Lies Written by the Stars

Unexpected

Chapter 17: Unexpected

I think the whole class  was surprised by the both of us. I don't think I saw any knowing glances from the people I don't care anymore about. It's kind of weird though, when I looked at my friends and how they reacted on Chris and I's little skit earlier.

I mean, shouldn't they be proud of how I was honest about this? How I get through this?

When I turned to walked towards my seat, I saw Raph from a glance and he has his head hanged low. And then Chris, he was walking back to his seat. Trying to keep his cool but I believe he can't mask it that much. I wonder what he's thinking?

I saw him sat down and he's just facing forward with a blank expression on his face.

And then Liz, she can't look me in my eyes. I sat beside her, waiting for remarks. A tease, or anything that she will say if she's not being like this. Did I say something wrong then? Nah. Nope I don't think so. She told me to follow what my heart really wants to say.

If there's someone here that is in a good mood, it's Mr. Yada. I don't know, his expression has been light ever since  he started discussing right after our presentation.

Maybe he likes the topic then? After all it's about mental health.

I turned at Liz. I can't take the silence anymore.

"Did I say something wrong?" I asked her.

She looked taken aback by my sudden question. Then as if she realized something she looked down and sighed. A sigh full of guilt.

She looked at me in the eye and said, "I'm sorry."

"For what?" I asked her.

She looked sideways and said, "For reacting that way. I just didn't expect you to say all of that."

"Really? That's it?" I asked, feeling like there's something more to it.

Liz looked like she was about to say something and then... "Ms. Liz and Ms. Elle, care to tell us about any knowledge about mental health issues?"

She smiled at me and turned to Mr. Yada. I thought then that she'll just remain seated, but she stood up and answered him.

"I don't know much, sir. But I know the common ones like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and stuff. Among all these, I think it's important for all people to note that these issues are not light to be taken. Sometimes, we see symptoms  of it and disregard it. Sometimes, people cause it to other people without them knowing. I mean, maybe it doesn't hurt to be a little sensitive and kinder sometimes."

That is beautiful. Wow. The mind of this girl. But then, that really came from the heart, huh?

I looked at Mr. Yada's expression and I saw that both of his eyebrows are raised and that he is trying to fight off a huge smile.

Impressed, I see.

"That's really a good thing for you to say Ms. Liz." He grabbed his whiteboard marker again and turned his back at us to write something and continue the lesson.

I used this chance to turn at her again and give her a thumbs up. "Who's using her heart now when she talks?" I say playfully.

Liz shot me a knowing look but nevertheless smiled back at me.

I looked back at Mr. Yada and read the acronym he placed on the board.

"PTSD." he read. "Ever heard of something like this?"

The class gave a series of yes and no.

"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder." He paused. "Familiar, now?"

More people from the class nodded.

"We all know that trauma is caused by something that has happened to us and affected the way we are living right or acting right? It's something that has stopped people from driving cars, going through heights, or even something emotional." Mr. Yada explained.

"Well, PTSD is you having a trauma and then like a switch, triggers you back again to that memory where you got hurt; something terrifying and uncontrollable."

"It can also change lives, or change your view of the world, depending on how your life used to be. Sometimes even forgetting. Or maybe, be like some people who has no control on what's going on again and choose to live on something that is less painful. Maybe a little untrue, but live-able than facing the reality. These are just some of the choices we make when it is where necessary and helpful." Mr. Yada continued and I listened to him well.

It didn't take long for him to be able to discuss the whole lesson. After some more discussion about mental health, Mr. Yada said that we can all go home since other faculty members are going to have a meeting afterwards.

I fixed my bag and looked at Liz again, "Liz would it be okay if I don't go home with you today?

She looked at me, and then nodded. "It's okay, you could use that time to be with yourself again. Enjoy Elle!"

With no intention of meeting anybody after class, I took the shortcut in the small street as I go home. Remembering how Liz reacted when I asked her what's wrong. 

Why does she act like that?

Did something happen again? Did I say something wrong? Or am I just misinterpreting stuff?

Why do I have to be clueless even when I talk to my best friend?

Noticing something weird while walking, I paused. I feel like someone is following me. So I looked behind me.

Nothing.

Hmm. Was it just my imagination?

Turning back, I walked towards the next phase.

Then I heard it again, like some footsteps are following me. Every turn in the street being imitated. I tried walking faster. Each time, still hearing the footsteps, but not bothering to look back.

When I stopped. The footstep stopped as well. I breathed deeply and turned.

Nothing.

Am I imagining things now?

I turned and continued walking again,and there it goes, just when I was about to take another step and get out of this small street, a hand grabbed me by my arm.

"Ah!!!" I screamed as I was getting pulled.

Then the person who pulled me covered my mouth.

I can't look at him. He's got to be a man, I can't fight his strength.

He is holding me from my back and still covering my mouth to hinder me from making any more noise.

Then, the guy spoke..

"Shh. Elle, I just want to talk."

I froze and shivered.

Jean?