Queen's Back

9:50 PM, 3rd of August

It's a cold night, and I'm here strolling at the park for almost an hour. He's still right behind me, silently following me from the cafe. I can't seem to move on from the events that unfolded today. I left out a big sigh, thinking that this is my karma because of what I wrongfully did in the past.

I sat on a swing, and he did too without saying anything. I look up to the bright night sky filled with stars. I felt like crying when I remembered that it was just like this last night I had a trip with him.

"Hey…" I said, looking at the person sitting next to me. "Thank you. I know I have been harsh to you since the first day and especially earlier. I know you were just trying to help out. I just… There's just a lot of my mind. I thought I'm fine--"

"You really don't need to explain it to me," he said, without looking directly at me. I somehow found his words comforting. I am still surprised as to why I feel so calm around him, as if I could lean on him.

"Nate, have we met before?" I asked out of the blue. He turned to me. I saw a hint of surprise on his face for a second, but he immediately looked away.

"No, we haven't. It's getting late. I'll drop you off where you live," he said, standing up and brushing off the dust on his pants.

"You don't have to go with me. I can handle it. It's already late, and I'm sure the streets will not be that busy," I said, waving my two hands in front of him.

"That's exactly the reason why I will have to go with you. You were just harassed earlier. Can you bear another situation like that? Just like what you said, you're not fine," he said with a sound of anger in his voice because of my stubbornness.

We both took the train back to the main city area. We walked a couple of blocks from the train station because there weren't that many empty cabs.

The wind was cold, and I was wearing only a thin layer of clothing. I rubbed my shoulders to keep warm, and suddenly I felt a coat hang over it.

I looked at Nate, but he didn't say anything. Ever since we've walked from the cafe to the park, he didn't bug me with any questions. If I were him, I would've interrogated the person, but he respects my space, and I appreciate that.

I never knew silence can also be comforting at times.

Nate took a few paces faster than me and saw that he was heading on a small food truck.

I couldn't really hear what he was ordering. When I reached the truck, he turned to me, took my hand, and then gave me the hot cup.

"It's a hot choco. Just to keep you warmer," he said. I smiled at his gesture.

"You know, I don't really get you," I said.

"Why?" he smugly said.

"The first time we met at the rooftop, you were threatening me. Now, you're a gentleman. Do you have multiple personalities? Because that would explain the change of personalities every time we meet," I jokingly said.

He laughed at my comment but didn't say a word. Instead, he waved his hand at an incoming cab.

"Take the cab first. I'm sure you're tired," he said.

"You're not answering my question," I rebutted while entering the cab he called. He was about to close the door on me, but I stopped it. I handed him back his coat, while waiting for an answer.

"Well, spend more time with me, and you'll know," he mischievously said, then closed the doors beforw I could even react.

7:00 AM, 4th of August

I woke up early this morning to clean the entire apartment. It looks more habitable now than before. I smiled proudly, seeing how clean the apartment is after a very long time.

I grabbed my bag and the money left from the payment I made last night for our water bill. I walked towards Mrs. Gibbs' room, our landowner, and knocked on her door. "Mrs. Gibbs?" I said, after a few knocks on the door. Mrs. Gibbs is a widow and has been running the apartment for a decade, according to her. She doesn't have any children, so she pretty much has been living alone.

"Luna!" she said with a surprising tone. "It's early. What brought you here?"

"I wanted to give you our payment for the rent. I'm sorry if it took me too long to pay for it. I will try my best to pay for it on time next month," I said, embarrassed as I handed out the money to her.

"Don't be silly. I know your situation, dear, and I understand. Come in, let's get you some nice breakfast because I'm sure your mother is still not up," she said, inviting me to her beloved home.

I've always loved Mrs. Gibbs' home. Even if the apartment is located downtown, whenever I enter her place, I feel like I'm in the '80s. Soon as you enter, you are greeted by her lovely cat named Lucifer. The living room is small but enough for a few visitors. I sat on her couch that is of emerald color with a velvet texture.

"What do you like for breakfast, Luna?" she asked. "Whatever that it is you have, Mrs. Gibbs, I'll be fine," I replied. I gazed upon the bookshelf at the room's side that's dividing the kitchen and dining area from the living area. It's dusty, evidence showing that nothing has been touched for quite some time. I skimmed through the stacks of record labels. I see jazz and classical music, none of the modern songs I hear daily on the radio or at school.

"Do you want to play a record?" Mrs. Gibbs asked while chopping.

"Can I?"

"Yeah, sure! Just take the record player from the cabinet below the tv and put it on the coffee table," she said. I did what she instructed me to do and played the My Foolish Heart by Bill Evans. Mrs. Gibbs started telling a story about her and her husband during the old times. She remembered that this was the song playing on a bar where they first met. She also told me how her husband was a playboy and that it was actually her that made him change.

"It took him three years to court me before I finally said yes," Mrs. Gibbs said as she was putting down a plate of pancakes and fruits on the side. I took my seat in front of her and poured the hot coffee on both our cups.

"Three years? That's a very long time for courting. Good thing he didn't give up on you for dragging it for so long," I said, amazed by the fact that a guy could survive that long of a courtship. I mean, hello? In today's time, especially with the Internet being accessible by anyone at any time, courting can be done in less than a day or so.

"Well, he almost did, but he wanted to prove something to me. I was afraid of men before because I was publicly harassed. I fear men, but he was consistent with his efforts and was respectful of the fact that I do not trust men," Mrs. Gibbs shared.

It suddenly hit me. A painful flashback came across my mind that made me ball my fist, fighting the urge of the emotions overwhelming me once again. Yet, I was too late to hide it because she immediately saw my reaction.

"What is it, dear?" she asks, holding my hand balled fist.

"I… I just… I know I've done many bad things in the past, and I hated myself for it. I am trying to change, but it's been hard for me. I regretted it a lot, but I--I never imagined that…" My voice broke, and tears flowed uncontrollably. I never thought I would need this breakdown right now, but I just can't help myself. My gauge has reached its peak already; maybe that's why I'm like this.

I continued my story to Mrs. Gibbs. I told her what happened to me yesterday and she cried with me. She felt my pain because she was in a similar situation as I was back in her time.

"It's difficult. I know. But remember this, Luna, your past may be full of wrongdoings, but you will always have a choice to become better and to overcome it," she said. Mrs. Gibbs stood up and hugged me. I cried and hugged her back.

"It's quiet and lonely here, but I've gotten used to it. I'm grateful, though," she continued and looked at me sincerely. "I'm grateful because even if we're not related, you take time to visit me and check up on me."

"Well, that's the only thing I could do, Mrs. Gibbs. You've been helpful to me too ever since we've lived here. You are not like other landowners who nags a lot of their tenants whenever they can't pay," I said in between my ugly sobs.

We talked more for a few more minutes and said goodbyes after realizing it's already time for me to go to school.

The morning classes were as usual. Since it's still the first week of school, we did many introductions in class and expected for the academic year. It seems like we will be having a big celebration for the Annual Christmas Ball this year. The admin wants to throw festivities before the said event. It will be a huge preparation, not just by the administration but also by the students.

"What do you think we should do this year, Lu?" asked Valerie.

"I don't know. I don't really feel like doing all that hard work, if you know what I mean," I said.

We're walking to the cafeteria, and I haven't seen Nate anywhere yet. He was in class, but when the bell rang for lunch, I lost sight of him.

"What if our class does play this year? Since our elective is about theatre, after all. It will be good for us since we are aiming for theatre school for college," Kate said.

"Oh, wow! You finally used that brain of yours, Kate," Val insultingly said to Kate. Kate pouted.

"Well, yeah. We could probably do that. I don't mind," I answered. Theatre is actually a good outlet for me to let out these boiling feelings inside of me. I really need to let this all out, or else I will drown with it.

Once we've filled up our trays, we find a seat where we could eat. Headmistress Brown told me earlier this morning that I could eat in the cafeteria since Grandfather has paid for it, so I need not worry about what to eat for lunch or during breaks.

Speaking of Grandfather, I haven't seen nor talked to him ever since that day. After banishing my mom and me from the manor, he never kept his tabs on me until I got back to school. Should I visit him? Would he welcome me?

"Earth to Luna? Hello?" Valerie snapped me back to reality.

"Yeah?"

"Well, we were asking about the details of the party tomorrow night. Remember?" Valerie asked.

Ugh! Right! The party. How can I throw a socialite party when I'm no longer a socialite myself? What excuse should I be saying this time?

"So, what about it?" Val asked impatiently.

I can't say 'yes' since I also have a shift tomorrow. It will be too late for me to ask for a leave of absence at work. This will just be a deduction to my pay. I need to come up with some good excuses. What if I say that Grandfather wants to talk to me tomorrow? But I bet Valerie will just say to move the party to Saturday. Ahh! Gosh, what should I do?

"After what happened last year on the night of our moving up exercises, Mom and Dad banned me from hosting any parties since we got caught smoking and getting high," I explained.

"I hear excuses, Lu. When did that stop you? Come on, where's our fun queen? She loves breaking the rules…" Valerie can't stop teasing. She's totally a party girl than I am. I'm the host, and she's the party girl that every boy dreams of to bed with. I can't really blame them. Valerie is one hot girl.

"Well, since we're celebrating because I'm back, how about you throw me a party? Let's just hang on our usual bar, but drinks will be on your girls. Treat me," I commanded. The girls just shrugged and smiled excitedly.

Phew! That worked. At least they can get their party without me paying a penny.

"Okay, deal! Tomorrow night okay? Our usual spot at Delirium. Wear your hottest dresses, ladies! We are to party!!" Valerie said, nudging me on my shoulder to get my hype up. I rolled my eyes and smiled. If there's really one thing I missed, that's partying and forgetting everything by drinking and smoking pot.

I stood up on my chair and whistled to get everybody's attention. "Listen up, Greenfield students! Exclusive Party tomorrow night at Delirium, everybody! Drinks on us!" I shouted. Every single student in the cafeteria called, and I went back to take my seat.

"Way to announce you're back, Queen," Kate said proudly.

"Definitely back!" I said.