Chapter 8

Car

Once his car passed through the gate, I already know I'm doomed. My face was expressionless and all I can do is look straight on what's ahead. In defeat, welcoming the death sentence that awaits once I get off his car.

I look sideways to see his face. Trying to figure out what is he thinking. But like me, his half smile was now gone as if I just imagined it. His face is all serious now too. I can't read him, damn it. I sigh in defeat. What's the point of arguing with him now? It will just make things complicated, especially if the people saw us fighting over 'getting off his car'. They might think we are closely related. Closely related? Right! I can just say that we're cousins! Really, Eli? At this period of time? You became cousins with Van whom you didn't even know what family he came from? My sarcastic mind retorted.

I snort at how my mind can think better than me. Oh wait, it's my mind. Why does it have a will of its own?! I shook the ridiculous thought off my head. I'm being absurd. I know.

No one notices us yet since his windows are tinted. He drove his way through the parking lot and settle down his car. Meanwhile, it's my cue to panic. I can see some students turning their heads toward the sight of his car. What more if he step out of it. And worst, if I follow him out next. I unconsciously do the sign of the cross due to that thought.

"Wait", I said when I saw him trying to open his car door. He turned to me with his usual serious face. Maybe I did just imagine his smirk a while ago. He didn't say a thing so I continue.

"Can I stay here until the bell rang?", I ask him. It's my last resort. I don't care if I'll be late for my first class. I just want to escape this situation by going out of this car peacefully.

He arched his brow a little but after a second, he nodded like he get what I mean.

"I just want the crowd to leave before going out", I still reasoned out. I want to make sure he gets it this time so that what happened earlier will be avoided again.

He nodded again and removed his sitbelt before opening his door. I curled myself up on my sit to avoid being seen. Once he closed his door, I let out a sigh of relief.

I watched him press his car keys to alarm his car before walking away. I looked at my watch to see the number of minutes I have to wait before the bell ring. 13 minutes.

I glanced back at the wind shield and arch my brows when I saw Van walking back. Did he forget something? He continue walking towards his car.

My eyes widen in shock when I saw that he is approaching my door. Oh no. What is it this time?! The moment he opened the door beside me, I put both my hands on my face while curling up. What does he want? Now I'm starting to think that he wants this. All of this since what happened a while ago. What with his thoughts? It's very unpredictable.

He didn't say a word and I don't want to look at him so I stayed at my position like a hibernating armadillo. I'm waiting for him to say anything but instead he held my wrist and tried to pull me. Even with his sudden action, I still manage to resist. I looked at him with glaring eyes. I have the right to be mad.

He betrayed me! When I didn't move, he exerted more force and I was pulled effortlessly out of his car. Take note, he did it with a flat face. As if he is not doing anything wrong. That made my blood boil even more. Extending beyond 100 degrees.

I keep glaring at him because I can't speak out the words in my head. I still have some sense of control over it. I know it will just cause more chaos.

I know that the people around us are already talking in groups. I can hear their murmurs like buzzing bees. Some are even taking pictures.

I thought he will let go off my wrist but he started walking, dragging me behind him. My leg is starting to tingle again. What is hell is wrong with him?!

With all the force left with me, I swing my wrist off of his hands and quickly run towards the door leading to the hallway. I didn't bother to look back at him. I'm too infuriating to do so.

I walk my way to the locker area. I opened it and caught a glimpse of my face on the mirror on my locker's door. My nostrils are flaring and my face is red with anger and embarassment. I closed my eyes and tried breathing slowly. Trying to calm myself. Inhale...Exhale...Inhale...Exh-

"You biatch!", a familiar voice shouted behind me. I opened my eyes lazily and turn to her. She walked towards me. Her eyes evident with judgement. Upon reaching my spot, she held bith my shoulders and shakenit dramatically.

"Why did you do this to me? How dare you not tell me about you and Van?!", I expected that news will reach her this quick but I never expected her scandalous reaction about it. She's doing it on purpose. I know it.

"Since when huh? How long have you been cheating on me?!", she said in a voice, close to crying. She can be an Oscar nominee. I rolled my eyes at her and pulled out from her grip. She still got that judging eyes pointed at me. I turned back to my locker and sighed exhaustly. It's early in the morning yet I already feel tired.

"I'll explain it to you later", I replied and toom the books I need for my whole day class. She held my shoulder forced me to face her again. Her eyes now desperatley curious.

"Spill the tea. All of it. Now", she said like she is threatening me to tell the truth or I'll suffer the consequences. So much for having her as a friend. She lust for gossips so much. Anyway, what's a bit good about her is that, she's only interested in hearing stories of other people, she doesn't actually meddle or cause them any trouble like some toxic haters. Besides, I'm the only person whom she shared those infos with. And fortunately, I barely remember any of it.

I know I can't escape her. I will and must tell her eventually. But then, as usual, my ass was saved by the bell.

"It's already time. I'll tell you later", I said while shrugging my shoulder. I can't hide the relief on my voice. She let out a sigh of defeat.

"Fine. We're not finish yet", she said in a threatening voice and made an 'I'm keeping an eye on you' signal.

Soon enough, we walk through our class and welcomed the indifferent stares of people to us. I don't know if it still about the issue between me and Joana but I think it's about the issue with Van. It doesn't matter, anyway. What happened has happened.

The whole day ended in a silent torture to me. I can feel the heavy classroom atmosphere. I don't what's worse between being talked about harsh loudly or being stared at by judging eyes of everybody then murmuring to the closest person to them. I feel more anxious. Like I'm being watched by lions quietly, waiting to attack their prey.

As soon as the bell rang, I hurriedly get out of that room. I didn't even bother saying goodbye to Joana. It's for the better actually. So I could also escape the questions she has earlier. I almost run to the backdoor of the school that leads to the parking lot. I better hurry before people start swarming.

I stupidly realize I don't have a bike. I slapped my forehead for the nth time again. I'm so used to having my bike that I forgot again.

I walked my way to the second gate of the school since it is nearer on where I was. I heard my phone vibrated with a text from my mom.

Eli can u fetch Zach again? My shift started early again-Mom

Now what? How will I tell her I can't because I don't have my bike. And I don't have any extra money to grab a taxi there since it's only budgetted for school expenses.

Joana! Maybe I can ask for a ride. I hurriedly run back towards then door hall. I hope she hasn't left yet. I was approaching the door when the swarm of people are going against my way. Oh damn.

I run back and decided to just enter the other door when a car stopped in front of me. It's him again. He opened his door. And look behind me.

"Hop in", he said and click something to unlock the door of the passenger seat.

"No, thanks", I said. Rudeness is drpping on my voice. I can't help it. He's the reason why I hate the crowd even more.

I walk the other way to avoid him but he blocked my way by moving his car backwards .

"I insist. They'll be here anytime. Get in before they saw us again", he said looking serious again. How can he have that face when he is actually mischevous inside?!

I rolled my eyes and was about to go the other way again when I saw the crowd walking not far from us. Like a tsunami slowly engulfing the beach. My eyes widen and look at him. Damn I don't have a choice again. He just look at me waiting.

I walk around to his passenger door and quickly open it. After I shut it, he turn his car and drove away. I let out a sigh of relief.

I didn't say a word to him. I'm still pissed. He didn't say anything either. His eyes are locked on the way ahead of us.

"Can you just drop me there?", I can't help to say. Since his direction is the same as Zach's school, I can just get down at the corner and walk my way.

"You're going to fetch Zach?", he asked normally. Like he didn't do anything eralier this morning. The nerve of this guy.

"Yeah", I replied cooly. He wants to act unaffected, so should I. I can't lose to him.

"I'll fetch Ty too", he said indicating that he can drive me to the preschool as well.

"Okay", I agreed. And look outside the window.

I tried looking at his reflection on the car window. Trying to read his odd thinking. And then, while still looking straight, his lips slowly turn into a half smile again. Like he was about to do something mischevous. Oh no. Not again.