Her Miracle

CHAPTER 8

I scribbled my way to answering this post-test we were having in Geography. Multiple choice, True or False, and an essay that had a question I randomly answered. I think it was more opinionated than factual.

All these words just seemed peculiar. Words that you may or may never meet in the future and find usable. A test if you listened to the hours of discussion. Well, I didn’t because my head’s been floating. It was hard for me to study. The topics were hard to completely grasp. If I were asked on what level on how afloat my head is, it’s in outer space exploring different dimensions.

I know regrets come last on how much I’ll get on this test. I’m a firm believer that those numbers you get in your report card don’t define who you are and you’re better than that. Your worth is never defined by those numbers.

I whispered to myself, only close enough only for me to hear. “Ugh, s**t,”

Still, when I fail, my mother gets mad at me and when it’s the opposite, she doesn’t care. But I still do aim for average scores. That’s the least I could do for myself--for my own satisfaction. I eye it thoroughly and finalized everything I’ve written. I don’t even think my teacher would understand all these. I scratched my head, as my eyes went up and down with my thoughts incoherent.

I inhaled deeply if this was it. Either way, if I passed it, I still can’t get out of the room. I leave my pen flat on top of my paper. And I slouched back on my chair. I groaned silently as I waited for the bell to ring. Contemplating in my seat.

My watch says there was still 5 minutes before the time. Another class ends and another starts once this ends. I bit my nails instead. A habit I used to do. This only happens when I have nothing else to do in times like these.

The classroom clock’s ticking heightened as the silence grew on me. My classmates were too focused on the test. Izzy was still writing, and Kai was asleep on his desk. Where was he? Did he really study all that all night?

And with how his bags on his eyes looked, he looked much worse than me. I slept better when I worked in the coffee shop. It was a space I needed for myself away from everything. And it did give me that. Enough for me to get away for a while. Experience is the best teacher, they say.

Mr. Holmes, our Geography teacher was on his desk, as he faced all of us, glaring at each one of us to answer with full honesty. He was now keeping his stuff, placing it all inside his duffel bag. This meant that it was less than a minute and the bell would ring and we’re now submitting our papers.

The bells tolled. A number of chairs screeching from the floors reverberated as they all stood up and passed their papers in a rush to get out of class. I was the first in line to submit, giving a huge smile to Mr. Holmes who just nodded at me. He muttered, “Thank you, Ms. Miller,”

“No problem, Mr. Holmes.” I faked a smile, as I decided to turn my back now heading out the door.

I waited outside for Kai and Izzy. They were the last ones who got out.

“What took you so long?” I crossed my arms.

“Kai here was in deep sleep. Had a hard time waking him up.” Izzy defended, as she clutched on her bag.

“I slept late last night. Ate too much sugar. Hey, Andy?” Kai shook his head while Izzy just stared narrowly at him. She really suspected something’s wrong with Kai and maybe he’s hiding something.

“Yeah?” I squinted my eyes at him, giving him a quizzical look.

“Can we hang out at your place today?”

“Uh, why? Do we have group works that I have no knowledge about?”

“The three of us barely hang out anymore.”

“Yeah, because someone’s been busy…” Izzy hinted, rolling her eyes at us. She sure implied something in her statement.

“I have work later. I’ll be getting home late.” I answered in a flat tone.

“How about next week?”

“I’ll try. Mother dearest might be home or something. I’ll just text you guys.”

“We’re late for Math.”

“s**t. Come on! Nobody gets late on my favorites subject!” Kai exclaimed.

And we ran the hallway down to our next class. Math, which was Kai’s favorite for two reasons. He liked the teacher and the subject itself. So it made him more interested in it. Sometimes it makes me wonder how he gets all those formulas and get the answer right away. He also is able to derive it so fast. His calculator is his best friend when we're in our math class.

Hours passed of staring at the blackboard and teachers discussing. And here I was. Izzy offered to drop me off at work to help me out. Today was Friday so people are expected to chill and have fun until the weekend. It was sunny today which was one of a kind. I got to enjoy the sun as Izzy drove me. The rays of the sun touch our faces as we sit in the front seat of her car. We paired it with our go-to One Direction songs. Something that would put smiles on our faces after a long day.

The coffee shop was empty. Customers just come and go. Chester said that they never stay once the sun is up. Coffee is asked for taking out instead of dining in. And it was also more on iced coffee on days like these to supplement their thirst.

“Andy?” Chester called out softly.

“Yes?”

“Could you arrange the cookies in the jar? It looks messy. Also, include those in the display case,”

“On it, Sir.” My voice came monotonously.

Chester manned the counter like usual. I don’t know how he tries not to get bored. The bells from the door dangled as guests came in. We both looked at who it was. These were truck drivers who passed by our town for coffee and some snacks.

Chester’s voice audible as I arranged the cookies as he entertained them, “What are your orders, sir?”

I didn’t mind listening as I focused on arranging these cookies. There were three flavors, Triple Chocolate, Chocolate chip, and Red velvet. The Red velvet cookie looked appealing with its white chocolate oozing.

“Hey!”

A voice startled me, making my hands tremble. The stack of cookies I sorted fell down. I looked up to find the green eyes that I’d want to melt into. He leaned both his arms on the glass display case, as he rested his face on his arm. His eyes flutter, slowly fixing his gaze at me. 

“Want some cookies? M-my treat…” I stuttered. I remembered the dollar bill he left on the table for me. He didn’t need to but he did. A kind gesture you never see in most of the people you don’t know these days. A  small gesture that meant a lot to me. It helps in its little way. 

He smirked at me. “No, I’m good. Thanks!”

“Sure you want nothing? All these look appetizing.”

“I’m 100% sure. You look better when you smile.” He says, coupled with hilariousness in his voice.

He doesn’t know the reason why I was grinning like an i***t was because of his presence. He had this effect on me. Everything feels light. And the way he spoke to me with gentleness and patience…

“The sun’s out,” I lied. Well, it’s partially true. The sun always puts a smile on my face, and now half of the reason was him. I think I’m crushing on him or was I too fast?

“Yeah, bright and shining..” He agreed as he continued to smile to show a cute dimple he had on the side of his face.

I bit my lip in finding the concentration to stack the cookies on one side so it was easier to pick up with the tong and just instantly slip it inside the paper bag or box. He leaned on the glass, his eyes on the way I piled up the cookies like he didn’t weigh anything at all. His angelic face illuminated like the brightness of the sun blaring through the windows.

Finally, the cookies were now straightly aligned in their respective piles.

Titus raised an eyebrow, amused, “Congratulations! You finally did it!” His tone, teasing me.

“Oh, keep it to yourself, Titus!”

He nodded and watched me keenly. It annoyed me that people stared at me in everything I do. But it was different with him. He stared at me with a face filled with support. And it felt like I’ve been used to it and it never gave me anxiety.

“Earth to Andy?”

I faced Chester who finished waving at the truck drivers, “Uh, sorry. Yes?”

“You can end work right now. It seems like we have no customers. If there are, I’ll manage it anyway. Today’s Friday. You enjoy it while you’re young. Life passes by in just a blink of an eye.“ His facade was reminiscing. He remembered his good old days. “You can take off now. Have fun!”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Go run in the woods or go swim at the lake or beach. Enjoy the sun, Andy.”

My smile reached from ear to ear, I’ve never felt this way before, “Thanks a lot, Chester. Thank you!” I placed my hand on my heart. The way Chester showed how much he cared warms my heart. He's more than considerate. He's giving me the freedom I'm missing. 

Titus beamed at me, who was much more excited as I am, patiently waited. I ran to the back to hang my apron at the rack and snatched my bag.

I turned again to Chester, “Thank you! Thank you!”

I did need the break. My breath of fresh air. I made my way out as Titus just trailed behind me. I paused walking and turned to him. “Where are we going anyway?”

“A place where you see everything.”

I creased my brows, “Wh-”

“Come on,” He answered and took my hand, intertwining our fingers.