Atypical Stalker

Chapter 4-The Fellowship

I remember, there was a news that her father would be removed from a position because of some gossips of him being an oppressor. I felt sorry for her but didn’t know what to say.

“I’m pretty sure it’s not because of your dad. You know, being popular”

“Oh, thanks for saying that.” her aura changed a little and that made me glad.

Later that day, Aki demanded to accompany me with her car and we talked about so much things. I thought these wealthy kids are just a bunch of arrogant beings but I was so wrong for thinking that. Aki is definitely not one of them. When we arrived at the house, I offered to let her in inside but she said she was late for their family dinner so she left after.

When I entered the door, I can see my dad wiping the dampness on his forehead. First thing I noticed was the bruises all over his hand. He sometimes had those but I still bothered to ask him.

“Dad, why do you have bruises all over your hand?”

“It’s like you’re never used to it” he smiled. “Why don’t you eat and go to sleep? I made your favorite soup”

“Really? You made lots?”

“Why of course I did. You seem much happy today”

"Today is great, dad."

I put my things in my room and headed to the table right away. My worries was casted away as I ate my anticipated meal of the day. This night seems to be different. I had a good night’s sleep. It was less distressing knowing that there’s someone I can turn to now.

___

In the morning, I found my locker with garbage. Aki passed by (to say hi, maybe) and saw the scene.

“What happened here?”

“Forget it, it’s probably one of their schemes”

She leaned towards the locker beside me.

“This is not fair, do you want me to go have a word with her.”

“No Aki, please don’t. It will just make everything worse”

“Just don’t stress yourself over this, okay?”

“Okay” I smiled out of relief.

“I’m going to get back to class. See you around?”

“Yeah, will do.”

The smile on my mouth never faded. She walked a few steps and called me again.

“Emma.”

“Yes?” I answered as I looked back at her.

“How about you meet me at the gate after class?”

Is this really happening? I wish it is.

“I would love to”

“Cool”

I can’t imagine that a girl like her would be interested in being my friend. Saving me from Christy alone seemed like a heroic thing to do already. Maybe she has the guts because she knows she have power over them. If I have some, would I do the same? I wonder.

____

I have been waiting for approximately half an hour in the front gate and Aki hasn’t arrived yet. I was about to lose hope when I saw her walking towards me. Traces of sweat are dripping from her forehead. Just like last time, she always drops me on my house and after that moment, our bond grew much faster than it was before. We told each other things we haven’t opened up to anyone. That’s the only thing that became different, the bullies still watches me.

___

The very next day, I found my locker smashed. Seeing the scene, Aki looked angry, and headed to Christy’s room where there was a confrontation.

“Christy”

“If it isn’t the mayor’s daughter”

“Let’s make this as simple as possible. Barge in and intrude Emma again and you will be the dead meat."

Everyone looked at each other gasping and enjoying what they’re seeing. Aki held my hand and got me out of the drama. Christy’s eyes were printed with disbelief as if she didn’t know what she has done, that witch.

I found myself getting braver with Aki beside me. She even spoiled me with things. She’s happy for my achievements, and so was I to her. My father’s business grew, and her dad regained the position as mayor, which made the two of us almost invulnerable.

End-Aki and Emma-flashback

_______________________________________

“I crashed into a car.” Aki declared as if she was the one who have been harmed.

“Wait, what?”

“There’s so many things going on into my head and I haven’t noticed the light turning red. Luckily the owner of the car I crashed seems easy to talk to and was negotiable, or else you’d be picking me up in the police station.”

“Oh dear, it’s okay.” she comforted while looking at her friend’s eyes. Aki’s phone suddenly beeped and she read manifold messages which made her agitated.

(Hey AK, its Gerald. Had trouble finding your number.)

(I have a business trip here close to your new place.)

(Do you have some free time today?)

(Can we meet?)

Aki doesn’t know what to feel at this point of time. Baffled, she dropped her phone on the table and asked Emma an out of the blue question.

“Emma, do you remember Gerald?”

Emma, too, changed her behavior when her friend mentioned Gerald’s name.