Chapter 11: You are Not Alone

The class was dismissed.

Hey, want to go skateboarding?
Sure.
I'll wait for you outside the gate.

But before I could exit the room, Harris called me.

Your Dad said we should go home together.
Who says anything about following his advice?
For god’s sake, Cassidy! You arrived late last night, you left early this morning. He was damn worried about you!
Worried? I don’t think that word is in his dictionary.
Get your act together, Cassidy!
What’s wrong with you, huh?
I should be the one to ask you that. Why do you hate everybody?
Don’t go butting into someone else’ life!

I then headed to the door. Harris grabbed my hand and closed the classroom door hard. His grip tightened. My wrist started to ache.

Could you just drop your act?
And what are you going to do huh? Bring my mother back to life!? She’s the only one who understands me! Nobody cares for me anymore. Even my dad. He wants to marry that Ingrid and he will leave me too!

He suddenly released me from his clutch. I was crying now. I can’t hold it back. Unexpectedly, he embraced me so tight.

I have no one. Why can’t people just leave me alone?
I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I’m sorry Cassie. Hush now. I won’t leave you. I’ll always be with you from now on, okay?

Chapter 16: My Guardian Devils

We reached the carnival. The whole atmosphere seemed to scream excitement when we got there.

Wow. It’s been a while.

I then remembered the times when I go to carnivals. The times when my mother is still alive.

Hey, Cassie. Are you okay?
Yeah, I just remembered someone. Oh look, a haunted house! Let’s get in there!
Yeah!

…

Attendant: Oops. Sorry. But we only allow two persons at a time. The first two, please come in. Remember, there’s no turning back.

The first one in the line is Galvin, followed by Harris and me. So that meant, the two boys are going together inside.

What the f*ck --
Sh*t! No, wait!

But they can’t do anything. Rules are rules. I just laughed. I wonder how they did within the freaky mansion. I snickered again.

After they all got out…

That was fun!
It wasn’t even a bit.
They name it HAUNTED? Huh, I call it a joke. I wasn’t scared by their phony effects.
Yeah right pal. By the way Cassie, who was your partner?
Some guy. It wasn’t as if I have a choice. I can’t get off the line.

All of the sudden, a wavy-haired girl approached me and slapped my face! I gape at her in bewilderment.

Girl: You deserve that for going with my boyfriend inside the haunted house!
B*tch!
Hey, hey what’s up with you woman?
Girl: Woman? Do I look that old to you, cutie?
Yeah, I’m afraid you are. You did not just hurt our friend here, didn’t ya?
Girl: Er-- You know her?
She’s our girl. And it’s not as if she wanted to be with your boyfriend inside the house. We ourselves didn’t have a choice.
As were saying, if you mess with Cassie here again, you know what you’ll end to.
Girl: W-whatever.
Hey, wait up. You forgot something.
Girl: What?
Apologize to her.
Girl: Why would I do that huh?
Will you or---

Galvin raised his arms. The girl looked terrified.

Girl: I’m sorry okay!

Then she ran away.

Hey you guys, that was bad. She was a girl you know.
But she harmed you.
And she was unforgivable.
Aw, thanks guys. The b*tch deserve it anyways. (giggled) C’mon, I’ll treat you guys with ice cream!
Cassie, puh-lease. Do we look like kids to you?
What flavor do you want?
Chocolate!
Hey me too!

Chapter 15: Is there hate in your Heart?

What brings you here?
I saw the two of you running so I decided to join the fun.
I’ll pass. I’m too tired, I can’t even stand up!
Hi old bud.
It’s been a long time.

Wait a minute. They knew each other?

I didn’t know you guys actually are friends.

Galvin just smirked.

Yeah. Anyway, I found this one lying on the street; I figured I’ll just give it to you, Cassie.

Galvin handed me a keychain. It was a self-made punk doll made of strings, yarns and buttons. The doll was painted a sad face.

Funny how someone could drop this. But, thanks anyway. Hey, why are your fingers full of band aids?

Galvin suddenly pulled his hands and hid it behind his back. He looked cute when his face blushed.

These are nothing. Hey. I heard there was a newly-opened carnival next street. Wanna come?
Actually, we are busy at—
Carnival? C’mon! It would be fun!
Let’s go then.

I heard Harris sighed. What’s up with him? He’s acting strange ever since Galvin showed up.

Chapter 14: Unpredictable

You’re joking right? Is today really your birthday?
(laughs) Of course not.
Then why did you-?

I stopped Harris from what he’s trying to say by putting my hand over his lips.

Shh! Not too loud, or they’ll hear us.
Who?

Just then a group of presenters came up to us and played music with their violin.

I told them it’s my birthday and you’ll get this for free.
(laughs) What if you get caught? Don’t they ask for an ID or something?
No, but you have to do this trick once a year or they’ll find out.
You’re good. I’ve got to hand it to you.

After we ate at the restaurant, we went to the park.

Wish you are always like this.
Like what? Normal? My life is far more close to normal.
Cassie, if you dwell on the bad sides of your life, you’ll lose out on all the good ones.
Since when did you turn out to be Mr. Psychologist? Hey, race you to that garden!
Hey, no fair! You have your skateboard with you!

My heart was beating so fast when I had stopped. I closed my eyes as I try to catch my breath. Harris sat beside me in the grass.

I-I had never ran so fast my whole life.
I double that. You were so quick.
You’re weak big guy.

“Hey...” a voice called. I looked up.

You...
Galvin…

Chapter 13: The Choco-Coated Cake

It was Saturday the next day. I was still stunned finding Harris snoring on the floor. I sneaked beside him and for a minute, observed him. He was handsome, no doubt about it. Those brown-colored hair, thick brows, chinky eyes, thin red lips and snowy complexion can launch a thousand sighs. I slowly shook his broad shoulders.

Hey, wake up sleepyhead.
Huh? What? Cassie? Yo-you’re back! Uh, I was just…ju-just hangin around your room…
(smiled) Are you free today?
Why?
I want you to go with me, okay?

…

Where are we heading, anyway?
You'll see.
A sweet shop?
C’mon, my treat.

Inside, we settled in a table by the windows. I went to the cashier to order a black-forest cake and iced teas. Then I ambled back to my seat. Harris was still puzzled.

What’s up with you today, huh?
Nothing. I don’t know I just feel happy this day.
Hey, Cassie. Can I ask you a favor?
Depends on the favor.

Harris smiled showing his dimples on both sides of his cheeks.

Could you be like this everyday?
(chuckled) Like, like me?
Like, I like you more when you smile.
And I should be treating you more everyday to get those compliments, huh.
Ha-ha.

I giggled. I stopped when I noticed staring intently at me.

You’re even prettier when you smile.

I shifted uncomfortably. The waiter then arrived to serve us our food. Great timing.

Why order cake?
Cause today is my birthday.