The First Rule

Chapter 16a: The Stubborn Stones

September 2012

In the golden haze of an afternoon, a little girl and boy stood side by side in a crowded classroom. The room is filled with intrigued silence as the children await their turn in eagerness, gripping the edge of their seats. Encouraged by the teacher, the little girl finally stepped forward—just a little bit further than the boy—then opened her mouth, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness.

"I want to be an architect!" she announced, her eyes shining with excitement as she shared her dream with the class. The boy beside her nodded in encouragement, a supportive smile playing on his lips.

"Oh—that's very great, Emily! Why do you want to be an architect?" the teacher asked, curiosity evident in her tone.

"Because I want to build a house like my house!"

The teacher nodded her head, holding back a chuckle at your adorable response. At the far end of the room, Mr. Winters stood there with a smug face—beside him, Mrs. Winters put her face behind her hand in embarrassment. Nearby, Mr. and Mrs. Cavill clapped along with the room, their chuckles mingled with the amused atmosphere as they glanced at their bestfriends' reaction and the little girl. However, a sense of nervousness lingering in the air as all eyes turn to the next speaker.. their little boy..

Their mischievous Tyty.

As the spotlight shifted to their son, Mr. and Mrs. Cavill exchanged a knowing glance, bracing themselves for whatever might come next. Tyler stood with a mischievous glint in his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips as he addressed the class.

"I want to be Superman!"

He declared boldly, his voice ringing with confidence. With students and parents cheering and others exchanging amused glances, Mr. and Mrs. Cavill couldn't help but heaved a big sigh and shook their heads, acknowledging how their son's boundless imagination never fails to entertain.

Little you clapped excitedly, beaming as he turned his head just to check on your expression. Relieved and satisfied as he realized he just made the whole room—especially.. you entertained, he nodded with a smug expression.

Observing the little boy's gesture, Mr. Winters leaned in towards Mrs. Winters' ear and whispered, "See? That boy would be the death of me, Janet," acknowledging what he meant, a lopsided grin formed on Mrs. Winters' lips as she whispered,

"Trust me darling, he'll save you from so many dramas that'll unfold."

Losing a grin, Johnny retracted his head as he processed her words. Meanwhile, the teacher stifled a giggle, trying to maintain her composure. As the laughter gradually died down, she smiled warmly at Tyler and encouraged,

"Well, Tyler, you have a lot of courage and a big heart. So I believe.. you'll make a great Superman!"

Grinning from ear to ear at the teacher's encouragement, Tyler stepped back to align himself with you, allowing his other peers to take their turns. With a sparkle in his eyes, he turned to you, wanting to share his excitement.

"Did you hear that?" Tyler whispered eagerly, "she said I have a big heart—just like Superman!"

You returned his grin with equal enthusiasm, nodding in agreement as he turned his attention to the front. "Yeah, that's awesome, Tyty! You'd make a great Superman," little you replied, your voice filled with admiration—but then your expression went serious as if a whirlwind of thoughts struck you. Sensing your sudden vibe change, he reluctantly turned his head to you.

With concern painted on your face, you whispered, "We have different dreams.." with a voice filled with anticipation you reassured, "but we'll always go to the same school, right?"

Didn't even stutter one bit, little Tyler replied, "Always," his voice equally resolute, "no matter who we'll be, we stick together."

Then, disregarding the next person who was sharing their dream, as if the world belonged to just the two of you, he extended his pinkie finger towards you and whispered, "Bestfriends?"

Nodding in determination, you whispered, "Forever."

With solemn expressions on your faces, you clasped your tiny hands together, pinkies interlocked, sealing a promise that feels as heavy as the world itself.

Rule #3: Always—

“—go to the same school as your bestie! And you're only telling me this now?!"

You snap, frustration evident in your tone. The news of his college of choice hits you like a ton of bricks, catching you off guard. Tyler sits across from you—beside the lake—as helplessness surges within you, fueled by the realization that he didn't tell you much earlier. However, a comprehension begins to dawn on you as you realize.. you haven't been on good terms with him lately anyway, especially after the strange fight—

"I know.. I know—I'm sorry, I didn't know how to tell you.. I was still considering—" he admits, his voice tinged with remorse—but then his guilty expression transforms into frustration as he yells, "I didn't want to imagine this! This—" he spread their hands between your face to show what he meant, "this.. look of disappointment.."

Gazing at him with brows furrowed slightly, your lips forming a thin line of slight pout as you try to process his words. At your drained figure, he heaves a big sigh, also furrowing his brows, discomfort evident in his eyes. Cavill tilts his head in frustration, eyes concerned, as if he's pleading for you to say something. Letting out a big sigh, gathering yourself, you decide to break the silence with a stern expression, ready to bombard him with your thoughts.

"So this means another rule break—"

"I know—"

"And this means you'll go to Stanford for college—"

"I know,"

"So we won't be going to Yale together.."

"I know.."

His last whisper of helplessness gives another layer of realization as sadness creeps in. The thought of being apart from him for—most probably a decade, weighs heavily on your heart as you see him looking down, also heavily impacted with this tough decision. You know deep down that things won't be the same, going to college without him.

However, as his words sink in, the initial helplessness gives way to a sense of resignation. You feel a wave of acceptance wash over you as you come to terms with reality. While it's difficult to imagine life without him by your side, you know that some things are beyond your control. And this is definitely one of them. After.. a series of things he did that's also beyond your control, of course—

What I've learned for these past few weeks is that.. you can't be selfish. What you think is best for you could turn to backfire, right? Remember when you demanded his presence but instead—ok pop quiz, what did I get? Yes, they almost untangled their clothes in front of me. Ew ok memories—turn off!

All I know.. he's brilliant with a bright future ahead. I won't get in the way of his dreams just because—ok the rules are important too but this ones too old school, for all I know. Sometimes we need new amendments, you know?

"Ty.. ok listen—I know we made this school rule.. But we made it when we were kids. And basically, our parents were always the one who decided where we went, right? And since they're all bestfriends—that’s why we always go to the same school! There's definitely an external factor for this one,"

"But our rule, Em. We made the rule—"

You briskly hold both of his arms firmly, reassuring him that you're okay, that he shouldn't worry about you.

"I know but we're grown-ups now—"

"Please stop saying grown up shit."

Wow oookay, I guess I'm not the only one with a PTSD from our recent fight—

Releasing a sigh, you slightly tilt your head, your eyes scanning his defeated expression. You release the hand that's been resting on his arm, to reluctantly reach out.. intertwining your fingers with his.

For a moment, he holds his breath, watching how you attentively stroke his index finger.. and he instinctively moves his finger to meet yours, as if yearning to touch you too. He shifts his gaze to your face.. from your sad eyes.. to.. your pouting lips.. noticing the way a strand of hair keeps getting in the way of his vision.. tempting him to get it out of the way.. to brush it aside, just like how Dominic did—