Sixteen

The last day of the exam is pretty much calmer than yesterday. My panic attack didn't strike me this time, but I was still struggling to answer the exam because my mind was thinking about that panic attack. Thinking that he would come back and ruin my exam again.

Again, 3 hours was spent on answering the tests and after that, I hung out again with the jocks.

Mr. Eric called a meeting at one of the tables outside the school cafeteria. I was at his side the whole meeting, guiding and helping him with the forms and talks. The team carefully listened to Mr. Eric as he speaks and I can see that they're really into it. They mostly care about the sport, not by their marks.

In the middle of the meeting, my phone rang and I excused myself to answer the call.

It was my Mom calling and she said she just wanted to check on me. I talked to her for just five minutes.

After I turned off my phone, I looked back at the team and just stood at my spot. Not moving a muscle. There I thought that it is amazing being a part of this team.

Especially, I don't play basketball, but they made me realize that even though I don't play their sport, I can still be a part of their little family. And I am happy that I became a part of it.

Justin then appeared out of nowhere, "Ah, he's back."

I looked at my right and saw him walking towards me with both of his hands is in his pockets. "What do you mean back?" I asked.

"Well, the Asher that I knew is back. I mean, look at you," he gestured at me. "You're smiling."

"What do you mean? Smiling is normal."

"Yeah, but I haven't seen you smile since we started school year."

"That's not true."

We were silent for a moment. I was watching the meeting and so was Justin. Then I felt his eyes looking at me. I glanced at him and gave him a 'what' look.

He shook his head and smiled then looked back at the meeting. "You seem happy." he said, smiling. I didn't answer immediately and glanced at the team too.

"For now." I finally answered.

He then looked at me again, "You'll be happy someday, Ash. I know it and I believe in it. Whatever is going on with you, it'll end."

"I hope." I scoffed. "Alright, you're being dramatic. What the hell are you doing here anyway?" I asked him.

"Nothing. It's just this past few days you're spending most of your time with them." he blurted.

I laughed at him and he glared at me. "Why? does it bother you?"

"Hmm, yeah, them included." he pointed at his back.

I peeked at his back where he pointed at and saw my friends talking to each other. I looked back to him, "Don't be envious. I'm hanging out with them 'cause I'm their manager, and they need me."

"We need you too!" Justin argued.

"Asshole. Stop being a drama queen." I grinned. He shook his head then laughed.

I bid goodbye to him and went back to the team. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes and the others went home. My classmates stayed, except for the jocks. They have their own things to do.

We planned to have a movie marathon since the exams have ended.

They come up with the decision to watch a movie at my place. I couldn't say no because I also wanted to clear my mind from that hellish exams. So, I agreed and we went to my house.

My school is only a walking distance to my house, so we didn't take a bus or whatever. We walked from the school to my house. The others went to a convenience store to buy food and drinks.

We always do this kind of drill when we planned a thing like this. If we're gonna hang out on someone's house, others take care of the snacks, while others will go to that someone's place to prepare.

After 15 minutes of walking, we reached my neighborhood. Kylie, Jane, Rheley, Candice, Britney, and Elie, the girls were at the back, talking out loud. Justin, Maddie, and Agatha were at the front and I was in the middle. The rest were buying snacks.

We finally reached my house and after opening the door, I saw my brother at the kitchen cooking something so that caught my attention. I threw my keys at the counter and went to the kitchen.

"What are you cooking?" I asked him while looking for something at the refrigerator. My friends went to the living room.

My brother didn't answer. I looked at him then I saw that he didn't even look at me. I closed the refrigerator and called him again.

"Alexis!" I shouted. He still didn't look at me. Then I walked towards him and suddenly realized that he was wearing earphones.

I punched his back and he immediately grunted then glared at me. "What the hell was that for?!" he annoyingly asked. I just laughed at him and walked away to go to the living room.

"You bastard!" he shouted.

As I got to the living room, I turned on the television and switched it to Netflix. Then the others perfectly came with the snacks. We were all ready to start watching a movie.

I know it's gonna be fun.

I sat on the floor since the couch was already full and picked the first movie.

They all started cheering and clapping while eating the snacks that they bought. We were all happy while watching a movie.