Won't drink

"Did someone fight with you recently? Who will I kick out of your school?"

When it comes to Mommy about the troubles I get involved with at school she always says that. Even though she is busy with many others, she still knows what is going on in my life somehow. I will always get what I want if I'd only tell her. But unlike before, I don't ask for anything. And I don't tell her to manipulate anything for my sake.

I just don't answer and let go of the anger. Even if I told him to kick that out, what else could he do?

That girl is her lover's daughter. I doubt if he can do that. Besides, that wasn't the first incident. I'm used to it.

Mommy asked more about it. But with my vague response, he eventually stopped as well.

"Ate, did you see my pink handkerchief with my name embroidered on the upper part?" I asked Ate Delia.

"Is that your favorite? I've already washed all your handkerchiefs. I was surprised when I didn't see it, eh."

I went back to the room and looked for the handkerchief around. I still remembered bringing it yesterday! Did I miss school?

That was the last gift Daddy gave to me. It wasn't just a handkerchief for me. It has sentimental value. I can't lose that!

I called Janice to ask if she saw it yesterday. It's still Saturday and no school. If left in the room I can still see you. But the amount I went to yesterday! We were in the com lab, cafeteria, gym, and I even went to the library! If it happened to fall on the road or in the field I might not be able to see.

Janice doesn't remember where I lost the handkerchief. I couldn't be bothered because that was really important to me so eventually, I decided to go to school.

A few civillian students I caught entering the gate. Maybe college students or those who practice in a dance group and have a practice game in sports.

"Only colleges are allowed in now, Miss Escareal. Please order the head," the guard said hesitantly.

"I'll just have a look, Brother. I won't be long. I'll be quick, promise!"

"But ... I really can't, eh. I might lose my job when I go to high school."

"In that case, you're not afraid of me?" I couldn't help but endure. He should know who is more uplifting here! I don't want to break the school rules but this is an urgent matter to me!

The guard paled because of what I said.

"I-I'm sorry. I'll call Mrs. Jackosalem first ..."

"You can stop calling, eh! She knows me, and I'm sure she'll agree too when she finds out my reason! I just left something inside, important thing. Why can't you just let me in for a while? As if someone stole me inside or something! "

"Chief," from behind me.

I turned around. Rustov and I caught sight of each other. His dark eyes made me still.

"It's Saturday, Audrey. High schools aren't admitted." The authority on his voice made want to step back for a moment.

"I know, right! I just need to get something but I won't last long!"

"It's only on Monday then."

"If I wait any longer until Monday, the chances of me finding it will be slim!"

He sighed deeply. He looked at the guard, and it was like he's imposing something to him in a silent way. Without a word, the guard went inside and left the two of us there outside the closed gate.

I was momentarily stunned by Rustov's simple gesture. How could he make him follow that easy? And without a word! I did not obey! He said nothing compared to me! He's just a no one!

I was even more upset when I realized why he was so easy for anyone to follow. I looked at him longer.

He looks really calm at a glance ... though at the same time, hard. His stance, the way he moves and speaks, it's magisterial. It was like he's born to impose rules, not to abide. That even if you know his status in life you will not hesitate to follow his command. He has that air and it intimidates me. I don't know if he got that in the blood of the Melgarejos or he was really just like that.

"What are you going to take?" he asked.

I sighed consciously.

"I-I will look for my handkerchief! I got lost yesterday and I'm sure on campus I was left behind so I need to find it now because the utility might spill it!"

He didn't say a word and stared at me for a long time. I looked up at him even more. I don't expect a help from him this time, but I will accept just in case. I'm desperate to find that.

"Is that pink with your name embroidered on it?"

My eyes widened. "That's it!"

"I have it. I saw it in the library yesterday. I knew you so I hid it. I would have planned to isolate it on Monday."

I was relieved. I almost hugged Rustov with joy because of that. For the first time in my life, I felt so relieved because of him.

"Where? Did you bring it?"

The corner of his lip lifted.

"I, on Monday I planned to isolate. I don't have it now, Audrey. In house."

"In that case, I'll go with you there!"

He was speechless, unable to believe what I wanted to happen.

"I'll just arrive. I'll be home later," he said patiently.

"But I want it back today. What time will you finish? I don't have plans for the rest of the afternoon, so I think I could wait until you're done."

Now he looked problematic.

"Four o'clock maybe or maybe even longer. It's only a matter of time now."

Three hours. I guess it's not that long. I wouldn't be relieved if I didn't get that now. I'll just wait for him to finish. Besides, I have no other choice.

"I'll wait at Enzo's bistro. What, deal?"

His eyes grew darker.

"It's still four o'clock, Audrey. One more thing, you're just going to get drunk there in the bistro. You think that's a good hobby? You're still a minor," he said like it's a very big deal.

"I will be eighteen soon."

She sighed. I think he still wanted to oppose me but he just didn't scold me.

"Fine. I'll let you wait for me at the bistro, but you won't drink."

"What? Why is there a condition?"

"Don't just wait like that," he said quietly, very impatient. "On Monday–"

"Alright! I'm not going to drink!"