The New Guy

MEANING OF TERMS

Social gathering- it is a Christian program that will be held during Sabbath evening where all the SDA youth in every church of the whole community gathered to fellowship with each other.

The youth leaders will prepare games and other programs to make this gathering entertaining.

SDA- SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST

Isabel's P.O.V

"Isabel! Can you help me zip this up? I can't reach the zipper." My sister Hayley called from her room.

"Okay big sis, coming!" I answered.

Today is Saturday, a month after the first day of class the time when Lily told me that she is gay and I haven't done anything to help her with her identity crisis. I talked about her problems to my other friends but of course without mentioning her name. I just made up a story that is not too obvious for them to know that it is Lily I am talking about. I and Lily are well known in our community and it will be too hard for her if everyone will know about her secret. I can't risk our friendship for this. Lily is a good friend so I'll help her without risking our friendship and humiliating her.

According to the research, Lily is experiencing an identity crisis. I can see the symptoms on her. She is experiencing the following symptoms and I asked her about it. She said that during our freshmen year in high school, she is questioning who she is. It is an overall or with regards to a certain life aspect such as relationships, age, career, etc. The following symptoms are as follows:

Experiencing great personal conflict due to the questioning of what is her role in society. Big changes have recently occurred that has affected her sense of self. She is questioning things such as her values, spirituality, beliefs, interests, or career path that have a major impact on how she sees herself. Searching for more meaning, reason, or passion in her life.

Lily said that she is experiencing all of this for the rest of her high school life until her girlfriend came last summer and according to their own understanding, it's completely normal to question who we are, especially since we change throughout our lives. However, when it begins to affect our daily thinking or functioning, we may be having a crisis of identity. It does not have a connection between who they are and who they want to be in their lives.

Of course, I did not push the truth to them because I do not want to have a conflict with my friends especially Lily. I love her very much and I do not know if I can handle losing my best friend.

"Isabel! What is taking you so long?" Hayley shouts and irritated already.

"Ugh..wait! I am changing clothes too!" I shout back irritated.

We are preparing ourselves to go to Colorado Visayan Church. It is not that far from our home but we need to be there early because I and my sister are one of the participants in our fellowship worship. The program starts at exactly 8:30 AM, it's 7:00 AM now and we do not have breakfast yet so we are quite rushing to beat the time and be there before 8:30.

"Isabel and Hayley! Come down here, have your breakfast already so that you cannot be late!" Aunt Mila said from the dining room.

"Coming!" We both shout and hurriedly go to the dining room.

Father and my older brothers are already sitting at our table.

"You girls are too slow. You're going to be late for the program now. Fast your pace and eat moderately. Especially you Isabel." Father said with a teasing smile on his face.

"Yeah, right Isabel you are a girl and yet you eat like there is no tomorrow," Aunt said.

"Ugh... Leave me alone." I said while pouting to both of them.

"You belong to the bully family Isabel, get used to it." Tristan, my older brother said.

"Hmmm.." I have nothing to say because I am still not getting used to it. I am a girl who easily gets angry but I am working on it.

We ate in silence and again I feel so happy as I glance at my family around the dining room eating. Are you familiar with the saying, 'food tastes better when you eat it with your family? It means that when you are having a feast with the people you consider as your family, the food is delicious because you are happy that your family is eating together with you and it gives a sense of togetherness among your family members. So you feel the happiness of love, and you think food is tastier too.

"Mm.. aunt Mila, you really are the best cook that I know of." I moan because the food is so delicious.

"Yeah, maybe you can be the best cook too if you really want." She teased.

"Nah, the food will be wasted. Isabel is the worst cook in the world!" Hayley teased too.

"Guys, stop teasing the best chef of the world (insert sarcasm)!" My brother Caleb said.

"Yeah... Like what you did to the poor egg. It is only an egg and yet you do not know how to cook it, you almost turn the house into dust! If Hayley wasn't there saving you, we are dead now." Tristan joins the team and they all burst into laughter.

"Err... I really love you guys!" I said before I go to the sink and brush my teeth. They really love to test my patience. Indeed I belong to the bully family.

"You need a chef-partner in your life princess. For you not to starve." Papa teases more.

"It is best to learn and practice how to cook Isabel, just give it a try and spend more time for it. One day you will learn it and be a master chef someday." Hayley encouraged.

I just smile and walk into my room to put some light makeup on my face.

After 30 minutes of getting ready, I and Hayley are in our father's car, a minivan called Mazda5. It is 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather upholstery power-sliding moonroof with interior shade, heated front seats and it is a sporty three-row vehicle with seating for six passenger seats. Father is the driver, Hayley in the passenger's seat, me at the back, and the tupperwares with food inside for our palak this lunch. Enjoying the scenery from our house to the church, I realized that there is a lot of improvement in our hometown. New buildings are everywhere howsoever trees are still present that gives us fresh air.

Father park the car and we hurriedly go to the anteroom because the program organizer is ready to eat us now, alive! Hmm... Lily saw me and I just smile at her then said "later".

The program runs smoothly and before I knew it, it's lunchtime.

"Isabel, let me introduce you to our new guy here in our community, Jason Borres. He is from Mandaue City, Cebu. He is my cousin on my father's side."

'Ah, no wonder he is so hot and handsome. Genes.' I murmur to myself

Lily caught it and raised her eyebrow.

"Hi, welcome to Colorado." I smile and extend my hand to him. He accepts it and said.

"Hello, I have heard a lot about you." He said.

"Hoping it is a good thing. My best friend really loves to talk about me." I said while eyeing Lily.

She just smiled and look somewhere else, guilty.

"Yes, it is all the good things that I've heard. Don't worry. Actually, I asked her about you. I saw your pictures with Lily." He said.

"I see. She didn't mention you."

"Yeah, because I told her so."

" Hmm... Why?" I asked

"Because-------". He was cut off by my father's voice, calling me.

"Isabel, come here for a second. Help your sister to unload the tupperwares out of the car!" My dad said.

"Okay, father! Coming!" I obliged.

"Excuse me, duty calls," I said to Jason.

"Help us too, Lily." I literally pull her that no time for her to argue.

"What was that?" I asked Lily while we unload the tupperwares out of the car, I took the opportunity to ask her.

"Hmm... Sorry, are you mad?" She asked.

"No, I just caught off guard. So explain?"

"Okay, as Jason said, when he saw you in my pictures, he asked me who you are and if you are single. I told him everything about you and our friendship. He is interested in your best friend. He wants to know you more." She explained. "Please give him a chance?" She asked hopefully.

"Okay."

"Okay? Just okay? No other words to say, really?"

"Why? I just agreed to give him a chance so what else do you want?" I asked confused.

"Gush! Who are you? Where is Isabel that I know? The one who would like to tell me more of the details?"

"Lily, there are no things to tell yet. It's just that, he's hot and handsome but I am not attracted to him. But okay, I'll give him a chance." I said.

"Hmm... If you say so best friend."

"By the way have you prepared the things that we need for our social gathering this evening?" I ask Lily."

"Yes, there are in your father's car. I put it earlier when the people are not looking. Jason helps me with those."

"Okay, thank you."

After lunch, we rest for almost two hours and then start with the afternoon program which is the following:

1. Health Lecture

2. Video Presentation for the youth program in every church.

3. Adventist Youth Program that is composed of different sub-programs for the whole afternoon.

After the afternoon program, the team prepares the things that will be needed for the Social gathering.

While I and Lily are busy formulating any program twists for the night inside in the children's division room, we heard through the speakers that the emcee is calling for assembly to formally start the program. "Attention brothers and sisters especially to all of our guests from other churches please assemble in the center of the basketball court and form a circle to start our program! Please participate people for us to have fun!"

"Gee, we are not finished with the games yet Lily. Please hurry up." I plead.

"Relax Isabel, we don't need to be there yet. We are busy here preparing for the program. They won't force us." Lily said nonchalantly.

"But it would be rude for our visitors," I argue

She sighs... "Go, if you insist. I will just stay here and finish this." She drove me away.

I just stay quiet and continue what we are doing.

"Guys! Are you finished?" One of the officers asked startling us.

"Almost and please do not shout," I said.

"Okay, sorry." She then leaves

"Okay Isabel, I am done with the props for the games. Are you done with yours?" Lily asked after minutes of silence from both of us because we focus on the work.

"Yeah, just finishing up," I replied.

"Isabel and Lily, it is your turn to lead a game. Are you done preparing?" The emcee asked this time.

"Yes." We replied in chorus

While I and Lily go to the stage to lead the game and observing the crowd, I sense two pairs of eyes staring towards me and I glance over the crowd to find the owner of those eyes.

There he is, Jason. I did not see him after the afternoon program. I guess because he went home and changed his clothes. He is wearing a maroon Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit Polo matching with black 4 pocket cargo shorts and black Adidas Runfalcon shoes for men. He has a simple sense of fashion but he is hot with it. Caught in the act by clearly checking me out, he just covers his embarrassment into a smile with waves at me.

As a friendly person, I do not want him to be embarrassed, I return the smile and wave at him too.

Before calling the attention of the participants, Lily said... "I saw that".

"You saw what?" I play innocent.

She stops and faces me almost hitting her, I stop too then she said... "That encounter of you and Jason just a minute ago."

" Gee... Lily. Okay. Let us talk about this later." I said knowing she won't stop asking me about this. She really is a nosy best friend.

"Okay!" She squealed calling the attention of a lot of people.

"Ahem.." She cleared her throat and give her attention to the crowd.

"Good evening everyone! How are you?"

"I and Isabel are going to lead a game. Please participate for us to have fun!" She said loudly and her voice echoed to the court.

"We need 10 persons with each group to participate in this game! Please gather your group in the center of the court and we will explain to you the mechanics of the game!" I said to the crowd following the lead of Lily.

"Guys! Let's go. This will be fun!" Some of the guys shouting to lead their groups.

"Ugh,... I am tired from the earlier games, let us rest, please." "Oh, come on. Literally pulling his teammate while saying and clearly mocking. What are you? An old man? Easily to get tired?" I heard them arguing. "Okay..okay". The other man obliged.

Me and Lily silently observing the crowd and waiting for them to finish forming their groups. I then heard her say...

"There are a lot of hot guys in here Isabel. Look. They are really into you." Lily said while playfully bumping her hips into mine.

"How did you know they are into me? Have you talk to them one by one and ask, 'Hey guys! Do you have a crush on my best friend, Isabel?'" I asked her amusingly.

"Duh... I have this called radar and I sense them all." Lily said proudly.

"Haha.. yeah right."

"Okay, are you done forming your group?" I asked the crowd

"Yes!" They said in chorus

"The game called 'Guess What!'" Lily informed

"Here are the mechanics and objectives of the game." I continued.

"In Guess What!, a game of logic, assumptions, and creativity, every group needs to pick two persons every round. You're challenged to come up with vague clues by your partner that describe the word/s in the card that is put on your forehead. The word/s can be a phrase, song, movie title, Bible names, etc... We only have 5 rounds because there are only 10 persons per group and each person in every pair is given only two minutes to guess the word/s. All in all the groups are given a maximum of 10 minutes to guess all the word/s.

The pair will forward into the front but the other members are not allowed to join them. The other members should wait for their turn. Any violation will cause disqualification." I finished.

"The objective of this game is the following: Perseverance, patience, unity, teamwork, mastery, and alertness," I added.

"Are we clear? Any questions? Before we start the game." Lily asked.

"No!" The group said in chorus.

"May I suggest?" Someone asked.

"Yes! Of course!" Lily replied.

"Are we doing this simultaneously in every group? Because it will take a lot of time if we will be doing it by pair."

"Ah, yes! Of course. Thank you." I said.

"We have facilitators to assist us and we are doing this simultaneously." I finished with a smile.

She just nods and high-fives her friend in the group. Weird. 'Ah, clearly wanted to get my attention. Yeah right.' I thought. I just rolled my eyes at them and continue talking to the crowd.

After the game, I and Lily are exhausted and find a place in the corner then we seat in a vacant chair. I noticed Jason in my peripheral coming unto us. When he reached us, he sits beside me and asked. "Can you be my partner in the marching program tonight?"

This gets Lily's attention too and said, "She'd love to."

I quickly look at her and silently said, what the, are you serious? Are you my advocate now? Ugh... She just smiled and quickly standing going god knows where. This little devil. What a traitor friend. I just look at her back and giving her a death glare. I am sure she feels that. 'I'll deal with you later.' I said.

I give my full attention to Jason, not wanting to be rude, and said, "Okay, thank you."

"Am... Do you still remember our earlier conversation during lunch? We did not finish it." Jason continued.

"Huh?" I asked confused. I clearly forgot.

"Oh, you totally forgot. It's okay but you asked if why Lily did not mention me to you." He said while smiling.

"Oh, I see so why?" I asked

"It is because I am shy and afraid of you. I want to meet you in person without you having an idea about me and be your friend."

"Okay, but why are you afraid of me? I curiously asked.

"Am, because you are the daughter of a rich man here in Colorado. Your family owned a big business and honestly, I thought you are an elitist, arrogant, supercilious, and proud rich kid and I am sorry." He said.

"Wow, quite an observation and assumption there, huh? I said off guard. I did not expect that.

"I really am, sorry." He said genuinely.

"It's okay. I just expect that Lily describe good things to me as what you have said earlier. Remember during lunch break?"

"Yes, she did but I do not believe her. I am sorry. We didn't see each other that much because we are busy in our own lives. and we didn't communicate that much." He reasoned.

"Okay," I said shrugging.

And then our conversation ends there. We silently observing the activity in the center of the court.

Minutes later, he talks again and said.

"Isabel, can I have your number?"

'Huh, why?"

"Am. Never mind. thanks. See you around." He suddenly said and quickly walk back to his group of friends.

"Weird " I murmured.

---------

"Okay brothers and sisters, we will be having our break and eat our dinner. I know you are all hungry and waiting for this. Officers, please help distribute the food." The emcee announced.

I run to the room where the food was placed and help my co-officers prepare it.

"How can I help?" I asked the other officer, Maya.

"Here, please help me segregate the food so that others can easily distribute it," Maya instructed.

"Got this!" I said smiling.

"Hey there besty! How are you?" Lily said

I eye her weirdly and said, "We just saw each other minutes ago."

"Hmm... Can I just miss my best friend even though I just saw her minutes ago?" She said teasing.

"Eh... Shut up." I said

"Seriously Isabel, how was your talk with my cousin?" She finally asked following me in distributing the foods. "Shh... Later."

"Okay." She said. Finally.

After distributing the food we sat at the table, eating and chatting with friends.

Carmen the emcee tells us to be ready and back to the court to continue the program.

"Okay everyone, before we end the program tonight because it's getting late, let us begin the marching program!

For those who are not familiar with it, please follow the instruction.

Choose a partner, bring them to the center of the crowd together with others who want to join, march with the music and follow the facilitator's instructions for the twist of the program."

Boys, you may go to your chosen partner for this night. Hold their hands for a while and do not let go of them unless the facilitator tells you as part of the program." Carmen finished.

After Carmen's announcement, I see Jason coming unto me and when he arrived. He then asked carefully while offering his hand. "So, let me have this honor to be your partner tonight?"

I awarded him my sweetest smile to his chivalrous way of asking, grab his hand, and said... "Thank you." While walking to the center of the court where others are lined up to participate in the program.

I saw Lily smiling widely unto me while she is just in the corner hiding to avoid the boys/her admirers because she's not comfortable with it. She feels that she's betraying her girlfriend even if it's just a friendly gathering night. What a faithful girlfriend, right? It's just a waste, she's a lesbian.

We continue participating in the program and it is weird because I feel the time agonizingly slow and I feel tired. Exhaustion is slowly hitting me. Do not get me wrong, Jason is hot, handsome, and gentlemanly but I don't feel butterflies towards him just some excitement because I feel proud choosing me as his partner and holding hands with him. Other than that, nothing. There is no spark or anything.

"Are you enjoying the night?" Jason asked.

"Yes, of course." I lied.

"Can, I get your number now?"

"Okay. I'll give it to you later." I said nonchalantly.

"Are you okay? If you do not want to give me your number, it is okay. No need to be obliged by it." He said.

Oh, what a gentleman. My heart flattered but sadly and I smile. "No, it's okay. I do not memorize my number actually. But come with me, I'll get my phone, it's in the bag."

He followed me into the staff's room and wait outside. 'What a gentleman' I murmur to myself.

"Give me your phone please."

"Here." He obliged

I type my number to his phone and give it back to him.

"Isabel! Where are you? Let us go home now." Hayley said. Oh, I forgot that she is here.

"Coming, big sis!"

"Goodbye, Jason. Thank you!" I said.

"Where is Lily?" I asked Hayley.

"She is there, talking to her cousin. She said it's not taking long. Is she coming with us and have a girl sleepover?" Hayley asked

"Yes, she is," I said.

I sense that she has something to ask and say to me so I encourage her to spill whatever is in her mind and just ask me. I am her sister. Jeez.

"Isabel..." She starts but cut by me.. "Hayley" I mocked.

"What is it? Just spill..." I said irritated

Is Lily's cousin courting you?" Hayley asked.

I just rolled my eyes and said. "Am. No. We just met this morning. But Lily said, he is interested in me and I don't know if it's true because he said he wants to be my friend."

"Well, he's hot and handsome."

"Oh, sister are you infatuated with him? You are 3 years older than him." I teased.

"Really? haha. Very funny little sis and no I am not. I am just saying and want to give some sister's advice that as your sister, I will support you whatever you decide in your life. And to tell you the truth sister, maybe he is really interested in you, I can see it but you scared him." She said smiling and I hug her. I really love her even though she is annoying and a bully.

"Wait, I scared him? Why? I asked.

"You really are oblivious sister. Guys are scared of you because of the following; You are witty, smart, and have a superior personality. Lily's cousin is just brave enough to approach and make a move in you. Well, tell me. What did he do that he got your 'yes' of being a partner for tonight's program?"

"He just asked me if it is okay to be his partner for tonight's marching program in a chivalrous way."

"Ah I see, he is a gentleman, cautious to his actions and that got your attention. Okay, noted. I will tell my friends that information." She said.

"Really? Sister! You are starting to bargain and sell your little sis?

"Yes! Because you are getting older and ignore your father's overacting reaction. You are ready to have a boyfriend now. Explore but not to the point that you'll be having sex with them to know that you found the right one. Just follow God's guidelines and make yourself the right one too." She finished.

"But.. I am not interested and attracted in him or any boy's big sis," I said

"Why?".

"I don't know. There are no guys who caught my attention yet. But if he is interested in me, I'll give him a chance" I said

"Well, what did I miss?" Lily asked while making herself comfortable at the car's back seat beside me.

"A lot". Hayley replied to Lily while starting the car and drove home.

My sister's car is the 2019 Honda Civic hatchback that does not get the same revised exterior styling as the coupe and sedan but does receive the new infotainment setup with a volume knob and the standard Honda Sensing active-safety equipment. It is cool. My dream car.

"Hey, are you okay?" Lily noticed and asked.

"Yes, why? I lied

"Really Isabel Carson? This is the fourth time you denying on something. Do not give me that bull----" "Hey! Language Lily." Hayley said cutting her off.

"Sorry." Lily sighs hard

Here we go, it's coming. Bracing myself of her unending whining of me being so secretive and shit. Does she still did not get it? I will tell her everything when we're alone.

"Isabel, ------" "Oh, come on Lily. You know that Isabel will tell you everything when you two will be alone. Stop your unending whining and I will throw you outside the car." Hayley said cutting her off again.

"Oh," Lily said.

"HAHAHA!" I cannot stop myself from laughing because my sister really hissed, make Lily shut up and her face was so funny.

Lily rolled her eyes and pouting.

I just hold Lily's hand and scooted closer to her then hug her. I only need her presence and comfort for now. Why? I do not know.

We have a silent drive and after minutes of driving, Hayley park the car in the parking lot, Lily released me to get out of the car and we quickly proceed to my room.

We take our baths, of course, me first then her.

"You will tell me everything, tomorrow girl." She said and I just chuckled then drifted out to sleep.

Jason's P.O.V

"Hey, cousin!" Lily said

"Hi! Are coming with me to our home?"

"No, I will have a sleepover with Isabel. I promised her yesterday, it is been a while since we have a sleepover. I realize it and made a promise to her."

"Oh, I see. Can I ask you something?"

"Duh, cousin, didn't we pass on that stage now? Just ask me, cousin. Gee."

"Haha. Sorry. Am. Do I have a chance on Isabel? What do you think, as her best friend and is my cousin?"

"I do know. You know Isabel did not tell me everything yet. If she does, I will answer your question. But of course, I will not tell you everything, okay?"

"Yes of course."

"By the way, what did you say to Isabel when you have a chance to talk to her? I am proud of you because you are brave enough in asking her to be your partner. No one really dared that, only you." Lily said

"Really? And nothing, I just asked her nicely and show my chivalrous side." I said proudly.

"Okay. See you the next day cousin, I will spend two days at Carson's house and bond with Isabel." She said while walking to Hayley's car.

"Bye". I said

After the talk with Lily, I went to my honda civic car and drive home.

I readied myself to sleep, have a shower and lie down on my bed. I get my phone on the nightstand and text Isabel.

Me: "Good night princess! " I texted Isabel.

But no reply.

Maybe she's asleep now. I said to myself while slowly drifting to sleep.

I am startled by the message tone of my phone. I hesitantly open the message as I read the sender's name.

Princess: "She's asleep. This is Lily. :-P"

How did she have her password? Ah, right there best friends. haha

With the tongue emoticon, really cousin?

Princess: "Good night cousin! ;-D :-P"

This time a grin with a wink and tongue emoticon.

She really loves to test my nerves.

Me: ":-P ... good night." I replied.

At least I got her number. The first step is done.

Please, God, give me a chance to be his boyfriend and promise I will treat her right. Thank you and good night! I prayed to Him and I drift off to sleep as I find myself happy and hopeful for the future to have Isabel in my life.

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Hello, again readers! Good day! Thank you for reading this chapter! If you like this, please vote and leave a comment. Also, I am accepting any inputs and suggestions for the improvement of this story.