When The Rain Fell, So Did I

Chapter 3

“Do you really not remember me, Samsam?”

***

SAMANTHA

"Stop it, Mich! You're creepy, you know that?!" I scolded Mich, glaring at her.

How could she do that? She’s been staring at me for a while now. And it’s not just a regular stare, okay? The way she’s looking at me is like her eyes aren’t blinking at all. It’s literally a stare!

"Geez. I know I’m creepy, but I just can't stop thinking about it! Did you really have eye contact with Chester? You guys even got so close, and... your cute little cheeks turned pink!" she exclaimed, jumping on my bed.

Class was over, and now Mich and I were in my room. She stopped by my house since no one was home at hers. She said she didn’t want to be alone and was scared.

I don’t know what’s wrong with this girl! She’s almost of legal age, but she’s still such a scaredy-cat!

"Hey, if you break my bed, I’ll get you back," I warned her, which made her stop jumping immediately, though it was obvious she was still blushing.

"Hehe. Sorry," she flashed a peace sign, but I gave her a sharp look.

I sat down at the edge of my bed and stared off into space, letting out a sigh. Every time I closed my eyes, Chester would pop into my mind. It’s so annoying!

He’s messing with my head!

"Hey, Sammy, are you okay? You look spaced out again," Mich asked, distracted by her phone. It's better than her jumping on my bed.

"Psh. I'm fine," I replied. "But what do you think would be a good talent for the theater club on Friday?" I added, stretching my arms.

I could sing, dance, or act. But which one should I do?

"Singing, of course! You have a great voice, so just sing!" she yelled, causing me to wince.

It’s like this girl’s a loudspeaker!

"Just don’t dance because your body’s stiff—ow, hey! Is it wrong to tell the truth?—Ow, okay, fine, you’re a great dancer!" she whined repeatedly, covering her head as I kept hitting her with a pillow.

"I’m good at dancing, stop it!" I pouted. I pick up steps pretty quickly, okay!

"In your dreams—just kidding!" she stopped talking after I hit her with the pillow again.

I think I might be a bit s******c right now. Tsk.

I went quiet and leaned back against the headboard of my bed. Then, I started thinking—why is Chester so overfamiliar with me?

And why do I feel like I’ve known him for a long time? Have we met before? This is weird. But... he kind of looks like the guy who kissed me before. But no, that’s impossible!

"Hey, Sammy, what’s the password for your wifi? This is new wifi, right?" Mich asked, showing me her phone.

I rolled my eyes before grabbing the phone from her hand and typing the password. She was so happy.

I shook my head at my best friend’s reaction and grabbed my phone to play GTA while she scrolled through social media—she has no interest in games.

"Oh my gosh! OMG!" Mich suddenly screamed, startling me so much I almost died in the game!

"What? Why?" I asked, but she was just staring at her phone, squealing.

I ignored her, focusing on my mission, but then she suddenly grabbed my hair.

"OMG. OMG. Shocks! Your hair is so long, Sammy!"

"Ouch, witch! Ugh, now I’m dead in the game!" I complained as I died in the game.

Who wouldn’t get surprised if someone suddenly grabs your hair?

"I don’t care about your game. Look at this, quick!"

"What is it?" I asked, frowning, but she dragged me closer to her and showed me her phone screen.

She pulled me closer and showed me her phone.

My cheeks heated up when I saw what I read.

Chester Natividad: You're Samantha’s best friend, right? Tell her to accept my friend request.

"Is this what I’m reading right?" I asked before blinking twice, but when I read the message, it was still the same.

"Yeah, Sammy! He’s claiming you now, i***t!" she said.

I just laughed at what Mich was saying.

I quickly went online and accepted Chester’s friend request. My phone buzzed right away after I accepted it.

Chester: Why did you only accept me now?

Samantha: I only met you now. Duh.

This guy’s crazy. Does he think I accept strangers? No way!

Chester: Do you really not remember me, Samsam?

I froze for a moment, like a sudden breeze had blown into my head.

"Samsam, I’ll come back for you. Remember that. Don’t ever forget me, okay?"

"I won’t forget you, I promise. And I’ll wait for you, even if it’s in the next life."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"What the hell?" I muttered, clutching my head as it started to hurt like someone was banging on it. Despite the pain, I still managed to read his chat.

Chester: Sorry. Don’t think about what I said.

That was his last message to me, and after that, he logged out. I threw my phone on the bed, holding my head with one hand. I tried to stand up properly, but I couldn’t.

Argh. I think I might go crazy from the pain.

"Why, Sammy?" Mich asked, quickly helping me. "What’s hurting you?"

"Nothing. Just tired," I said softly, even though I was feeling the pain in my head. I didn’t want her to worry.

"I’m okay," I said quietly, trying to bear the pain.

"Lie down for a bit. You’re lying to me, huh? You think you can hide it from me?" She smiled and rolled her eyes before lying down.

A little while later, someone knocked on the door. It must be my brother, so I quickly fixed myself up. Mich opened the door for me.

My brother walked in and was confused when he saw me holding my forehead. I couldn’t take my hand off it—it felt like my whole head was splitting.

"Does your head hurt?"

I nodded and couldn’t say anything.

"Rest already," he said before turning to Mich. "And you, Miasse Chynne Alvarez, you owe me an explanation. Let’s talk."

"Fine—Ouch! Why are you dragging me?" Mich yelled when my brother grabbed her and pulled her out.

"Bye, Sammy!" she called out before the door closed behind her.

I just closed my eyes. Tsk, I should just sleep. My head hurts more when I think too much.

Chester.

SamSam.

What’s with all of that?

***

"Mich, I’m nervous. Can I back out?" I complained to Mich while pacing around.

"You can’t, right? And you’ve already memorized the song you’re going to sing," she answered. "And please, Sammy, stop walking around, you’re making me dizzy!"

I immediately stopped pacing and sat next to her. My hands were still cold despite everything.

It’s Friday now, audition day, and I’m so nervous. I’m just wearing a simple blue dress, so I’m comfortable. I’ve memorized my song, but why am I still nervous? When I report in class, I’m not like this.

"Ugh. Why did I even think of joining this stupid theater club—ow!" I complained when she suddenly punched me in the arm.

"Stop talking! You’re about to be called, hurry!" she scolded me, frowning.

I went quiet and waited for someone from the theater club to call my name.

"Samantha Colline De Jesus?" A guy called, so Mich immediately raised my hand. "Get in."

"You got this, Sammy! Fighting!" she cheered as I walked up to the stage.

Everyone fell silent, making me feel so awkward.

"That’s Samantha, right?"

"OMG, is she going to join?"

"I want to see what she’ll do!"

These were just some of the whispers I heard from my classmates.

I looked at the three judges while listening. One of them, Kayleigh Fujimoto, was a guest here from another school. The second, Diane Alquisola, was the queen bee at Domino High. And last, of course, Chester—the transferee.

I looked away quickly when I saw Chester staring at me. Argh! Why am I so awkward? I’m getting frustrated with myself!