CHAPTER THREE

"I'm sorry, I'm late" that was third time in a week I hear HER say that. Does this girl

realize our class starts at 7:30 in the morning not 8 or 8:30??

I know I’m being too overreacting, but I really am not the ones that wastes time. I better

be too early or on time than be late, I’ve learned that since grade school, being the leader of all

programs and activities, discipline in time is an utmost priority.

This girl just can't have a week of classes without being late!

"She doesn't live within the city, that's why." Annie whispered to my right ear. I am not

aware of what she was saying.

Oh, did I say that out loud????

"yep!" she replied popping the P. Annie has always been a nosy one. She was so friendly

that almost all of the people in the room were her friends. Including Celine.

Celine, what a lovely name.

"If she lives away from the city, why hasn't she considered moving here? I bet that would

be more fun. you know being away from your parents and all."

I laughed at what I said because that's what exactly I feel.

"I don't know. Let's try to talk to her during break, yeah?"

I just nod but felt a little nervous at the thought of talking to Celine. Why? I always talk

with everyone. weird.

- - - -

"heyyy guys!" Annie approached Celine's circle of friends. I'm not dumb to now know

them. Celine is at the center of their table, together with Jane, Ashley and Sue. Annie was part of

her circle too.

They exchange Hi and Hellos. Both Gideon and I sit with them bringing our lunch with

us.

"Hey Max!" Celine address me. I smile and for a second I don’t know what to reply. I

think I am just struck because we don’t have any interactions before and her voice is so soothing,

I want that voice to call me everytime—

Dammit, Maxine!!

You've exchanged Hi and hellos to other students here, just say something!!! I mentally

scold myself.

"h-hey!" I replied. I barely talked to her, I realized that. I've talked to ger friends in the

morning and after class in the afternoon. Not her. Because she's always late and goes early after

class. Now that I am close to her, I noticed how long her lashes are, she has these big eyes that

screams beauty and a cute nose match with a plump lip. I also had the chance to listen as she

talked and laughed carelessly, and I find it amusing. Seeing that she didn't care for what she

looks like, not that she is ugly but the other way around. She is so natural... and intriguing.

We spent our lunch together, joking around and gossiping like what usual teenagers do.

We talked about our places too, I've learned that Celine's parents disapproved of her living her in

the city and because she always had meetings at their church. A religious one, huh.

Oh! Did I mentioned that I sat facing Celine and I caught her looking at me more than

once? Did I make her uncomfortable? Because I am.

- - - - -

Months have passed. My academic standing is better and I gain more friends. Heck, I

socialize more as much as I can. I can't go out with my books and I can't gossip with my papers

so might as well be friends with everyone.

After that lunch, we always joined them for 3 months now. More like our circle of friends

got bigger.