Facing Crossroads

VIII - She Belongs

                                                                      Theo

I tapped the alarm clock as it rang. Pulling the pillow over to my face, I groaned, wanting to sleep more.

With a sigh, I sat up on the bed, eyes still closed, as I stretched my arms and back. I felt the cold breeze reached my face, remembering Shay’s scent from yesterday night. She smelled like sweet powder, far from Sandy’s candy-like perfumes. A smile tugged my lips, amazed how an innocent face like hers could drive a big bike like that. She looked like she was the queen of the road, nobody to stop her.

But then the picture of her walking alone in the hallway with her head bowed down strike me differently. She looked broken inside, just like me. I began to wonder how she was able to flow against the current of life, knowing that she was the center of rumors in school. Her father’s death must have been the hardest thing for her. I saw how lost she looked when SBC network covered her father’s funeral.

A knock startled me, my mother’s voice echoing outside. Turning to my window, I stood up and closed it, kicking out yesterday’s ride.

****

November began and I could feel the pressure on my shoulder. Luckily, I only had just a few units left with my thesis being done last semester, giving me time to focus on the upcoming stage play. The school’s president and some VIPs would be watching the yearly play for an event in the Foundation Day, and they were expecting a fantasy-like story this time.

It was them who requested it, wanting to take pride to the first batch of graduates from Performing Arts department. Jellaine was thrilled to know that the school invited the director of Maskara, a private organization known to hone talents, especially in theater.

Miss Marjorie closed the green folder and pushed her eyeglasses up her head like a headband. Her eyes met mine, a smile playing on her lips. She had unmatchable passion and a free spirit, and her light aura was actually contagious. It was her who told me to be a better person whenever I had the chance. After all, she knew my history well.

“This will be spectacular,” she commented, tapping her finger on the script I wrote and pushed it toward me. “I can see the picture in my head. Tell me whatever help you guys need and I’ll provide the best I can, you understand?”

I smiled, nodding my head, taking in the final script. The Faculty Room for Arts and Sciences was easy in the eyes. They had posters of different branches of science on the right while a retro design of posters of arts and cultures on the left.

“So, how’s the new member?” she asked, relaxing on her chair. “Jellaine told me she’s getting warmer to the club. I’m entrusting her to the gang, I hope she’s enjoying herself.”

Shane’s face instantly popped into my head. I suddenly remembered our little ride yesterday night. “She’s doing great, actually.” I looked at Miss Marjorie. “What’s with her?”

She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

I sniffed, brushing the back of my neck. “She doesn’t seem the type to join this club.”

There was an amused smiled on her lips and I instantly regretted saying that. “Just like you, huh?”

I just smiled and dared not to contradict that.

“She needed to save her failing grade. This is like a special project for her. Besides, she needs a good distraction and good people around her. Let’s not play dumb, son, even the walls can hear what people say about her. She’s not her father, she’s her own person. So I kinda want you guys to accept her. The girl don’t bite.”

“We are,” I replied. “We accepted her and welcomed her in. Plus, Jellaine can make friends with everyone. It’s her superpowers.”

Miss Marjorie nodded her head. “She’s still dealing with her father’s death… So, I want her to know that there’s life awaiting her that needed to be dealt with.”

“Exactly like Wendy,” I mumbled, tapping on the thick script on my right hand.

Miss Marjorie agreed with me. “Who would play Wendy’s character if Farrah can’t make it?”

“Jellaine’s still trying to convince Shane to play the part. I think it will suit her.”

“If she did, I’ll give her a one on her report card. No need to even take the finals.”

Snapping my fingers, I wiggled the script in front of her. “I’ll tell her that, Miss Marj.”

She just laughed, tone in a high pitch. “You do that. I want this play to be unforgettable.” She smiled, wiggling her hand on me, her nails painted red.

Staring now at the script, I know it would be really a perfect fit for Shay.

But I think, it wasn’t really her life’s story.

It was mine.

****

My cell phone had been constantly ringing since morning, father’s name kept on appearing on the screen. I didn’t know what part of me not answering his call that he didn’t get. Obviously, his son wanted nothing to do with him and he should just stop trying to reach out. He would just get both of us in trouble.

I unlocked my locker and stored the thick script inside, desperate to leave the campus to get some rest. The past few days seemed to suck my energy, drying me good.

Meryll’s face popped in before me as I closed the metal door of my locker, her grin radiating her face.

“Hey, you,” I greeted, adjusting the strap of my bag to my shoulder. The hallway was packed with students, the last bell for the day almost coming. “Is there something wrong?”

She narrowed her eyes, a pout on her lips. “I should be the one asking you that. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I shrugged as we started our way to the exit. I couldn’t tell what she was trying to imply with her sudden puppy eyes.

 She cleared her throat. “So, I saw Sandy’s recent sss post. You guys… okay?”

Ah, that explains her awkward question. “If you’ve seen her recent posts then I assume you know we’re not.”

Meryll half-smiled. She was always sweet and kind, always eager to get an update of my love life. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“There’s nothing to tell,” I muttered, hoping she would just drop it. “You guys have rehearsals today?” I asked, stirring the conversation away from what she had in mind.

“Well, I just noticed you’re getting close with Shane,” she continued.

I had to breathe in deeply.

“Not that it comes as a surprise but I guess she likes you. You know, like some girls in this campus.”

Smiling, I tapped her shoulder. “Let’s not guess about whether she likes someone or not, Meryll.”

“I just don’t want you getting hurt, Theo,” she replied, tone different. “You know what kind of family she has, right? Everyone knows.”

I had a feeling she was worried about me but her words cut me too. “And what kind of family does she have?”

“A family of criminals.” She shrugged her shoulder. “I don’t know the details but everyone knows her dad’s a mafia or something.”

A smile tugged my lips, her words getting on my nerves. “Exactly, Meryll, we don’t know the details, let’s not be judgemental here. Hey, I thought you and her are getting along just fine.”

She looked away. Clearly, I was wrong. “I thought so, too. But she’s too straight forward. I won’t be surprised if she will confess her feelings to you now that you and Sandy are over.”

I was used to Meryll who was kind and not chatty about things she knew nothing about. “What’s gotten into you?”

She crossed her arms.

“Let’s stop talking about her, okay?” I said, unexpectedly getting pissed. I walked away, heading toward the parking area. “I gotta go.”

My phone rang again, my father getting on my nerves. I turned it off completely and tossed my mobile on the passenger seat the moment I climbed inside the minivan. Miss Marj’s words rushed in my head again, mixing with Meryll’s judgements. Remembering how Shane focused her head on the ground when she walked down the hallway, I couldn’t blame her. She must be tired hearing nasty remarks from our school mates, placing her under her father’s shadow, vilifying her.

I didn’t know why, but I suddenly felt like stepping up to protect her. Even though she didn’t need it, I wanted to shield her away from trouble. After all, I knew firsthand what it was like to be vilified just because of who my father was.