Chapter 3

Chapter 3

"Auntie, I'm leaving." I say goodbye to Auntie Sabel.

He nodded before I finally left the house. I didn't say I was going camping. It will definitely reduce my pocket money. I still saved it because this is the first time I will go to school camping.

It's also nice that I left today. Tomorrow is special to me. It's my birthday and I have no plans to sneeze at home. Auntie Sabel certainly had no plans to prepare.

It's five o'clock in the afternoon. We leave at six o'clock. It is said that it is good if we leave at night so that we can start the activities early.

Almost all the students were in school when I arrived. So I hurriedly went to the bus that was the vehicle of the senior high.

"Bring it!" My proper boarding of the bus was delayed when I heard my name shouted.

I didn't want to look back but I didn't do anything because Elliott was behind me.

"Do you want me to just come with you? It's cold in the car and not crowded. You won't be bored." Smiling at this offer.

I was reluctant to look away. Before I could answer, my classmates preceded me with their heads sticking out of the bus window. Big smiles were posted on their faces.

"You agreed, Dalha!"

"Thrilling! It means Elliott really likes Dalha!"

"Well, Dalha is beautiful! She's smart, she's hardworking. Who wouldn't like someone like her?" Georgia said loudly. It obviously really made the voice louder for Elliott to hear.

I just want to swallow the earth out of shame. I could feel the warmth on my cheeks. If I'm not mistaken it's already blushing.

"See, they all want you to go with me." Elliott smiled.

If by chance I also had a crush on him I might have agreed earlier. But no, I don't like him. I don't have those things in mind yet. I only want to focus on my studies.

"But Elliott-."

"C'mon Dalha, I don't see you-."

"Is she your girlfriend, Elliott?" Emergence of Sir Cace's cold voice.

"Not yet, Brother." Elliott's casual answer.

I simply stared at the two in front of me. Elliott's wearing his expensive clothes, shoes and his Rolex. While Sir Cace is wearing simple black pants

and a white t-shirt and of course a branded pair of shoes that matches his shirt. Her hair is always down with gel. There is also a black backpack on his back.

I immediately shifted my gaze when I noticed Sir Cace looking at me. "Early the nights-."

"Dalha, you still haven't-."

"Are you dating Dalha?" Question that silenced everyone. Even the driver of the bus we were driving was waiting for Elliott to answer.

"Not yet, but I'm planning to-."

Elliott stopped speaking when Sir Cace suddenly lowered the bag he was wearing. That created a sound when it hit the bus stairs. "Then why are you

asking her to go with you? Are you expecting her to say yes just because you like her? Elliott, you're not being a gentleman. Wait 'till she finally feels the same."

It was just a loud whisper, but it still didn't escape my hearing.

"Uh, sorry, Elliott." I break the tension between the two. "My friends are here. I want to be with them the whole trip. I'm sorry."

Elliott sighed for a moment before smiling. "Sure, no problem. I'll see you later."

I was hesitant to answer back. But it looks like Elliott won't leave if I don't answer. "Y-Yeah, sure."

I heard Sir Cace squeal. When I looked back at him he was just staring at Elliott in the distance. The expression in his eyes was dark when he turned to me.

"Go and take your seat." He said coldly as I nodded.

I immediately turned away. I'm afraid he might say something else. What he told Elliott just proves that he really doesn't want me for his brother. That

is not the case with me. But it was wrong for him to embarrass Elliott like that. He politely asked me if I wanted to go with him. So I don't understand where Elliott's ungentlemanly ness is there.

"Aren't you really coming, Indigo?" I overheard Sir Cace ask.

"Yeah, I'm taking care of something in the office. Also, I don't handle senior high students."

I finally got on the bus. When I looked around there were almost no empty seats. I wanted to sit beside my two best friends. So they just sat in pairs. The third seats are already occupied. Even the seat in the back is also full of stuff.

"Take your seat, Dalha." I almost jumped when I heard Sir Cace's voice behind me. I was about to look at him when I noticed the other bus moving. It looks like it's leaving.

"Uh, I don't know where-."

"Bring you here to sit down! We're both next to each other!" I was suddenly devastated to recognize who was shouting. Don't get me wrong, I love my classmates, but I'm afraid to side with Mario. It once told me that it wanted me.

"No thank you, I can't be in the crowd." I just excused my phobia of crowded places. Mario is at the end and the one next to it is full of things to use for camping.

"Yes, Mario! It's forbidden to be crowded with Dalha! One more thing, you just want to take advantage!" Lois said calmly.

I bit my lower lip. If I don't sit next to Mario, I won't have a seat.

"Sit down Dalha." Sir Cace said before reaching for my bag.

"But Sir, there is no-."

"What is it, then?" Sir asked while pointing to the double seat in front.

"Sit that down, Sir Cace."

"I'm sharing it with you."

I thought for a moment. I looked around. All my classmates avoid my eyes. Looks like they don't want to exchange with me.

"Jimmy-." I stopped calling my male classmate when the bus suddenly started moving. I would have almost lost my balance if only I hadn't been able to cling quickly to the back of the chair and if not also because of Sir Cace's hand gripping my waist.

I immediately walked away and looked at my classmates again. Annoying because they're all just dead-malicious.

"Are you gonna sit here with me or will you stand there the whole time of the trip?" Sir Cace asked angrily.

I could do nothing when Sir Cace took my bag again and put it in the upper compartment. He also made me sit down first.

"You sit next to the window, so you don't feel chest tightness." I remember him saying before sitting me down by the window.

Minutes later we were quietly traveling. I awkwardly rest my back at the backrest of our seat. Sir Cace and I also occasionally hit our elbows.

Strong winds. That was making my hair fly, so I tried to close the window. Only the window on Sir Cace and I was open. It's embarrassing, because it looks like Brother's driver is planning to turn on the air-con.

"Shit." I said softly and emphatically when I could not close the window.

"Let me ..." I almost stiffened as I was trapped between Sir Cace's arms. It was as if my heart was pounding as Sir Cace's chest pressed against my back. I also felt his breath hit my nape.

"Bring ..."

Suddenly my eyes widened. "Sir?"

"I can't close the window if you don't move there." He said seriously that I sighed.

It was a wrong move for me to get up quickly. My head hit Sir Cace's chin. Reason for him to complain.

As I looked back at my classmates I noticed the masculinity of the eyes of some. Others seemed to laugh but I immediately looked at them.

"I'm sorry, sir." I winced to say.

"Hala ka Dalha, you broke Sir Cace's handsome face!" Lois laughed teasingly at me.

I quickly turned to Sir Cace. His chin was red and there was blood on his lips. It looks like he accidentally bit it when my head hit his chin.

I immediately grabbed my little bag. As I was looking for the tissue Sir Cace had already closed the window. He sat down slowly so I sat down as well.

When I got what I was looking for I immediately turned to Sir Cace. He just stared at his hand that he touched to the bloodied very.

"Sir ..." I called to him as I handed him the tissue.

"It's okay-."

"But, Sir ..." I couldn't finish what I was about to say when he brought his face close to mine. Fortunately, the lights on the entire bus were suddenly turned off. Otherwise what might those with us think.

None of my own swallowed me. I tightened my grip on the tissue.

"Wipe it ..." Sir Cace said softly as I gasped.

"Huh?" I asked Sir Cace almost without a voice.

"Wipe the blood on my lips, Dalha."

I was suddenly nervous. What is Sir Cace saying ?!

"Why would I do-."

"Never mind, give me that." He said coldly so I quickly handed the tissue to him.

I never spoke again. I just looked out the window. Somehow the night scene eased the loneliness I was feeling.

The trip is still long. Our destination is in the mountains. There are no mountains in the city and the nearest is a four hour drive.

I turned my gaze forward. The digital clock is hanging there. It's almost seven in the evening and I'm hungry.

I would have liked to turn on the light, as I was slowly starting to feel chest tightness. The whole bus was dark and I could feel the space around me getting smaller and smaller.

I purposely heaved a deep breath. I also turned a blind eye. I was already sweating and I didn't know if I would tell Sir Cace my situation now.

"Excuse me, can you turn on the lights?" I heard Sir Cace say to a man he was our driver's replacement.

"Sir! It's nice when it's dark. Others can't see you and babe cuddle with me." Rusty said jokingly before moaning. Dylan next door probably hit it. Some of my classmates laughed, but I kept quiet.

I immediately reached for the mineral water in my bag. No one said I swallowed it. I was about to take my bag upstairs to hopefully pick up the workbook and use your fan when the bus suddenly turned. I constantly lost my balance.

I felt Sir touch my waist when I accidentally sat on his lap. I didn't pay attention to that when my chest still hurt.

"Damn it, Dalha!" Sir Cace whispered angrily to me before taking a folder from the bag he was carrying. He fanned that over me. Somehow I feel comfortable.

"When are you going to ask for help?" He asked warming the corners of my eyes. I wanted to cry but that was prevented by the anger I reflected in Sir Cace's eyes.

I slowly got up from my seat on his lap.

"I'm sorry." I said softly as I sat in my seat.

"Does your Aunt know this?"

I shook violently. I don't know if he saw me answering that way. But Sir didn't ask again so I think he saw my shaking.

I blinked emphatically again. Sir Cace still does not stop fanning me.

"I don't want to tell them. They don't care about me either." Later I said.

I felt Sir Cace turn to me. He sighed for a moment before resuming fanning me.

"Who will take care of you if you don't tell me-."

"I can handle myself Sir. How many times has this happened to me, I've been through it too. So it's okay if Auntie doesn't know anymore." I said still closed my eyes. I don't think I can meet Sir Cace's gaze.

"Then, let me-."

"I can handle myself, Sir Cace. I don't want to feel sorry for me." I had a bitter smile broken by Sir Cace's speech.

Ever since my parents died, it has stuck in my mind that no one will waste their time with me. I have friends, but I don't want to take advantage of their kindness to me. I can handle myself. I could stand on my feet. I don't need help.

Sir Cace never spoke again. I just forced myself to sleep so that somehow Sir Cace would stop fanning me. I also feel a bit comfortable. So it's okay if he stops.

I don't know how many hours I slept. I just woke up quietly around. My noisy classmates are gone. Even the driver and his companion were gone. Even Sir Cace next to me is gone.

I looked around. Apparently inside the bus. All the lights are on. The window next to me was also open.

I noticed our bus was parked at the end of the parking lot of a bus top. On my side is full of trees. On the other side is the adjacent bus.

I was about to go downstairs to eat when the door suddenly opened and Sir Cace entered. Our eyes met.

"Where are you going?" He asked seriously.

"Don't go down, I already have something." He answered as he reached for the paper bag. Of course, that wasn't from the restaurant in front of us. Maybe he went to Elliott.

"That's for you Sir. I'll just buy some for-."

"We don't know if the food here is clean."

Suddenly I gasped. I don't know that he thinks that way about places like this.

"Everyone's eating outs-."

"Just take it and eat." Sir said I swallowed.

I could do nothing but reach for the paper bag. When I looked at it it was full of food. A food pack, a box of chocolate cupcakes. Mineral water, sparkling water and juice. There are also some junk foods and candies.

"The amount of it Sir."

"Did I say you're the only one to eat?" He says. I couldn't help but look at him badly. I was a little embarrassed there.

"Then, I'll just eat a cupca-."

I hadn't finished what to say when Sir Cace took the paper bag from me. He immediately took the food pack that was there. He opened it and handed it to me.

"Cupcakes are not allowed for dinner, Dalha."

I was stunned by the food in front of me. The food pack contained rice and two pieces of fried chicken. Suddenly I remembered the food that Brother Al had handed me at the convenience store.

For a moment I glanced at Sir Cace who was sitting in the other chair. I quickly looked back at the food when he glanced at me.

I'm confused. I am afraid of what Sir Cace is doing. I was afraid of what my classmates might think. I was afraid that might ignite the loss of my dreams.

I couldn't help but be bitten on the lip. Next was the dripping of my tears.

"Bring it?"

I sneezed to clear the blockage in my throat. I also quickly wiped away the tears that streamed from my eyes. Then eat quietly.

"I sent my car here." Sir Cace said I had stopped chewing.

The frown when I glanced at him. "Why?"

Sir Cace was silent for a moment when some of my classmates entered. It was noisy again inside the bus.

"You'll be with me." He replied after Jimmy.

"Sir, it's okay if-."

"Dalha, we heard earlier that you were chasing your breath. Obviously it's hard for you to breath when it's dark. Eh majority of our classmates

want to turn off the light. Not because they're doing some nasty stuffs. But because they used to sleep with the lights off. So, it's better for you to go with Sir Cace. " Sammy said at length; our President in class.

When I looked back at Sir Cace he was just staring at me. I became more and more nervous.

"Don't worry, Dalha. The Principal has already been informed that you will be with Sir. We all asked him to just get you in the car. Maybe if you can still manage." Glen said; our Vice President.

I just sighed. I can not do anything. Some of my classmates might get even angrier if I insisted on staying on the bus.

"Finish that meal. I'll just deliver your things to the car." Said Sir Cace before taking my bag upstairs.

When Sir Cace left, my female classmates began to flinch.

"Gosh! If Sir wasn't just our teacher I'd definitely think he likes Dalha! Isn't that exciting? Elliott and I both like the same woman?" Janine said with a big smile.

I was tempted to just continue eating. I didn't even pay attention to the conversations of my crazy classmates. Even the men are immersing themselves. I'm more suited to Sir Cace than Elliott.

"Tell me if you're not comfortable." Sir Cace said as I got into his car. The light inside was a bit dim. All the windows are still tinted.

"I'm okay ..." I answered weakly.

Sir Cace and I were silent for a moment. He just stared at me as I forced myself to be busy because little by little I was feeling deprived again.

The buses have already left. It was two hours before we finally reached the camp site, but Sir Cace had not yet started the car engine.

"Sir ..." Sir Cace sighed before starting to drive.

"Do you like Elliott?" Out of nowhere he asked.

Slowly I made a look at Sir Cace. He just looks straight at the road. So I just imitated it. There was no other vehicle other than the periodic trucks we encountered.

"I answered that before, Sir." I replied not knowing where to take courage because of Sir Cace's sudden stare at me.

It seems that until now he still can't accept that Elliott likes me and has a plan to court me.

"Will you answer him when he flirts with you?" I frowned at Sir Cace's next question. He sounds like a jealous - no. Maybe he doesn't really want me for Elliott.

"Sir Cace, I'm not like you think." I hardly answered. I don't know, I just feel like I need to slap him the truth. "To make you feel better, I will never answer Elliott. I know I'm pretty, but it's not my type that will drive him crazy. He likes me now, I don't tomorrow." I mean extra.

I just turned my attention to getting the workbook in my bag. I'll just do the assignments given to us earlier that we have to pass next week. I certainly couldn't answer them while at campsite. Especially not when we got home. I had to make up for the days I couldn't work.

I was busy answering when I noticed Sir Cace's car stop. When I looked around we were at a gasoline station. There is no one else refueling but us. It's already eight-thirty in the evening. We will arrive at the campsite in a few hours.

"Do you want to eat something?" Sir Cace asked. I did not answer him. I felt bad for him and became deaf. Suppose I am busy answering the assignment.

"Bring it." Sir called me emphatically. Again I did not answer.

I don't like what's happening. Why do I seem to be getting so close to Sir Cace? We weren't like this before. As I got older he hardly cared about me. He only noticed me when the issue about Elliott crushing on me spread.

"Fine." Sir Cace said before finally getting out of the car.

Only then did I breathe a sigh of relief when I saw Sir Cace walking away.

"Thank you ..." I said softly while still staring at his back. It's only now that I realize that I haven't been able to appreciate what he did before.

To Be Continued.....