That Day

Chapter 4: A Different Side of Her

Dismissal came, and I was the first one to leave the classroom as soon as the school buzzer rang. I stood at the school gate and waited till she came out. I don't know what had gotten into me when I decided to follow her on her way home. I got on the same bus she boarded on. While in the vehicle, I noticed that she had opened her bag and had been. Maybe she was checking something. Minutes later, she opened it again. And I guess she's been checking that bag for the seventh time since we got aboard this bus. What the? Does that bag contain millions of money that she needs to check multiple times ? She's indeed odd and it's making me crazy. We got off in an unfamiliar street. We walked and walked until we reached a small church, I can tell by the cross place on it's top. She went inside and removed her shoes. It's a born again Christian church, I guess. This is actually my first time entering such a religious place because I'm a Roman Catholic. I roamed my eyes around the place, it was noticeable that they didn't have saints, or angels or paintings. Only those hanging yellow curtains lit up the place. But the atmosphere here is actually good. It's peaceful and comfy, as if we were the only people inside, or maybe it's really just us. I rerouted my gaze at her and found her on her knees, probably praying. I picked up the chair near the church door and sat down.

If she keeps on praying like that, how will God be able to hear her prayers?

Moments of silence...

.

.

.

I was thunderstruck when suddenly I heard weeping. She-she's crying?. I stood on my feet flabbergasted, knowing not what to do.

Should I go to her and comfort her, ask someone to talk to her or just get my ass out of here?

Hey brain, think!

With nothing in mind, I decided to remain still. I watch her as she cries, with her eyes closed and tears streaming in her face. Gone was the emotionless lady I met yesterday . It changed into a vulnerable damsel who needs to be protected at all costs. Her every weep is like sharp knives that could slice the heart of whosoever might hear it. Cry that screams unfathomable sorrow, pain, and weariness. Suddenly, I felt the desire to hug her, to wipe those tears that ruined her beautiful face, to tell her that everything would be alright. But, who am I to do that? I don't even know what she's going through. Even now, I'm doing her bad by invading her privacy. I bit my lower lip out of frustration and darted outside the church. Maybe letting her spend her time alone is the best thing I could do. Also, I can no longer stand the sight of her in that vulnerable state. And might end up crying as well if I keep myself inside.

Not long after, she came out, with hints of weeping in her face. But it's brighter than before. Somehow, she looks happy. I then remembered what my mom used to say, " When you feel upset, or mad or tired... Cry. Crying doesn't make you less of a man. Crying dissipates the bad emotions that we let reign in our hearts. And same as before, we walk again, this journey seems forever. She entered a subdivision and that dumbass guard didn't let me in. Guards are really getting into my nerves.

"She's my girlfriend, we had a lovers quarrel and she's ignoring me for days, you see?. So let me in before I lose my temper and see you lying on a hospital bed", I said angrily.

Lying is one of those many things I'm good at. With a scowl in his face, he let me in. Tsk, asshole!

When we reached through a tiled part of the subdivision, I caught her stepping across the blue-colored tiles, avoiding those of white color.

Childish,

But she's cute, so the old girl has this childish side. Strange as it is, I found myself smiling. Well, she's way too cute to resist. She stopped at a gray gate and opened it. Finally, we reached their house, I suppose . The house is sure big, almost the size of our home. So she's rich, but why did she study at our school? I mean-yeah it's for everyone, but why choose a public school when you're so rich? I stared at her for the last time and turned my back. But why does a part of me wanna go home yet?

"Dude, you have no business here, so you go home now" I said to myself.

But... what if I go and thank her? She helped me twice yesterday and I never had the chance to thank her. What if it's the right time to do so? I got back and, without second thought, I pressed the door bell. But the damn doorbell did not make any sound. I pressed it for the second time, but then again no sound was heard.

What the? It's a nice house, but the doorbell doesn't work!

I looked at the gate. It wasn't locked so I opened it and was about to enter when an idea rushed through me. If she sees me, then she'll learn that I followed her home. What the fudge, why didn't I think of that beforehand!? I held the gate back to close it again when a woman in a maid's uniform came running towards my direction shouting,

"Thief! thief!!

And that was the time I knew I was doomed.