Chapter - 3

The day was bright for a school boy. Jere walked to school all alone, and looked very depressed.

Mark : (Behind him) Hey, Jeremy. Why don't you wait for us. (As he looked at his face, he saw Jere looking so pale) What happen?

Lily : (Touching his shoulder) Did you have a nightmare. Or did you take what Oliver say to your heart.

Jere : (With a very sad face) I had a nightmare. In my dream, we were standing in an assembly, all of a sudden, my pants felt down. Everyone laugh, even the teacher. (He sighed) Today's gonna be horrible.

Lily : They are just dreams. Don't bother it.

Mark : If it come true, I'm gonna bury Oliver alive.

(As they reached the school gate)

Nancy : We need to talk in the recess. You should make it clear.

Jere : What do you mean by that.

Nancy gang 1 : Don't act dump, idiot. We know everything.

Lily : He is not going anywhere.

Nancy gang 2 : Don't interfere, Lily.

Jere : What if he don't come.

Nancy : The consequences will be great. He has to deal with the principal.

Nancy gang 3 : Do you think it is not shameful. How could you say to other, Jeremy.

Nancy : Enough.

Jere : What is the problem with you guys.

Oliver : (Approaching them) Ow, you two make a nice couple, congrats, Nancy and Jeremy.

Nancy : Nonsense. How could I be in love with such an idiot. (They leaved)

Jere : So, you are behind the scene, mister Oliver.

Oliver : What do you mean. I have a class. (He ran away)

Mark : What is going on.

Jere : I'm afraid my nightmare is about to come true.

Lily : Don't overthink it.

Jere : What did Oliver do this time? Hope I survived today.

Student 1 : Good morning, Jeremy. Finally, you are in love with Nancy.

Mark : What!?! (With a shocking face)

Student 1 : Why are you so surprise, Mark. He posted it in his facebook saying something like 'In relationship with Nancy'. If you don't believe it, why don't you check it with yourself. (He leave them)

Lily : (Taking out her phone, entering in facebook, scrolling down) Here it is, why did you post it here.

Jere : I don't touch my phone yesterday. Not even in the night.

Mark : Someone hack your account. (Touching his lips) Oliver hack your account.

Jere : That little rascal. Whatever, let's just go inside the classroom.

As the walked inside the school campus, everyone was whispering to each other.

Student 2 : (To other student ) If he love Nancy, why did he reject her in the first place.

Student 3 : Maybe, he wants to make himself popular.

Student 4 : He topped the class, but he sure is a nasty fellow. I don't trust him.

Jere : (Covering his face with his hand) Oh! Dear, I'm dead.

They rushed inside the classroom, where they saw Oliver sitting there with a smile.

Mark : (Going straight toward Oliver, hitting the desk with his fist) How did you hack Jeremy account.

Oliver : It's not hacking, idiot. I know his password. (And winked his right eye)

Mark : (Grabbing his collars and hit his face) How dare you.

Jere : (Running toward them) Don't act harsh on him, Mark.

Oliver : Yeah, Mark. Don't be harsh.

Jere : (Looking at Oliver ) Tell me, why did you do.

Oliver : To ruin your life (He giggles) or maybe something else. You never know.

Jere : Why! Why do you wanna ruin my life?

Oliver : You will know, when the time comes.

Jere : Why can't I know now.

Oliver : You are to young to understand.

Mark : I don't like his talking.

Jere : Whatever. Let's go and sit.

Oliver : Sweet things are about to start, Mister Jeremy. I hope you have the guts to bear it.

The bell rang, the teacher entered.

Students : Good morning, sir.

Teacher : Good morning, students. Today, we will be talking about 'The star'. Can anyone tell me the nearest star from earth other than the sun.

Student 1 : Proxima Centauri, sir.

Teacher : Very good, do you know how many light year does it take.

Jere : Mark, something is in my butt. It hurts a bit, and I feel uneasy.

Teacher : Jeremy, stand up and explain light year.

As he stand up, a pin on his bench pull his pants, resulting in cracking of his pants. The whole students heard it.

Teacher : What happen, Jeremy.

Oliver : His pants crack. Infact, it's his butt.(Everyone laughed)

Jere : (Embarrassed as he was, he cover his face and sit back) Mark, I wanna die.

Teacher : It can happen, don't mind, Jere. Let's get back to our chapter.

Jeremy face was all red, still laying on his desk, covering his head with his hand. The bell rang for a recess, and the teacher leave the class.

Nancy : (Coming to Jere) Mister pants cracker, please explain what you post on facebook. You sure do have a gut of insulting me in social media.

Mark : Can't you see, he is embarrassing to death. Can you leave him for now and talk to him later on.

Jere : (With a low tone) I'm so sorry for everything. I already deleted what I post.

Mark : But you are not the one who post it.

Jere : It's okay.

Nancy : You can act very well. I'll report it to the Principal.

Jere : What do you want?

Nancy : Kneel down infront of me.

Jere : (Pausing for a minute) If that will make you happy then, I'll do it. (He stand up and kneel down infront of her)

Mark : Jeremy, what are you doing.

Nancy : I'll forgive you this time.

Jere : Thank you.(He stand up, and Nancy leave them. Everyone was watching the scene)

Oliver : (Going toward Jere) So, do you like the surprise. (Jere shut his mouth and his eyes watered)

AFTER SCHOOL SCENE

Jeremy covered his pants with his handkerchief, along with him Lily and Mark walked.

Jere : I think it's better for me to quit schooling. I should have listen to my gran-gran. Maybe I'll quit and start helping my gran-gran in the farm.

Lily : (Feeling sad for Jere) I'll support you with everything.

Oliver : (Walking beside him) You are tough, Mister Jeremy. Your surprise will be much sweeter next time.

Mark : Maybe, today will be his last.

Oliver : What do you mean?

Jere : I'm quitting my schooling.

Oliver : So you are running away.(He Chuckles)

Mark : (He hit Oliver face) You still mock him around.

Jere : (Going toward Mark, stopping him) He is an asshole.

Oliver : A bullshit asshole.

Jere : Tell me, Oliver. What did I ever do you wrong. Why do you keep on messing up with me. I surrender, I give up. You won.(A tears roll down on his cheek) Tell me, why did you harass me so much

Oliver : Why don't you ask your parents. Maybe your mom will know better than me. (Laughing all alone)

Mark : Watch your mouth.

Jere : (Looking at the sky) Well, I'll try to climb up in the sky and ask her, someday. (Looking back at Oliver) Don't worry, I'll be quitting my schooling. And you will never see me again.

Oliver : (Being shocked) Are you serious about quitting the school.

Jere : I never lie. (And he move on. Mark followed him while Lily stayed behind)

Lily : (Moving forward to Oliver) Don't you think you went a little bit overboard.

Oliver : What do you mean?

Lily : Jeremy lost his parents when he was just twelve years old in an accident. He is living all alone, sometimes his gran-gran used to stay with him. Look what you done him today. I think you broke him, mentally and physically.

Oliver : Is he serious about quitting his schooling?

Lily : I'll support him in whatever he do. Pray hard not to let those things happen.

Oliver : (Feeling being guilty) Can I ask for forgiveness.

Lily : Coming Friday is his parents death anniversary. You will find him at the cemetery in the evening. Make sure you let him stay, because he is my best friend. (She ran after Mark and Jere)

THE NIGHT AT OLIVER HOUSE

Oliver : (Sitting at his study table and his book opened) Do I need to apologies. Well, he already lost his parents, am I doing the right thing about bully him. (His phone rang and it was his father. He picked up)

Dad : Hello, Son. How are you?

Oliver : I'm fine with the files.

Dad : What about your friends circle?

Oliver : Well, kind of messy.

Dad : What did you do? Did you bullied the other poor students again?

Oliver : Yeah, his name is Jeremy. He is kinda funny, he bear all the insult I made. Today, he told me that he gave up and about to quit his schooling cause he could bare no longer.

Dad : Did he ever repay you back for what you did, like revenge?

Oliver : Nope. Even when his best friend try to fight for him, he didn't even allow.

Dad : You are such an idiot. Don't let him quit, make him your best buddy. He will never leave you in a harsh situation.

Oliver : What should I do? Dad.

Dad : Is it not obvious. Apologies to him.

Oliver : What if he didn't forgive me?

Dad : He will surely forgive you.

Oliver : Okay, Dad. I'll do that. What about mom, how is she?

Dad : She is just fine. And take care of yourself and the files. I trusted you with my life, don't let that files goes into a wrong hand.

Oliver : Is she coming home.

Dad : We never know.

Oliver : Sure, Dad. (He off his phone). I miss you, Dad .(He whispered to himself) and Mom.

Aunt : Oliver, dinner is serve.

Oliver : Coming. ( He went for the dinner)

Aunt : What happen, Oliver. You seems down.

Oliver : Some personal problems.

Aunt : Did you Dad call you?

Oliver : Yeah, we already talk.

FRIDAY EVENING AT THE CEMETARY

Oliver walked towards the cemetery with a red rose on his hand. Then, he saw Jeremy sitting at the grave of his parents with some drinks. Without any hesitation, he approached him.

Jere : So, you come here to insult me infront of my parents.

Oliver : Lily say I'll find you here today.

Jere : What do you want? Please don't ruin my parent's death anniversary.

Oliver : People can change.

Jere : What do you mean?

Oliver : (Sitting down beside him) I hope your parents wouldn't mind me sitting here, do they?

Jere : Just get to the point and leave me alone.

Oliver : I just wanna talk to you parents. Can you stop forcing me to go away.

Jere : What do you wanna say? Are you gonna say that I'm weak and pathetic.

Oliver : How should I start.

Jere : Seems like you have a heart. (laughed mockingly)

Oliver : Um… hii Mom and Dad... of Jeremy. I'm Oliver, new friend of Jeremy. Both of you should be grateful for having a son like Jeremy. He is super strong with a good heart. (Pausing for a moment) He never lose his hope and his patience even though I look like an asshole who always bullied him. I wonder why he never hate me for being so mean to him. He is the best son in the whole wide world.

Jere : (Looking at him) Are you serious with your words?

Oliver : What do you think? (Looking at the grave) I beg for forgiveness, Mom, for being so rude to him. If he is willing to give me a second chance, I'll try my best to make him smile until his final breathe.

Jere : Stop joking around. It's not funny.

Oliver : Sometimes, I can be dead serious.

Jere : (Began to wept) If only you understand how I feel, you won't have the guts to bully me.

Oliver : You can lean on my shoulder.

Jere : I'm not crying.

Oliver : (Forcing his hand to pulled Jeremy head and let him lean on his shoulder) I say you can lean on my shoulder if you wanna cry.

Jere : (His tears cannot stop coming out) I never thought you would have a heart to do good things.

Oliver : You can even share me your pain.

Jere : I was just twelve, my father was a great businessman. My mom was the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. (He began to cried)

Oliver : It's okay not to be okay.

Jere : Well, that was a horrible day. I fainted in the classroom, my father hurried to get me in the school. (He cried)

Oliver : You can carry on.

Jere : Well, my mom insist on coming with my father. My father reluctantly agreed. I was taken to the hospital. (He paused)

Oliver : Can I get you a cup of water.

Jere : Nope, I'm okay. (After a long pause, he continue) They went to the school but the principal say to them that I was already taken to the hospital. (He began to wept piteously)

Oliver : It's okay. (Rubbing his head)

Jere : When they rush to the hospital, they had an accident. They don't tell me the detail, the only thing they tell me was, they had an accident and they both die.

Oliver : It's okay. I'm here.

Jere : You know, I miss them a lot. Every night I wish to the star to see my parents once more in the morning, seem like wishes are not a part of human life. If they come back alive, I'll never ever talk back to them. I'll be the best son in the world. The only thing is.... I just wanna see them once more, atleast for one second. (He laughed lightly with his tears)

Oliver : (Rubbing his shoulder, and a tears on his eyes) It's a harsh reality.

Jere : If only I could see them once more. (He cried and had a long pause. Then he continue) How should I forget their sweet smiles, my mom delicious cooking. And I sure do regret the times I disobey them. If I could go back in time, then I would surely apologies to them. But now, all I can do is sitting at their grave and dine with them.

Oliver : Your parents may be so proud having you. Look at you, surviving all alone. If I were your dad, I'll be so proud of you.

Jere : Why do you say that?

Oliver : You are cute. And I've never seen a person like you, who is strong enough to bear all my bullies.

Jere : (Waking up from Oliver shoulder) Well, in the end I gave up and about to quit my schooling. You are more stronger.

Oliver : Well, that's not the case. I mean, you never tried to pay me back.

Jere : My dad used to say, there's karma. Surely, one day your karma will haunts you no matter what. Revenge is not the option for me.

Oliver : Wait, about your quitting is just a jokes, right.

Jere : Well, you already beg for forgiveness, why should I quit.

Oliver : That means you forgive me.

Jere : Sure. Why shouldn't I forgive you. (Leaning back to his shoulder) Thank you for coming here, this evening.

END OF EPISODE 3