1
I walk five paces away from that crowd.
They just don’t mind if they can disturb or even heard everyone, even their slightest whisper can be broadcasted because of their speaker-like mouths. Their babbling and giggling sound makes my ear shut on its own. Well, it’s not me who goes in this crowd, it’s them that follows me, it’s like the strings of my smell turns like sweet lavender to them, and my slightest talk makes them gleam.
I let the trees’ shade cover my own shadows. Twitching my fingers and raising my arms above my head is a good way to relax one’s worn and irritated spirit. My slight is attracted to the little circles of light peeping on the narrow leaves clinging on the branches. I am alone now, at least. I can think of nothing, say nothing and do nothing- this is the most appropriate phrase I could create to describe my delight.
The rustling of the leaves and grass becomes a lullaby. My eyes are going to shut; maybe I can sleep for awhile.
“Hey, there’s Travis” that girl’s thunderous voice breaks my beautiful daydream. I sat down and scratched my head. The time of my life has ended so fast by the sound of thunder that would fit everything. I took this chance to escape another encounter with those people.
Kicking the dust on the corridor is my next attempt to kill time. The place is now spacious due to school students’ get-together on the gym. The event is not compulsory and it is only for those who are hot-blooded for fun and socializing. As for me…
I hear a note, group of notes…it’s music coming from a piano.
I close my eyes and rest my body on the wall near me. The music is suffocating; in a good way… that it conquers one’s soul and take all the sadness and pain in the heart. I can feel the heartbeat of the one who’s playing, it’s portrayed on the notes she or maybe he plays. My feet move voluntarily, I eagerly follow the trails of wonder I am hearing. Every step I turn out to be brighter as if spring is occurring on the building.
I reach the big, red door with a silver knob. It’s really magical to think of it, and the music is very much suited for it. I turn the knob and realize that it’s not locked. The spectacle of a young lady with long, straight, hazel brown hair plays the black school grand piano. The spotlight uplifts the glimmer on her hair and also her music. The sound now is more vivid and colorful as to where my place was before. Now, I can grasp the full beauty and mystery of the piece she plays.
The chains of notes stops, my eyes shoot toward the girl as she raises her hand. It is shaking, and also her whole body as well. I was still in my reverie, my feet are stuck to its place. Suddenly, her body touched the ground.
I jolt to help her out, I was surprised how a beautiful note can be broken and replaced by fear and agony. She moves her eyes but she couldn’t open it well. Her olive skin and childish face is now so close to mine, her lips move a little making an emphasis of her on her looks. Her eyelids closed, and she suddenly felt lifeless. I am in a hurry that a carry her to the school clinic. Luckily, the nurse is there, staring at us with a smile on her face. She asks me to lay the girl down on the bed.
She’s holding that smile since and said, “Well she’s lucky you’ve found her… I will just fetch something” , then she leaves.
Looking at her in this white colored place makes her illuminate with it. I can’t remove my gaze on that girl, she was too good to be true that time. Maybe, she’s an angel… or she’s a goddess. I don’t know what I’m thinking either.
Her hands start to twitch. When she opens her eyes, those black irises are exposed. She looks up in the ceiling, then towards me. I started to feel an unknown boil inside me, looking plainly at her will be my best option.
She touched her forehead, and talks in a soft voice, “Thanks for saving me, I guess I paced out again, am I not?”
My eyes are fixed with hers and I give a nod as a response. She smiled at me and said, “Thank you, for bringing me for a better place to sleep in”
Her last sentence makes me chuckle, I don’t know why, but I agree to the thought that clinic beds are still suitable for people who spaced out. I look away and pretend to cough, hiding my smiles.
“You’re welcome”, those are the only words I have told her.
As she glances away, I feel mystery enveloping this girl; she’s different, puzzling and captivating.
I shake my head, and tell myself…. “No”
Monday, January 16, 2012
Class Terrorist
Chapter 1
Class Terrorist
Nothing much to say..
I’m just bored with all these things. People paving a way just to let me pass, giving their respects, or just saying something bad when I’m away.
If you ask me, what I want to do with my life, I would say I want to play. Having an I.Q of 300, belonging to one of the richest families, and being the co-owner of the school that I’m in then I have the freedom to do what I want to do.
In fact, I didn’t attend to school for 1 month because of some problems in the company. Teachers come to our house to bring all the stuff that I need to answer. But honestly, they just stay outside and I let my maids get them for me. They didn’t wait long, an hour I guess? No… that’s quite short.
Now… my little vacation from school is over. I think I missed school-quite, I don’t know what happened here. But let’s just go with the flow.
“Goo..Good..Mor..ning.. Ce..les..te” a student greeted me with a smile on her face.
“Good Morning..” I just smiled wryly and turned my back.
See? That’s what I’m talking about earlier.
Now, I need to get back to my class. Again, BOREDOM!!
So I slept for awhile… maybe the whole time.
“Miss Ashem..bert.” The teacher called my attention.
I just woke up and rubbed my eyes. What’s funny though, is that I dreamed of someone who speaks poor French accent, but still thinks she’s great.
But anyway, I just said, “Yes.. Ma’am”
“Will you translate this passage in French to English” the teacher said. She flipped her book and looked at the pages.
“Oui” I stood up and rubbed my hair
I read it, as I read all the passages in English. It’s just easy and fun as I look at the teacher being amazed as I read. I think she thought that I’m stupid because I sleep in class. That’s a nice thought. Well then, let’s see how I could rock this thing of.
“sont vous nouvel ici la madame ( are you new here ma’am?)” I asked her..
‘Oui” she said. Her eyes have those scrutinizing gaze. But still I look at those pair of eyes and smiled.
“e vois c'est pour cela que vous y ressemblez( I see that’s why you are like this)“
“pourquoi ( why?) “ She said
“operor vos teneo qua fanaticus lingua venit ex si vos teneo is lingua , tunc vos teneo is. operor vos agnosco is? (do you know the origin of French language. if you understand this, you know it..now, do you understand this?) .”
Then there came an awkward silence.. She was just looking at everyone maybe observing our reactions. I just took a deep breath and rolled my eyes.
“ So I’m right you are new.. by the way madame.. Don’t be so angry, you are loosing that romance touch in the language. French should be tendered with love because as some says it’s a romance language. And like the othera, its roots could be traced to Latin Language.”
‘But it’s a dead language..Why are you using it” She just asked in the midst of the hush
“HOMO SAPIENS..the scientific name of you and all of us Ma’am.. is that Latin??.” I just smiled at her. I guess I’m waiting for additional words from her. But nothing came, so I guess this was just an addition to one of the most boring conversation.. ooh my!!..
Then the bell rang…
I heard my classmates saying “ The CLASS TERRORISM STRIKES BACK..!!”
Someone tapped me on the shoulders and said,
“ Welcome Back.. Celeste”
I smiled back and looked away…
Yes… you read it right.. I’m a class terrorist..
Chapter 2
The Class Terrorist Meets the Ladies’ Man
Now you know me..
Quite I guess. I don’t really like people barging in my life. But I’m saying it, what an irony…
It’s lunch time.. And as usual, I go to my favorite place. It’s an old music room and nobody’s going there, except me of course. In here, I could find some silence and think of all the things I want while eating a big chocolate bar.
So I came in… I opened the door and I was shocked to what I see.
“What’s this?”
The peaceful music room that I love was changed into a beautiful room. It’s like a ball room with a big lighted chandelier, brightly colored walls and a big window and the most shocking thing of all…
THERE ARE MANY GIRLS!! AND GUYS ARE THERE TO TALK TO THEM!!
Then a guy came and held my hand…
“ Goodafternoon.. miss”
“ Goodafternoon, Sire..” I said with a surprised look.
And what’s this??.. after a mess with my place there came this guy who’s holding my hand wanting to make me his girl!!.. This just makes my blood boil.. I just want to kick him and make him fly with all the girls who shout when he flips his hair.
“ Do you know what language are you using?.” I asked. I am just aggravated with this. Let’s see how I could terrorize the man of this freak.
“No.. “ He answered me with a smile on his face…
“ Well“ . I said with a louder voice. I raised my eyebrows and took a deep breath,,
Then, he suddenly looked at my eyes and answered with all those mysterious words.
“ But you are a lady right??.. that’s why you wear a girl’s uniform. And for a guy like me I see you as a person who I need to respect because of your gender. That’s why I use a word coming from the romance language to show my respect and regards to your beauty.”
I was just shocked.. I guess I’m slapped with my own words. I remember about talking with the romance words with that ugly teacher. And now, I’m the one left without any words to say. But here’s a mystery…
He’s eyes are so clear and true, that every word he said is so true. The word still echoes on my mind. I don’t know how to construct any sentence to fight him, or even just to defend myself… What the heck!! What’s this anyway??
I smiled FOR REAL after that. I don’t know how he made me do it…I guess this day is just so weird.
Then he suddenly asked, “I haven’t seen you before?”
“ I think, Yes.. I came back after one month vacation…But by the way…What is this place?!”
“ This is just a place where all the people can have a happy time. Here we are just making all girls laugh and be amazed at our natural charisma...”
“ What a heck!!..I’m just looking for my silent sanctuary then it turned into like this. “
“ Sorry for that… they say that this music room should be fixed.”
“ And this is your way of fixing..”
“Sorry to bother you..”
“It’s fine.” I said..
I noticed that the ladies are looking at us.
“ Those ladies are waiting for you..”
“ Oh..don’t you want to go there..?”
“ I don’t like meddling with those girls holding a grudge on me because I’m talking to you..And a tip, please be aware of the origin of your words.. Okay?..”
“ By the way, I’m Lemuel .. Lemuel Wilson and you are?”, he said.
“I’m a girl who wish you shouldn’t meet, a girl who doesn’t care about having names, just voices. ” I showed him a big and lovely smile as I look at him.
He smiled back at me. But still he looks straight to my eyes.
“ Nothing… Just go here if you want to..bye”
I went outside, looked around and sat under the tree
I dwell on his words..
The words RESPECT and GIRL,
I guess I have found someone that made me .. SPEECHLESS.
Chapter 3
The Class Terrorist Meets the Boys
Now that my place was obviously ruined by those people
I was left to find another place to stay
And luckily…
I have seen a perfect spot
It’s the rooftop of the old building
No one goes there, because it’s quite old and creepy
But I like this place ..
A LOT!!!
At last, I found silence
A place where I could think and write
I wrote everything on my diary…
Inside this notebook are my thoughts made to be just kept to myself, those that I couldn’t express or explain by mere words.
The wind was so strong and I was writing on the brink of the rooftop
Suddenly an unexpected phone call came…
I accidentally let my notebook fall..
I was dumbfounded as the notebook rides with the wind.
I looked at my phone
I want to turn it off but I was shocked that it’s from my Father.
I answered the phone.
“ Hello… Father?”
“ Oh no…it’s your father’s secretariat”
The excitement that I have inside has diminished.
I thought it was my Father, but I’m wrong.
“ Yes, what you need?.”
She was babbling about something when I looked down to see my notebook,
Everyone was just ignoring them
Never asking who owns it, or cares to bring it to the owner.
Then a guy picked it up
He looked around
I thought he would just drop it on the floor
But surprisingly he looked up
He spared that vivid smile and those clear and innocent eyes that smile too.
I remember, he’s the ladies’ guy I met on that club room.
I waved his hands and I waved mine.
“ Hey Celeste, are you listening??..”
“ Yeah.. yeah, I know I have to talk to some clients after class. Just give a faster car, okay and food as well.”
“ Okay then..”
“ Bye now…Don’t call so sudden by using my dad’s phone, okay?.”
Then she hanged down the phone..
At last she did that.
I didn’t mingle with that girl
She’s just my father’s puppet
Ordering this and that, like she’s the boss
Anyways, I’m lucky I don’t have the same bloodline as her.
That guy went up and surprised me from behind
“ This place is very creepy, you really like scary places are you?”
“ Obviously, I want a silent place to stay and think” I answered him.
“ That’s a cool thought..”
“ Why you say that It’s a cool thought?” , he just asked again, paying attention to how my lips would spell my answers.
“ Because they say that it’s better to think in a place you like the best.”
“Yes, you are right.”
“You like Chrysanthemum?.” His question shocked me.... and it made me process it for some time.
“What?”
“This flower on your notebook, it’s a chrysanthemum right?.”
“ Yes, it is…. Do you know the meaning of that flower, what it symbolizes?.”
“Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth, long life, joy… this is it, right?.”
he’s something.. I thought he’s just a bean head guy, I guess I have mistaken.
“It was considered to be a noble flower in Asian culture, mums are used as an object of meditation per a suggestion by Confucius. And the… birth flower for November, by the way why did you know something like that”. I stated.
“ I guess I’m not just a bean-head..” He replied
I suddenly flipped the pages of my notebook, just to distract my marveled eyes. “Did he read me ??..” That’s not possible, only small group of people can do that.
He smiled at me, as if he knows me truly, It’s like a breath of fresh air. The first time that I have seen such a beauty so radiant… so contagious, that caused me to smile that way too.
“ by the way, Thanks.”
“ You’re welcome, do you want to hang-out, to a NORMAL place, “ he asked politely.
“ No, I would just sit here, this is my place now.”
He suddenly held my arms and pulled me. I just shouted, “ YOU FREAK !!! WHAT THE HECK YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING!! “
Again, he smiled at me and replied, “ I will just let you see the other face of the world”
I was puzzled what ‘other face of the world’. Oh no!! I think I will be back to that wretched Host Room.
He was pulling me… And I was right, we went to that room.
I saw again those girls wasting their time fantasizing with those guys.
He removed his hand on my arm and told me, “Come on I will let you meet the others”
“ What the, I am not interested..”
I want to come out when I heard a little boy’s voice
“ Hello, are you the new friend of Lemuel? “
I looked at him and answered with puzzled gaze.
“Yeah I think she is…” said by another guy wearing glasses.
“Guys, I want you to meet this girl, my new friend…”
“ Hello miss.. “ they said in unison
I just smiled at them and waved my hand.
“ So here is Rafael,” he points at the little one
“ Let me introduce myself, Lemuel… I am Steven, Steven Ruiz” said by the guy with glasses.
“ I know you, A classmate of mine I think, The one who welcomed me the other day” I stated
He pushed his glasses then he replied, “ As expected, a sharp memory.. yes that’s me”
“ So you are in the same class?..” Lemuel asked
I nodded. I looked around and asked him. “ So there’s a twin here”
“ Yes.. the one’s Nic and the other is Neil”
“Okay… I have to go now..”
“Wait…” Rafael called. “ Do you want some cake Miss?”
CAKE!!! OF COURSE.. I LOVE CAKES, I COULD STOP MYSELF WHENEVER THIS COMES IN…
“ Uhm… I guess..” I answered as I hid my excitement with it.
“The flavor for today is chocolate… The cake is triple chocolate with strawberry slices toppings.”
THIS IS GETTING CRAZY!!! .. I LOVE THAT FLAVOR!!
“Alright, I think I have to accept is” , I said… I couldn’t hid my smile because of the cake in front of me.
We sat on the table and started eating that cake.
“This is great.. right, Miss?..”
“Yes” I answered
“By the way, what’s your name, Miss..” Asked by someone at the back, I think one of the twins.
“ Alright , I am Celeste, Celeste Ashembert..”
I am expecting a shocked or scared expression but all that they did was to say…
“COOL!!! NICE NAME…”
“Thanks…” I said..
I thought they would be scared of me, or ashamed because of what I’m doing with my life… But I guess they are just ignorant of the things I am doing with the teachers here. Or they just accepted it… If that’s the case, I will be very overwhelmed.
Chapter 4
The Class Terrorist Impresses the Twins
I don’t know why after that day, I don’t have any peaceful or even a QUIET time for myself. Everytime I pass that big unknown door, there are 6 dazzling whatsoever boys pulling me and feeding me with cakes and laughter.
That world was a weird time for a person like me. It’s like I have stepped into something I shouldn’t. But hey!! I’m gonna try something different.
There was this day when I was just in the mood to plunge to threads of words when suddenly 2 identical-looking guys pulled me as they skip happily.
“Hey lovely lady… what are you doing with that stuff” He was pointing at the book I’m holding as he chuckled his way to the host room.
“I was suppose to read it in a quiet place” I smiled, but I just noticed the last 2 buttons of his uniform… “And hey… when will you button that? Is that a way to attract the girls on your whatsoever host business?”
The other twin laughed and buttoned the uniform of the other. “I told you Neil, check the buttons of your uniform”, he said as he fixed his brother’s dress problem. Both of them looked at each other.
I may say that they look adorable with those overflowing brotherly love… but all of the sudden, they looked at me.
“Hey… lovely Miss… you’re one of the firsts who noticed that” Neil said.
“Yep..Ms. Ashembert, thanks for reminding my brother” Nic talked back
My eyes are on them, I was thinking of unknown thoughts that I can’t figure out that much. The only thing I can clearly say is they really look alike, If I am not that good in observing stuffs I will get fooled by this two menace.
I am moving slowly away from them, to date with the book I am holding.
“Hey lovely Miss!! Don’t Go!! Common let’s go!!” the twins held my hand and they involuntarily took me to that host room. What a shame that I didn’t read that book!! . It was a mystery/suspense novel, and sadly it didn’t fall off the way I wanted to read the first chapter and play with its pages for just an hour.
Since that day, the twins were moving close to me, they are always sitting beside me and talking to me.
“Hey you twins!! Why you are sitting with our queen?” Lemuel shouted.
What queen? . I glared at him and he sat down on the floor. Oh my !! I never thought why I was staying with these 6 guys that are far lower than my mental capacity.
“Step back Lemuel… why do you care?” Neil said…
I don’t know why I was enthusiastically waiting for his answer, but I just looked at his blushing face. He just slammed the table and walked away. I want to chuckle at the time, but I don’t have a good reason that’s why I held it in.
The twins stood on the table and call the attention of the students…
“Hey ladies!!!, today is the monthly game!! GUESS WHO’S NIC ND NEIL GAME”
The girls were shouting and gleaming with joy. I was sipping my juice when Lemuel and Rafael were standing behind me. Rafael pulled my sleeves and smiled at me..
“Miss, do you know this game?”
I don’t know if I want to answer the question because it will produce a sorry-I’m-an-idiot-I-don’t-know-it statement, but I need to be truthful, what’s so logical with this story anyway?..
I just shook my head.
Neil raised an envelope and waved it on the air, “To the one who will get the right answer, will get a prize from US!!”
The crowd became wild that it kills my ears. They spun around and fixed themselves. They stood there in stationary and talked in unison.
“Now who is who?”
I looked at them, at every angle that they could be, I just chuckled and everyone looked at me.
“The one that’s on the left is Neil and the one that’s on the left is Neil”
“You’re wrong lovely Miss…” he shouted.
The silence was still present, the people’s eyes were still on me.
I held my fake smile, “I know I’m right, you just confirmed it”
“Neil’s eyes are more fierce that Nic’s, Nic has the redder lips but both have the same color. Next one is their manners, as always Neil, look at your uniform.”
The one on the left looked at it…
“Confirmed!! , Neil is not aware of his buttons, am I right Nic?. Next, Neil calls me…’Lovely Miss’ while Nic calls me on my surname and finally, the feet thing…”
Both of them looked at me, then to their feet… they laughed.
I sipped my juice as they went down the table. They raised my unoccupied hand.
“Congratulations to Miss Ashembert!! ” Everyone clapped at me and I was astounded.
They gave me the envelope and when I opened it… a Cheque?
Neil just whispered…”Or do you want something else lovely miss? Like a … ”
I tapped his shoulders and held a big wacky smile, the others are looking at us. I felt the consciousness and removed that wretched expression.
I felt the happiness creeping on my face, even I want to hide it. It was kind of obscure to feel such especially in the middle of a nasty crowd.
All I ever wanted was the silence and comfort of library seats and books, but this day was a very very rare day…
For I found my happiness with a bunch of bean-headed men.
Chapter 5
The Class Terrorist sees her dream
I was in the middle of a boring Physics class…
Here, I am not in the mood of having an argument with my teacher or even talking to him.
The day was just so BORING…
The sky was beautiful outside, the blue vast sky was above everyone and the trees rustle gently.
I can hear him talking about the “Properties of Optics” , such as reflection and refraction. Everyone was still amazed with the explanation of the bent image of the spoon on a glass of water, and that’s a fine example of putting this pathetic day to a higher level.
At last, the bell rang and I was walking down the corridor when my Physics teacher approached me.
“Good morning, Miss Ashembert” he said
I just looked at him with sharp, serious eyes. Is this a kind of joke? A teacher was approaching me after his class.
He gave me a folder, it was a yellow one. I hate bright colors.
I opened the envelope and read the words loudly…
“Science Wizards Seminar: a venture on young genuises” I flipped the papers inside the envelope. My eyes were still staying on the words written on the sheets.
“I think of all the people, you deserve this kind of opportunity Miss Ashembert”
I stopped flipping it and something struck me… I put everything on the envelope and gave it back to him.
“I am sorry, but I can’t join it” I just said, I silently walked away and never dared to look back.
I don’t have a fixed dream, I am a plain, genius high school student of my own school and a part time assistant to the CEO of Ashembert Group of Companies. I am just a puppet of my own talents and skills… or maybe a prisoner.
That day, I am not in the mood to pass the Host room or even talk to anyone, so I just went to the old clock tower and scribbled something on my notes.
“What is your dream?” that was the first thing I wrote as I laid the tip of my pen. It was weird thinking about it this time, but what happened made me realize something… and it bugged me.
I was looking up at the vast sky, when someone tapped me on my shoulder. When I looked who was it, a big, innocent smile welcomed me and a sweet voice saying, “Hello, back here?”
I just nodded. Lemuel sat beside me and looked up also.
“You know the sky today is beautiful, it reminds me of spring” he said as he points on the sky.
I watched his expression as he tell stories about his spring, I lost my track and was drawn to the thought of this. Then, he read loudly…
“What’s my dream?” I realized that it was a passage from my notes and I closed it fast.
“Why are you looking at it” I said with a higher voice. I hid the notebook on the secret pocket of my bag.
“Now, let me ask… What’s your dream?” he said, ignoring my question.
“I want to make a difference” I blurted out. He stared at me and his expression was so vivid that I can’t stop myself from elaborating.
“I want to be a scientist, more of in Chemistry or Physics field, but father wants me to run the business someday, and that requires me of thoughts of Business, Marketing and Management” I sighed as I scribble my finger on the floor.
He smiled at me and patted my head, “I never thought about this, Even I can talk to you like this…I can’t get through you…”
I looked at him… no sharp thing, just a plain look I gave to people I don’t have to pretend to. It’s like a transparent glass that light can pass through easily.
“You know, Science is cool though, especially to your rank… I know the next statement’s gonna be hard…” He paused and raised his hand on the sky, like imitating to reach the clouds… “You have to hold on what you want to be…”
I looked down. I don’t know how to hide this bursting feeling inside of me.
He stood up and faced the sky, “If you ask me…I want to make the girls happy, and to… play the piano” that smile was still there, that bright smile so contagious that it can touch one’s heart faster that the speed of light.
“Piano”, I whispered…
“You like it too?” he asked
I just nodded.
He held my hand and helped me to stand. “I will let you here some, when you are feeling alright”
Lemuel is the person who has an x-ray vision of one’s heart, even one tries to hide his/her feelings, he sees it so clear. He can be a good lie detector though.
That thought made me chuckle, then he laughed. Our laughs are an orchestra designed for two and it was beautiful to my ear.
The sound was broken by a phone call…
“Dad?” I just whispered as I looked at my phone’s screen. But I was thinking it was his secretary.
I answered the call.
“Hello”
“Celeste” the voice on the other side said. I was shocked with the person on the other line. I tried to hide it on my voice. Lemuel was looking at me , then I turned back.
“Yes, father”
“You need to grace a meeting after class, the car would pick you up” He said.
“Yes, father”
“Okay, bye” then silence, he just told me my appointment then put down the line. He was too busy that he can’t make a longer phone conversation with his daughter.
I faced Lemuel and tapped his shoulder, then I whispered. “Thank you”
He smiled at me and held my hand. “You’re always welcome… ”
“We have to go…” I said
He nodded, both of us went down.
Class Terrorist
Nothing much to say..
I’m just bored with all these things. People paving a way just to let me pass, giving their respects, or just saying something bad when I’m away.
If you ask me, what I want to do with my life, I would say I want to play. Having an I.Q of 300, belonging to one of the richest families, and being the co-owner of the school that I’m in then I have the freedom to do what I want to do.
In fact, I didn’t attend to school for 1 month because of some problems in the company. Teachers come to our house to bring all the stuff that I need to answer. But honestly, they just stay outside and I let my maids get them for me. They didn’t wait long, an hour I guess? No… that’s quite short.
Now… my little vacation from school is over. I think I missed school-quite, I don’t know what happened here. But let’s just go with the flow.
“Goo..Good..Mor..ning.. Ce..les..te” a student greeted me with a smile on her face.
“Good Morning..” I just smiled wryly and turned my back.
See? That’s what I’m talking about earlier.
Now, I need to get back to my class. Again, BOREDOM!!
So I slept for awhile… maybe the whole time.
“Miss Ashem..bert.” The teacher called my attention.
I just woke up and rubbed my eyes. What’s funny though, is that I dreamed of someone who speaks poor French accent, but still thinks she’s great.
But anyway, I just said, “Yes.. Ma’am”
“Will you translate this passage in French to English” the teacher said. She flipped her book and looked at the pages.
“Oui” I stood up and rubbed my hair
I read it, as I read all the passages in English. It’s just easy and fun as I look at the teacher being amazed as I read. I think she thought that I’m stupid because I sleep in class. That’s a nice thought. Well then, let’s see how I could rock this thing of.
“sont vous nouvel ici la madame ( are you new here ma’am?)” I asked her..
‘Oui” she said. Her eyes have those scrutinizing gaze. But still I look at those pair of eyes and smiled.
“e vois c'est pour cela que vous y ressemblez( I see that’s why you are like this)“
“pourquoi ( why?) “ She said
“operor vos teneo qua fanaticus lingua venit ex si vos teneo is lingua , tunc vos teneo is. operor vos agnosco is? (do you know the origin of French language. if you understand this, you know it..now, do you understand this?) .”
Then there came an awkward silence.. She was just looking at everyone maybe observing our reactions. I just took a deep breath and rolled my eyes.
“ So I’m right you are new.. by the way madame.. Don’t be so angry, you are loosing that romance touch in the language. French should be tendered with love because as some says it’s a romance language. And like the othera, its roots could be traced to Latin Language.”
‘But it’s a dead language..Why are you using it” She just asked in the midst of the hush
“HOMO SAPIENS..the scientific name of you and all of us Ma’am.. is that Latin??.” I just smiled at her. I guess I’m waiting for additional words from her. But nothing came, so I guess this was just an addition to one of the most boring conversation.. ooh my!!..
Then the bell rang…
I heard my classmates saying “ The CLASS TERRORISM STRIKES BACK..!!”
Someone tapped me on the shoulders and said,
“ Welcome Back.. Celeste”
I smiled back and looked away…
Yes… you read it right.. I’m a class terrorist..
Chapter 2
The Class Terrorist Meets the Ladies’ Man
Now you know me..
Quite I guess. I don’t really like people barging in my life. But I’m saying it, what an irony…
It’s lunch time.. And as usual, I go to my favorite place. It’s an old music room and nobody’s going there, except me of course. In here, I could find some silence and think of all the things I want while eating a big chocolate bar.
So I came in… I opened the door and I was shocked to what I see.
“What’s this?”
The peaceful music room that I love was changed into a beautiful room. It’s like a ball room with a big lighted chandelier, brightly colored walls and a big window and the most shocking thing of all…
THERE ARE MANY GIRLS!! AND GUYS ARE THERE TO TALK TO THEM!!
Then a guy came and held my hand…
“ Goodafternoon.. miss”
“ Goodafternoon, Sire..” I said with a surprised look.
And what’s this??.. after a mess with my place there came this guy who’s holding my hand wanting to make me his girl!!.. This just makes my blood boil.. I just want to kick him and make him fly with all the girls who shout when he flips his hair.
“ Do you know what language are you using?.” I asked. I am just aggravated with this. Let’s see how I could terrorize the man of this freak.
“No.. “ He answered me with a smile on his face…
“ Well“ . I said with a louder voice. I raised my eyebrows and took a deep breath,,
Then, he suddenly looked at my eyes and answered with all those mysterious words.
“ But you are a lady right??.. that’s why you wear a girl’s uniform. And for a guy like me I see you as a person who I need to respect because of your gender. That’s why I use a word coming from the romance language to show my respect and regards to your beauty.”
I was just shocked.. I guess I’m slapped with my own words. I remember about talking with the romance words with that ugly teacher. And now, I’m the one left without any words to say. But here’s a mystery…
He’s eyes are so clear and true, that every word he said is so true. The word still echoes on my mind. I don’t know how to construct any sentence to fight him, or even just to defend myself… What the heck!! What’s this anyway??
I smiled FOR REAL after that. I don’t know how he made me do it…I guess this day is just so weird.
Then he suddenly asked, “I haven’t seen you before?”
“ I think, Yes.. I came back after one month vacation…But by the way…What is this place?!”
“ This is just a place where all the people can have a happy time. Here we are just making all girls laugh and be amazed at our natural charisma...”
“ What a heck!!..I’m just looking for my silent sanctuary then it turned into like this. “
“ Sorry for that… they say that this music room should be fixed.”
“ And this is your way of fixing..”
“Sorry to bother you..”
“It’s fine.” I said..
I noticed that the ladies are looking at us.
“ Those ladies are waiting for you..”
“ Oh..don’t you want to go there..?”
“ I don’t like meddling with those girls holding a grudge on me because I’m talking to you..And a tip, please be aware of the origin of your words.. Okay?..”
“ By the way, I’m Lemuel .. Lemuel Wilson and you are?”, he said.
“I’m a girl who wish you shouldn’t meet, a girl who doesn’t care about having names, just voices. ” I showed him a big and lovely smile as I look at him.
He smiled back at me. But still he looks straight to my eyes.
“ Nothing… Just go here if you want to..bye”
I went outside, looked around and sat under the tree
I dwell on his words..
The words RESPECT and GIRL,
I guess I have found someone that made me .. SPEECHLESS.
Chapter 3
The Class Terrorist Meets the Boys
Now that my place was obviously ruined by those people
I was left to find another place to stay
And luckily…
I have seen a perfect spot
It’s the rooftop of the old building
No one goes there, because it’s quite old and creepy
But I like this place ..
A LOT!!!
At last, I found silence
A place where I could think and write
I wrote everything on my diary…
Inside this notebook are my thoughts made to be just kept to myself, those that I couldn’t express or explain by mere words.
The wind was so strong and I was writing on the brink of the rooftop
Suddenly an unexpected phone call came…
I accidentally let my notebook fall..
I was dumbfounded as the notebook rides with the wind.
I looked at my phone
I want to turn it off but I was shocked that it’s from my Father.
I answered the phone.
“ Hello… Father?”
“ Oh no…it’s your father’s secretariat”
The excitement that I have inside has diminished.
I thought it was my Father, but I’m wrong.
“ Yes, what you need?.”
She was babbling about something when I looked down to see my notebook,
Everyone was just ignoring them
Never asking who owns it, or cares to bring it to the owner.
Then a guy picked it up
He looked around
I thought he would just drop it on the floor
But surprisingly he looked up
He spared that vivid smile and those clear and innocent eyes that smile too.
I remember, he’s the ladies’ guy I met on that club room.
I waved his hands and I waved mine.
“ Hey Celeste, are you listening??..”
“ Yeah.. yeah, I know I have to talk to some clients after class. Just give a faster car, okay and food as well.”
“ Okay then..”
“ Bye now…Don’t call so sudden by using my dad’s phone, okay?.”
Then she hanged down the phone..
At last she did that.
I didn’t mingle with that girl
She’s just my father’s puppet
Ordering this and that, like she’s the boss
Anyways, I’m lucky I don’t have the same bloodline as her.
That guy went up and surprised me from behind
“ This place is very creepy, you really like scary places are you?”
“ Obviously, I want a silent place to stay and think” I answered him.
“ That’s a cool thought..”
“ Why you say that It’s a cool thought?” , he just asked again, paying attention to how my lips would spell my answers.
“ Because they say that it’s better to think in a place you like the best.”
“Yes, you are right.”
“You like Chrysanthemum?.” His question shocked me.... and it made me process it for some time.
“What?”
“This flower on your notebook, it’s a chrysanthemum right?.”
“ Yes, it is…. Do you know the meaning of that flower, what it symbolizes?.”
“Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth, long life, joy… this is it, right?.”
he’s something.. I thought he’s just a bean head guy, I guess I have mistaken.
“It was considered to be a noble flower in Asian culture, mums are used as an object of meditation per a suggestion by Confucius. And the… birth flower for November, by the way why did you know something like that”. I stated.
“ I guess I’m not just a bean-head..” He replied
I suddenly flipped the pages of my notebook, just to distract my marveled eyes. “Did he read me ??..” That’s not possible, only small group of people can do that.
He smiled at me, as if he knows me truly, It’s like a breath of fresh air. The first time that I have seen such a beauty so radiant… so contagious, that caused me to smile that way too.
“ by the way, Thanks.”
“ You’re welcome, do you want to hang-out, to a NORMAL place, “ he asked politely.
“ No, I would just sit here, this is my place now.”
He suddenly held my arms and pulled me. I just shouted, “ YOU FREAK !!! WHAT THE HECK YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING!! “
Again, he smiled at me and replied, “ I will just let you see the other face of the world”
I was puzzled what ‘other face of the world’. Oh no!! I think I will be back to that wretched Host Room.
He was pulling me… And I was right, we went to that room.
I saw again those girls wasting their time fantasizing with those guys.
He removed his hand on my arm and told me, “Come on I will let you meet the others”
“ What the, I am not interested..”
I want to come out when I heard a little boy’s voice
“ Hello, are you the new friend of Lemuel? “
I looked at him and answered with puzzled gaze.
“Yeah I think she is…” said by another guy wearing glasses.
“Guys, I want you to meet this girl, my new friend…”
“ Hello miss.. “ they said in unison
I just smiled at them and waved my hand.
“ So here is Rafael,” he points at the little one
“ Let me introduce myself, Lemuel… I am Steven, Steven Ruiz” said by the guy with glasses.
“ I know you, A classmate of mine I think, The one who welcomed me the other day” I stated
He pushed his glasses then he replied, “ As expected, a sharp memory.. yes that’s me”
“ So you are in the same class?..” Lemuel asked
I nodded. I looked around and asked him. “ So there’s a twin here”
“ Yes.. the one’s Nic and the other is Neil”
“Okay… I have to go now..”
“Wait…” Rafael called. “ Do you want some cake Miss?”
CAKE!!! OF COURSE.. I LOVE CAKES, I COULD STOP MYSELF WHENEVER THIS COMES IN…
“ Uhm… I guess..” I answered as I hid my excitement with it.
“The flavor for today is chocolate… The cake is triple chocolate with strawberry slices toppings.”
THIS IS GETTING CRAZY!!! .. I LOVE THAT FLAVOR!!
“Alright, I think I have to accept is” , I said… I couldn’t hid my smile because of the cake in front of me.
We sat on the table and started eating that cake.
“This is great.. right, Miss?..”
“Yes” I answered
“By the way, what’s your name, Miss..” Asked by someone at the back, I think one of the twins.
“ Alright , I am Celeste, Celeste Ashembert..”
I am expecting a shocked or scared expression but all that they did was to say…
“COOL!!! NICE NAME…”
“Thanks…” I said..
I thought they would be scared of me, or ashamed because of what I’m doing with my life… But I guess they are just ignorant of the things I am doing with the teachers here. Or they just accepted it… If that’s the case, I will be very overwhelmed.
Chapter 4
The Class Terrorist Impresses the Twins
I don’t know why after that day, I don’t have any peaceful or even a QUIET time for myself. Everytime I pass that big unknown door, there are 6 dazzling whatsoever boys pulling me and feeding me with cakes and laughter.
That world was a weird time for a person like me. It’s like I have stepped into something I shouldn’t. But hey!! I’m gonna try something different.
There was this day when I was just in the mood to plunge to threads of words when suddenly 2 identical-looking guys pulled me as they skip happily.
“Hey lovely lady… what are you doing with that stuff” He was pointing at the book I’m holding as he chuckled his way to the host room.
“I was suppose to read it in a quiet place” I smiled, but I just noticed the last 2 buttons of his uniform… “And hey… when will you button that? Is that a way to attract the girls on your whatsoever host business?”
The other twin laughed and buttoned the uniform of the other. “I told you Neil, check the buttons of your uniform”, he said as he fixed his brother’s dress problem. Both of them looked at each other.
I may say that they look adorable with those overflowing brotherly love… but all of the sudden, they looked at me.
“Hey… lovely Miss… you’re one of the firsts who noticed that” Neil said.
“Yep..Ms. Ashembert, thanks for reminding my brother” Nic talked back
My eyes are on them, I was thinking of unknown thoughts that I can’t figure out that much. The only thing I can clearly say is they really look alike, If I am not that good in observing stuffs I will get fooled by this two menace.
I am moving slowly away from them, to date with the book I am holding.
“Hey lovely Miss!! Don’t Go!! Common let’s go!!” the twins held my hand and they involuntarily took me to that host room. What a shame that I didn’t read that book!! . It was a mystery/suspense novel, and sadly it didn’t fall off the way I wanted to read the first chapter and play with its pages for just an hour.
Since that day, the twins were moving close to me, they are always sitting beside me and talking to me.
“Hey you twins!! Why you are sitting with our queen?” Lemuel shouted.
What queen? . I glared at him and he sat down on the floor. Oh my !! I never thought why I was staying with these 6 guys that are far lower than my mental capacity.
“Step back Lemuel… why do you care?” Neil said…
I don’t know why I was enthusiastically waiting for his answer, but I just looked at his blushing face. He just slammed the table and walked away. I want to chuckle at the time, but I don’t have a good reason that’s why I held it in.
The twins stood on the table and call the attention of the students…
“Hey ladies!!!, today is the monthly game!! GUESS WHO’S NIC ND NEIL GAME”
The girls were shouting and gleaming with joy. I was sipping my juice when Lemuel and Rafael were standing behind me. Rafael pulled my sleeves and smiled at me..
“Miss, do you know this game?”
I don’t know if I want to answer the question because it will produce a sorry-I’m-an-idiot-I-don’t-know-it statement, but I need to be truthful, what’s so logical with this story anyway?..
I just shook my head.
Neil raised an envelope and waved it on the air, “To the one who will get the right answer, will get a prize from US!!”
The crowd became wild that it kills my ears. They spun around and fixed themselves. They stood there in stationary and talked in unison.
“Now who is who?”
I looked at them, at every angle that they could be, I just chuckled and everyone looked at me.
“The one that’s on the left is Neil and the one that’s on the left is Neil”
“You’re wrong lovely Miss…” he shouted.
The silence was still present, the people’s eyes were still on me.
I held my fake smile, “I know I’m right, you just confirmed it”
“Neil’s eyes are more fierce that Nic’s, Nic has the redder lips but both have the same color. Next one is their manners, as always Neil, look at your uniform.”
The one on the left looked at it…
“Confirmed!! , Neil is not aware of his buttons, am I right Nic?. Next, Neil calls me…’Lovely Miss’ while Nic calls me on my surname and finally, the feet thing…”
Both of them looked at me, then to their feet… they laughed.
I sipped my juice as they went down the table. They raised my unoccupied hand.
“Congratulations to Miss Ashembert!! ” Everyone clapped at me and I was astounded.
They gave me the envelope and when I opened it… a Cheque?
Neil just whispered…”Or do you want something else lovely miss? Like a … ”
I tapped his shoulders and held a big wacky smile, the others are looking at us. I felt the consciousness and removed that wretched expression.
I felt the happiness creeping on my face, even I want to hide it. It was kind of obscure to feel such especially in the middle of a nasty crowd.
All I ever wanted was the silence and comfort of library seats and books, but this day was a very very rare day…
For I found my happiness with a bunch of bean-headed men.
Chapter 5
The Class Terrorist sees her dream
I was in the middle of a boring Physics class…
Here, I am not in the mood of having an argument with my teacher or even talking to him.
The day was just so BORING…
The sky was beautiful outside, the blue vast sky was above everyone and the trees rustle gently.
I can hear him talking about the “Properties of Optics” , such as reflection and refraction. Everyone was still amazed with the explanation of the bent image of the spoon on a glass of water, and that’s a fine example of putting this pathetic day to a higher level.
At last, the bell rang and I was walking down the corridor when my Physics teacher approached me.
“Good morning, Miss Ashembert” he said
I just looked at him with sharp, serious eyes. Is this a kind of joke? A teacher was approaching me after his class.
He gave me a folder, it was a yellow one. I hate bright colors.
I opened the envelope and read the words loudly…
“Science Wizards Seminar: a venture on young genuises” I flipped the papers inside the envelope. My eyes were still staying on the words written on the sheets.
“I think of all the people, you deserve this kind of opportunity Miss Ashembert”
I stopped flipping it and something struck me… I put everything on the envelope and gave it back to him.
“I am sorry, but I can’t join it” I just said, I silently walked away and never dared to look back.
I don’t have a fixed dream, I am a plain, genius high school student of my own school and a part time assistant to the CEO of Ashembert Group of Companies. I am just a puppet of my own talents and skills… or maybe a prisoner.
That day, I am not in the mood to pass the Host room or even talk to anyone, so I just went to the old clock tower and scribbled something on my notes.
“What is your dream?” that was the first thing I wrote as I laid the tip of my pen. It was weird thinking about it this time, but what happened made me realize something… and it bugged me.
I was looking up at the vast sky, when someone tapped me on my shoulder. When I looked who was it, a big, innocent smile welcomed me and a sweet voice saying, “Hello, back here?”
I just nodded. Lemuel sat beside me and looked up also.
“You know the sky today is beautiful, it reminds me of spring” he said as he points on the sky.
I watched his expression as he tell stories about his spring, I lost my track and was drawn to the thought of this. Then, he read loudly…
“What’s my dream?” I realized that it was a passage from my notes and I closed it fast.
“Why are you looking at it” I said with a higher voice. I hid the notebook on the secret pocket of my bag.
“Now, let me ask… What’s your dream?” he said, ignoring my question.
“I want to make a difference” I blurted out. He stared at me and his expression was so vivid that I can’t stop myself from elaborating.
“I want to be a scientist, more of in Chemistry or Physics field, but father wants me to run the business someday, and that requires me of thoughts of Business, Marketing and Management” I sighed as I scribble my finger on the floor.
He smiled at me and patted my head, “I never thought about this, Even I can talk to you like this…I can’t get through you…”
I looked at him… no sharp thing, just a plain look I gave to people I don’t have to pretend to. It’s like a transparent glass that light can pass through easily.
“You know, Science is cool though, especially to your rank… I know the next statement’s gonna be hard…” He paused and raised his hand on the sky, like imitating to reach the clouds… “You have to hold on what you want to be…”
I looked down. I don’t know how to hide this bursting feeling inside of me.
He stood up and faced the sky, “If you ask me…I want to make the girls happy, and to… play the piano” that smile was still there, that bright smile so contagious that it can touch one’s heart faster that the speed of light.
“Piano”, I whispered…
“You like it too?” he asked
I just nodded.
He held my hand and helped me to stand. “I will let you here some, when you are feeling alright”
Lemuel is the person who has an x-ray vision of one’s heart, even one tries to hide his/her feelings, he sees it so clear. He can be a good lie detector though.
That thought made me chuckle, then he laughed. Our laughs are an orchestra designed for two and it was beautiful to my ear.
The sound was broken by a phone call…
“Dad?” I just whispered as I looked at my phone’s screen. But I was thinking it was his secretary.
I answered the call.
“Hello”
“Celeste” the voice on the other side said. I was shocked with the person on the other line. I tried to hide it on my voice. Lemuel was looking at me , then I turned back.
“Yes, father”
“You need to grace a meeting after class, the car would pick you up” He said.
“Yes, father”
“Okay, bye” then silence, he just told me my appointment then put down the line. He was too busy that he can’t make a longer phone conversation with his daughter.
I faced Lemuel and tapped his shoulder, then I whispered. “Thank you”
He smiled at me and held my hand. “You’re always welcome… ”
“We have to go…” I said
He nodded, both of us went down.
Paint ( A story of destiny and uncertainty )
1
I just want to have a fairytale like others. Something that could be a very beautiful work of art; a masterpiece worth seeing, a story worth reading, a music worth listening…
Another day at my school, it’s not that boring as you think, I love my school so much. It is my pleasure to tell you that I study in an Arts School- a school specialized with artistic field. Here, I focus with history of arts, an arts consultant as they say. But painting is really my passion. I like to paint and it is my dream to put up an exhibit someday.
They say that dreams are just meant for fantasy but I contradict with that. I am trying my best to make my dreams come true, that’s why I do everything to make a good mark at my school.
When I went home, I had a sudden call from my teacher
“ Hello… Ms. Salazar?.”
“ Yes, Ma’am…”
“ I went there to the said time and place you to a friend of mine, and showed your works… and she liked it. She asked if you could make a portrait for them. “
“ Thank you Ma’am. I would like to make that.”
“Just go in this address tomorrow after class, okay…”
“Yes. Ma’am”
I was so flattered and excited hearing that my teacher is so proud of me. I told myself “ THIS IS MY BREAK!! “ , “ I HAVE TO DO MY BEST”
A very firm motivation that makes my heart and mind focused.
As said by my teacher, I went to the said address. I was holding a piece of paper.
“Hm… Vista Santa Subdivision, Blk…”. Someone approached me and said, “ Are you Ms. Liezel Salazar?”
I nodded my head and asked back…” Ma’am excuse me but why do you know me, and are you familiar with this address…”
She suddenly chuckled. I was shocked by that…
“Of course, I live there.. “
I thought my teacher’s friend would be like in the middle of 40’s.. but as her appearance… I guess I was wrong..
“ You think I’m old did you…” she asked me. Her round black eyes stared at me.
I just scratched my head and nodded.
That wayward laugh was just ironic, maybe because it didn’t come out the way I expected it. And now I’m relived for the reason that I would not be lost. It’s just so weird meeting the one you want to meet on the road and ask him or her about the meeting place like a lost child. Kind of confusing, right??.. Yes, that’s what I am feeling now.
“ Here’s the picture we want you to paint, you know your teacher say many sweet words about you..” She said with a smile.
“ That’s too much of a compliment. But I am thankful with it.”
“ Your teacher was right. I think you are great. “
She and her husband are really a good pair. She has rounded face as well as her husband. Both of them have perfectly-chiseled nose. Her eyes are round and color black but his husband has a Chinese-looking eyes. She has a lighter tone than her husband.
It’s really fun watching lovers teasing and laughing, but still they look at other’s eyes like they met for the first time.
“I’m not rushing you, but when can you finish that?.”
“ I will just give it after one month Ma’am”
“ That’s great, we will wait for that…”
“ Thanks for everything.. Ma’am”
“Let’s stop the formality; you can call me Susan… “
“Alright... Thank you Ms. Susan, God bless the both of you”
She just smiled at me and waved her hand as she stood outside their house. Her husband joined her and also bade his goodbye. I noticed that they are holding hands as they stay their together it made me happy and isolated…
I started making my drafts of their wedding picture. That canvass turned into a novel. It’s a love story shared by people who are truly in love and withstand the test of time.
I never felt that crazy for a person. I always smile, but I was wondering when I could give that smile like Ms. Susan’s. Her eyes say like “At last I found the one.”
I thought that art is only the love of my life, but why now…. My heart just desired to have someone to hold.
LOVE.. A true love is something not an exemption to the list of my fantasy thoughts. This meeting just intensified my desire to see that someone, a masterpiece designed for me.
These thoughts lead me to make this prayer.
“ Lord I’m happy with this life you have given me, I am very thankful and contended. I pray Lord that I would meet someone you designed for me… I know Lord that you have the right time, but still I humbly wish that I could see him even in my dreams, Thank you Lord… and Goodnight.
I never thought that one day I would be praying for this. That I would be emotional about this matter….
I just closed my eyes, and tucked myself to bed. Whatever may happen, I’m still the same.
2
Back to reality...The morning atmosphere is just creeping on my skin. I opened my eyes and raised my hand. I waved and looked at it. Yes, I’m back to my room. My stop over at slumber land was finally over. I sat down and scratched my head. Suddenly I remembered something; it made me blush and giggle!!!.
“THANK YOU LORD…. THANK YOU!!! “the words I first shouted..., I am so thankful to God that HE always make me happy,
I grabbed my pencil and pen and sketched the face of that person on my dream. Yes, I saw an image of a guy. He has very brown attractive eyes, perfectly chiseled nose thin lip and black and short hair. He looked like a mysterious guy, a semi-rounded shape of the face.
I was marveled by what I saw. My heart just beats fast and a questioned just popped on my mind. “ Is he real??..” , “Is there some person… that looks like this?.” I don’t know the answer, but still I have faith.
“Liezel… don’t you have any plan to go to school?.”
I forgot… I need to go to school, I fixed my stuff and left my sketchpad on the bed.
“Bye Liz…”
“Bye Mom…”
The vehicle was moving, as my imagination… where could I meet that guy, Is it in the scene like he would bump me and he would ask me “ Are you alright miss…” ,or he would pick up my stuff, I covered my face because thinking about it makes me giggle. I’m really getting crazy; I was just so excited how things would unfold.
“Good morning Liz…” greeted by my friend Nancy
I smiled at her and greeted her as well. We went on the same class and the same section, we are also seatmates. So, you could say that we are twins at school, the both of s couldn’t be torn apart and it’s kind of funny.
We went on the school library to research some stuff. Suddenly someone surprised us from behind,
Nancy was stunned, she closed her book and shouted, “ hey Josh!!! Don’t surprise others especially when they are reading!!! “
Josh and I are having fun looking at her irritated face. The librarian called our attention and pointed on the sign.. SILENCE!”
We just went out and covered our faces with the books. Still, she’s annoyed with Josh.
“By the way, What’s going on Josh..”
He smiled at me and whispered, “ Do you want to go to the Music Building”
Nancy slapped him on the head, “ What the heck are you thinking?.. We can’t go there”
“O please, you wanted to see my crush right…. She’s going to perform for their project, I’m begging you!!!”
I want to laugh at that time, looking at them like a puppy and master. I also wanted to see the Music Building even we are bounded to do so. Nancy doesn’t like breaking the rules, maybe this would not work…
“What’s your plan then…” She just said..
My jaw dropped, is this really true, she’s agreed to this matter however I couldn’t deny that I was pleased with this situation. Josh discussed everything in a very low voice. Both of us agreed and we tried it.
“What will we do if we got caught?” I asked
“We will never be...” He assured.
The time was right; I don’t have any classes after this... so I don’t have to skip classes. We are very careful walking. We went there like we have another session. I thought that there would be someone who would check the I.D or anything, but again, Luck is on our side.
“Yes!!” Josh said,
“Could you lower your voice Josh, someone would hear us” I sad.
“Yeah, right you are”
Nancy kept her silence and it made me wonder. I just asked her, “ Are you alright?”
She just nodded and looked away.
The Music Building is nice, there are many rooms which we are afraid to open. Portraits of great musicians are hung on the walls.
“Wow, even the paintings are good here…” I said.
“Stop being a critique Liz…” Josh replied.
“Anyway, where is that girl then…” At last Nancy broke her silence. I looked at her and smiled.
“ You have a good timing Nancy we are now here… “Josh chuckled. Nancy again has that fierce gaze. I just stopped them by saying these words.
“Is that the girl” I opened the door slightly and peeped on it. The both of them looked. Imagine-we are like spies peeping on something!!. I think we look so funny that way but we just ignored that.
“Yeah, the girl playing the cello…” He answered.
“ I could also play that..” Nancy said while rolling her eyes.
“ I don’t know you could play?”
“Hey, Liz.. Are you with me or her…” She uttered with a harder tone..
To calm her down I just said sorry.
Josh was just babbling about how beautiful she plays, I agree with him, the music was just so captivating and soothing I think I was just transported to another world. I know Josh is now in Cloud 9, he was lucky if that girl liked him as well.
“Canon in D by Pachebel… a very cool piece right?.”
“Yeah…. “ I answered, “ Hey by the way Josh, how do you know the title of the song, are you having a crash course in music?.”
“What are you saying Liz… I still study Fine Arts, how I can know to that extend.. and what crash course, we are studying in the Arts Building, if I could just join her there..” That’s Josh answer. It made me wonder, if that’s not Josh, then who was that..I took a deep breath and looked behind.
“ So…. Arts student peeping at Music classes..” The Music student said.
I stood up and covered my mouth. I tapped Josh and Nancy..
“What the Li…” he looked at me and noticed someone is in front of me, His eyes got bigger and so was Nancy, She closed the door and moved behind me.
“So you are watching Kimberly Verde, she is an-A class musician in playing the Cielo”
We couldn’t speak… As to me, I don’t know what to say..
I just nodded my head
“The three of you are Arts Student, right?” He sounded so arrogant. I couldn’t look at his face, because I know that we are wrong to go there without any permission.
“We are sorry, Sir… It is true we are Arts students, we just want so see what the Music building looks like.”
I just accepted everything that he said… when suddenly he gives of the words,
“Are you a kid? Don’t you know what a building looks like..”
This is just getting crazy… I know we are the one crossing the line, but his words are just so harsh for a punishment..
“Sir… Again we are sorry to disobey the rules of this building, we agree to the terms you need to do, We are not children, we are just curious people… who wants to hear the art counterpart to us. This is disobeying to rules but for us it’s just exploring or skills, we are in fault, “
I will look at his face when I heard something…
“Ms. Salazar??.. what are you doing here…” I know that voice, I glanced at her and my thinking was right, she was my teacher.
“Goodmorning Ma’am.,” He greeted.
I just bowed down as they talk..
“Ma’am to my utmost respect but your student went here without invitation or permission. The Student Council here would act upon it”
“ I invited them…” My teacher said, “I just want then to see the beauty of your music of course. “
I guess he was dumbfounded, there are no words heard from him but I just let my head down.
“We have to leave now… Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Suarez… “ My teacher held my hand and the 4 of us left the building safely.
At last, I felt that I could breathe again... We are outside the building and out of the blue my teacher asked us..
“Just what do you think you are doing here?. You know you are not supposed to be here,”
Josh explained things up,” It was my fault Ma’am”
“You’re lucky that I’m there, Because you would be suspended if the case would be different”
“Sorry and thank you Ma’am…” All of us answered in unison.
We walked back at our building without our teacher. Nancy lost her temper and shouted at Josh,
“It’s all your fault” , She said as she rolled her eyes.
“Yes..It’s my fault, Sorry Nancy especially Liz,you talked our way out with that guy.”
I just smiled and told him, “It’s fine, next time don’t plan things like that… Okay?”
He nodded. Each one of us learned a lesson, not to go to that building because there’s guarding it..
“He’s not that of a monster, Liz..”
“Why?..”
“Because he’s so handsome, like a masterpiece.”
“What?’
3
“That guy??.. handsome??.. “
I could also not stand to these phrases for the reason that I didn’t see his face.That time, I don’t have the strength to look at him.
The three of us were silent as we went back to our own building.
At last, someone broke the silence.
“She’s really great right?.”
I noticed that Nancy rolled her eyes. She stopped walking.
“That girl was a mess!!! Because you wanted to see her, we entered this disgrace!! And you let Liz take it alone..”
Josh looked at me with an apologizing gaze. He suddenly held my hand and said, “ I’m very sorry Liz, because of me…”
I just tapped his shoulders and showed a big smile.
“It’s alright, I think you have to say sorry to Nancy because she looks so gloomy.”
Josh laughed and removed his hold, he just whispered, “She’s always gloomy”
Nancy slapped him and looked away. She walked as fast as she could without glancing behind.
I think I know why she’s acting this way. Since our 1st year here on school, she liked that guy and no matter what she does, I guess Josh couldn’t read her… that’s the saddest part for Nancy.
Really, I am just so clueless why and how this is happening to my dear friend, I am just not good in that kind of aspects. But still, I want to find out.
I went home and lie down on my bed. Still thinking about it, I stared at the drawing I had on my sketchpad.
“Hey you.. What are you doing now?. Are you thinking just like me?. “
I think I’m going crazy!!!. With this evident symptoms of talking to a living thing, I’m turning to an irrational person.
Another day started and as usual I’m in school. Nancy, Josh and I are just looking at each other like nothing happened yesterday.
“Ms. Salazar and company?.” That voice is very familiar, that’s from my teacher, Mrs. Ruiz.
“Good morning to all of you, would you like to chat in the gallery?”
All of us nodded in unison. We just followed her lead. Josh looks like he’s in fear, Nancy’s just looking away like nothing happened in front of her and as for me, I’m just staying quiet.
We entered the gallery and my teacher closed the door. She invited us to sit down.
“You know the rules of the school, that each building has rules and regulations that each student whether residing in that building or not should follow..”
“Yes Ma’am”, the 3 of us answered.
“So, I’m reminding you, don’t ever go there, especially to the Music Building, with all the buildings, they have the strictest rules”
“Why is that Ma’am?”, Josh asked.
“I don’t know either…”
“By the way Ma’am” , I interfered… “ Who’s that guy who reprimanded us
“O that guy, He’s Lorenz Suarez, the most renowned student it that building, he’s not that known outside but he’s the talk of the town to their building”.
“ I see…” I just replied, maybe that’s why he got that aura, someone having that kind of reputation.
“And he’s very handsome…” My teacher just exclaimed.
We are all shocked. Nancy just smiled at me and mumbled, “ See?, I told you”
“Well then, I have to leave the three of you, I have to go to other business, Bye”
She left us with that smile painted on her face. Since that day, I was just bothered… why is everyone acting like this.
On our way home, the three of us are talking
“ Hey Liz.. what do you think of him… that Lorenz?” Nancy just asked.
“I couldn’t say… I didn’t see his face and the only thing I know of him is that he is famous, a music genius and a person who scolds others and telling that they re a bunch of kids without any explanation.”
I am still not finished with my statement when someone was on our way. That person stands like a guy. His hands are inside his pocket and he was looking down while saying,
“So we meet again, Artist…”
My eyes got bigger and were startled when he gazed straightly at me. I see that rust brown eyes, that face that looks like an angel, a perfectly-painted masterpiece.
“So that’s what you think of me, now we are outside the school, no rules… no anything.”
I was choked. I don’t know what to say, I was just so shocked that I was left there standing motionless. I was still looking at his face, like standing in front of the world’s well known galleries. The world became silent and I couldn’t hear anything
Nancy’s just pushing me, but I couldn’t respond.
“What happened to that girl who’s speaking her tongue out yesterday?” he said these words while walking closer. He stared at me, so close that I just stepped on his foot.
He shouted and pulled back then wiped the dust on his shoes.
“You rascal… come here!!” he just pulled my hand and we ran away from my friends.
“Hey stop it… hey, I don’t know you and you are just pulling me!!” I said,
He suddenly stopped and removed his hold then laughed out loud.
I took a deep breath and told him, “Would you please chose the people you will pull. Sorry but I don’t really know you to that extend. And I have a trauma yesterday…”
“Trauma?”
“Just scared of what happened…” I mumbled.
Again, he laughed out loud and sat on the grass.
“O I see, I am really not known to Arts building…I’m happy I left a mark.” He’s still staring at me and carrying that wryly smile.
“Anyway, we need to say our apology, we are the ones who are wrong there because we didn’t follow the rules of your building. But still, I don’t accept your rules, for me it is better to learn if one discover, hear or see the beauty of other’s point of view. There are things that we can’t learn by just isolating ourselves; instead, opening our minds to new things would be a breath of fresh air to the school”
He’s just stationary, sitting there, looking at me straightly. I couldn’t look away because I am drowned with his eyes… Fortunately, my phone just rang.
“hello, Nancy?.”
“hey Liz… how are you?. What’s going on there”
“oh nothing, “
“are you with that guy”
‘no…I’m not with him.”
“HEY… HEY!!” I was shocked when he suddenly talked. I just covered his mouth.
“who’s that?”
“that’s some sounds coming from the background.”
“I see, well then… be careful.. Bye.”
“Bye..”
I turned of the phone and removed my hand covering his mouth.
‘What do you really want?”
“So your name is Liz..” he said like he’s ignoring my question.
“No, that’s just a nickname… Guess my name.” I just answered and smiled at him.
I stood up and I brushed my pants, “Let’s just end this conversation, I have to go now… bye”
I walked away without looking back because I would be stuck again here, his presence is just so overwhelming, that who could not escape from it.
4
“So what happened yesterday?” Nancy asked me all of a sudden
“What yesterday?”
“Are you hiding something from me?” Nancy answered back
“No… I am not, it’s just I don’t have to tell something you are expecting.” I replied.
She was still looking at me, still waiting for the words she wanted to hear.
“Alright.. Alright..” I gave up, “He just talked to me”.
She giggled and stretched my cheeks, “My dear baby sister is turning into a lady.
“What?” I was just shocked. “Anyway… could you please stop Nancy, your Josh is waiting in the cafeteria”
“Oh right!!!” she just removed it and walked faster… “Let’s go…move faster Liz”
I just scratched my head. Whenever we talk about Josh, she’s like this… loosing her mind or just acting weird. But still, I am entertained when I watch her and Josh. This paints a smile on my face.
We are eating in the cafeteria, when Josh talked, “Hey…what happened to you yesterday? That wretched guy, he just pulled you all of a sudden”.
I choked and put my drink down. “Why the both of you just ask that question?”
“We are just concerned…”, he said
I just smiled at him and tapped his shoulders. “Thanks”
“If he shows, what are you going to do, Liz?” Nancy asked.
“I think he just wanted some company, so it’s fine” I said while sipping my drink.
They both look at me, and smiled.
“what?, What’s the problem?”
Nancy pointed at my back…I looked at that direction.
That guy was standing on the front door glaring towards our direction. I just took a deep breath and stared to Josh and Nancy.
“What’s he doing here?” I mumbled,
“You forget, THIS IS THE SCHOOL’S POINT OF UNITY, THIS CAFETERIA”
Nancy answered. In the background… there are girls screaming and blushing. I continue to sip my drink and asked, “ I never see him here”
Nancy just smiled and tapped me on the shoulders, “ Maybe he found a reason to drop by here”
“What is that?” I asked.
“You want to know the reason?” said by the voice from my back.
I looked behind slowly, and just have the wry smile on my face.
He waved his hand and said, “Yo”…
“What are you doing here?” I asked him.
“ I just want to go here,” he said while glancing at the corners of the cafeteria, “well, this is a fine place, but the music building’s cafeteria is much better”
I sipped my drink and said, “ This is the place of union of all buildings, a mixture of all the genres of the school. It is not accustomed to be liked by one group only, Instead it is made for all of the groups of student here.”
I wasn’t looking at his reaction. I am just focusing my eyes on my friends.
“what, Lorenz like Liezel… so sad.” I heard some one near us whispered.
I just ignored that someone. I was waiting for him to leave or anything else. But, I was surprised he sat down next to me. He tapped it using his fingers.
I stared at him and said, “ You’re bringing your piano here?”
He just covered his smile with his hand. “You know, you asked me yesterday to guess your name…” He talked closer to my ear and whispered, “You are Liezel Salazar, 3rd year Arts History Major specialized in Painting”
I was stunned of how he knows that, I’m not like him, very famous in school. He stood up and tapped my shoulders, “That researching thing needs a reward, think about that”
I looked at his direction, walking back while his hands are inside his pockets again. What reward that guy’s talking about… I am just so clueless”
After that cafeteria incident, seems like the girls are looking at me like a sort of an insect. But I just don’t mind them. As I walked out of that cafeteria, I tried to forget what he said and what happened there.
“What will give him as a reward, Liz?” Nancy asked with an optimistic tone
“Of course…None,” I answered while laughing”
“Yeah, that’s right Liz… don’t listen to this hopeless romantic” He butt in while pointing to Nancy
She just threw her bag to Josh. Sometimes I feel pity to that guy.
“Nancy, we just met the other day… it’s just natural for me to decline that”, I said.
When I was in my room, still sketching the wedding picture of Ms. Susan, I thought of that ‘reward’ he was saying. Or maybe I could say that I am thinking of him. I couldn’t forget that eyes, that brown eyes that can be a magnet and pull someone in. In that moment, I also imagined that I am Ms. Susan and he’s the husband and we are reminiscing to this portrait.
I shook my head off and stood up.
“What am I thinking!! “ I told myself.
I remembered my sketch pad-I looked at the image of the guy I sketched there.
Comparing them, they look just the same. Does this mean, that he’s my soulmate?. The person I was praying for?
5
The heat of the sun was on it’s peak and I still have to go to school. The weather’s fine… No need to bring an umbrella
I was walking on the school grounds when Nancy tapped me and smiled
“What’s his reward?..”She asked.
“We talked about this, I will not give him any” I said while smiling at her.
At last, she let that thing pass, The whole session, we haven’t talked regarding that topic… and that’s fine for me.
Our class has ended and my teacher called me,
“Ms. Salazar…could we talk for awhile”
“Yes, Ma’am”
I let Nancy go to the cafeteria first; I think this is a lucky day for me.
“Would you go with me in the cafeteria?”
“Sure Ma’am” I said.
She led me to the building’s gallery but I don’t really know the reason why.
“Have a seat”
“ Thank you…” I replied
“You know, I really like your style in painting…” She said while getting something under the table… “Tell me, what do you think of this?”
It was a painting of a snow town, the shadows of the snow was dark blue. Based on the frame, it’s a little old but still having that unique and heavy touch on it.
“Imagining it, it would be a scene of the snow falling down so slowly. I think, the painter here is feeling that kind of sadness that he felt for the first time, or he never feels frequently. That effect of a dark blue snow would mean something so unusual and only contained in the mind…He was having a thought that what his feeling in that time was just contained in the mind but still it couldn’t escape”
She wiped her eyes and smiled at me, “You know, I really like you… This was a painting of my brother, he was in pain when he painted this. He told me to show this to the student that I think could understand his piece; I guess I’m right with my choice.”
I bowed down and said, “Thank you Ma’am, It’s my honor to tell something with that very magnificent work of art”
“Would you mind staying with us at a tea party this Saturday?”
“ Thank you for your invitation, I would gladly accept it.”
She smiled at me and gave me the map and the information.
“By the way, could you show us your work on Saturday…”
“Yes Ma’am” I smiled and bowed down.
“Alright , I will go now… just look at the painting if you want”
“Thank you very much…”
She smiled again and closed the door.
I was looking at the painting when Nancy called me…
“Hello…”
“Hello, Liz…”
“I can’t go with you after class… I have other business to do.. Sorry”
“Oh, it’s alright… I can manage… “
“Alright, bye…”
Why all of a sudden, But still she has a life and mingles with others, While at the gallery… I was looking at all the works there, I am so amazed with all the beautiful paintings.
After I think an hour and a half, I went outside.
“What it’s raining? How can I walk home, I have to wait..”
I was standing in front of the gate when someone stood there beside me with an umbrella.
“Lucky to have an umbrella”, that voice… it sounded so familiar, I was afraid to look beside because I know that person.
“Want to walk with me, you will be wet if you walk without an umbrella” HE said while looking at the clouds.
“I am alright, I think I have to wait for the rain to stop, I will just go to the gallery again, by the way… thanks for your offer” I just smiled and turned back, I was just opening the gate when…
I opened my bag when he suddenly talked
“Your idea was great about that snow painting…”
Again, he surprised me, I looked back at him and asked, “ How did you know that?”
“Ask your friend…” He said softly
I laughed and whispered it to him, “Then it means, you trespassed on the Arts Building? The student council president of the Music Building whose stopping other students to go there, is lurking at the other’s building…WHAT A SHAME”
He took a deep breath and laughed, “Well that just shows that your building was a mess”
“What!! That building is the fundamental of us Arts student…”
“Well, then all of you are also a mess” he said while staring at me with a wryly smile on his face.
I bit my lips and told him, “Well I guess we are a mess, but we live to what we say, not like you”
He just lost that smile as I said those words, I don’t know what did I say wrong, but I feel he didn’t like what I say. So I just looked down and see the raindrops falling down. The both of us are standing there, motionless, waiting for someone to speak.
I think it’s 30 minutes that we stood there without speaking with each other.
“I have to go now… I think the rain will not stop that easily, so here”, he offered another umbrella and walked away.
I didn’t have the opportunity to say thank you, but I just whispered it in the wind. I waited for him to disappear on my sight, and then I went on my way…
“I guess I owe him an apology…”
6
That night, I looked at that umbrella, still thinking about that guy. He’s really that spontaneous… and he just lingers on my mind. I can’t deny that he resembles the guy in my dream, but still I have doubts…
“I need to give this back tomorrow”, so I put it on my backpack and lied on my bed.
Another day of school, Nancy and I are hanging out at the school’s biggest cafeteria.
“Hey, Nancy…” I said, “ Did you tell Lorenz about my location yesterday?”
Nancy showed her nasty smile, “ He’s asking about you, how could I lie?”
“Nancy… you know he disobeyed the rules”
She giggled, “ It means… he went there?”
I just nodded and looked down. She suddenly pushed me and shouted.
“It means, he just likes you Liz!! “
Everyone’s staring at us, so I covered Nancy’s mouth, “Nancy, could you behave just for awhile…I hope Josh’s here, he could stop you”
She removed my hand and sat like a disciplined child. That time, I think I’m bad, using her weakness for my benefit. A little cruel I guess.
I was waiting for him, I want to give him the umbrella and apologize for what I said. Really I don’t know why he was affected with that, but I was thinking that I have deepened an old scar.
It took so long… We are sitting there; my mind was flying, mixing my coffee mindless of the people around me. I felt that someone sat next to us but I didn’t look.
I heard Nancy’s giggle, that’s why I took a glance on her face. She was covering her face while making that squeaky sounds. Whenever she does that, there are nasty or cheesy things happening around here. I turned my head and looked for that person or thing that makes her like this. When I saw my side, I knock my coffee cup.
“O sorry, “ I wiped the mess, The coffee wet his jacket. I am such a clumsy girl.
He laughed so loud that everyone stared at us, “ What a clumsy girl…”
I just looked down and tapped the table with my fingers. It’s Lorenz, again he was there when you least expect him. He always makes me surprised and confused at the same time.
While I’m in the middle of my thoughts, he asked “Waiting for me?”
“I just….”
“Come on. Let’s go”
“What…” I glared at him puzzled.
He pulled my arms and we ran out of the cafeteria. I don’t know what to say, or even to think. It was just so fast that even my brain cells couldn’t respond.
We stopped at the big tree, outside the cafeteria. He stopped holding my hand. I just took deep breaths and looked away.
After a while of not being mentally awake, I asked him, “Why did you that all of a sudden”.
“I just want to say sorry, of what I acted yesterday”, he stared at me with his brownish captivating eyes.
I bit my lips and took a deep breath. “ I also need to apologize, I guess I said something bad that time. “
That time, my heart was running wild. I couldn’t make myself feel at peace. My mind was just filled with bright white light, it blocks all the thoughts I’m thinking. So naïve yet warm.
He smiled at me and patted my head, “ You’re so cute… stop that…”
I was surprised that time when he said that.
Again, he was laughing at me, making fun of my reactions… what a guy.
“Oh right…” I remembered, “I will give you the umbrella” . I found out that I left my bag in the cafeteria but I’m just shy coming in because of the incident.
“It’s yours now, I have many of that, don’t worry”
He’s still arrogant but when he laughs and smiles, I just forget about that fact. He has that light so shiny that it can sip you out of reality.
“How can I get in with this…” I whispered.
He taps my back hard.
“What’s that for?”
“Want some drama?” he asked.
“ I guess I should decline that. You are that weird to exaggerate the meaning of drama”
He smiled wryly and looked at me. “ Alright, let’s just get in… WITHOUT DRAMA.. is that fine with you?”
I nodded. I was the one to enter first, but I felt he was there behind me. Everyone still holds that heavy gaze in their eyes. He’s just that famous to make this certain commotion, and for them I am just a girl not deserving of him.
I took my bag and signaled Nancy to leave the place.
“What about Josh?” she asked.
“Just text him, tell him we are going somewhere else” I said.
So, the 3 of us went out. We stopped on the quadrangle.
“I guess we have to part ways now”
He just nodded then he started to walk away, putting his hands inside his pockets leaving footprints on my mind.
Nancy tapped me on the shoulder and said, “ Hey liz!! What happened to you there?”
“What are you talking about, there’s…nothing…that special” I said while mumbling the other words. I still couldn’t shake my senses back. It’s still away, standing beside that tree, motionless.
She pushed me and said, “You’re such a denial princess… I will just tell you what he done was very sweet…I wish Josh could…”
“What will I do?” A guy held her on her shoulder.
Her eyes got big. She took a deep breath and slapped Josh on the face.
I was holding back my laughter for the reason that the entire pressure thing bounced back to her who started it all. I guess I’m too lucky to endure more and that there’s a trampoline in front of me, diffracting the negative things she threw.
She glared at me and shouted… “What are you laughing there?”
I just waved my hand and answered, “ Nothing”
After that, I walked alone. My mind was still flying and my senses are not present. The things that happened earlier still flashes in front of my eyes. I tried to shake my head but it didn’t work.
This bothering became worse when I went home and glanced at the sketch I had on my pad.
“He really looks like this guy”. These are the words I uttered.
But still, I don’t know if he had a birthmark that looks like a star near his ear. That thing there is the separation between this picture and that guy. Also the hair style is kind of different.
I just sighed as I put my sketchpad inside my drawer and looked at the ceiling.
“Will I ever meet this person?”
7
It was Friday, and the most exciting day of my life is coming. I am showing my work to my teacher’s relatives.
I am still thinking of that blue snow painting, the unknown pain that one experienced for the first time is the hardest because one doesn’t know how to handle it. It can be resolved by time or just suffocate that person.
I went to the store for painting materials. My fingers lingered on the paint tubes arranged on the closet. I picked up colors white, orange, red and canvas.
The cashier smiled at me and said, “Nice choice of colors, Ma’am”. I just giggled and answered, “Well, I just want to make something special”
“Is it for your boyfriend?” she asked.
I shook my hand, “I don’t have any”
“Oh well, But your boyfriend going to be lucky”, she smiled as she packed my things.
I gave her my payment and bowed my head, “Thank you for the compliment”
Walking back home made me realize things, about having a partner who you can give something so special.
“Is it a happy thought?” I asked myself.
I felt that my cheeks were pinkish-red, so I just stopped thinking of those things”
I sorted out my stuff when I got home. I tied my hair and wore my painting apron and
Started painting my little work inspired with a season.
The colors that were bright, yet dying. Leaves of orange and yellow fluttered on cold air. They share the color of the light, however they implicate the loss of vitality, of a life.
“At last it’s done” I said as a stroke the paint on my cheek.
I was captivated with the work on the canvas, looking at it reminded me of being relieved in all the burdens I have. Standing in the middle of a big tree as its leaves fell down makes me close my eyes and think of a new life, a new step that I have to take on to continue living.
I grabbed my sketchpad and showed my work to the person drawn on it.
“Hi Mystery guy, here is my version of the autumn… is it beautiful?”
After a few seconds, I found myself implicating those weird symptoms again, Am I that crazy?
Morning peeped on my windows and at last…it’s SATURDAY!!! I have to prepare for the tea party.
I took a bath and picked up my Sunday dress. It was an unusual day for me to wear a dress, I don’t like those types but I have to make myself presentable for this day.
I flipped my hair and put the canvas on my bag and I’m set.
Everything felt good when, “What’s the address again?”
I forgot it!!. Of all this time, my weird sense of direction struck me, it’s so annoying. Even I’m shy, I send my teacher a text message and asked for the address again. Getting there is more important to me now.
“541 Castle Subv” … Castle Subdivision!!! I shouted, the prestigious address of rich people residing there.
My heart beat ran wildly. The nervousness made my knees shake like this. The vibration made me aware that this will be a big big day for me.
I rode a taxi and continued my way. My heart’s still not in a normal beat. . . I am still in fear. I don’t have to do much today, I have to hold my composure, this is no day to waste.
The driver made me aware that we reached the gates. It was glorious looking at it in my point of view. The style is so medieval yet classy even in modern times. It makes the person feel that he’s a royalty.
I made my entrance and showed my I.D. I’m glad I didn’t forget that. The houses here are so different from what I typically see. The place is so big that I don’t know where is that 541 ?
I found a person sitting on the bench near me, he was looking down and not facing my direction, so I tapped his shoulder and showed a smile.
“Good afternoon, Sir… can I ask, where is 541 Castle St?”
He looked at my face and said, “I didn’t realize that you’re not good in directions”
I was surprised when I saw his face, I didn’t expect that I will see him in here, but based on his reputations, there’s a big possibility that he’s a very rich guy.
“Well, I just need to know, no insults please”, I told him.
He smiled and stood up, “Well Ms, are you my stalker?”
He looked at me so close that I turned my head away
I let him see my confusion and asked, “I don’t know what you’re talking about? Does that mean that…”
He instantly interfered with my sentence, “Why are you looking for my house anyway”
“You’re house!!!” I exclaimed
He suddenly gaze his direction on the other side, hiding his face from me.
“Yes, obviously…”
“Teacher invited me to the tea party there” I said
“Well, there’s a tea party at home…” he sighed
“why? What’s the problem?” I looked at him and asked
“Well!! I will just lead you there” he pulled me again, not looking at me.
He’s still not in his usual arrogant self, looking at him like this makes me think of the other sides he may have. I just asked in curiosity, “You’re not coming?”
He showed me that weird smile again, “I will show when they need me” . then he laughed at loud.
I was surprised that his laugh made me chuckle… His face looked like an innocent kid when he laughed like that. It was so uncertain of me on how that arrogance turned into something so likeable.
(Note: this is just from Chapters 1-7... i'll update them sometime)
I just want to have a fairytale like others. Something that could be a very beautiful work of art; a masterpiece worth seeing, a story worth reading, a music worth listening…
Another day at my school, it’s not that boring as you think, I love my school so much. It is my pleasure to tell you that I study in an Arts School- a school specialized with artistic field. Here, I focus with history of arts, an arts consultant as they say. But painting is really my passion. I like to paint and it is my dream to put up an exhibit someday.
They say that dreams are just meant for fantasy but I contradict with that. I am trying my best to make my dreams come true, that’s why I do everything to make a good mark at my school.
When I went home, I had a sudden call from my teacher
“ Hello… Ms. Salazar?.”
“ Yes, Ma’am…”
“ I went there to the said time and place you to a friend of mine, and showed your works… and she liked it. She asked if you could make a portrait for them. “
“ Thank you Ma’am. I would like to make that.”
“Just go in this address tomorrow after class, okay…”
“Yes. Ma’am”
I was so flattered and excited hearing that my teacher is so proud of me. I told myself “ THIS IS MY BREAK!! “ , “ I HAVE TO DO MY BEST”
A very firm motivation that makes my heart and mind focused.
As said by my teacher, I went to the said address. I was holding a piece of paper.
“Hm… Vista Santa Subdivision, Blk…”. Someone approached me and said, “ Are you Ms. Liezel Salazar?”
I nodded my head and asked back…” Ma’am excuse me but why do you know me, and are you familiar with this address…”
She suddenly chuckled. I was shocked by that…
“Of course, I live there.. “
I thought my teacher’s friend would be like in the middle of 40’s.. but as her appearance… I guess I was wrong..
“ You think I’m old did you…” she asked me. Her round black eyes stared at me.
I just scratched my head and nodded.
That wayward laugh was just ironic, maybe because it didn’t come out the way I expected it. And now I’m relived for the reason that I would not be lost. It’s just so weird meeting the one you want to meet on the road and ask him or her about the meeting place like a lost child. Kind of confusing, right??.. Yes, that’s what I am feeling now.
“ Here’s the picture we want you to paint, you know your teacher say many sweet words about you..” She said with a smile.
“ That’s too much of a compliment. But I am thankful with it.”
“ Your teacher was right. I think you are great. “
She and her husband are really a good pair. She has rounded face as well as her husband. Both of them have perfectly-chiseled nose. Her eyes are round and color black but his husband has a Chinese-looking eyes. She has a lighter tone than her husband.
It’s really fun watching lovers teasing and laughing, but still they look at other’s eyes like they met for the first time.
“I’m not rushing you, but when can you finish that?.”
“ I will just give it after one month Ma’am”
“ That’s great, we will wait for that…”
“ Thanks for everything.. Ma’am”
“Let’s stop the formality; you can call me Susan… “
“Alright... Thank you Ms. Susan, God bless the both of you”
She just smiled at me and waved her hand as she stood outside their house. Her husband joined her and also bade his goodbye. I noticed that they are holding hands as they stay their together it made me happy and isolated…
I started making my drafts of their wedding picture. That canvass turned into a novel. It’s a love story shared by people who are truly in love and withstand the test of time.
I never felt that crazy for a person. I always smile, but I was wondering when I could give that smile like Ms. Susan’s. Her eyes say like “At last I found the one.”
I thought that art is only the love of my life, but why now…. My heart just desired to have someone to hold.
LOVE.. A true love is something not an exemption to the list of my fantasy thoughts. This meeting just intensified my desire to see that someone, a masterpiece designed for me.
These thoughts lead me to make this prayer.
“ Lord I’m happy with this life you have given me, I am very thankful and contended. I pray Lord that I would meet someone you designed for me… I know Lord that you have the right time, but still I humbly wish that I could see him even in my dreams, Thank you Lord… and Goodnight.
I never thought that one day I would be praying for this. That I would be emotional about this matter….
I just closed my eyes, and tucked myself to bed. Whatever may happen, I’m still the same.
2
Back to reality...The morning atmosphere is just creeping on my skin. I opened my eyes and raised my hand. I waved and looked at it. Yes, I’m back to my room. My stop over at slumber land was finally over. I sat down and scratched my head. Suddenly I remembered something; it made me blush and giggle!!!.
“THANK YOU LORD…. THANK YOU!!! “the words I first shouted..., I am so thankful to God that HE always make me happy,
I grabbed my pencil and pen and sketched the face of that person on my dream. Yes, I saw an image of a guy. He has very brown attractive eyes, perfectly chiseled nose thin lip and black and short hair. He looked like a mysterious guy, a semi-rounded shape of the face.
I was marveled by what I saw. My heart just beats fast and a questioned just popped on my mind. “ Is he real??..” , “Is there some person… that looks like this?.” I don’t know the answer, but still I have faith.
“Liezel… don’t you have any plan to go to school?.”
I forgot… I need to go to school, I fixed my stuff and left my sketchpad on the bed.
“Bye Liz…”
“Bye Mom…”
The vehicle was moving, as my imagination… where could I meet that guy, Is it in the scene like he would bump me and he would ask me “ Are you alright miss…” ,or he would pick up my stuff, I covered my face because thinking about it makes me giggle. I’m really getting crazy; I was just so excited how things would unfold.
“Good morning Liz…” greeted by my friend Nancy
I smiled at her and greeted her as well. We went on the same class and the same section, we are also seatmates. So, you could say that we are twins at school, the both of s couldn’t be torn apart and it’s kind of funny.
We went on the school library to research some stuff. Suddenly someone surprised us from behind,
Nancy was stunned, she closed her book and shouted, “ hey Josh!!! Don’t surprise others especially when they are reading!!! “
Josh and I are having fun looking at her irritated face. The librarian called our attention and pointed on the sign.. SILENCE!”
We just went out and covered our faces with the books. Still, she’s annoyed with Josh.
“By the way, What’s going on Josh..”
He smiled at me and whispered, “ Do you want to go to the Music Building”
Nancy slapped him on the head, “ What the heck are you thinking?.. We can’t go there”
“O please, you wanted to see my crush right…. She’s going to perform for their project, I’m begging you!!!”
I want to laugh at that time, looking at them like a puppy and master. I also wanted to see the Music Building even we are bounded to do so. Nancy doesn’t like breaking the rules, maybe this would not work…
“What’s your plan then…” She just said..
My jaw dropped, is this really true, she’s agreed to this matter however I couldn’t deny that I was pleased with this situation. Josh discussed everything in a very low voice. Both of us agreed and we tried it.
“What will we do if we got caught?” I asked
“We will never be...” He assured.
The time was right; I don’t have any classes after this... so I don’t have to skip classes. We are very careful walking. We went there like we have another session. I thought that there would be someone who would check the I.D or anything, but again, Luck is on our side.
“Yes!!” Josh said,
“Could you lower your voice Josh, someone would hear us” I sad.
“Yeah, right you are”
Nancy kept her silence and it made me wonder. I just asked her, “ Are you alright?”
She just nodded and looked away.
The Music Building is nice, there are many rooms which we are afraid to open. Portraits of great musicians are hung on the walls.
“Wow, even the paintings are good here…” I said.
“Stop being a critique Liz…” Josh replied.
“Anyway, where is that girl then…” At last Nancy broke her silence. I looked at her and smiled.
“ You have a good timing Nancy we are now here… “Josh chuckled. Nancy again has that fierce gaze. I just stopped them by saying these words.
“Is that the girl” I opened the door slightly and peeped on it. The both of them looked. Imagine-we are like spies peeping on something!!. I think we look so funny that way but we just ignored that.
“Yeah, the girl playing the cello…” He answered.
“ I could also play that..” Nancy said while rolling her eyes.
“ I don’t know you could play?”
“Hey, Liz.. Are you with me or her…” She uttered with a harder tone..
To calm her down I just said sorry.
Josh was just babbling about how beautiful she plays, I agree with him, the music was just so captivating and soothing I think I was just transported to another world. I know Josh is now in Cloud 9, he was lucky if that girl liked him as well.
“Canon in D by Pachebel… a very cool piece right?.”
“Yeah…. “ I answered, “ Hey by the way Josh, how do you know the title of the song, are you having a crash course in music?.”
“What are you saying Liz… I still study Fine Arts, how I can know to that extend.. and what crash course, we are studying in the Arts Building, if I could just join her there..” That’s Josh answer. It made me wonder, if that’s not Josh, then who was that..I took a deep breath and looked behind.
“ So…. Arts student peeping at Music classes..” The Music student said.
I stood up and covered my mouth. I tapped Josh and Nancy..
“What the Li…” he looked at me and noticed someone is in front of me, His eyes got bigger and so was Nancy, She closed the door and moved behind me.
“So you are watching Kimberly Verde, she is an-A class musician in playing the Cielo”
We couldn’t speak… As to me, I don’t know what to say..
I just nodded my head
“The three of you are Arts Student, right?” He sounded so arrogant. I couldn’t look at his face, because I know that we are wrong to go there without any permission.
“We are sorry, Sir… It is true we are Arts students, we just want so see what the Music building looks like.”
I just accepted everything that he said… when suddenly he gives of the words,
“Are you a kid? Don’t you know what a building looks like..”
This is just getting crazy… I know we are the one crossing the line, but his words are just so harsh for a punishment..
“Sir… Again we are sorry to disobey the rules of this building, we agree to the terms you need to do, We are not children, we are just curious people… who wants to hear the art counterpart to us. This is disobeying to rules but for us it’s just exploring or skills, we are in fault, “
I will look at his face when I heard something…
“Ms. Salazar??.. what are you doing here…” I know that voice, I glanced at her and my thinking was right, she was my teacher.
“Goodmorning Ma’am.,” He greeted.
I just bowed down as they talk..
“Ma’am to my utmost respect but your student went here without invitation or permission. The Student Council here would act upon it”
“ I invited them…” My teacher said, “I just want then to see the beauty of your music of course. “
I guess he was dumbfounded, there are no words heard from him but I just let my head down.
“We have to leave now… Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Suarez… “ My teacher held my hand and the 4 of us left the building safely.
At last, I felt that I could breathe again... We are outside the building and out of the blue my teacher asked us..
“Just what do you think you are doing here?. You know you are not supposed to be here,”
Josh explained things up,” It was my fault Ma’am”
“You’re lucky that I’m there, Because you would be suspended if the case would be different”
“Sorry and thank you Ma’am…” All of us answered in unison.
We walked back at our building without our teacher. Nancy lost her temper and shouted at Josh,
“It’s all your fault” , She said as she rolled her eyes.
“Yes..It’s my fault, Sorry Nancy especially Liz,you talked our way out with that guy.”
I just smiled and told him, “It’s fine, next time don’t plan things like that… Okay?”
He nodded. Each one of us learned a lesson, not to go to that building because there’s guarding it..
“He’s not that of a monster, Liz..”
“Why?..”
“Because he’s so handsome, like a masterpiece.”
“What?’
3
“That guy??.. handsome??.. “
I could also not stand to these phrases for the reason that I didn’t see his face.That time, I don’t have the strength to look at him.
The three of us were silent as we went back to our own building.
At last, someone broke the silence.
“She’s really great right?.”
I noticed that Nancy rolled her eyes. She stopped walking.
“That girl was a mess!!! Because you wanted to see her, we entered this disgrace!! And you let Liz take it alone..”
Josh looked at me with an apologizing gaze. He suddenly held my hand and said, “ I’m very sorry Liz, because of me…”
I just tapped his shoulders and showed a big smile.
“It’s alright, I think you have to say sorry to Nancy because she looks so gloomy.”
Josh laughed and removed his hold, he just whispered, “She’s always gloomy”
Nancy slapped him and looked away. She walked as fast as she could without glancing behind.
I think I know why she’s acting this way. Since our 1st year here on school, she liked that guy and no matter what she does, I guess Josh couldn’t read her… that’s the saddest part for Nancy.
Really, I am just so clueless why and how this is happening to my dear friend, I am just not good in that kind of aspects. But still, I want to find out.
I went home and lie down on my bed. Still thinking about it, I stared at the drawing I had on my sketchpad.
“Hey you.. What are you doing now?. Are you thinking just like me?. “
I think I’m going crazy!!!. With this evident symptoms of talking to a living thing, I’m turning to an irrational person.
Another day started and as usual I’m in school. Nancy, Josh and I are just looking at each other like nothing happened yesterday.
“Ms. Salazar and company?.” That voice is very familiar, that’s from my teacher, Mrs. Ruiz.
“Good morning to all of you, would you like to chat in the gallery?”
All of us nodded in unison. We just followed her lead. Josh looks like he’s in fear, Nancy’s just looking away like nothing happened in front of her and as for me, I’m just staying quiet.
We entered the gallery and my teacher closed the door. She invited us to sit down.
“You know the rules of the school, that each building has rules and regulations that each student whether residing in that building or not should follow..”
“Yes Ma’am”, the 3 of us answered.
“So, I’m reminding you, don’t ever go there, especially to the Music Building, with all the buildings, they have the strictest rules”
“Why is that Ma’am?”, Josh asked.
“I don’t know either…”
“By the way Ma’am” , I interfered… “ Who’s that guy who reprimanded us
“O that guy, He’s Lorenz Suarez, the most renowned student it that building, he’s not that known outside but he’s the talk of the town to their building”.
“ I see…” I just replied, maybe that’s why he got that aura, someone having that kind of reputation.
“And he’s very handsome…” My teacher just exclaimed.
We are all shocked. Nancy just smiled at me and mumbled, “ See?, I told you”
“Well then, I have to leave the three of you, I have to go to other business, Bye”
She left us with that smile painted on her face. Since that day, I was just bothered… why is everyone acting like this.
On our way home, the three of us are talking
“ Hey Liz.. what do you think of him… that Lorenz?” Nancy just asked.
“I couldn’t say… I didn’t see his face and the only thing I know of him is that he is famous, a music genius and a person who scolds others and telling that they re a bunch of kids without any explanation.”
I am still not finished with my statement when someone was on our way. That person stands like a guy. His hands are inside his pocket and he was looking down while saying,
“So we meet again, Artist…”
My eyes got bigger and were startled when he gazed straightly at me. I see that rust brown eyes, that face that looks like an angel, a perfectly-painted masterpiece.
“So that’s what you think of me, now we are outside the school, no rules… no anything.”
I was choked. I don’t know what to say, I was just so shocked that I was left there standing motionless. I was still looking at his face, like standing in front of the world’s well known galleries. The world became silent and I couldn’t hear anything
Nancy’s just pushing me, but I couldn’t respond.
“What happened to that girl who’s speaking her tongue out yesterday?” he said these words while walking closer. He stared at me, so close that I just stepped on his foot.
He shouted and pulled back then wiped the dust on his shoes.
“You rascal… come here!!” he just pulled my hand and we ran away from my friends.
“Hey stop it… hey, I don’t know you and you are just pulling me!!” I said,
He suddenly stopped and removed his hold then laughed out loud.
I took a deep breath and told him, “Would you please chose the people you will pull. Sorry but I don’t really know you to that extend. And I have a trauma yesterday…”
“Trauma?”
“Just scared of what happened…” I mumbled.
Again, he laughed out loud and sat on the grass.
“O I see, I am really not known to Arts building…I’m happy I left a mark.” He’s still staring at me and carrying that wryly smile.
“Anyway, we need to say our apology, we are the ones who are wrong there because we didn’t follow the rules of your building. But still, I don’t accept your rules, for me it is better to learn if one discover, hear or see the beauty of other’s point of view. There are things that we can’t learn by just isolating ourselves; instead, opening our minds to new things would be a breath of fresh air to the school”
He’s just stationary, sitting there, looking at me straightly. I couldn’t look away because I am drowned with his eyes… Fortunately, my phone just rang.
“hello, Nancy?.”
“hey Liz… how are you?. What’s going on there”
“oh nothing, “
“are you with that guy”
‘no…I’m not with him.”
“HEY… HEY!!” I was shocked when he suddenly talked. I just covered his mouth.
“who’s that?”
“that’s some sounds coming from the background.”
“I see, well then… be careful.. Bye.”
“Bye..”
I turned of the phone and removed my hand covering his mouth.
‘What do you really want?”
“So your name is Liz..” he said like he’s ignoring my question.
“No, that’s just a nickname… Guess my name.” I just answered and smiled at him.
I stood up and I brushed my pants, “Let’s just end this conversation, I have to go now… bye”
I walked away without looking back because I would be stuck again here, his presence is just so overwhelming, that who could not escape from it.
4
“So what happened yesterday?” Nancy asked me all of a sudden
“What yesterday?”
“Are you hiding something from me?” Nancy answered back
“No… I am not, it’s just I don’t have to tell something you are expecting.” I replied.
She was still looking at me, still waiting for the words she wanted to hear.
“Alright.. Alright..” I gave up, “He just talked to me”.
She giggled and stretched my cheeks, “My dear baby sister is turning into a lady.
“What?” I was just shocked. “Anyway… could you please stop Nancy, your Josh is waiting in the cafeteria”
“Oh right!!!” she just removed it and walked faster… “Let’s go…move faster Liz”
I just scratched my head. Whenever we talk about Josh, she’s like this… loosing her mind or just acting weird. But still, I am entertained when I watch her and Josh. This paints a smile on my face.
We are eating in the cafeteria, when Josh talked, “Hey…what happened to you yesterday? That wretched guy, he just pulled you all of a sudden”.
I choked and put my drink down. “Why the both of you just ask that question?”
“We are just concerned…”, he said
I just smiled at him and tapped his shoulders. “Thanks”
“If he shows, what are you going to do, Liz?” Nancy asked.
“I think he just wanted some company, so it’s fine” I said while sipping my drink.
They both look at me, and smiled.
“what?, What’s the problem?”
Nancy pointed at my back…I looked at that direction.
That guy was standing on the front door glaring towards our direction. I just took a deep breath and stared to Josh and Nancy.
“What’s he doing here?” I mumbled,
“You forget, THIS IS THE SCHOOL’S POINT OF UNITY, THIS CAFETERIA”
Nancy answered. In the background… there are girls screaming and blushing. I continue to sip my drink and asked, “ I never see him here”
Nancy just smiled and tapped me on the shoulders, “ Maybe he found a reason to drop by here”
“What is that?” I asked.
“You want to know the reason?” said by the voice from my back.
I looked behind slowly, and just have the wry smile on my face.
He waved his hand and said, “Yo”…
“What are you doing here?” I asked him.
“ I just want to go here,” he said while glancing at the corners of the cafeteria, “well, this is a fine place, but the music building’s cafeteria is much better”
I sipped my drink and said, “ This is the place of union of all buildings, a mixture of all the genres of the school. It is not accustomed to be liked by one group only, Instead it is made for all of the groups of student here.”
I wasn’t looking at his reaction. I am just focusing my eyes on my friends.
“what, Lorenz like Liezel… so sad.” I heard some one near us whispered.
I just ignored that someone. I was waiting for him to leave or anything else. But, I was surprised he sat down next to me. He tapped it using his fingers.
I stared at him and said, “ You’re bringing your piano here?”
He just covered his smile with his hand. “You know, you asked me yesterday to guess your name…” He talked closer to my ear and whispered, “You are Liezel Salazar, 3rd year Arts History Major specialized in Painting”
I was stunned of how he knows that, I’m not like him, very famous in school. He stood up and tapped my shoulders, “That researching thing needs a reward, think about that”
I looked at his direction, walking back while his hands are inside his pockets again. What reward that guy’s talking about… I am just so clueless”
After that cafeteria incident, seems like the girls are looking at me like a sort of an insect. But I just don’t mind them. As I walked out of that cafeteria, I tried to forget what he said and what happened there.
“What will give him as a reward, Liz?” Nancy asked with an optimistic tone
“Of course…None,” I answered while laughing”
“Yeah, that’s right Liz… don’t listen to this hopeless romantic” He butt in while pointing to Nancy
She just threw her bag to Josh. Sometimes I feel pity to that guy.
“Nancy, we just met the other day… it’s just natural for me to decline that”, I said.
When I was in my room, still sketching the wedding picture of Ms. Susan, I thought of that ‘reward’ he was saying. Or maybe I could say that I am thinking of him. I couldn’t forget that eyes, that brown eyes that can be a magnet and pull someone in. In that moment, I also imagined that I am Ms. Susan and he’s the husband and we are reminiscing to this portrait.
I shook my head off and stood up.
“What am I thinking!! “ I told myself.
I remembered my sketch pad-I looked at the image of the guy I sketched there.
Comparing them, they look just the same. Does this mean, that he’s my soulmate?. The person I was praying for?
5
The heat of the sun was on it’s peak and I still have to go to school. The weather’s fine… No need to bring an umbrella
I was walking on the school grounds when Nancy tapped me and smiled
“What’s his reward?..”She asked.
“We talked about this, I will not give him any” I said while smiling at her.
At last, she let that thing pass, The whole session, we haven’t talked regarding that topic… and that’s fine for me.
Our class has ended and my teacher called me,
“Ms. Salazar…could we talk for awhile”
“Yes, Ma’am”
I let Nancy go to the cafeteria first; I think this is a lucky day for me.
“Would you go with me in the cafeteria?”
“Sure Ma’am” I said.
She led me to the building’s gallery but I don’t really know the reason why.
“Have a seat”
“ Thank you…” I replied
“You know, I really like your style in painting…” She said while getting something under the table… “Tell me, what do you think of this?”
It was a painting of a snow town, the shadows of the snow was dark blue. Based on the frame, it’s a little old but still having that unique and heavy touch on it.
“Imagining it, it would be a scene of the snow falling down so slowly. I think, the painter here is feeling that kind of sadness that he felt for the first time, or he never feels frequently. That effect of a dark blue snow would mean something so unusual and only contained in the mind…He was having a thought that what his feeling in that time was just contained in the mind but still it couldn’t escape”
She wiped her eyes and smiled at me, “You know, I really like you… This was a painting of my brother, he was in pain when he painted this. He told me to show this to the student that I think could understand his piece; I guess I’m right with my choice.”
I bowed down and said, “Thank you Ma’am, It’s my honor to tell something with that very magnificent work of art”
“Would you mind staying with us at a tea party this Saturday?”
“ Thank you for your invitation, I would gladly accept it.”
She smiled at me and gave me the map and the information.
“By the way, could you show us your work on Saturday…”
“Yes Ma’am” I smiled and bowed down.
“Alright , I will go now… just look at the painting if you want”
“Thank you very much…”
She smiled again and closed the door.
I was looking at the painting when Nancy called me…
“Hello…”
“Hello, Liz…”
“I can’t go with you after class… I have other business to do.. Sorry”
“Oh, it’s alright… I can manage… “
“Alright, bye…”
Why all of a sudden, But still she has a life and mingles with others, While at the gallery… I was looking at all the works there, I am so amazed with all the beautiful paintings.
After I think an hour and a half, I went outside.
“What it’s raining? How can I walk home, I have to wait..”
I was standing in front of the gate when someone stood there beside me with an umbrella.
“Lucky to have an umbrella”, that voice… it sounded so familiar, I was afraid to look beside because I know that person.
“Want to walk with me, you will be wet if you walk without an umbrella” HE said while looking at the clouds.
“I am alright, I think I have to wait for the rain to stop, I will just go to the gallery again, by the way… thanks for your offer” I just smiled and turned back, I was just opening the gate when…
I opened my bag when he suddenly talked
“Your idea was great about that snow painting…”
Again, he surprised me, I looked back at him and asked, “ How did you know that?”
“Ask your friend…” He said softly
I laughed and whispered it to him, “Then it means, you trespassed on the Arts Building? The student council president of the Music Building whose stopping other students to go there, is lurking at the other’s building…WHAT A SHAME”
He took a deep breath and laughed, “Well that just shows that your building was a mess”
“What!! That building is the fundamental of us Arts student…”
“Well, then all of you are also a mess” he said while staring at me with a wryly smile on his face.
I bit my lips and told him, “Well I guess we are a mess, but we live to what we say, not like you”
He just lost that smile as I said those words, I don’t know what did I say wrong, but I feel he didn’t like what I say. So I just looked down and see the raindrops falling down. The both of us are standing there, motionless, waiting for someone to speak.
I think it’s 30 minutes that we stood there without speaking with each other.
“I have to go now… I think the rain will not stop that easily, so here”, he offered another umbrella and walked away.
I didn’t have the opportunity to say thank you, but I just whispered it in the wind. I waited for him to disappear on my sight, and then I went on my way…
“I guess I owe him an apology…”
6
That night, I looked at that umbrella, still thinking about that guy. He’s really that spontaneous… and he just lingers on my mind. I can’t deny that he resembles the guy in my dream, but still I have doubts…
“I need to give this back tomorrow”, so I put it on my backpack and lied on my bed.
Another day of school, Nancy and I are hanging out at the school’s biggest cafeteria.
“Hey, Nancy…” I said, “ Did you tell Lorenz about my location yesterday?”
Nancy showed her nasty smile, “ He’s asking about you, how could I lie?”
“Nancy… you know he disobeyed the rules”
She giggled, “ It means… he went there?”
I just nodded and looked down. She suddenly pushed me and shouted.
“It means, he just likes you Liz!! “
Everyone’s staring at us, so I covered Nancy’s mouth, “Nancy, could you behave just for awhile…I hope Josh’s here, he could stop you”
She removed my hand and sat like a disciplined child. That time, I think I’m bad, using her weakness for my benefit. A little cruel I guess.
I was waiting for him, I want to give him the umbrella and apologize for what I said. Really I don’t know why he was affected with that, but I was thinking that I have deepened an old scar.
It took so long… We are sitting there; my mind was flying, mixing my coffee mindless of the people around me. I felt that someone sat next to us but I didn’t look.
I heard Nancy’s giggle, that’s why I took a glance on her face. She was covering her face while making that squeaky sounds. Whenever she does that, there are nasty or cheesy things happening around here. I turned my head and looked for that person or thing that makes her like this. When I saw my side, I knock my coffee cup.
“O sorry, “ I wiped the mess, The coffee wet his jacket. I am such a clumsy girl.
He laughed so loud that everyone stared at us, “ What a clumsy girl…”
I just looked down and tapped the table with my fingers. It’s Lorenz, again he was there when you least expect him. He always makes me surprised and confused at the same time.
While I’m in the middle of my thoughts, he asked “Waiting for me?”
“I just….”
“Come on. Let’s go”
“What…” I glared at him puzzled.
He pulled my arms and we ran out of the cafeteria. I don’t know what to say, or even to think. It was just so fast that even my brain cells couldn’t respond.
We stopped at the big tree, outside the cafeteria. He stopped holding my hand. I just took deep breaths and looked away.
After a while of not being mentally awake, I asked him, “Why did you that all of a sudden”.
“I just want to say sorry, of what I acted yesterday”, he stared at me with his brownish captivating eyes.
I bit my lips and took a deep breath. “ I also need to apologize, I guess I said something bad that time. “
That time, my heart was running wild. I couldn’t make myself feel at peace. My mind was just filled with bright white light, it blocks all the thoughts I’m thinking. So naïve yet warm.
He smiled at me and patted my head, “ You’re so cute… stop that…”
I was surprised that time when he said that.
Again, he was laughing at me, making fun of my reactions… what a guy.
“Oh right…” I remembered, “I will give you the umbrella” . I found out that I left my bag in the cafeteria but I’m just shy coming in because of the incident.
“It’s yours now, I have many of that, don’t worry”
He’s still arrogant but when he laughs and smiles, I just forget about that fact. He has that light so shiny that it can sip you out of reality.
“How can I get in with this…” I whispered.
He taps my back hard.
“What’s that for?”
“Want some drama?” he asked.
“ I guess I should decline that. You are that weird to exaggerate the meaning of drama”
He smiled wryly and looked at me. “ Alright, let’s just get in… WITHOUT DRAMA.. is that fine with you?”
I nodded. I was the one to enter first, but I felt he was there behind me. Everyone still holds that heavy gaze in their eyes. He’s just that famous to make this certain commotion, and for them I am just a girl not deserving of him.
I took my bag and signaled Nancy to leave the place.
“What about Josh?” she asked.
“Just text him, tell him we are going somewhere else” I said.
So, the 3 of us went out. We stopped on the quadrangle.
“I guess we have to part ways now”
He just nodded then he started to walk away, putting his hands inside his pockets leaving footprints on my mind.
Nancy tapped me on the shoulder and said, “ Hey liz!! What happened to you there?”
“What are you talking about, there’s…nothing…that special” I said while mumbling the other words. I still couldn’t shake my senses back. It’s still away, standing beside that tree, motionless.
She pushed me and said, “You’re such a denial princess… I will just tell you what he done was very sweet…I wish Josh could…”
“What will I do?” A guy held her on her shoulder.
Her eyes got big. She took a deep breath and slapped Josh on the face.
I was holding back my laughter for the reason that the entire pressure thing bounced back to her who started it all. I guess I’m too lucky to endure more and that there’s a trampoline in front of me, diffracting the negative things she threw.
She glared at me and shouted… “What are you laughing there?”
I just waved my hand and answered, “ Nothing”
After that, I walked alone. My mind was still flying and my senses are not present. The things that happened earlier still flashes in front of my eyes. I tried to shake my head but it didn’t work.
This bothering became worse when I went home and glanced at the sketch I had on my pad.
“He really looks like this guy”. These are the words I uttered.
But still, I don’t know if he had a birthmark that looks like a star near his ear. That thing there is the separation between this picture and that guy. Also the hair style is kind of different.
I just sighed as I put my sketchpad inside my drawer and looked at the ceiling.
“Will I ever meet this person?”
7
It was Friday, and the most exciting day of my life is coming. I am showing my work to my teacher’s relatives.
I am still thinking of that blue snow painting, the unknown pain that one experienced for the first time is the hardest because one doesn’t know how to handle it. It can be resolved by time or just suffocate that person.
I went to the store for painting materials. My fingers lingered on the paint tubes arranged on the closet. I picked up colors white, orange, red and canvas.
The cashier smiled at me and said, “Nice choice of colors, Ma’am”. I just giggled and answered, “Well, I just want to make something special”
“Is it for your boyfriend?” she asked.
I shook my hand, “I don’t have any”
“Oh well, But your boyfriend going to be lucky”, she smiled as she packed my things.
I gave her my payment and bowed my head, “Thank you for the compliment”
Walking back home made me realize things, about having a partner who you can give something so special.
“Is it a happy thought?” I asked myself.
I felt that my cheeks were pinkish-red, so I just stopped thinking of those things”
I sorted out my stuff when I got home. I tied my hair and wore my painting apron and
Started painting my little work inspired with a season.
The colors that were bright, yet dying. Leaves of orange and yellow fluttered on cold air. They share the color of the light, however they implicate the loss of vitality, of a life.
“At last it’s done” I said as a stroke the paint on my cheek.
I was captivated with the work on the canvas, looking at it reminded me of being relieved in all the burdens I have. Standing in the middle of a big tree as its leaves fell down makes me close my eyes and think of a new life, a new step that I have to take on to continue living.
I grabbed my sketchpad and showed my work to the person drawn on it.
“Hi Mystery guy, here is my version of the autumn… is it beautiful?”
After a few seconds, I found myself implicating those weird symptoms again, Am I that crazy?
Morning peeped on my windows and at last…it’s SATURDAY!!! I have to prepare for the tea party.
I took a bath and picked up my Sunday dress. It was an unusual day for me to wear a dress, I don’t like those types but I have to make myself presentable for this day.
I flipped my hair and put the canvas on my bag and I’m set.
Everything felt good when, “What’s the address again?”
I forgot it!!. Of all this time, my weird sense of direction struck me, it’s so annoying. Even I’m shy, I send my teacher a text message and asked for the address again. Getting there is more important to me now.
“541 Castle Subv” … Castle Subdivision!!! I shouted, the prestigious address of rich people residing there.
My heart beat ran wildly. The nervousness made my knees shake like this. The vibration made me aware that this will be a big big day for me.
I rode a taxi and continued my way. My heart’s still not in a normal beat. . . I am still in fear. I don’t have to do much today, I have to hold my composure, this is no day to waste.
The driver made me aware that we reached the gates. It was glorious looking at it in my point of view. The style is so medieval yet classy even in modern times. It makes the person feel that he’s a royalty.
I made my entrance and showed my I.D. I’m glad I didn’t forget that. The houses here are so different from what I typically see. The place is so big that I don’t know where is that 541 ?
I found a person sitting on the bench near me, he was looking down and not facing my direction, so I tapped his shoulder and showed a smile.
“Good afternoon, Sir… can I ask, where is 541 Castle St?”
He looked at my face and said, “I didn’t realize that you’re not good in directions”
I was surprised when I saw his face, I didn’t expect that I will see him in here, but based on his reputations, there’s a big possibility that he’s a very rich guy.
“Well, I just need to know, no insults please”, I told him.
He smiled and stood up, “Well Ms, are you my stalker?”
He looked at me so close that I turned my head away
I let him see my confusion and asked, “I don’t know what you’re talking about? Does that mean that…”
He instantly interfered with my sentence, “Why are you looking for my house anyway”
“You’re house!!!” I exclaimed
He suddenly gaze his direction on the other side, hiding his face from me.
“Yes, obviously…”
“Teacher invited me to the tea party there” I said
“Well, there’s a tea party at home…” he sighed
“why? What’s the problem?” I looked at him and asked
“Well!! I will just lead you there” he pulled me again, not looking at me.
He’s still not in his usual arrogant self, looking at him like this makes me think of the other sides he may have. I just asked in curiosity, “You’re not coming?”
He showed me that weird smile again, “I will show when they need me” . then he laughed at loud.
I was surprised that his laugh made me chuckle… His face looked like an innocent kid when he laughed like that. It was so uncertain of me on how that arrogance turned into something so likeable.
(Note: this is just from Chapters 1-7... i'll update them sometime)
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