chapter 42

Papers

Jay-jay's POV

"Hey! Pay up! You trying to run away?" Rory shouted while collecting payments. We were supposed to give our contributions for the retreat on Monday. The school said they wouldn't cover our expenses.

Only Section E was left out!

I reached into my bag to get my wallet. I needed to pay too. It would be embarrassing to be the last one. It's hard to chase others for payments as it is.

"I paid already!" Felix yelled, then looked at me. "You paid?"

"No—"

"She already did," Rory cut me off.

I stopped looking for my wallet and stared at him in confusion. "Hey, I haven't yet."

"Keifer already paid for you earlier."

That jerk again?

I immediately walked up to Keifer, who was sleeping. I smacked him on the chest, waking him up, and he looked at me annoyed.

"Why did you pay for me?" I asked, irritated.

"Because I wanted to," he replied lazily and tried to go back to sleep.

I hit him again. "That's my expense!"

He looked really annoyed now. Maybe I shouldn't have hit him. But I was pissed.

He suddenly stood up and grabbed my hand, dragging me out of the room to the side of the building.

He stopped once we were far enough and looked at me angrily. "What's your problem? I used to treat you before, didn't I?"

"It's different now… It's not like before."

He crossed his arms and stared at me for a long time. "What's the real reason?"

The real reason... Sigh. Ever since he told me about his life, I realized how filthy rich he was—and how poor I was in comparison.

Last night after we left the restaurant, Yuri's parents immediately brought up the Watson Enterprise. They said at Keifer's birthday, the company CEO would be replaced, and he'd be given full access.

At 18, he already had his own company. Like, what the hell? He's one of the youngest bachelors and millionaires—or even billionaires—in the country.

And me? I'm almost 18, and all I can think about is ice cream flavors.

Our lives were worlds apart. I suddenly felt sad. It felt like Honey was more suited for him.

Of course someone flashy like that would want him.

"Why aren't you answering?" he asked.

I shook my head. "All I know is, I'll pay my own expenses."

I was about to walk away when he suddenly stopped me. He looked into my eyes, but I quickly turned away. I didn't want him to know I was deep in thought.

"Why didn't you answer my calls last night?"

I swallowed hard. He called and texted me several times. I ignored them because I was really mad at him—and that Honey girl.

I don't like syrupy sweet stuff!

"U-uh… I was doing something," I stammered.

"And what was that?" he asked as he stepped closer.

I stepped back.

"Um… cleaning my room."

It's true! I really was cleaning—especially when I saw what was under my bed. Just junk food wrappers everywhere.

"Ms. Mariano… Are you lying to me?" he stepped closer again.

"No! That's true…"

"Is that really the reason? Seems like there's something more." Another step closer.

I stepped back again. I almost tripped on a stone but managed to catch myself.

"A-and what would that be?"

I looked at him. He was smiling, eyes locked on me.

"I don't know… Maybe you're jealous?"

I suddenly laughed out of irritation. Jealous? Do I look jealous? What for? Of him and Honey? No way!

"As if! Who would I be jealous of? Honey? No thanks!" I said, annoyed.

He laughed and stepped even closer. I tried to back up again but hit a wall.

Oh no.

Can I just go through this wall like in Harry Potter?

Keifer held my chin and made me face him. My cheeks suddenly got hot.

"You're so obvious. You know that?" he whispered.

His voice was just… so seductive.

You're getting seduced?!

Oh crap! No, I'm not!

"She almost filed a lawsuit because of what you did to her nose," he added.

My eyes widened and my knees almost gave out. A lawsuit?! I could go to jail?!

"L-lawsuit?"

"Yes… But we already talked about it. So, no need to worry," he said with a smile.

He started caressing my lips with his thumb. I felt awkward. I could feel what he was about to do.

"Jealous girl."

"And you're not jealous? Shame on you!"

He chuckled. "So you are jealous, huh?"

I never said that! Don't twist it, you liar!

"I'm not—" He silenced me by putting his thumb on my lips.

"Stop explaining," he said, then slowly leaned in.

I secretly sniffed him first—no trace of cigarettes. Impressive.

I just closed my eyes and waited… eeek! What am I doing?

Why am I being so flirty?! Ugh!

And finally, it happened. Money started raining down—just kidding! Our lips touched. To be honest, I missed this.

The kiss deepened. My hands were on his chest and around his neck. One of his hands was on my nape, the other against the wall.

Every move he made, I responded—until…

"Well, isn't that sweet?"

We immediately pulled away. I turned to the wall, pretending to inspect it. Keifer turned his back on the speaker.

"I-I thought this was the way to Platform 9 ¾?" I mumbled without thinking.

9 ¾? That's from Harry Potter!

"It's in L-London. Not here," said the clown.

I bit my lip. This is so embarrassing.

"Awwww… Jay-jay's all grown up," someone teased.

I turned to look and of course… almost the entire class had been watching us.

Led by Ci-N, followed by Kit, Edrix, Rory, and Felix. Some were smiling at me. The others—Yuri's supporters—weren't there. Some didn't care.

"Tss," Keifer muttered. He seemed pissed at the interruption. "Do you need something?"

"Not really… Jay-jay's being called to the Guidance Office," Kit said.

Guidance?!

Did I do something wrong lately? Did I fight with Freya or anyone from Section A? Or D? Did I argue with them?

Why was I being called to Guidance? I looked at Keifer.

"You want me to come with you?"

"Ayyyiiieeehhh…" the others squealed, making Keifer flip them off.

"N-no need… I can manage."

I walked slowly. No matter how many times I thought about it, I couldn't recall doing anything bad lately.

Think harder!

I bit my lower lip. Every step made my heart pound faster. I wasn't really scared of Guidance—but I was scared they might call my brother.

Ughhh! That would be a disaster. I'd be dead.

As I walked, someone suddenly bumped into me. I almost fell, but luckily grabbed a nearby student for balance.

"S-sorry…" I told the student I held on to.

He just nodded and walked away. I looked at who bumped into me—and lucky me…

"ARE YOU BLIND?!" Freya yelled angrily.

I wasn't in the mood to argue. I was already pissed.

"If I'm blind, then what are you? Stupid?" I said flatly.

She crossed her arms and glared at me. Other students started stopping to watch.

Tsk! I don't want to fight.

"If I'm stupid, you're useless!"

I laughed slightly. "So you admit you're stupid?"

She looked dumbfounded by my reply. I could clearly see the irritation and disappointment on her face. She's a mess.

I didn't wait for her comeback. I walked straight to the guidance office.

I stopped right outside the door. I hesitated. What if I was called here for something bad?

Oh crap… I'm doomed.

Ugh! I felt like I was gonna pee. I squirmed and paced in place. I must've twirled in circles a few times before I noticed the door was open. Aries and some of his classmates were staring at me with raised eyebrows.

"Weirdo," Aries muttered as he walked away.

Weirdo? You're lucky you just got out of the hospital. You want me to send you back there?!

His classmates laughed at me. You'll get yours one day!

I entered the office and was greeted by the guidance counselor. What was her name again?

"Ms. Mariano?" she asked.

"Y-yes… Did you call for me?"

"Yes… Come here," she said as she walked to her office.

Inside, she pointed at the chair across her desk. I sat and waited. She dug around in her drawer.

Mrs. Reyalidad. Ah, thank you nameplate. I remember now.

After rummaging, she walked back to her seat and handed me a bunch of papers.

"Have the guidance counselor at Holy Saints High School sign these."

My old school?

"Ma'am? Why?"

"Because the records they sent us were incomplete." She pointed at a folder full of papers. "We've called them multiple times but they always say 'we'll call you back.'"

"Records?"

She nodded. "We just want to make sure everything's complete."

What's the problem with my records? Is Holy Saints still mad at me or what? Even paperwork's an issue now?

"What if I can't get it signed?" I asked.

"You won't be able to graduate," she answered bluntly.

Shhoooooooooooottt!

I won't graduate? Just because of some records? Are you kidding me?! My goodness… And now I have to go back to Holy Saints? Ugh!

She looked at me as if she wanted to reassure me. "It shouldn't be a problem. Especially since your retreat next week will be held near that school."

It's happening? Next week? Dang it! In our hometown of all places.

Nice…

"Hopefully you can get that signed soon." She smiled. "I'll inform your adviser so they'll let you go."

I forced a nod and smiled. But I really didn't want to go back. I left behind so much in that school. Painful memories. Parts of the old me.

I didn't want to see any of them again.

I walked back to the room in a daze. Can't they just send Sir Alvin to do it? Ugh!

Lost in thought, I accidentally bumped into someone again. I looked up—and froze.

"Sorry… Are you okay?" Yuri asked.

"Y-yeah… I'm fine. Sorry too."

I walked again and he walked beside me. So he's back in school now. That should be good news, but all I could think about were the papers.

Back in the room, everything went silent. Like angel-passed-by kind of silence.

When I looked up, Keifer's eyes were locked on mine. No need to say it—he was pissed.

Yuri placed a hand on my shoulder and walked to his seat. I followed and quickly shoved the papers into my bag.

The room felt heavy. Even if everyone was doing their own thing, it felt like they were all waiting for something to happen.

What's going on?

I felt super uncomfortable. Add to that the papers I needed signed.

I decided to go to the bathroom to wash my face. I really needed it. I moved quickly since the next teacher was arriving. I did what I had to do and went back.

Just as I stepped inside the building, I saw Ci-N get thrown out of the room.

Oh no!

Josh followed and punched him. I panicked and ran toward them. I was about to break it up when I saw the chaos inside the room.

Everyone was fighting.

"What the…" I whispered.

"Son of a—!"

"You jerk!"

"Take that!"

"F*ck you!"

"Your breath stinks!"

"Pay your debt!"

"There's no forever!"

I ended up pulling my own hair from stress. What the hell were they doing?!

Never go to the bathroom again!

I saw Keifer and Yuri in the middle. Yuri was on the ground and Keifer stood over him, fist clenched.

Even if I didn't know what was going on, I ran to them. Just as Keifer was about to punch, I hugged him tightly.

"Jay!" Yuri called my name. I glanced at him then focused back on Keifer.

"What's going on?! Why are you guys fighting?!" I asked, worried.

Slowly, the others began to stop fighting too. Keifer avoided my eyes, clearly not planning to explain.

I let go and turned to Yuri, who was slowly getting up.

"What's going on? Why are you fighting?"

I thought he'd answer, but like Keifer, he just looked away.

No one wanted to speak, so I looked at the others. They all avoided eye contact too.

Ci-N, who just entered the room, was about to speak, but David clamped a hand over his mouth and held him tight.

Those jerks!

I was getting irritated by their silence. It was obvious no one would say a thing.

"No one's going to speak?!" I asked, annoyed.

Even then—nothing. Out of frustration, I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the room.

Whatever! I lost all interest in attending class.

This just sucks!

Argh!