Stars Are Out

Chapter 1:Meet Zia Leonore

Zia’s POV

“Ate Z! Can you please buy me a burger?” Zylin asked while blinking her eyes.

“Why do I have to? There’s food in the kitchen that Yaya El cooked, right?,” I said and guided her to the kitchen.

“Ehhh but Ate—” I cut her words.

“We need to save money, okay? Money won’t always come to us,” I lectured her.

She can’t make any fuss now, so I just prepare some food on the table for her to eat.

I went to the cupboard to get a plate, bowl, spoon, and fork. I also got her favorite mug. I placed it on the table. I went to the pot with mushroom soup to heat it on our electric stove. Then I took the bowl and filled it with heated soup. Next, I got the plate to put rice on. I only put in a little because she didn't eat much rice.

“Here, you should just eat this.” I placed the rice and soup on the table in front of her.

“Hmm… Thanks, Ate,” she thanked me ungracefully.

“Finish your food, okay? I’ll go ahead to school. Make sure you also go after that, okay? And Yaya El will bring you to school. Don’t be naughty, okay?” I reminded her.

“Hmm... Yes Ate, take care!” acting gracefully.

What a hard-headed kiddo.

I went to the living room and got my backpack and my lunch bag. I drove my car to get to school. Don’t worry, I’m already 16 and able to drive a car, and yes, I have my driver’s license.

The moment I entered the gate of my campus, I felt alive. Yes, school is my favorite place, though I know it’s weird because others thought of school as a t*****e place. For me, a school is a place where I can feed my curiosity. I parked my car and got my things before I left the car. After I got out of the car, people were waving at me. Why? Simply because I’m friends with them. A lot, right? But I only have one best friend.

“Good morning, Z!” speaking of the devil.

She’s Cathy Rivera, my best friend.

“Morning, Cath!” I greeted her back.

Cath put her arms around my shoulders as we went to our classroom.

“I heard there will be an exchange scholar student?” Cath said as we sat down.

“Hmm? That’s good, a new friend!” I excitedly said.

“Oh come on you have got too many friends already!” Cath said frustratedly.

“And?” I asked, wondering what’s the problem with that.

“Don’t you wanna have someone to… You know? Lean on? To kiss every time you want?” she said while flashing a smirk.

“I don’t even have that thought! And remember? I’m a Muslim, okay? I prefer studying.” I just got my sight on my book, starting to read the next lesson we will have.

“Ohh yeah right!” she said as she remembered. “But, you wanna be friends with a scholar?” she asked.

“Yeah, why not? I don’t see any problem with that.” I said as I was examining the picture on my book.

“Girl… You wanna be friends with a poor one?” her voice sounded like not agreeing with me.

“Hmm, of course! Unless the attitude is poor.” I continued reading.

“You’re not an Angel, right?” she asked.

“Come on! Are you from hell, either?” I asked back.

“ OK, fine you win! I’m not from hell, okay?” I heard her defeating tone.

“Don’t be so judgemental, okay? Always judge a person by his attitude. And please, I’m reading.” I let my palm in front of her to stop talking.

“Crazy,” she muttered silently.

Minutes had passed before our teacher entered the room.

We all stood up and greeted the teacher, then we went back to sit.

Our class started and before ending it, our teacher asked, “I will give you some survey sheets. What will you put there? You will put 3 careers that you want to pursue and the reason why you want to pursue them. And after that, you can pin it to the pinboard at the back. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Ma’am!” we answered in chorus.

I got up to get the survey sheets from our teacher and then I went around the room to distribute them. After that, I went back to my seat and had a look at my survey sheet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Careers you want to pursue

1. I want to pursue being an ___________ because

______________________________________.

2. I want to pursue being an ___________ because

______________________________________.

3. I want to pursue being an ___________ because

______________________________________.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hmm… thinking of the stars… I wrote to the first one, an Astronaut.

I want to be an Astronaut because I want to see Allah’s creations outside this planet. I

also want to share the sight of Allah’s creation. Allah is the only lord that we—Muslims worship.

I thought of other careers that I would want to pursue.

I thought of taking pictures. I also want to be a photographer, because I like taking

pictures and I would like to share some nice pictures that could bring some memories. Taking pictures of scenery is also therapeutic.

And the third career that I want to pursue is philanthropy. It’s a career that’s giving charity to people in need. I would like to take care of nature, kids, the elderly, and even animals. I don’t know why, but helping is a deed that’s warming my heart.

I wrote those careers and the reasons on the survey sheet. After that, I stood up and went to the back to pin it at the pinboard.

“You have already filled up yours?” Cath asked after I sat back in my seat.

I nodded as I answered, “Uh-huh. How about you?”

“Hmm... Nearly done. I‘m just thinking of one more career to write,” she said.

“How about a Model or a Fashion Designer? You’re always good at fashion, anyway.”

“Do you think so?” she asked.

“Yeah! Look at you! You’re like a celebrity with what you’re wearing,” I said as I pointed at her clothes.

Cathy’s POV

Oh Zia, you’re really my best friend.

“Well, you are more suitable to be a model,” I answered her.

“Eh? I never thought of myself like that. And one more thing, I can never be a model. Like, I don’t even know how that works for me,” She explained to herself. Oh well, Zia being Zia, she doesn’t have self-confidence. She doesn’t believe that she can do marvelous things.

“Look at you bestie. Your height of 5 feet, your charming face with those—almond eyes that have a hazelnut brown color, a long and narrow nose, straight eyebrows, a cupid’s bow lip that has a lively color of red, you also have a triangled face. And then a fair skin, in addition to that, it compliments every hairdress that you wear,” I recited all of it.

“Gosh! Okay okay. But I won’t pursue that. So that you can have the spot.” She smirked.

Wow, just wow!

“Nevermind, here’s the teacher,” I said and focused on the class.

***

Zia’s POV

I didn’t really believe Cath. Because I know that I can never be a model, 'cause I’m just a simple girl. I like astronauts more.

After class is snack time.

“Are you going to the cafeteria?” Cath asked.

“Yup, are you?” I asked back.

“Yup, let’s go!” she said while getting her things back into her bag.

I tidied my things up and then got my wallet.

“Let’s go,” I said as I clung to her arm.

We walked through the halls and buildings just to get to the cafeteria. With a spacious campus? Yep, this is the closest cafeteria we’ve got. We sat down at our spot as we arrived.

“I’m gonna buy some food. Do you want anything?” Cath asked as she stood up.

“I’ll just go with you.” I stood up.

“Ow. Okay!” then we went to the cashier area to order food.

“Good morning!” the cashier greeted me.

“Good morning! Uhm… what foods do we have?” I asked.

“Oh, we have spaghetti, pancake, strawberry cupcake, carrot cake, banana cake, and apple pie, what would you want to order?”

“I’ll get a banana cake and juice,” Cath ordered.

“I’ll just get apple pie and cold water, how much?” I asked.

“Banana cake and juice will be 80 pesos, and apple pie and water will be 30 pesos. 110 pesos in total,” the cashier said as she was touching something on the cash register.

“I’ll pay,” Cath said.

I just nod.

“Shiz! I don’t have a small bill!” I heard her mutter.

“I’ll pay.” I got 200 pesos in my wallet and handed them to the cashier. “Keep the change.”

“Since you’re the one who paid. How about you waiting at the table for me and I waiting here for the food?” Cath asked.

“Okay, I’ll wait.” I walked back to our table.

While waiting, some people greeted me.

After a few minutes, Cath finally came up with a tray of our food.

“You took a long time, huh,” I said as I got my food out of the tray.

“Yeah, I waited for my banana cake.” She got a spoon of her cake and dug in.

I also dug in with my apple pie.

***

After eating our snacks, we went back to our classroom, and then classes started again.

***

After classes, it’s lunchtime.

“Let me guess. You’ll eat lunch here again, right?” Cath asked.

“Yeah, you’re right. See you later!” I said as Cath stood up.

“Yup, see you!” She waved goodbye.

I start to unpack my lunch and eat peacefully. Some of my classmates were also eating in our classroom. So as we ate, we also talked a lot.

“What did you guys write on your survey sheet?” Amanda asked.

“Entrepreneur, Chef, and Teacher,” Chibi answered.

“Astronaut, Photographer, and Philanthropy,” I answered.

“Engineer, Painter, and Chef,” Kyle answered.

“You?” I asked Amanda.

“Uhm… Architect, Painter, and Teacher,” she answered.

“Ohh cool!” I complimented her.

“Yeah, your’s to. But what’s philanthropy?” Amanda asked again.

“Yeah, Philanthropy?” the others asked in chorus.

“Oh, it’s a career that’s giving charity to nature, kids, elders, or even animals,” I answered.

‘’Oh! So that’s what it’s called.” Chibi nodded slowly as she realized it.

“That’s cool, it suits you really well,” Kyle said while smiling.

“Yeah! Because you’re really kind too!” Amanda said.

“Ohh hehe thanks!” I smiled shyly.

We talked some more and then Cath came after we were done with our lunch.

“Had a good lunch?” I asked as she sat down.

“Yup, how about you?” She nodded.

“Yup, I also had a good one,” I smiled.

“Hey, I’m thinking about the exchange student,” she muttered.

“Yeah? What about the exchange student?” I asked.

“Do you think it’s a girl or a boy?” she now asked.

“I don’t know, why are you thinking about that? Do you wanna date the exchange student if it’s a boy?” I asked.

“Nope! I’m just wondering if I could set you up with him someday,” she said, then laughed out loud.

“Crazy.” I just shook my head in disbelief.

The teacher had already entered the room, so Cath didn’t make a fuss to speak again.

***

After 5 more hours, classes finally ended.

“Gotta go home early, bye!” I waved as I got in my car.

I drove to the park where Yaya El and Zylin were waiting for me. I drove as fast as I could but was still careful.

I saw Zylin waiting and boredly kicking the ground.

I got out of my car and then greeted Yaya El and Zylin, “Good Afternoon Yaya El and Zylin!”

“You’re an hour late!” Zylin angrily said.

“Yeah… And I’m sorry for that. I forgot that I have one more subject this day,” I explained myself.

“Yeah right!” she rolled her eyes at me. “Because of that, you have to buy me some clothes!” she grinned.

“And why should I do that?” I asked, raising my other eyebrow.

“Because you can’t go back in the past and remember that you have an extra subject today, and then tell me that you will be late.” She crossed her arms.

This girl is really something.

“Fine! Get in the car, we’re headed to the mall!” I rolled my eyes.

I should not be late again next time, tsk!

I opened up the trunk and let Yaya El put Zylin’s bag in there.

We got everything set up and ready to go.

While driving to the mall, I talked to Zylin.

“How’s school?” I asked.

“Hmm… It’s okay but boring. Lessons are also hard. And it makes my brain bleed!” she said exaggeratedly.

“Fool! A brain without any injury will not bleed out.” I pet her hair.

“Whatever! You’re really nerdy!” she said as she rolled her eyes.

“Yup!” I laughed. “By the way, what grade are you in already?” I asked.

“I’m Grade 7, a freshman in junior high school,” she said lazily.

“So, you’re already 12?”

“Yup!” she said, popping the p.

“But you’re acting like a 10-year-old!” I laughed again.

“Whatever!” she rolled her eyes again.

After 30 minutes, we finally arrived at our destination.

“Finally!” Zylin said, letting me see her excitement.

We got to the mall and I followed Zylin around.

“Hey! I’ll just buy 10 clothes, okay?” I shouted at her because she was a little far.

“What?! No! Buy me 20 clothes!” she marched, going to me.

“No! 15!” I said, pinning her with my glare.

“Fine!” she said and went into a shop.

Gosh! She went in Forever 21!

Oh no! This girl wants my credit card to be broken.

“Zylin, 15 clothes only. Okay?” I said.

“I took it back. 10 clothes AND a bag.” She grinned while emphasizing the word ‘And’

I rolled my eyes. What else can I do? Even if I argue with her, she doesn’t care if she’ll be embarrassed to fuss around.

“Fine!”

She went around the shop and looked for clothes. Then she spotted a matcha green polo, and a peach one.

“Ate, which one is cute?” she asked.

“Both are cute but—” she didn’t make me finish my sentence. She just put the clothes down on the cart and wandered around again. I got myself a slap on the forehead because of that.

After another minute, she spotted a nice puffy dress. Yup, she got that.

After some time, she got 5 clothes from Forever 21 and you don’t want to know how much I paid. And then we transferred shops, she went to the H&M store. Gosh! My card is crying! She got 5 more clothes there… I can’t make a fuss about those clothes because they’re all cute and fine.

“Where will you buy your bag?” I asked.

“Here!” she said and went in…

GUCCI STORE!

I will not eat snacks for a week, huhuhu!

After 30 minutes of wandering about beautiful bags, she finally got one. And I paid for it, huhuhu!

We got back in the car and all the things she got were in the trunks already.

“You got too much stuff!” I complained.

“We made a deal, sis!” she said happily and hugged her new bag.

“Yeah! But those are so expensive!” I irritatedly said as I drove.

“You have so much money! You also have to spend those! And just shut up and be calm! Remember that you’re driving!” she said.

“I’m calm okay? Just… money is not always a solution.” I focused on driving.

After some minutes, we arrived at our house. And I saw Dad’s car. I’m sure that they are already home too. We went in and greeted our parents.

“Good evening Mom, Dad. Assalamualaikum,” Zylin and I said in chorus.

“Good evening. Walaikumsalam,” they greeted back.

“I’ll prepare the dinner,” Yaya El excused herself.

“Looks like you went to the mall?” Mom asked while looking at the bags that we had.

“I bought her some clothes,” I explained.

“Oh! Didn’t you want to save up for a house?” Dad asked.

“I still have time,” I reasoned.

“Excuse me, I’ll just change my clothes,” I said, and went up to Zylin’s room to drop off her clothes, and then I went straight to my room.

I went to my cabinet and got my pajamas and then went straight to the bathroom. I took a half bath and then cleaned my face. After that, I went to my study table to do my homework. While doing my homework, someone knocked.

“Come in!” I shouted, still eyes on the paper.

“Ate…I’m sorry about your money,” Zylin said, can’t make eye contact with me.

“It’s okay,” I said, and went back to my homework.

“I don’t remember you telling me that you were saving up a house…”

“Yup, that’s because I didn’t tell you,” I said, with my eyes on the paper.

“Ate you can have the bag, it’s yours anyway. I just want to piss you off.”

I got up and went near her.

“You fool! Don’t piss me again, OK? And the bag is yours. I don’t wear bags like those.” I hugged her.

“Really? Thank you, Ate!”

***

After an hour, Yaya El went up to my room, “Dinner is ready, Zia. Go to the dining area now. Everyone is there already.”

“Yes Yaya El, I’m going.” I stood up and stretched my arms. At least I’m done with my homework now.

I went downstairs to go to the dining area and sat beside Zylin.

“Bismillah!” we said in chorus. It means ‘Thank you for the blessing, Allah’.

While eating, Mom and Dad asked us about our school. And we also asked them about their work. So, far everything is fine and no one has a problem.

***

The next morning, everything was the same.

Our teacher entered our classroom with a boy.

“Everyone, meet your new classmate, Cion Acosta,” our teacher said while pointing to the boy.