CHAPTER 2

I woke up earlier than usual. I tried to sleep again but I just couldn't. So I sat up in my bed and stared at the ceiling. I was thinking of how this day would flow. And in a blink, remember him. I scowled at the thought. I hope he'll leave me alone today.

I took a bath and fixed myself. Fitted black pants, and a white polo shirt will do, I thought to myself. I fixed my hair in a messy bun. Yes, that's it. No make up, I don't put much effort into myself when I'm in front of a mirror.

I went down into the kitchen and find some breakfast. But I failed. Mom was not yet awake. So I cooked for myself.

''Sunny side up!'' I said to myself as I started to get things out for it. It's like I play cooking. Childish.

I ate the egg and found it disgusting. It was salty. Why am I trying so hard to cook?! "Ugh." It was very embarrassing. Good thing I was the only one around here in the kitchen. Even if it tasted bad, I still ate it. No other options.

***

I was the first one to arrive in class. I sat down at the front part of the room near the window. To entertain myself while I waited, I took out some pieces of sticky notes and drew smiling faces. Just for some good vibes.

"I'll be using you again starting today." I folded the used sticky notes.

My classmates were arriving now, they're busy talking with one another. Some are playing with their phones, some are busy fixing themselves. Really, I wonder why do they have to put much makeup on their faces.

The so-called famous students arrived. Brit and her three chipmunks, Shawn, and that guy. Yes, I still don't know his name. I looked at them and I saw Brit smirking at me. That bitch. We have some unsolved problems, and I don't wanna talk about it. Not now.

I wore my glasses today. Because I thought I'll be sitting at the back part again. I can't see clearly what's written on the board if I'm too far away. While I'm busy drawing smiley faces, he sat beside me.

I looked at him, and he smiled at me, that bright smile.

"Morning." he said.

"Same."

It was awkward at first, then suddenly, his hands were connected on my arm.

"Don't." He pulled me a little closer to him.

"Don't what?" I asked. Trying to break free from his grasp.

"Don't ---" He was about to say something but was cut off by Shawn.

"Starting early this morning, huh?" Said Shawn.

So he really was just bullying me. Darn.

"I'm ---"

I cut him off this time and shove his hands away. "I better move seats." Pointing the empty seat near the door. "So excuse me."

"Sabrina." He stood up. Turning my back at him, I can feel anger in his voice, but I didn't look back.

I heard some whispers and murmurs. They're making a big fuss. Someone like him, talking to someone like me. I looked at him, and I saw that disappointed expression in his eyes.

***

The first three subjects ended so fast I didn't have time to think about what happened. The third period was ending and everyone started to file out except a little group around me.

"Hey, Sab. Can you do this for me?" Handing me his Notebook.

"Okay." Here we go folks. My role.

"Sab, me too! Thank you!" He placed the sticky note in my bag then was out of my sight seconds later.

I let out a sigh. I packed my things. I was the only one left, again . Just as I was about to leave, he trapped me. Yes, trapped. He closed the two doors. Trapped. Where the hell did he came from?

He grabbed my bag, opened the zipper, looked for the notebook John gave me, as well as the sticky note. He threw the notebook in the garbage can. He tore the sticky note into really thin fine pieces.

My eyes widened in shock.

"What is wrong with you?!" I practically run into the garbage can. But he was faster than me. He tore the notebook too.

"Why do you keep on annoying me?!" I was almost teary this time. First, out of anger, second, I don't know what John and his friend will do to me tomorrow.

"You don't have to do this." He yelled at me. Throwing the pieces of notebook in the trash. "You're not their slave, you don't deserve this, you know."

Shocked by his sudden reaction, tears unconsciously fell on my eyes. "It's none of your fuckin business!" I blurted out. "If you are like that just because of pity, well I don't need that! I got more than enough! I even have some extras!!!" Tears continued bursting out. Maybe because I was so full of negative things that's happening in my life.

I was at my feet as he held my face.

"Why? Even last year, you may not have noticed but I've actually been looking at you. You're doing things you're not supposed to do." So he knows me even before? Now I'm confused.

"There are some things you're not supposed to know." I answered. Trying to control my emotions. I stared at him... "Get. Your. Hands. Off. Me." I said in a plain voice.

He stood up and reach out for me but I shove his hands.

I stared at the torn notebook and the little pieces of sticky note inside the trash. Sab, everything's gonna be fine.

"Please." I beg. "Don't talk to me tomorrow."

He shook his head in disappointment. "Know what. You're strong. You just don't know how to use it." He said, fixing his shirt.

"I told you. There are some things you don't need to know." I packed my things in a messy way. "And I don't even know you so why would you even try to help me." I started walking away. Damn. Call me the walk out girl.

"I'm Lucas."

***

So many things have happened today and I can't organize my thoughts. The next period after the fight with him, he didn't attend the class. He also didn't attend the next period after.

I was walking home when I noticed the time. 5:30 PM. That means Mom's still at work. I decided to take a turn and surprise her. I checked my pocket and found some money. I ran to the Bakeshop and bought her a little cake. It just the little thing like this that make her happy.

I finally got to her office around 6:15PM. I found mom checking out.

"Hi, mom!!!"

She was surprised I was there. "Oh, Sab! How sweet of you to fetch me." I kissed her cheeks.

"I bought you something!" I grinned at her.

"My favorite cake! Thank you, Sab!"

When my mom hugged me, I feel like I was alive again, I feel like I was never hurt. I feel like nothing happened before.

Mom talked about a lot of things today. She was assigned to report about the company's stuff next week. She works as an Assistant Manager in the company. She looks nervous but excited at the same time.

"If I do great, maybe I'll get my promotion!" A cheeky smile played on her lips.

"I'm sure you will do fine, mom." I told her, giving her some more fighting spirit.

"Anyway, I met our President's son. He's very young, maybe, just the same age as yours! He's sweet. He always smiles. He's handsome too."

"Mom! Are you in love?!!" I asked her. Glaring daggers at her.

"Oh no, sweetie. I just think, you should meet him. You'll like him. I know your types." She said grinning.

"Shut it, mom! You know I'm not into boys!!!" I can feel it, I'm blushing.

"Don't give me that, when you see him, you'll forget what you said." She gave me a reassuring smile.

"Whatever you say, mom."