Don't Be So Sure

Chapter 1 & Filler Episode

Chapter 1 — Never Better - Chelsea

Not even an hour later, I'm already surrounded by flashes and clicks. Even from inside the tinted glass windows of this coffee shop, i had no escape from people who will probably start spreading photos and rumors about me hanging out with a friend. But I didn't budge. Although my posture started stiffening, i remained composed. I took a bite of my almost finished glazed donut. Pretending that being watched 24/7 isn't causing so much pain in my temples. I took another bite.

Emme's phone notification snapped me from dozing off. I watched her change her expression as she checked her phone. She looked back at me with horror, and a hint of disbelief creeping a smile on her lips.

“This is unbelievable." slowly, she shook her head and placed the coffee from her hand down to the table where an empty bowl of my donut crumb sits. Waiting for my reaction—her glance bounced from one paparazzi to another—then back at me.

“Don't even bother.” I rolled my eyes the same moment she sighed so deeply, it blew a strand of her hair away from her face. “I would suggest not to make any unnecessary movements. Even a single expression inspires them to make creative stories.” I tried to hold a chuckle, though marked in my face.

“Talented.” She scoffed. The mix of irritation, and humor in her tone was a sign for me to do something before she confronts the manager to shoo the pests away. Her eyes glared sharp in each flash.

I grabbed my purse and Emme's arm to the counter. Not looking anywhere near the facade of the shop. Taking my card out to pay, just so we could leave immediately.

“Spare me my chill time, will you?” Emme complained like it was my fault i had multiple tails all over me.

“Moron. It's not like I'm paying them for pictures.”

“It would've been just fine if it was just pictures they're putting on social media. Ugh! 'Chelsea Samuels's Secret Girlfriend' is a little too much for them to put up.” stressed, she bursted out a full rant, her coffee almost running out.

I giggled, putting on my forest green cap before leaving the shop. “You'll get used to it. You wanted to be my friend, didn't you?” taking my card back from the cashier. “Thank you.” I started heading towards the door where the guards are visibly struggling to keep people out of the way.

“This is hell.”

“If only there were backdoors here, i know.” i opened the door, and the chaos felt weirdly a little like home.

Cameras pointing. Flash, flash, flash.

“Ms. Samuels! Do you mind-”

“I have a few questions for you. It'll only-"

“T4NGINAAA ANG SARAP!!”

“Here, here!”

“Chelseaaa!!!”

I took my last step before going inside the van and looked back to wave a hand. Most were just there for pictures and fame, filming. Only some appreciated my presence. I froze for a moment—scanning the crowd being held by the guards. If i ever will realize something this year, it is that not everything is as it seems.

“That's enouuhghhh” emme hurried me inside and closed the door shut.

“My oh my.” I leaned back, taking my heels off, massaging my foot gently. “To the school dorms, in 2 hours. Take the longest route.” I ordered the driver. Trying to lure away those who intend to follow by taking unnecessary paths along the way.

“Nakaka-stress ka naman palang kasama, samuels.”

I giggled. “I did not force you away from Daniel, mind you. You would have done so much important things if you didn't beg your way out of doing assigned works.” She hits my right arm. I laughed at her guilt expression.

“I didn't think it would be so much crowd.” Her voice reeks of complaints, still holding a chuckle.

“Emme, i think you need to doze off. Para ka nang bata riyan. Stop throwing tantrums at me.” I dodged at another smack that's about to land in my lap.

“I hate you” Laughter echoed for a moment before she rolled her eyes and faced the window, positioning herself to sleep.

I tried to suit myself too. Took a pillow from the backseat and made an adjust for my chair to lean. I sighed. I may be relaxed, now. But my mind still symbolizes ruins. It appears that comfort has been long gone since then. I'm never really at ease. Even heading places is something i have to worry about. My status. My name. My privacy being invaded by people that barely knows me truly. They just.. deem it.

To be frank, i had to undergo a whole background search to consider people as friends. Which is honestly something that only paranoid people does. Well, have i been raised to be one? Certainly, yes. I have been conditioned to be secured, thorough, and flawless. My father wanted me stainless, he needed me clean. Just as he is, i, as well felt the strong urge of need to be the exact replica of him. And i will, i am more than just sure.

Filler Episode — Great. This is just great. - Daniel

I thought i got away. Tying to get my name out of mess by not being involved in any of my cousin's troublesome plans. But, for some godforsaken reason, i have been obliged by my mother to have my cousin—Kattherine in VSEU within four days. Sympathy does make you do unreasonable decisions. Hell it does. But i choose not to be influenced by any of this nonsense my mother has trapped me into. Now that I'm done with her papers, i just have to wait for her to get here, and pretend like I do not know her at all despite the fact that we do have the same family name.

Zoned out—i accidentally made a long cut my thumb finger with a dorco blade. Snapped me back to reality. I was supposed to deliver two boxes of books to the library so that I'll just have to assign the arranging to the freshmen students tomorrow. But, unfortunately, i couldn't even get anything started with all the thoughts clouding me up.

My heartbeat started shaking my whole body, fast, and intense. I hurried to grab a newly packed bandage from the aid kit, ripped the paper open, and wrapped my thumb around with it. The panic made my chest feel like shrinking, my lungs emptied, vision getting blurry. My bag was out of reach. I tried to take a step, heading towards the table where my i hung my bag. The second i took a leap forward, i dropped. Conscious, but barely. Things starts to kick, it took me long enough to open the zip, yanking the inhaler from inside and immediately sprayed twice.

Slowly, the world didn't feel like it's in a hurry. - daniel

Moments after, i heard a loud honk not so far away. Lifting my wrist to check my watch. “It's 3pm sharp. It should be them. I could use some help, finally.”