No Rush

After being discharged from the hospital, I didn't waste any other day and went back to school. I do not want to be any more left behind than I already am with the lessons.

I picked out a casual outfit from my wardrobe. For my top, I wore a black rib frill detail cami top finishing it with an oversized patterned blazer. As for my bottoms, I chose to wear a high rise buttercup straight denim jeans with black stilettos. I tied my hair up in a ponytail. My makeup is light with a pop of red color on the lips. This isn't really my usual style, but I wanted to look proper.

As usual, when I got out of the room, mom was not home. I don't even bother to wonder where she is because she's probably somewhere fucking another man or a boy, in fact.

I closed the door behind me and made sure it was locked. I secure my ponytail again as I passed along Mrs. Gibbs's door. I was about to press the button for the elevator when Mrs. Gibbs called out to me.

"Dear, come here," she said. I walked up to her and greeted her with a smile.

"Good morning, Mrs. Gibbs!" I cheerfully said.

"You sound… happy?" she confusingly said.

"Am I?" I said with a laugh.

"Oh well, I know that you don't prepare something for breakfast. So, take this bread and get yourself a cup of coffee on the cart on your way to school," she said, handing out a small brown paper bag. I gladly accepted her offer.

"Thank you, Mrs. Gibbs, and goodbye," I said, waving my hand to her as I walked to the elevator.

I glanced at my watch to check the time. I would be earlier than usual by the time I get to school, even if I took the bus, which painted a smile on my face. Minutes after, the bus arrived, and I hopped into it. I slid the back of my phone on the terminal to pay for the bus fee and took my seat at the bus's back end beside a window.

Since it was still early, there weren't really many people taking the bus. Many prefer to rather walk and enjoy the summer breeze. Thank God really that it isn't as scorching hot this year as last year.

I opened the window to also enjoy the summer wind. The wind tickles my face as it also messes up my bangs. If it was me before, I would have been enraged for ruining my hairstyle, but now, I really don't mind at all.

When I woke up this morning, all I could feel was happiness… genuine happiness. For the first time in a year, I was happy. I didn't have to feel anxious or depressed at all.

Flashes of memory appeared of what happened the last two days when Nate visited me. He asked me to go out with him. I remember it vividly. He held my hand as he turned his face slowly to look directly at me and asked the question. Taken by surprise, I flustered and stood up straight in a flash, then walked away from him.

Remembering it now, I felt embarrassed to even face him. I didn't even answer his question. He might be upset with me because he didn't see me when I got discharged from the hospital.

And yes… I did slightly expect him to be there.

I realized that I have depended on him too much recently despite him involving himself with my own business. By relying on him, I meant that unconsciously I always wish him to be by my side and protect me from every little bad thing that might happen to me, whether my secret will be divulged or harassed once again.

"I am my own," I blurted to myself as I was reflecting.

I shouldn't depend on someone else's for my own happiness. I should learn to be happy on my own despite everything that has happened to me. I can be satisfied.

The next thing I know, it was already my school. I hopped off and entered the school grounds.

It was still early, so I grabbed a coffee from a vendo machine and went to the rooftop. I just wanted some time alone. I haven't really been alone to myself that much for the past couple of weeks. I need to just recollect myself and assess everything that has happened recently.

The first and second week of school was truly hectic! Many things happened to me, from wanting to stay as Queen to working my ass off for my grades and then meeting Nate and him, knowing my life's secret. It was a rollercoaster ride, but still, it was fun.

This time of the year, on weekends, I'm camping out with him. We are merely fishing by the river. It wasn't really my favorite date because bugs are always following me around. Still, I always treasure those memories because it was only when I can have peace and not be a billionaire socialite girl.

"I miss you. I hope you're doing fine now," I said, whispering to the wind hoping that it will bring my message to him.

"Miss me?" a familiar voice said out of nowhere. I turned to who said it, and of course, it was none other than Nate.

"Good morning, Nate," I greeted as I stood up and brushed off any dust on my clothes.

"Good morning, Luna. How are you feeling today?" he asked, walking up to me.

"I'm fine. Thanks for asking," I said. When I turned to look at him, he was already standing right in front of me.

He slid a lock of my hair at the back of my ear and said, "You look beautiful today." I flustered and felt butterflies on my stomach. I walked past him, intentionally bumping my shoulder on him, and went straight to the room.

As soon as I got to the room, the students were filling it also. One by one, they enter and head straight to their places. I hung my bag on my chair and rested my head on the table, and closed my eyes to take a short nap.

Minutes after, I felt someone poked me by my cheeks. I opened my eyes and saw Nate, waving a canned coffee in front of me.

"Oooh…" the crowd reacted.

"You don't have to answer it right away," Nate said and put down the coffee on my table, then went to his seat.

I was left bewildered, and the girls immediately surrounded me after that little stunt Nate pulled.

"What did Nate mean with that?" Valerie asked with crossed arms and raised an eyebrow.

"What? I don't even know what he's saying. He's just goofing around," I said, trying to convince them as I also convince myself. Although, I lied. I know exactly what he means by it. Oh god! He could have said that earlier. Why make a scene?

"Are you sure about that, Lu?" Valerie stared fiercely at me, and I had to put up a straight face than look at her directly.

"I am," I said with confidence. I hope I did convince her because I can't convince myself.

"But what's the matter, Valerie? I mean Nate is hot," Jane said.

"But he's a transferee, duh…" Valerie said in disappointment.

"So?" Jane wanted an explanation because she indeed has told herself a million times how hot Nate is.

"Luna's the Queen of this school. The King should be screened and checked. We can't just pick someone we don't know," Valerie said.

I didn't know we have this kind of rule that we made up before. And what is this nonsense of King and Queen?

Sometimes, it slips my mind that I hold the title of being the Queen. Ever since I have met Nate, the title didn't really matter at all. I always felt I could be myself… well, not entirely as he still doesn't know my deepest darkest secrets.

The bell rang, and everyone, including the girls, dispersed to their seats. The entire morning was dragging because of long lectures and full of reminders that exams are coming.

Lunchtime came, and the girls, most specifically Valerie, wanted to eat at her newly discovered restaurant that is near school grounds. I wanted to decline because I am saving the money I have left, but she insisted.

"Fine. Fine, I'll join you," I said in defeat.

"Lu, you almost don't hang with us during lunch breaks. You're almost nowhere to be found. Come on, we'll have fun. Let's go ditch and shop after we eat," Val said in excitement. The other two girls chimed in.

"But what about classes?" I said, desperately don't want to come with them to ditch class.

"What about it?" Valerie shot a straight look at me.

"That sounds new coming from you, Lu. You don't usually say things like that," she said cautiously.

"Hey, I'm just practical. Even if we are daughters of high elite parents, we can't goof around because graduation---" I didn't get to finish what I am supposed to say when Valerie cut me short.

"Blah blah blah! BOO! Boring Lu! Where is my fun, Luna? Are you her doppelganger?" she said while trying to peek behind me and in between my locks of hair.

"Geez, Lu. Just come with us," Kate said with pleading eyes. I nodded in defeat yet again.

I guess I have no choice.

Valerie's driver drove us to the restaurant. We were seated by the window where we usually sit in restaurants because this way, we could check out men walking by us and see their reactions as they looked at us. Valerie never changed. She's still the naughty girl I knew from a year ago. If we're speaking truths here, I think I am the only one who changed. I guess there are really just unexpected turns that will flip your whole world upside down.

Jane called out the waiter, and we were all busy checking out the menu. If I were the billionaire daughter I am, I would have outright said to them that the bill is on me. Still, we always had a rule of whoever insists on eating at a restaurant they liked she pays, so I guess it's a good thing because I literally have to be thrifty.

The prices on this menu are out of this world. I could literally buy a thousand instant noodles for this and could even purchase pizza or fast food. Damn, realizing that meant that I am directly aware of everything now compared to before. Good job… I guess?

Valerie pointed a lot on the menu, and the waiter just jotted everything down.

"Will serve it away, Ms. Valerie. Thank you for delighting us in your presence and you too, Ms. Luna," the waiter said.

"How did they know?" I was shocked that the waiter recognized us as social elites.

"Mother and I came here during the weekend. I told her that I will be bringing you girls here. He was the same waiter who served us then," Valerie explained.

"Did you ask him?" I teasingly questioned Val.

"Maybe?" she sheepishly replied. We all laughed.

We ate the entire meal that was served to us. Valerie ordered a lot, and to take a breather, we're now eating our desserts. The girls were talking about the universities they will be enrolling in when we graduate.

"Are you still proceeding to study arts, Luna?" Kate asked.

"I'm not so sure yet. I think I'll get a proper degree," I said.

"What do you mean proper?" Valerie asked.

"You don't need a 'proper' degree. You're a Harper!" she continued.

"Well, I know that, but I also want to help with Dad's business, you know," I said.

"Oh yeah, how's uncle? I haven't seen him in a while. Aunty too," Valerie said while eating a piece of her cake.

"They're both fine. Dad's away on a business as usual. As to Mom, well… Mom's busy partying as usual too," I said.

"Haha, well, that's uncle and aunt for you. I'm amazed that your father is still patient with your Mother's habits," Valerie said.

"Well, like mother like the daughter, they say," I said while looking at the window wanting to avoid any more talk of my family.

After our spontaneous and fantastic lunch, we all went to the mall and shop. I only bought a few basic clothes and shoes. Kate and Jane were busy checking out newly arrived shoes, and Valerie was busy checking out lingerie. I told them that I need to check out first because I still have somewhere to be. Since they were so busy, they didn't even notice I left the herd.

I was about to pay for the clothes I picked, but I saw a perfume stand near the cashier. I walked to it, and the sales lady greeted me.

"Do you already have a preferred scent, Ma'am?" she asked.

"No. This is my first time seeing this brand," I told her.

"Well, yes. This is a new one that the mall has come to partner with. They really have an amazing range of scents. Do you want to try this scent called Moonshine?" she asked. I laughed at the name because moonshine is known as a drink.

"Will I smell like a drunk?" The sales lady laughed at my comment.

"We always get that. Most of our scents are named after drinks, too but try it. I think you will love the scent," she said confidently.

I sprayed twice on a paper and waved this in front of me to smell the perfume's fragrance. The smell was sweet with floral and fresh rainwater. It has a light and comforting feeling to it. It was perfect.

"Would you like a bottle, Ma'am?" she asked.

"Yes, please," I happily agreed.

Since classes are already over. I head to the cafe to work again. I really hope that I still have worked there, or else I might need to put effort into finding another one.

"Selene! You're back!" Ms. Ava joyfully greeted me when the staff room door opened.

"Selene!!" the other staff members chimed in too.

"You look a lot better," Ms. Ava said, checking me from head to toe.

"Yes, I very much do—my apologies Miss, for not informing you. The family has really been just hectic and--" I was trying to explain, but Ms. Ava hushed.

"Do not worry, my dear. You need not worry. I talked to the manager and explained it to him. He just told me that whenever you have to take a leave, inform us so that we could replace someone for your shift," Ms. Ava said.

This made me really happy. Ms. Ava has always looked out for me. I'm pretty sure she has been nagged for neglecting my absences and poor performance, but she still ended up defending me. I sometimes wonder why. It's not that she is also like this to other members, but I always feel extra cared for.

Since I was early, I got more time to work. As usual, I am serving tables. A lot of students were coming in since exams are right around the corner. Ah yes! EXAMS! I'm doomed. I have not come to class because I was admitted to the school, and I have even skipped classes earlier. I'm sure that Headmistress Brown had already contacted the Grandfather of my bad behavior. I do hope I still have a warning left.

I was cleaning up a table when a group of men came in. At first, I thought it was Nate and his friends, but I was mistaken. Goodness! Why am I even thinking of him? I greeted them with a smile and gestured to them to sit on a table near the window, which was available and cleaned, but a man was left standing by the door looking at me.

"Hey, what's wrong with you, bro? Come now! The waitress is waiting," his friend called him over. I looked at him and saw he snapped back to reality and walked over to his friends.

"Can I now take your order, sir?" I said with my paper and pen out, ready to jot down their orders.

I noticed that the same guy standing by the door was still looking at me whilst sitting down. I tried to ignore it, but it was giving me an uneasy feeling. Good thing his other friend noticed him blanking out again.

"Oy! Don't stare at the lady too much," he said, smacking the top of his head. His friend looked at me and said, "Forgive him. He's a player. He's just trying to get your attention." I sheepishly smiled at his remark.

The work time at the cafe felt short. Maybe because I was too busy serving tables that I overlooked the time. It was a quarter to ten o'clock already. The number of people had already decreased, and we are now preparing to close the cafe. I was wiping the recently washed mugs when Ms. Ava nudged me by the shoulder. I looked at her, and she smiled, "Are you okay? You look quite… happy?" I laughed at her question and nodded.

I heard one of the waitresses greeted a customer who just came in. Ms. Ava whispered to my ear, "Your prince has arrived to pick you up." My eyes balled at her statement, and I turned to see who the customer was that just came in.

It was Nate.

I turned around once again to hide my flustered cheeks and happy smile, but I slapped my face and reminded myself that Nate is nothing but a player. He wants to win me over to brag and get himself a position in the school. Yeah, that's probably right! Right?

I went over to his table and asked him directly, "Why are you here?"

"Well, this is a cafe, and a person who goes to a cafe wants to drink coffee or eat a pastry. So, yeah, that's exactly why I'm here," he mischievously answered. I felt embarrassed for even asking a stupid question.

Of course, Luna! Are you dumb?

"What's your order?" I asked, trying to avoid his eyes.

"One black americano," he said.

The night has become colder than usual. I guess the fall breeze is coming earlier this year than before. After changing to my casual dress, I said my goodbyes to Ms. Ava and the others.

I left the cafe through the staff room back door and once again saw a familiar guy in his favorite position leaning by the wall waiting for me.

"You really didn't have to wait," I said, continuing to walk back to the main street.

"But I wanted to," he said, walking up to match my pace.

We walked and rode the train together back to the town. We were both silent, but despite the silence, I felt secured and protected. I can feel at ease if Nate's by my side. Then, I reminded myself once again to not be too dependent on him. He might just be some guy trying to take advantage of me and my background—someone who wants to quickly go up the elite's ranks. I have to be careful and cautious from now on.

And yet, it feels like a difficult task. Much more complicated than our exams, I think.

Now, we are waiting at a bus stop for our rides. Good thing that we go on separate busses. I want to be alone or else, I can't fight the temptation to get a hold of him once more.

"So, exams are coming. Are you ready?" he asked.

I laughed but sarcastically then said, "Me? Ready? I have not been to classes for days now. I have been missing many lessons, and I'm not much of a studious type of person. How will I ever be ready?"

He laughed at my comment, agreeing to every word that I have said.

"Well, I can help you if you want me to," he said kindly.

I know that Nate is good at studying. He wouldn't be enrolled at our school if he wasn't because he got in with a scholarship. Only a smart guy can pull off something like that because our school rarely gives such privilege.

I was silent because I didn't know how to answer him.

"I'll manage," I said, fidgeting my fingers and trying to convince myself that I can.

Good thing my bus has arrived, so I stood up, but Nate stopped me.

"If you were taken aback by what I said at the hospital garden. Forget it. Don't mind answering me, but please. Stop avoiding me," he said with sad and pleading eyes.

"Good night Nate," I said and removed his hands on me and rode the bus.

I must protect myself. Only I am the only one I can trust. One day, Nate will flip and tell the whole world who Luna Harper is now, and I just can't afford that. I need to at least graduate before coming out.