Unexpected Timing

Tonaya's POV

"Aren't you girls going to congratulate me?" Matt Barnes, one of my closest friends, sat in front of me. Tall, slim, and blonde. He was one of the nerds in school since elementary school—wearing very thick eyeglasses, sweatshirts, and maroon scarf all the time.

I was in the cafeteria having lunch with my best friend Claire. "What for?" We asked him simultaneously.

"I got the number one spot of this week's top ten who's not."

"Wow! Congrats" Claire said sarcastically to Matt. "Tonaya was also included in the girl's list".

"Ohh Ton (a nickname that my friends call me sometimes) am sorry. But you have to get used to it so it doesn't make you sad" Matt tried to consoles me.

" I don't feel sad, it's okay at least am still alive" I just smiled. "Congratulations, matt"

Matt stood up and curtsied in front of us. "Thank you. Thank you, ladies."

The three of us finished our lunch. We laughed and made fun of ourselves. We always did that instead of feeling bad. Matt and I learned not to be affected by this kind of bullying. We focused on ourselves to excel in academics.

"I understand Matt being on the list, he's really a nerd. But you. Ton? Seriously? I knew this bitch neighbor of yours is the reason why you are on the list". Claire said when Matt left for his next class.

" I don't know". I shrugged my shoulders. "Maybe because I don't attend parties and outings outside school".

"How can you when you're not allowed by your aunt to go for many reasons? You have to do the household chores, give her a massage, water the plants at night, or babysit her dog. So weird."

"Shh. Keep your voice down."

"Okay... okay," Claire said then head went up. "Ohh-oh. Look who's here."

"Who?"

"It's Khaleel, at the doorway. He's waving at us." Claire whispered to me.

I looked at Khaleel. He was really waving at us...at ME.

My heart jolted, and my pulse pounded foolishly. I always feel nervous when I see him, I don't know why?

I felt like I was in a dream, everything turned blurry, like magic. Suddenly, there was only Khaleel and me, staring at each other. He gave me a smile that sent my pulses racing, and I returned his smile nervously.

Suddenly someone bumped into my chair. It was Rhea Neumann, Paul's twin sister. Rhea and I were once close friends, but our friendship drifted apart when we grew older. She befriended the rich kids in school, and I was left out.

"Oops. Sorry, Ton." Rhea said then continue walking towards Khaleel.

Reality set in. It was Rhea he was waving at, not me.

***

"I found a replacement for Cameron."

My English teacher, Miss Robinson, informed me before our class started. "He's from my morning class."

I was surprised that somebody agreed to lead the school trip. Most of the students evaded to take the place, they felt it's a lot tiring and less fun to lead a school trip. Even Cameron was forced to do it. It made them squirm with embarrassment.

But it had the opposite effect on me. I dreamt to always lead a trip, at least I can get an excuse to exclude myself from other students and trip parties.

This time, I was fortunate that she picked me though I am new. She claimed I was good at academics and she believes I will make a good leader.

Nobody knew that I would lead the trip. Not yet. It was always a surprise to everyone. Usually, it would be announced on the trip day, if not, students would kill you with their bunch of stupid needs and ideas.

"I have an extra copy of the plan on my table at the office, can you give it to him after class? "Miss Robinson interrupted my thoughts.

"Okay, miss. No problem." I answered.

"I'll have him pick it up at the office"

***

I was dreaming

I was at the top of a very tall building. I went to the ledge and looked down. I saw the cars down the road that looked like ants, and many people were like fine sands. I was wondering how I got there.

Suddenly, the building was shaking. There was an earthquake. I got so scared. I saw the debris falling from the nearby building. Then in an instant, it collapsed. I looked around to ask for help, but there was no one. I tried to shout, but just couldn't. I lost my voice.

I looked down and saw the floor at the ledge crack. Then I was falling... falling so fast. I screamed but still, I couldn't hear my voice.

I'm going to die

I closed my eyes, getting ready to meet the grim reaper. Please, I want to go to heaven, not hell. I know I've been good and in heaven, I'll see mom...

I was surprised when someone caught me. I felt like I was swept up to the sky. I slowly opened my eyes and finally saw him. His face was blur...but it looked familiar. He was wearing a blue suit and a red cape. Superman?

No. There was no S on his chest. It was a K.

I blinked my eyes and stared at his face. Slowly, it became clearer. It was Khaleel.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"Ah...ah..." Finally. I heard myself. I was glad that I found my voice.

"Is this the plan from Miss Robinson?" He took the plan from the table.

"Um...yeah." I kept on staring at him. How could he have changed his clothes so fast? He was wearing a blue suit like Superman when he swept me up and now he was back in his school uniform.

"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked me again.

"Yeah... yeah," I answered. I was mesmerized by his captivating dark eyes and arresting smile. I was about to thank him for rescuing me, but he was instantly gone.

Khaleel's POV

"Where have you been? Izzy asked when I met him at the hall.

"I was in the men's room." I lied.

"Did you talk to Miss Robinson about your grade?"

"Yeah. Of course"

"And?"

"She'll give me some homework...you know... projects," I answered.

"That's great, man." Izzy tapped my shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, bro."

I dropped by at my locker before I went home. I exhaled heavily when I saw her.

Nora Petrakis. The girl who disturbed my peace.

I opened my locker and threw the plan inside, intentionally ignoring her.

"Kherl." She said softly. That sweet voice never affected me.

"What do you want?" I asked calmly, trying to be civil.

"We need to talk. About us."

"Stop it, Nora. I've never loved you and not a chance have I ever wanna date you. You have to stop all this, you have to tell everyone the truth. We are just lab partners."

Nora looked so agitated. She came closer to me and slowly reached out to my arm. "Please, kherl. You need to listen to me. Let me explain.

"What for? I'm not stupid. I heard it myself, everyone was talking about it." My mood veered sharply to anger.

"Please... I'm so sorry, kherl. I really like you and I know you'll feel the same towards me someday, give me a chance please." Her eyes pleaded.