The Nerd and I [Book One]

Chapter Fifteen

[Earl]

School finally started and everyone was enthusiastic to see one another. Except me who was still brooding over Matthias’ disappearance.

We tried calling the police but Harry said that it’s best not to get them involved since Matthias’ a part of a mafia and they can’t be exposed to the authorities.

My sigh drowned when I slammed the door of my locker. I quietly walked to my classroom, silently wishing for Matthias to be there, sitting on his usual chair and listening to his music. How wonderful my imagination was until it was ruined by a loud shout behind me.

I turned around and saw Justin in front of a kneeling freshman who was obviously beaten by him. I don’t know what came over me but I quickly ran towards the kid and by the time I realized what I did, Justin already got a hold of my sleeves to pull me up.

“What do you think you’re doing, hm?” He asked while gritting his teeth in intimidation. I visibly shuttered but pulled all my courage to answer him.

“H-helping him?” I whispered and he laughed at what I said.

“Oh don’t bother.” He threw me down and I landed on my bottom. I winced in pain and heard laughter from the people watching our little fiasco. They were all looking down like its entertaining, like it was actually fun to watch something like this.

I slowly stood up and looked at the kid who was shaking in fear. “Are you alright?” I asked and he shook his head frantically. I helped him stood up and was about to leave but Justin stopped us.

“And where do you think you’re going, dope? I’m still not finish dealing with this shithead.” He said while c*****g his head to the kid. I felt him shiver in my hand but I held him tight.

“Shut up.” I turned to the side and saw Edward with Harry. Once they appeared, everyone made way for him. I watched my brother walk to Justin.

Justin flinched but kept his posture.

Edward glared down. “You’re blocking my way.”

We all watched Justin cursed under his breath and stepped aside to let Edward walk. He looked at me for a second before walking away to the corridor. Harry grinned and waved at me before following my brother.

Everyone was silent and we took the advantage and quickly walked away. Once we were miles away from Justin and his crowd, I let the kid go.

“T-thanks for that.” He said a little calm now.

I smiled. “No worries. I know how it feels to be treated that way so it doesn’t matter anymore.” I ruffled his head. “I’ll go now.”

I was about to go when he suddenly pulled my arm. I looked at him. “Yes?”

“What’s your name?” He asked.

I blushed. “Oh, Earl Harrison.” I’m glad that not everyone in this school knew me as a nerd.

He stared at me for a moment like he knew me from somewhere. “Ah. I’m Matthew Harold.”

I smiled at him. “Nice to meet you then.”

“Yeah, it’s nice meeting you, Earl.”

As soon as the teacher ended the class, everyone immediately stood up to go to the cafeteria to eat lunch. I stood up as well and gathered my things to go to my little sanctuary to eat my snacks. And that’s behind the school.

I looked at Ralph who was patiently waiting for me. I blush a little when I remembered what happened back at Harry’s place. I still can’t forget that kiss he gave me and I feel kind of guilty knowing that I don’t have any feelings for him. And it feels like I’m betraying Matthias even though he’s not there.

“Wanna grab something to eat?” He asked and I nodded slowly. I’m not very sure if it’s wise for me to spend some time alone with him. He did confess to me and I still haven’t given him an answer.

I shook my head and headed towards the door before him. “Uhm, I don’t think I can eat with you.”

Ralph raised his brows. “Huh? Why?”

I thought of an excuse before he can even tell I’m lying. “Because Edward told me I need to go talk to him.”

“What? Edward said that? But Harry said he’s in the university?” He asked and I mentally smacked myself. I forgot he took the college entrance exam today.

“He told me to meet up with him after he finishes his exam. So, I need to go. Bye!” I quickly trotted away from Ralph, feeling a little bit sorry for him but this time I won’t let myself spend more time alone with him.

I was about to turn to the corner when someone suddenly bumped into me causing me to land on the floor. I rubbed my bruised bum and looked up to see who did this.

My eyes widened when I saw a man that looks exactly like Matthias. He looked down at me and when I saw his eyes, I knew that it wasn’t Matthias. He held a menacing glare, one that can make you bow your head in fear. I slowly stood up, gaze not leaving his face.

When he saw me, he stared a little longer before smiling. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

Italian accent? He nodded at me before walking pass me towards the principal’s office.

“Oh wow, did you see that man? He’s so cool!” I heard one of the students said and I hate that I agree with what they said.

He was wearing a black suit and I can smell a small tinge of branded cologne in him.

A hand suddenly grabbed me from behind and made me turned around. I saw Harry looking worried at me. “Are you alright?! Did he hurt you?!”

I blinked in confusion. “What?”

When he saw that I was alright, he breathes out a sigh of relief before peaking behind my shoulder and looking back at me again. “Glad that he didn’t do anything to you. When someone bumps him or even touches a single freaking hair in his head, he immediately kills that person.”

“What? Are you exaggerating again, Harry?” I asked but he shook his head.

“I wish I am but I’m not. That man, he’s Matthias’ old man.”

My heart skipped a beat.

Oh hell.

I peaked at the window and saw Matthias’ dad seating on the sofa with the principal in front of him. Harry suddenly pulled me down and held a finger in front of his mouth to shush me down.

“What’re you doing?! Do you wanna die?!” He half-screamed, half-whispered.

“I wanna know what they’re talking about.” I whispered back to him.

Harry leaned much closer to the wall. “Don’t worry, I can hear them perfectly.”

I furrowed my brows at him debating myself if he’s telling the truth. He looked at me with a bored face.

“I’m an assassin as well if you must know. Thank you.” He said and I actually gasped at that new information.

A minute of sitting down on the grass, Harry finally eased up and looked at me. “Bad news and good news.”

I stopped playing with the dirt and faced him. “What? What did they talk about?” I asked.

“The good news is that Matthias is fine – ” I smiled at what he said. “– but he’s not here anymore.’

I thought my heart stopped beating for a second.

“What?”

Harry looked down before looking at my eyes. “He’s – in Italy. And he’s never coming back here.”

Yeah, my heart definitely stopped.

“Woah woah woah, wait a minute mister! Where the hell do you think you’re going?!” Harry screamed behind me but I ignored him. I went straight towards my locker and grabbed my remaining things.

“I’m bringing him back.” I said but Harry stopped me in my tracks.

“Calm down Earl! Are you nuts?! You just can’t bring Matthias back here! He’s in freaking Italy! That’s like, thousands of kilometres away here!”

I glared at him and he stepped back. “I don’t care, I’m bringing him here.”

I walked pass him and opened the door. I head down the stairs and exited the school. Harry was still following me, shouting that I need to think this through.

He finally caught my arms and brought me down on the floor making me hiss in pain when my head hit the cement. “That hurts!”

“Yeah, it’s supposed to be.” I shivered when I heard Edward’s voice behind me. I looked up and indeed he was there, standing near my head. I got up and rubbed my throbbing head.

Harry looked worried and Edward has his everlasting scowl.

“You think you can just go to Italy and bring the i***t back here? Do you even have a passport? Do you think…dad will let you go there? Do you even have the money to get there? You don’t even know where he lives.” He said and I knew that he was right. “Stop acting like an i***t because you’re not.”

Harry helped me to stand up. “You know you don’t have to do that.” He said to Edward and I mentally agreed.

“Can’t blame me, he’s acting like a moron. And I hate a brother who’s a moron.” He said as he walked away. He turned around and gave us a ‘duh’ look. “Well, are you coming?”

I nodded and quickly followed him.

“I think I have a bump here.” I massaged my still aching head and Harry gave me an ice wrapped in a cloth to ease the pain. I thanked him and put the ice to relieve the pain.

“Blame your idiocy.” Edward said as soon as he entered my room. He put his iPad down on the bed and pushed Harry out of the bed to sit down. I neared him and looked at the screen only to see an email.

“Who’s it from?” Harry asked hugging Edward’s shoulders. I tried to ignore their intimacy and focused on what Edward’s holding.

“The bastard sent this.” He said and tapped the screen to let us see more of what Matthias said.

I hate sending you something like this since I hate you and your face so f*****g much. But you’re the only one I knew who can take over there. I’m not planning on coming back again so you better take care of everything coz I can’t kick your ass anymore. Anyway, don’t let that stupid lover of yours take over my gang or it’ll turn into bunch of sissies finding someone to f**k. And you know I’m serious.

One last thing, tell your brother, thank you.

The awesome Matthias Blaise.

My eyes reread the last sentence before I noticed tears were already falling down. Edward looked at me before pushing Harry out of his back.

“That jerk, why can’t I have his gang?! I’m his freaking right-hand!” Harry complained but I can’t hear him anymore. Every sound drowned in my ears and the only thing I can hear were the words he wrote to me.

One last thing, tell your brother, thank you.

He’s not coming back here anymore. I know Matthias. Once he said something, he’ll never go back against it. I wiped the tears but it kept falling down. How can he do this to me? He swept me away and just leaves me here like that?

Just like that?

I didn’t even have the chance to tell him I love him.

Matthias you i***t.

Idiot.

I stared at the windows and watched the sky grew dark. After I read what Matthias just said, something inside me felt empty. Like someone ripped out something away from my body.

He didn’t even say goodbye.

He was the only one, who gave me hope that maybe I can change my life – so that we can be together.

But that won’t happen anymore now that he’s not here.

I shifted on my bed and felt the sheets cold. Must been my tears. I’ve been crying for who knows how long. But I can’t find a reason to stop.

I want him here so bad. I imagined countless time of him climbing up my window and smirking down at me. I want those times back.

Matthias, why did you leave me? Am I not good enough? Did you finally realize that I’m not as good as those other people you liked?

Did you even love me? How could I know? You never once said that to me.

Matthias.

Matthias.

Matthias.

“Wake up.” I heard Edward’s voice and I forced my eyes to open. I felt the sting and knew that my eyes look puffy as hell already. I looked at Edward and he was wearing a white suit.

Oh yeah, today’s the graduation.” I stood up and watched him leave my room.

It’s been three months since Matthias left. Edward was processing my passport but even if he did, we still don’t know where Matthias was. Yes, we know he’s in Italy, but where exactly? We don’t know anyone who knows where he lives.

Day by day, it’s becoming hopeless. Futile and non-sense. I wanted to search for him, to see him again and tell all the things I wanted to tell him ever since we met.

I dressed up and left the house to attend Edward’s graduation. He decided to move to college and left me here with our father. Harry was devastated but accepted his decision.

I arrived at school and saw a lot of parents entering the vicinity. I entered as well and fixed my formal attire. I was about to enter the gym but stopped when I saw Harry sitting down on the stairs. I c****d my brows and neared him to ask what happened.

“Hey.” I called and he looked up. I quickly understood when I saw his puffed eyes and pale cheeks.

“Now I know how it feels.”

I sat beside him. “What?”

“About losing someone.” He said and I paled.

“Don’t tell me you –”

Harry shook his head to stop me from what I was about to say.

“No, we didn’t break up but…it feels like it.” He said and I watched him wiped his tears. “If Matthias’ here, he’ll surely punch me straight in the face.”

I scowled when I heard his name.

“Edward – he’s going somewhere I can’t follow.” He said and I nodded to show that I’m listening. “I don’t him to go there…with Emmett.”

I looked at him. “Huh? What do you mean? Emmett’s coming with Edward?”

Harry nodded. “I don’t know if I can trust him again. What if…the two of them do it again?”

“Do what?” I asked. Harry lifted his head and stared at the wall in front of us. “Edward and Emmett, they had a relationship while Edward was dating me.”

I stared at him, bewildered at what I just heard. I’ve known Emmett my whole life since he always visits Edward and sometimes, he plays with me when he’s bored.

But I never thought that those two had a relationship.

“Wow.” I muttered.

“I know right.” Harry sobbed again. “What will I do, Earl? I don’t think I can take it anymore if Edward leaves me again.”

I looked over his hand and saw the healed cuts on his wrist. I remembered Matthias once told me that Harry attempted suicide when Edward broke up with him.

“You know what – I don’t think my brother will do that anymore.”

Harry looked at me. “Huh?”

“Because of all the years living with him, I never saw him actually cares for someone other than you. That day when he left you, he was so broken and you’re the only one can do that to him.” I breathed in. “I don’t think he’ll risk the chance of losing you again.” I said while smiling at him. “Believe me, we have the same blood. Even though it’s only half.”

Harry snorted and laughed. “You’re such a lousy joker, Earl.”

“Yah, I’m aware of that.” I stood up. “Come on, let’s go. We don’t want to miss this chance, right?”

He nodded and grinned. “Yeah.”

Graduation finished and everyone already left the gym. I walked towards Edward who was talking to some of his teachers. After they talked, he faced me and stared at me.

“Congratulations.” I finally said and I noticed him relaxed.

“Thanks.” He walked out of the gym and I followed him.

“Where will we celebrate?” I asked and he shrugged his shoulders. 

“Dunno.”

“Dad didn’t come.”

He shrugged his shoulders again and continued to walk down the corridor. “Guess not. Who cares?”

“Sorry.” I said. When he stopped walking, I mentally smacked myself for saying something insensitive again.

“Live with me.”

I was taken aback by his question. “What?”

“I rented an apartment near the university and you can come with me.” He said.

“But – it’s far away from here.” I said.

“Emmett can come pick you up every day.” He said and I quickly shook my hands.

“I don’t want that! It’ll be a bother for Emmett. Besides, dad will be alone if we both leave.”

Edward’s eyes narrowed. “Call me if something happen.”

For some reason, that made me happy. “Yes, I will.”

Days passed after Edward’s graduation. Summer came and everyone was busy to go to the beach or the swimming pool to let the heat down.

I opened the windows to let the breeze come in. It was humid and I feel so hot. Sweat was rolling down my face even though the fan was facing me already.

I logged in to my Live account to see if I have new emails. I decided to spend my vacation to find a university for me. I still don’t know why course I’ll take and how to get the money for college, but I’m still willing to go.

“EARL!!!” I jumped from my chair and quickly stood up. I climbed down the stairs to see my father together with some of his friends from work.

I smelled the faint aroma of alcohol. “Yes?”

“Where the f**k have you been you stupid f**k?!” I tried to ignore his curses.

“Up my room.”

“Well get the hell out of there and do something worth it!” His co-workers laughed and I scowled.

“What do you need me for?” I asked politely.

“Give us another beer you f**k!” He commanded and I nodded. I went to the kitchen and grabbed the bottle of beers besides the fridge. I came back to the living room and put it on the table.

Dad pushed me out of the way and I winced in pain when I hit the wall. I rubbed my bruised arm and quickly went upstairs to my room. I locked the door and returned to where I was a moment ago.

I logged in to my Live Messenger and saw a new contact waiting for me to add him or her. I quickly clicked it and saw the name.

Nero26.

That’s a weird username. Why do I have the feeling I’ve heard the name Nero from somewhere?

Once I added him, a chat box suddenly appeared.

Nero26 said:

Hey.

I smiled. Ever since I created this Live account, no one even bothered to add me. Why would they anyway? The only time I open them was when I’m bored or when it’s summer, just like now.

I tapped the keys to respond.

EarlHarrison said:

Hi there. J

Nero26 said:

Sup?

EarlHarrison said:

Nothing much. Just basking in the heat of the sun.

Nero26 said:

Really?

EarlHarrison said:

Yeah. Oh btw, thanks for adding me.

Nero26 said:

No problem. You seem like an interesting person.

I raised my brows in disbelief.

EarlHarrison said:

You’re the first one who said that to me. Maybe because you still haven’t met me.

Nero26 said:

Well, blame my guts then.

I giggled. This person’s the interesting one.

Nero 26 said:

What’re you doing?

I sucked my cheeks.

EarlHarrison said:

Waiting for something…or someone.

Nero26 said:

Waiting?

EarlHarrison said:

Yeah, but I think it’s hopeless.

Nero26 said:

Why hopeless?

EarlHarrison said:

Because I know that person won’t come back anymore.

Nero26 said:

Do you know why?

EarlHarrison said:

Maybe because, I don’t know. After all the times we spent together, it wasn’t enough. I – wasn’t enough.

I stared at the screen and waited patiently.

Nero26 said:

Wow, what an i***t that person is.

I laughed at what I read.

EarlHarrison said:

Yes, I know. Haha. Let’s stop talking about me. I want to know more about you.

Nero26 said:

I’m a boring gal. :D

EarlHarrison said:

So you’re a girl?

Nero26 said:

Haha, kind of. I think I’m half girl, half android.

EarlHarrison said:

I always fancy androids. :D

Nero26 said:

Is your name really Earl? Or is it just a pen name?

EarlHarrison said:

Nope, that’s my real name.

Nero26 said:

That’s a cute name.

EarlHarrison said:

What’s your name?

Nero26 said:

Monica. Call me Monique. It’s much classier.

I laughed at what she said.

EarlHarrison said:

If that’s what you prefer. Monique’s a cute name.

Nero26 said:

I know. I wonder why my mum didn’t call name me that.

EarlHarrison said:

Monica’s a cute name as well. J

Nero26 said:

^/////^

Why thank you, Earl. Your name’s pretty good too.

EarlHarrison said:

Really? Thanks!

Nero26 said:

You’re welcome. J

EarlHarrison said:

So where are you from?

Nero26 said:

Texas. You?

EarlHarrison said:

New York.

Nero26 said:

Cool, I wanna live there.

EarlHarrison said:

Yeah, it’s a cool place.

I was startled when dad called me again.

EarlHarrison said:

Hey, Monique, I need to go. I’ll talk to you later if you have the time. Bye. J

It was nice talking to you.

I logged off and climbed downstairs.

Days passed as Monique and I continued to get to know each other. I learned that she’s an intern from one of the local hospitals. She’s 21 years old and was already living alone. I have to admit that I really envy her. I always wanted to get away from this house. Dad continued to harass me even more now that Edward’s gone. He even hits me when I didn’t get what he wants.

I don’t blame him. I mean, he must have hated me because of what happened to mum.

I hugged the sheets tighter and sighed.

I can still remember what happened that night. Mum brought me to the hospital because I was sick. It was raining hard and mum told me that it wasn’t safe to drive but I convinced her because I don’t want to stay in the hospital much longer. She obliged and we went home. I was so excited and kept on talking on how much I missed our house.

And then, suddenly, everything went black. A huge truck blocked us on the intersection and we crashed.

I closed my eyes.

The distant siren filled my ears and its deafening.

Mum, I missed you a lot. I’m so sorry for what I’ve done. Everything that was happening in my life, I deserved it.

Because I’m the reason why you died.

BEEP!

I was awakened when my BlackBerry vibrated underneath my pillow. I reached up to it and looked a new online message.

Nero26 said:

Hey, are you sleeping?

I smiled.

EarlHarrison said:

I was about to. What’s up?

Nero26 said:

I just had the feeling that you were feeling lonely. I’m not right, though? Right?

I stared at her message. How can she even tell that?

EarlHarrison said:

I was feeling a little out of the blue but I’m alright now.

Nero26 said:

Good.

I don’t know but Matthias suddenly flashed through my mind.

I tapped the qwerty keypad.

EarlHarrison said:

Matthias?

Nero26 said:

Who’s Matthias? Your friend?

I shook my head. What am I thinking anyway? Matthias won’t bother to waste time to talk to me and pretend he’s a girl. That’s so not his style.

EarlHarrison said:

Kind of.

Nero26 said:

Is he hot?

I blushed.

EarlHarrison said:

Yeeessssss.

Nero26 said:

OOOOOH. I wanna meet him then. XD

Yeah, this wasn’t Matthias. I can tell.

EarlHarrison said:

Don’t bother. He’s an asshole. Haha.

Nero26 said:

Really? The same old jock who bullies people?

EarlHarrison said:

You got that right. He always bullies me though.

Nero26 said:

He’s an asshole then.

EarlHarrison said:

Told you.

I yawned and rubbed my tired eyes.

EarlHarrison said:

Hey, about that friend I was talking about when we first chatted.

Nero26 said:

Yeah, what’s about him/her? Haha.

I smiled.

EarlHarrison said:

I miss that person.

Nero26 said:

Aaaw, I’m sure that person misses you too.

EarlHarrison said:

Thanks. J

Nero26 said:

No problem dear. :3

It’s getting late there. I’ll beep you later. J

Bye. ^^

I sighed and turned my phone off.

Yeah, I miss Matthias so much.