of the main reasons why I chose Solaire University is that there is a room called Pantry Hall in every Kitchen Hall (or classroom). In here we store ingredients, some common ingredients include vegetables, seasonings and fruits are weekly stocked.
Of course we won't get all the ingredients we need here because everyday there's a different plate and experiments. So between the desks lies a small refrigerator for our own ingredients. In here we can store raw meats and fish and even fruits.
It's like a three in one. The table is complete with a single stove and necessary utensils.
It's an absolute dream!
And back to my recipe. I choose one of Tili's specialty and one she learned from my Grandmother Thylane, Cod in Garlic, Tomatoes and Potatoes. This recipe involved a certain wine ingredient but since I'm forbidden to bring alcohol to school I settle for a small amount of vinegar and water.
It sounds weird and I can already taste how weird it would get but it's worth a try.
"Cod fish, that's interesting," Professor Jilly states.
She then turns to Noah who was going for a pork based recipe.
"You're not matching this time?" She teases.
She leaves humming a tune.
Noah
You look really skilled with food.
Erika
Oh no, I'm just good at imitating and going with my guts
Erika
My parents cook a lot when I was a kid. I would always watch them.
Noah
Their food must be amazing
Noah
Hey, the guys and I are planning on seeing this movie on saturday, would you like to come?
Erika
Before I answer, can I ask you a question first?
I work on my recipe without looking at him.
Erika
Do you remember what I said last night?
Erika
That you should forget everything you know about me?
Erika
I'm not the one you met in Planet Distillery
From the corner of my eye I see him pause his movements.
Noah
What are you talking about?
Erika
We met when we were kids, that was it. The second time we met was yesterday.
Erika
I wasn't the person you talked with on the Phone Joint.
His brows furrows and he squints his eyes.
I stir the sauce with a wooden ladle gently and let it simmer.
I grab the lid from the side and place it on top of the saucepan.
I drop the lid on the saucepan too loudly. I hiss and take my hand away when my lower wrist graze the edge of the pan.
I flinch and distance myself from him. I grab an ice cube from the fridge and hurry to the sink. I soak it in running water and then brush the ice cube on the red spot.
"Miss Mansser are you okay? Would you like to go to the infirmary?" Professor Jilly asks.
Erika
I'm fine, it's only a burn.
I toss the ice into the sink and run water over the burn on my lower wrist. Good thing it's only a small mark. Easy to hide. I close the tap and dry my hands. I shake it to relieve the stinging sensation and finish my work.
"Hey Erika are you sure you're alright?" Ask Andrea, from behind me.
Erika
I'm fine, it'll go away in minutes.
"I have an ointment for cases like this," She says and hands out a healing gel.
I take it as compensation for the trouble.
I catch sight of Noah's hand as he shoves a small bottle of the same healing gel Andrea hands me.
I can't let this continue. This going out of hand.
Erika
On saturday, I'll give you an answer and an explanation.
Erika
You're inviting us to a movie on Saturday right?
I give him a small smile.
The bell rings and I hurry out the door. I run to my next class where I'm with Free and Lara again.
Ethics was an optional unit but we decided to take it this year, just because.
The class runs for an hour and a half. I don't tell them about Noah's confession. It's also a good thing we are occupied with the lesson.
AFTER CLASS
ON THE WAY TO THE BUS STATION
Free
Ohhh! I'm so excited! I was planning to watch that movie with you guys too!
Lara
Hey, are you still coming by today?
Lara
I already asked mom and she's expecting you tonight.
Free
I have to go home early, I need to practice some lines for a mock performance
Lara
We've started collecting pictures of sceneries we want to paint.
Erika
How cool. So you get to go outside?
Lara
Yeah, we were in the College grounds this afternoon and the conservatory garden.
Free
Lara, you're living the life!
Practically all the best facilities are in the college grounds.
Erika
I'm already satisfied with my turf, but not gonna lie, I'm jealous!
Erika
Not because of Noah, okay.
Free
Iki we both know you have no interest in boys and relationships whatsoever so you don't have to explain. We know what kind of room you have.
She smiles, looking like she's on cloud nine.
Free
I can smell the food fragrance a hundred feet away.
We part ways at the bus stop. Free waves goodbye as Lara and I take the bus opposite to her.
Lara
I wish we lived in the same apartment. Imagine coming home together
Erika
Should we get a dorm in college?
Lara
That would be nice, I'm sure Free would love that!
Erika
Right?! Then we'll get part time jobs and live together after graduation
Lara
Ugh. I want to be an adult now
Erika
I still like my meals being served
Erika
So hey, you still haven't told us what happened last night when Noah dropped you off.
And you were awkward with him this morning too.
Lara keeps silent, fidgeting with her fingers.
Erika
Something happened?
C'mon, spill!
Lara groans and turns away from me to the window.
Lara
Nothing really special happened its just...
She let out a heavy sigh.
Lara
I just tripped and he caught me and-
Erika
Please don't tell me you accidentally looked into each other's eyes?
Lara nods, embarrassed.
I crack and burst out laughing, earning me a few slaps on the arm and my back.
She whispers shouted and I cover my mouth.
I wipe the tears that escapes my eyes.
Lara
He has beautiful eyes.
Erika
Yeah, I noticed too.
Lara
Iki, if you like him or already fallen for him, I can unde-
Erika
Stop right there! ACK! No.
Erika
Lara, of all the people, you should know why I can't be involved in that.
Lara
Then have you stopped waiting for that person?
I stare at her for a moment and shake my head.
Erika
Don't make this about me. This is about you and Noah.
I support you and on saturday, you'll tell him the truth, one way or another.
The bus hisses to a stop and we both hurry out. We don't want to get sandwiched in with the entering and exiting passengers.
We walk for a few minutes before we reach Lara's place.
They live in a five storey apartment, they rent out the first floor where Daniel's restaurant operates and the third floor where they live.
We spot Lori outside the resto's door.
Lorealine Martine-Shaw
Lara! Oh Iki!
She waves and we surprise her with a hug on each side.
Lorealine Martine-Shaw
Oh! You girls!
Lara
What are you doing out here?
Lorealine Martine-Shaw
I was waiting for you both, thought I'd see you myself.
Lorealine Martine-Shaw
Iki, did you get taller? I haven't seen you and Free this summer long!
I smile.
We pull away form the hug.
Lorealine Martine-Shaw
Where's Free?
Lara
She had to do some school work
Lorealine Martine-Shaw
Oh, I even made extra lemon cakes for her
Erika
No worries Lori, I'll take her share
She laughs and ushers us inside.
The resto's ambiance is cool and relaxing. Free and I spend most of our middle school nights here when we used to come home late after track practice.
Daniel cooks us up his famous fried chicken and burgers and fries. It was the best.
We take a seat on the far side. There aren't much customers around but the place still looks lively.
The smell of fried chicken makes my stomach churn.
Lorealine Martine-Shaw
I'll get Daniel, Lara you should get changed
Lori disappears inside the kitchen.
Lara excuses herself and I wave her off. She hurries upstairs to change.
I turn and see Daniel. I snicker. He wears a pink piglet apron.
Erika
Hey Four Eyes. Nice get up.
He immediately removes it and tossed it on the seat. He sits across my chair.
Daniel Shaw
It's good to see you kiddo!
You haven't been visiting lately.
You and Free both.
He says and pats me on the back.
Erika
Yeah, we had a lot going on this summer.
He stares at me for a while and smiles.
Daniel Shaw
Lara tells me you wanted to work part time?
Erika
Yeah. I heard one of your people quit.
Daniel Shaw
What did your mom say?
Daniel Shaw
Of course I'll need her consent.
Erika
She wouldn't let me if she knew.
You know how she feels about tagging along with, 'commoners'
I defend with my arms in surrender.
Daniel Shaw
But I can't let you work here unless she says she's okay with it.
Daniel Shaw
Doesn't need to be too formal, a consent form is enough.
Erika
I'm already 17. I'm not doing this just because I want to, but because I need to.
C'mon!
Daniel Shaw
I'm still worried.
Erika
I don't even need her consent, you're a parent and you own this business. You call the shots.
Daniel Shaw
I hope it's that easy
We stare at each other for a moment when Lori comes in with the lemon cakes and a blue lemonade juice.
Lorealine Martine-Shaw
Just let her work here, Danny. It'll be fun! and we get to spend time with her too.
Daniel Shaw
You spoil her too much, hon.
Lara
She won't stop until you let her work here, so just let her work here
Erika
That's two yeses! C'mon. I'll work hard, you know that. I'll be a great assistant and waitress.
Daniel Shaw
It's harder than it sounds
Erika
I know how it works.
Daniel Shaw
What about your studies?
Erika
I AM doing this for my studies. I need more exposure and someone who's great at cooking.
Lori gently pats his shoulders.
Lorealine Martine-Shaw
We'll go out for a bit to buy some vegetables.
We'll leave you guys here to talk. Lara, let's go.
She smiles at me and brushes my head.
I give her a nod and wave them goodbye.
Erika
It'll be good for me, and Lara, she'll have enough time for her studies.
He shakes his head and chuckles lowly.
Daniel Shaw
You're this young and you're already worrying about that.
Erika
17 isn't that young.
Daniel Shaw
What if your mother finds out?
Erika
She's occupied with her work, now that we've gained more investors and projects, she'll have no time to check up on everything that's going on with me.
And if she does, I don't think she'll ever step into commoner grounds
Daniel Shaw
Okay fine.
But only on one condition.
Erika
Please don't make it weird like only an hour a day.
Erika
No fair! Lara said your last part timer had six hours of shift
Daniel Shaw
That's it though. I give you the chef's assistant for three hours. Then you go straight home. You're still a minor, under 18.
Erika
Is three hours enough to even learn?
Daniel Shaw
More than enough
Erika
Then two hours service, exposure with customers
Daniel Shaw
And you get paid weekly
Daniel Shaw
Will you quit because of that?
He laughs and leans back on his chair.
Daniel Shaw
Okay, it's settled then. You start next monday.
Erika
Not tonight? Or tomorrow?
Daniel Shaw
No, on Monday. Be prepared.
I nod, determined and hang my fist mid-air.
Comments
patato joice
tsaka dagdag ko lang ha, infairness naman kay fl/erika, yamanin na pero gusto mag part time 👏
2021-05-04
1
patato joice
gorl, may pagka psycho naman tong si mckella 😲
2021-05-04
1
patato joice
hala ka gurl, nag confess nga siya hahahaha paano yan?? love triangle between erika and lara???
2021-05-04
1