I can fight too

Chapter 3

I jump excitedly and sprint towards the school cafeteria because after Lunch, I don't have any class and I can have all the sleep I want plus I had been thinking about how it went with Benz and Mia.

Right as I enter the cafeteria, I hear laughter and yes, you guessed it right, I saw Mia and my bestie laughing over some joke. Seems like Benz did his job well.

"hey, guys!" I say as I take a seat beside Mia.

Benz looks at me and smiles a goofy smile which means that he is happy with what I did earlier. 

"Hey Carrie" Mia greets sweetly.

"Hey Car, did you know that Mia has been elected as the leader of the singing and dancing club? How cool is that?" Benz's eyes are glinting as he speaks about Mia and I know then and there that my best friend has fallen deep and in a really short period of time. But hey! I am no judgment here.

"well, this something new Benz.... wait wait wait... Are you blushing?" I teased and I look at Mia just to see the same reaction.

"well, how about a movie night tonight?" I ask and both of them nod their head agreeing and as I look at Benz, I just see adoration and love in his eyes just like the time on his twelfth birthday where we went out shopping and he was completely taken aback by the new play station. He begged his mom, Mrs. Jonhson, to buy him that play station but she refused to do so claiming that he already had one at home.

I still remember how he would stand near that shop and just look at the play station as if it holds his life in it. so yeah, It really did touch my heart so I went to my room, broke my cute little piggy toy, and started counting the amount.  I still needed $100 and so I had to ask my mom for pocket money claiming that I needed to buy a book that was published recently. Since my mom works day and night without any care for the world and not even for me, she just shrugged and gave me two hundred dollars. 

The dancing Benz who was holding his gift with happiness, giggling as he put up weird happy dancing steps was a sight worth the lie. 

"back to earth Car"  Benz is shaking his head as he takes a bite of his sandwich. 

"Yeah right. I just recalled about your twelfth birthday incident" I say as I quote the twelfth birthday incident. And what more surprising is hearing Mia saying "oh!" and smiling at me.

"so let me guess, Benz told you about that incident already?" I ask shocked as I look at Benz who is nodding his head as he eats his beloved lunch.

"Yeah I mean, I heard about your friendship bond as soon as I entered the school and I was really curious about that so I asked Ben to share about your friendship adventure" Mia give me a smile and look at Benz who by the way is blushing. 

"I see and what else did you both talk about?" I ask as I get more curious about their swift growth of friendship. 

"Well, I know that the two of you watch comedy movies, animated movies, and action movies at least four times a week, that both of you love drinking coffee, that the two of your friends are family friends, and that's why the two of you literally grew up together. I also learned that the two of you would go for horse riding at the ranch that belongs to Ben's grandfather every once in a while. whenever you feel down, you would be found either reading a book or painting.  I know that Ben loves playing basketball and composing music. The two of you literally share every day of your lives together. The list can go on and on so so you want me to continue?" she asks as I realize then that my mouth is agape and so is Benz's. 

I slowly turn towards Benz and then back at Mia and I follow the same routine because what can I say? I mean that's literally the summary of our friendship and lives and did she say that the list could go on and on? I am now creeped out with how fast they have progressed. 

I hear Mia laughing softly and looking at me with that cute smile. AGAIN!

"I am sorry if I have creeped you out but I really wanted to know about your friendship because the more I learned about it the more I started envying your friendship" She blurts out as she turns pink.

"no Mia, it's fine. It's just like wow!" Benz's eyes are glinting and he has that smile that screams achievement and now they are staring at each other right now so I think that's my cue to get going.

I grab my sandwich and stand up to leave them be so that they can get to know each other better if that's even possible I mean Benz even told her about our routine and I don't know why but I am feeling good about it. You know, I feel something in my heart that makes me feel heavy and down and if I stand anymore with them, I don't think I can take any chance.

"I got to go now. I have got some work to do" I say as I head out after giving Benz our signature thumbs up for wishing luck. 

well now that I am free, I don't know what to do anymore. I wanted to sleep earlier but then I don't think I can sleep with the feeling that I am having right now and the only thing that I can do right now is to head towards the library and read. I don't know exactly but then, there is something about reading and painting that makes me feel secure and at ease.

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"Dear students, this is to remind you that we will be closing the library after fifteen minutes" 

what? Its already 8:30 PM?

Guess I got carried away with this book again. I look around and it's then that I realize three things.

one; my body is stiff, two, I have any message or any call from Benz. I mean we had a plan for movie night today! and three, I think I am the only student in the library and the thought of walking through the class corridors alone brings out goosebumps. Guess I have to talk with the librarian and leave with her. 

As I turn towards the counter, I see a guy of my age talking with the librarian. Guess I was wrong earlier. As I move closer, I notice that he is at least 6 foot 5 inches tall and by the look of his body, I think he is an athletic person. I mean who can maintain that solid muscles that are ready to burst out of his hoodie?

"oh Hi, Carrie" Kate the librarian smiles at me. She is one of the teachers who treat me like an adult and I love her for that.

"Hi Kate" I wave back and continue " I guess I got too deep with the story. Again!" I giggle as I then decide to look at the guy who by the way is busy typing something on his phone. Humm.. someone seems bored and I think he is one of the new students here because If he wasn't, I definitely won't have missed his presence. Don't take me wrong please, It's nothing serious here. Just that this kind of figure is very rare in our school.

"Which book was it this time? The twilight saga or one of Dan Brown's books?" she smiles down at me as she asks me that question. 

"well, I was reading the new book by Dan Brown. Titled "The Origin". so will you please drop me home? I didn't bring my bike today?" well to say that I am embarrassed is an understatement because this must be the nth time where she dropped me home.

"I would love to dear but I have a date tonight and I am getting late myself. But I am sure that Ryan will drop you home. Ryan dear, You will do that for your favorite aunt right?" I look at Ryan and he is now looking at me with impatience and irritated eyes. What did I do? seems like he has a plan too.

"that's okay Kate. I think I can call Benzs to pick me up. his house is just 5 minutes away so I am sure he will be here." I walk away as I say this because I have that feeling that says that Ryan doesn't really like me. And I already have enough people in my life who are irritated with just my presence and I don't want to add one more list today,

"hey wait carrier, I am sure its no problem for Ryan here" She tries to comfort me but then, I don't have enough courage to hear whatever Ryan is about to say so before he opens his mouth to utter anything, I cut him off "that's fine Kate. In fact, I think I got a text from Benz" I pretend to read the text that isn't even here and look back at kate who is looking at me sympathetically. 

"In fact, he is asking about my whereabouts. so I will just call him. thanks for the offer though"

I slam the door before anyone can say anything and turn towards the hallway with just enough light to help you see but not enough for me to feel safe. I look around and all I see is an empty hallway. I take few steps ahead and turn towards the corner just so you know, to avoid awkward moments with kate and that rude Ryan.  I feel goosebumps all over my body as I dial up Benz's number. The ring is going on and on but Benz is not even picking up my call. I mean he never does that. 

He didn't even call me earlier to remind me about the movie night. He always calls me whenever I am late for our leisure hours and this is unlike him. what has gotten into him? I hope he is okay.

I hear the library door open and some jingling of keys. I hold my breath and stand still until I hear the two pairs of footsteps getting away from me. I have the urge to follow them and then confess my lie but then the thought of how they would react is terrifying.so I stand still for a few seconds before taking a deep breath.

I try dialing up his number again and this time it's going directly to voicemail. 

Guess it's about time I take up the courage and get it over with. I have learned long ago that damsel in distress gets me nowhere. 

I turn right and take a deep breath before I sprint towards the school gate and the more I run, the further the gate seems. is that even possible? The echo of my own footstep is creeping me out. I am sure that my whole body looks like a chicken's skin by now.

After running for what seemed like forever, I finally see the school gate. with a sigh of relief, I take a deep breath and then turn left after I passed the gate. But I didn't realize that there is no street light anywhere. Oh my god, Is this going to be my last day? I feel tears filling my eyes as I remember all the things I wanted to do before I die. I mean, I didn't even finish making the list. Forget about completing any of my goals.

Just as I decide to walk ahead, I hear footsteps headed my way. Oh God, please save me, I don't want to die. I feel hot tears pouring down my eyes as I run ahead with all my energy. The footsteps are lighter but I feel presence right behind me just before I feel a hard grip on my wrist turning me towards whoever it is.