Calm before the storm

As expected, Mina passed her audition for the band without a problem. I was happy for her, but it also meant we had less time to spend since she had more and more practice as the school talent show day was getting near.

Since she was free only for limited times, I hardly talked to her in school, or even after school, at least not in person. She maintained her wider social circle and Tasha and Mara were always monopolizing her, especially Tasha, to the extent that I thought she had a serious crush on Mina or something.

Tasha is a bit of a bitch though. I don't know what's wrong with her but I knew she didn't like me ever since day one, and when things were bad between Mina and me she orchestrated a silent crusade against me, from which I still have not recovered yet.

But who cares. I was used to being alone, and I was happy that Mina was moving forward, or even back, rekindling her past.

Juno stopped coming over to play too. He didn't tell me but I knew he was practicing violin at home. Like a sissy. Just kidding.

I felt like everyone had something they were passionate about, good at, or at least to be occupied with. But all I did was laze around and play games - am I wasting my time? My mom always said I can play games when I'm older too, but I'm in high school only once in my life and I should make more out of it. Maybe she was right. Maybe I should get into some activities or consider clubs.

But then again, all that was troublesome.

Ever since I became a cast-away from my class, I found my mind getting increasingly more preoccupied with Mina. What I liked most about our relationship was that we could just put the past behind us and move on, from that day in the classroom. We never talked about what happened again, and except that one time at the rooftop I never asked her about Juno again, and neither did she.

Wouldn't it be great if all relationships could be like that? Something happens, flip the switch, forget it, and move on.

But I knew that switch wasn't completely flipped in our hearts. I will never forget her calling me a liar, and the way she said that word still rang in my ear and hurt my heart every time I remembered it.

At the same time, I will never forget how she clung to me and cried on the day we rekindled. At that moment, I just knew I want to care for this girl. Protect her, make her happy, and shield her away from all that makes her cry at night.

My idle days just passed on by like that for a few weeks. Nothing was getting done, and nothing was getting undone. I was happy as it was.

I had no idea what was to come.