Youthful Bliss

Unlikely Encounter

“Ethan! Hurry up, you're in for a surprise today. Let me show you what it means to have real competition.” Ethan’s eyes lit up at Mrs. Jasmine's words. “This is a test paper completed by Diana. I’ve specifically chosen a few problems you couldn’t solve.”

At this, Ethan quickly stepped forward, grabbed the test paper from Mrs. Jasmine, and scrutinized it. “No way, she solved this? I was stuck on this problem for ages.” Without hesitation, he walked briskly towards Diana, his eyes gleaming. “Diana, you’re the god of mathematics!”

Under the sunlight, the boy’s light brown hair appeared even softer and fluffier, his eyes bright and clear. His school uniform was casually unbuttoned, and his exaggerated expression, instead of looking ridiculous, added to his charm.

Hearing this, the others chuckled softly, clearly understanding Ethan’s intent. He wanted to lighten the tense atmosphere with a joke. However, he faced an unexpected challenge this time. Diana didn’t laugh; instead, she looked at him with a puzzled expression. Ethan felt a twinge of defeat. What was her deal? I’m trying to ease the tension, and she’s completely unfazed.

“Ethan quit fooling around. We’re discussing serious matters here. You’re one of the top math students in senior year. What do you think of this test paper?” Principal William, having hidden his smile, looked at Ethan seriously.

“Principal William, Mr. James, I can vouch for Mrs. Jasmine. Based on this test paper alone, Diana did an outstanding job. Every step is clear and logical. She might not be as brilliant as I am, but she’s got great potential.” Ethan finished with a playful wink at Diana, thinking she’d finally appreciate him. However, he suddenly noticed that Diana’s body was making a small fuss, and he then surveyed the girl's body, suddenly realizing that a dark red stain was spreading on the fabric at her back and waist. His expression changed abruptly, and he walked forward gravely to ask Diana. “Are you okay? Do you need to go to the nurse’s office?”

Diana froze, the pain in her back overwhelming her thoughts. Darkness crept into her vision, shadows merging. She collapsed, her last thought being, The sunlight smells so nice.

The sudden turn of events left Ethan stunned, but he instinctively caught her. She’s so light, he thought, his arm feeling her bony frame. Could she be malnourished or abused? In a flash, Ethan’s mind concocted a hundred dramatic scenarios. I need to look into this when she starts school; after all, as class president, I must care for all my classmates.

“Ethan, get Diana to the nurse’s office, now!” Principal William, clearly alarmed, didn’t finish before Ethan sprinted off with Diana in his arms.

Diana awoke to a jostling sensation, opening her eyes to see Ethan’s flushed face as he ran under the blazing sun. Is this a dream? His fluffy hair bounced with his stride, resembling her favorite husky. She couldn’t help but laugh. Ethan glanced down, “What’s so funny, Diana? I know I’m charming, but laughing when you’re hurt? I admire your spirit.”

Ethan’s low voice snapped her back to reality, making her realize the situation. “Put me down, I’m fine.”

Seeing Diana’s indifferent attitude return, Ethan got irritated. “Fine? Do you need to bleed out before you consider it serious?”

Diana was stunned by his scolding. Why is he so eager to help me? She didn’t want to trouble him, thinking it would make him happy. Diana looked at his annoyed face, deciding it looked quite pinchable, like Mia’s chubby cheeks. She then explained, “I have a part-time job soon. If I’m late, I’ll get docked pay. I can’t afford that, and I can’t afford medical bills either.” This was the longest sentence she had ever said to someone unfamiliar.

Ethan was baffled. “Wait, are you being mistreated? If so, blink your eyes, and I’ll save you from this hell.” He started imagining all sorts of scenarios: poverty, divorced parents, human trafficking. We needed to go to the police, he thought, and without a second thought, continued running with her. Poor Diana, taking his words seriously, tried hard not to blink, tears streaming from the wind. Finally, she tugged his sleeve, signalling him to stop.

Feeling his clothes being pulled, Ethan stopped, thinking she was in more pain. He gently set her down, only to see her tear-streaked face, her eyes red like a little rabbit. He panicked, “Did I hurt you? Don’t be mad at me.”

Diana, confused, didn’t know if she should blink or not. Seeing her tears increase, Ethan sighed, “Alright, wait here. Don’t leave.”

He dashed off, and Diana finally sighed in relief, quickly wiping her tears and hurrying towards an old residential building, thinking socializing is hard!

When Ethan returned, Diana was long gone. He looked at the plastic bag in his hand, feeling frustrated. I bought medicine for her, and she didn’t even thank me. Maybe she was scared off by my good looks. Understandable! Never mind, her excellent grades mean she’ll enroll. I’ll ask her then.

Diana reached a shabby residential building, enduring the pain as she climbed up. Rachel’s apartment was on the tenth floor, the top of the old building, without an elevator.

Great, two minutes left, and I’ll be late. How do I deal with Mrs. Rachel? Finally, she arrived at the familiar wooden door, taking a deep breath before knocking.

“Why are you so late? I’m docking your pay. There’s a ton of work waiting. If your parents hadn’t begged me, saying how hardworking you are, I wouldn’t have hired such a gloomy person.” Mrs. Rachel, with her curly brown hair looking unkempt, wore a tight dress, her half-done makeup giving her a ghostly pallor with bright red lipstick.

“Sorry, Mrs. Rachel. Something came up at school. I’ll make up the time tomorrow. Please don’t dock my pay.” Diana felt more at ease with Rachel, as it was the only place she could voice her needs.

“Too bad, your pay is docked. Do you think money grows on trees? Get moving, Mia is probably starving. I need to finish my makeup and leave.” Mrs. Rachel turned back to her vanity. Diana smiled grudgingly, stepping into the cramped apartment with a small kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom.

“Diana! You’re finally here. Mia is hungry. I want noodles!” Six-year-old Mia ran out, her big eyes shining, ponytails bouncing as she grabbed Diana’s skirt.

“Mia! I’ll make food right away. Go play with your toys, okay?” Diana hugged her gently, patting her head.

“Okay, Diana. I want a fried egg too!” Mia ran to her toy corner, excited.