NASHIRA

CHAPTER 8: BOMBING BONDING

GIGI LAVEEN

LIFE IS a little crazy sometimes.

Sounds pretty morbid but its true – that we are all required to ride in this crazy roller coaster until we eventually die. It took me years to finally accept the fact that sooner or later, I’ll end up buried in a grave. And again, there’s nothing wrong with that. Apparently, it is how life works.

But, last week, I thought I was going to die. However, I’d be too exaggerating if I tell you that only a multiple slap killed me, by one of the so called queen b***h. What actually terrifies me was when Kai dodge to the other side and put me in a situation where I have to kiss the ground. That case pissed me off.

Life has a lot of surprises as well.

Ryecinth was incredible. She’s really something – so small and skinny to look at but she beaten the known muscly twins of the campus.

Okay, Kai and I had been into a kidnapping incident…but with the students who happened to uses several heroine drugs were the suspects. Who would be scared of that? We are not Kai and Gigi for nothing, in that crazy little ride, we had to deal things that is meant for us. Yet, they didn’t actually have the goal of knocking us down. That’s because Ryecinth and Theo became an angel and save our ass off.

“What? Are you gonna stare there the whole time?” Theo spat confusingly.

“I didn’t know you actually have the charm to be that manly, Alyx, why don’t you try joining the Mr. CE pageant and lose Kai Alula?” I tilt my head and observing his appearance from head to toe.

In my peripheral vision, I saw Kai walking towards me while Theo grilled some pork barbeque for us to eat during this windy lunch. Thanks to the weather, it did understood the assignment.

“What made you bring my name once again in a topic, Gigi-mon?” With confuse look, Kai faced me.

I didn’t mind him, my attention is still on Theo even though Kai’s body figure covered Theo by towering me with his tall height. For Pete’s sake, my height is obviously tall but Kai is way taller, I can only afford the shoulder level.

“Alyx, why don’t you join the pageant, huh?” I push Kai to the other side and step forward to put myself beside him. “I mean, you’re smart, outspoken, very wise, bright…and you’re handsome, which suits as Mr. CE, right?” Kai still wears his confusing look, I laughed on the inside.

“I don’t want Kai Alula to cry though.” Theo teased. “But, if that will made him frustrated even more, why not, right? I’m Theo, I can beat anyone with just a word.”

I bubbled my mouth to restrain from laughing. And Theo, simple, has no reaction. But I’m sure he is also holding the laughter inside. With Kai’s mouth slightly open, he stared at us.

“You guys should have known earlier that I was here the whole conversation, right?” Kai interrupted.

“Cricket is one of the smallest insect in the world but I didn’t expect you to be here, Kai. It was nice seeing you around.” Sarcastically said by Theo without looking at Kai’s reaction.

I laughed so hard about that in which I received a death glare from Kai.

“The reason why I doubted to be friend with the both of you is that you always make fun of me, huh?” He voiced out like a kid. “What’s so funny, Gigi? As if you didn’t want to see my handsome face.”

I halted to the thought and made a disgusted look. Kai with his hands on his waist looking down at me, smirking. I folded my arms and raised a brow.

“You are just damn scared though.” I pointed my finger. “Admit it that you are afraid Theo could beat you in just a snap.”

“What? No!” He made a face ignoring his terrifying look. “I was in line for almost hundred times with a smartass-”

The conversation stopped when Theo uses the hand fan to spat us at out in the middle of arguing again. “The two of you should help Ryecinth in preparing the table. Stop fighting and start working. Move!”

By pushing us to the other side, we surrendered. Theo and his annoying look watching us walking towards Ryecinth who is too compose of herself wearing with a beige floral dress, above the knee. She’s preparing the table with 4-seated chair. Wow, minimalist. I clapped my hands.

“I’ll go get the macaroons and lasagna for a while girls.” Kai went to the other way through the door, probably to the kitchen.

We are at Alula’s mini villa, apparently at the back patio in front of the seashore. This was a 2-hour drive all the way here from our condominium.

Today is Sunday afternoon and we decided to catch up together after the tiring finals last week since the practice for interschool competition will begin tomorrow. The four of us has been taking the opportunity to join a competition.

Theo aced the screening as the representative for the quiz bowl. Ryecinth, as someone so small and skinny, nobody beats her at the martial arts screening. She was chosen automatically as the representative.

The popular cocky of my friend list, Kai Alula, is the person who will represent the pride of the University as the Mr. Civil Engineering.

While me, nothing new, still on the near side of Trixie in cheerleading team.

“Ryecinth, hi!” She greeted hello with a smile. “I haven’t said thank you about last week. I’m recovering to what happened, anyways, you are that awesome. Thank you for helping us!”

She was shocked for a bit and recovered by showing her smile.

The truth is, I rarely say thank you. But, today is just pure sincerity. I feel like cutting the awkwardness between her and the three of us. After all, Ryecinth is a good person. I just need to ask her about her weird gesture.

“No worries. It’s just a small thing.” She stopped what her doing and answered me. “I should be the one to say thank you though. That is for allowing me to be part of your circle.”

“But, I’m still b***h. I can still spit some harsh words on you.” I raised my brows and folded my arms, once again.

Ryecinth sighed and laughed a little. “You are not Gigi Laveen if you are not the b***h that I used to know for quite a while now. I swear you are more than tigress than that Trixie.” She smiled contagiously. “Your standard is still so high but I know that in your heart, you are too soft with your friends.” She walked towards me and pointed my heart.

“But, I will never get tired of receiving all of your offensive words. I will never be Ryecinth if I’m not pinning my face down the ground and will only look up on the three of you.”

We chuckled after that.

We felt the presence of Theo while he was putting the grilled barbeque on the table. He is in a bullet sweats and that is once in a blue moon look to one of Davis. Plus he is wearing a white in printed sleeveless. I mean…the rare Theo’s look.

“You look pretty disgusting, Theo.” With amused look, Ryecinth spoke. “Go ahead, change your clothes now, we’ll start the champagne.

I was about to speak when we heard the bottling up of champagne at our table. We were all shocked at Kai’s position holding the grape wine. He was too stunned as well because of our reaction.

“Bombing bonding time?” he said as soon as he lifts up the wine. “Hehe.”

We burst into laughers knowing that this squad has a stupid side to be witnessed all throughout.

After a while, Theo placed himself beside me while Ryecinth and Kai beside each other in this 4-seated table. We already summoned the barbeque and Kai and I had been fighting over a beef steak in which Theo being the referee once again, stopped the commotion. The lasagna and macaroons are still available. This is indeed a little get together, as long as we’re enjoying it.

“Ryecinth, I have a question.” Kai said and immediately that stopped us from eating.

“Yeah, sure. Go on.” Ryecinth confidently answered.

“So, why do you choose to live a condominium unit? Are you away from the school?”

Rye heaved a sigh. “My mother is too busy with her work and every day I have to prepare by myself. It’s actually fine with me learning to be independent. However, she doesn’t’ want to see me struggling early in the morning.” She stopped slicing the steak and faced us. “Since school is a 2-hour drive away from my home, I always wake up early just to get there.” She smiled and I think she thought of something she remembered because she made a face, pursing her lips. “I don’t know if you are actually curious why I tend to be shy around with other people?”

I was glad she opened about it. I was about to ask you that.

“So, why do you have the habit of looking down and avoid our gazes?” Theo can’t help himself but asked her.

“I had a previous trauma way back in our school. I am also a victim of bullying, that’s why I am having a hard time trusting people. But, I didn’t know that I actually bump my fate to the three popular in the campus.” She laughed again, way sweeter.

I smiled. Theo bowed down his head, sign that he is a little shy with the words. And Kai, sighed in response.

“Rye, we’re actually happy that we got to know you. Aside from the matter of condominium expenses, we found a good friend.” With pure sincerity, Theo was able to compose those words.

“Soft hours open.” Kai stated. “Anyways, what are we gonna do after this eating session?”

“Oh, have you guys watched the Sherlock Holmes episodes?” Theo screamed excitedly.

He’s literally a fan of detective movies. I remembered that he almost lost his time on us because of binge watching of movies. The reason why he is so careful in recommending some movies or series to watch when I’m around the circle. I guess today, due to excitement, he probably forgot not to utter any movies especially Sherlock Holmes. But, I have no problem with that, anyway.

“Nevermind.” He said looking down when he felt that I was not actually at the mood of agreeing. Damn! It’s actually okay.

“I haven’t. How about we watch it together?” Ryecinth blurted out excitedly in which I noticed Theo’s mood lit up.

Kai laughed and looked at me. I raised a brow at him, leaning my back at the monobloc chair while folding my arms. I am done eating by the way.

“Nah, it’s fine. Gigi won’t like it anyway.” Theo ranted.

I faced him beside me. He was a bit attentive with my gesture. “Your smartass personality got it, huh?” I teased him. He frowned. “But, you guys should take your time. I won’t be watching anyways. You know I’m sleep deprived. I already planned sleeping after this.”

“What? No one will be sleeping. It’s either you will be with us on a movie marathon or-”

Theo halted.

“Or, what?” I asked with forehead creased.

Without a notice, I felt the liquid sauce washed all over me that it flows directly to the white tees I’m wearing. I stood up in a rush. On the other hand, Theo immediately grab something beside him and covered me with several cooking powder. I saw how Ryecinth wanted to help but she was just covering her mouth the whole time, didn’t know what to do. The two guys are just playing around me while laughing.

Alright, stupid move. I groaned in annoyance.

“Uh-oh,” Kai beamed. “Or…I guess you have to chase us.

“Kai Alula and Theo Davis!” I screamed my lungs out. “What the actual f**k?”

They started running away so I have to chase them just to get a revenge. Theo hid himself behind Ryecinth so I hugged the woman and she got slid into my dirty clothes. She screamed at my actions when Theo run away once again.

I grab the cooking powder and throw it to Kai who was just goofing around. He automatically stop laughing and coughed harder. Karma.

Ryecinth told us to stop but no one listened so the cooking powder was a good revenge instrument. I poured some to Theo’s head since he was busy crying his laughter while sitting down the patio. He halted and hurriedly rebutted some cooking powder to Ryecinth. The latter just groaned and laughed with us.

This was the dirtiest and funniest teasing play child ever. It was actually fun even though I got the ugliest position right now.

Best people come so unexpectedly.

The next day, Monday, we were at the school. Our course has no classes since this week will be our preparation for the next week’s event, the interschool competition. I brought myself at the gymnasium and expectedly not to have a practice but to argue with one of the insecure. When I was about to give instructions, she chose to opposed them. When someone approaches me to request some practice, Trixie will always showed herself up in front of me. There’s never a time that I actually didn’t shake my head because of her immaturity.

“That’s not it. You are practicing the wrong move, Laveen.” Trixie intervened.

“It’s probably the right move, Trix, I don’t see any bad moves with that.” Samantha opposed. One of our teammates.

“Gigi Laveen, the one who always stole the spotlight.” Trixie clapped her hands. “You know that I can handle the team and I don’t need your help.

“Trixie, I’m tired of hearing your stupid and filthy rants.” I scanned my fingernails without looking at her. “You know that it’s not your job to throw your teammates some demotivated words like that.” This time, I looked at her. She was gritting her teeth and clenching her fist. “And, don’t start arguing with me when you cannot control your temper. You probably forgot who you’re talking to.” I walked towards her and whispered. “You kidnapped us last week, don’t make a move or else I’ll spread your dirty little secrets.”

I suddenly stepped back when I noticed that she was about to grab my hair. Fortunately, she was controlled by the other teammates. I put the strands of my ponytail on the right side and walked out in the gymnasium smirking.

I was wearing the school’s PE uniform and decided to go at the cafeteria by myself. My other friends were busy at their practice as well. So, I decided to pass by in each designated room after buying. I only ordered cheese bread and a bottle of water. I’m still on a diet most especially that I will be having my cheerleading competition next week.

And, just in case, I ordered my friends their snacks as well.

“Theo, you don’t really need a practice session with algebra, dude. That’s your forte. How about we will study about trigonometry.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you, Noel, but my friend here is too good at math. I guess he literally didn’t need those practice session, though.” I spat myself out and walked towards the room.

Noel laughed at me. He is a senior, one of the school’s pride as well. I guess he was the tutor teacher today since math instructors are too busy.

“Hey, Gigi Laveen!” Noel wasn’t shocked at my presence. I eyed him, not sure what to respond, we’re not even friends.

“What brought you here?” Theo asked. “I did not expect Gigi Laveen with a plastic bag full of foods?”

“You know what, you are too blessed to be given such a wise brain but how come you are that i***t?” I angrily said.

I saw how Noel chuckled with my rant. “Calm down, alright?” Theo looked so sorry. “Do you have plans in giving me that or you just want me to stare at the foods the whole day?”

I rolled my eyes at him and give the piece of cheese bread and a bottled water. And, hurriedly walked out the room.

“Thank you, Gigi, bye.” I heard Theo screamed.

I forgot where Ryecinth’s room located for the practice so I texted her and she text back a few seconds after. This girl right here can really multitask huh. But the f**k, it was on the fourth floor? Alright, I have no choice though.

“Hi, Gigi!” I saw Ryecinth at the room door giggling. “Oh, you look tired. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you decided to go up here. You could have tell me.”

I put the plastic bag on the arm chair beside me. This is why I hate going upstairs to fourth floor, this is making me sick though. I only have short breathing after this. Luckily, I have my water with me.

“No, it is fine, Rye.” She helped me tied my ponytailed hair properly. “I am here to give you a snack. Are you on a practice?”

“Thank you, Gigi.” She bowed down. “Yeah, I do have but my teacher isn’t around at this moment so I need to wait a little longer. How about you?”

We talked a little while and I decided to go ahead since I will visit Kai unto his room as well and that I need to back immediately at my practice.

As soon as I stared at the room door of Kai’s practice session. There were lots of people inside. Alula’s charm is getting the talk of the campus once again. He was partnered with Ayessa, one of the seniors.

“Okay, let’s take a break.” One of their mentors said.

“Hi, Kai, you’re so handsome. Mr. CE suits you well.” A student in his freshmen shirt said.

I cleared my throat to get Kai’s attention.

“Hello to my favorite enemy. Are you here to tease me this early?” Kai was so sure.

He walked towards me exactly at the room door. I didn’t let myself go inside since people are so annoying to look at fantasizing my friend. Just so you know, protecting my peace.

“What? I didn’t come here to see you.” I lied. “Obviously, I’m here because of Ayessa.”

Bet that her partner heard me so she hurriedly went to the room door and smiled.

“Gigi, it was nice seeing you here.” Ayessa welcomed me. “And, nice to meet you, finally.”

I tilt my head in shocked with resting b***h face painted on my face. I didn’t smile. I’m not one of those people who actually like her pretty face. I mean she is but I’m still prettier.

“I just hope you won’t get frustrated with your partner though,” I saw Kai’s glaring at my words “I mean, this man right here can’t even beat Theo. So weird, he only have the charm.”

Ayessa laughed at the thought. I was just kidding anyway. Kai can also ace academically even though he is that boastful and too full of himself.

“Anyways, this is for you, cricket.” I give him the snack. “I know it’s too sweet-”

“Sweet your ass, what do you want me to do?” Kai articulated. With forehead creased, I give my fist to his stomach. He faced me with pained expression. That’s actually better than anything, though. Don’t get me started. “What was that for? I was just kidding.” He questioned.

“Well, you are welcome.” And, remembered something to tease him even more. “It’s okay Kai, I won’t tell anyone that you have a crush on Ayessa.”

After that, I ran away to the gymnasium. I hear Kai screaming ‘Gigi Laveen, you are damn scandalous!’

It was a tiring day that I cannot elaborate every arguments with me and Trixie. It’s always a cycle that I probably have no time to interrogate.

“Jesus Christ, Gigi. Why on earth you are late?” Kai on the couch asked me confusingly.

I choose not to answer him because I can sense that there’s a something going on in this quiet set up. While I was putting my shoes on the shoe rack, I heard Theo’s calling me. So, I walked towards the couch with the three.

“Dad called me a while ago and told me that there was a bombing accident happened at the Edora Island near Missi City. They couldn’t find the lapses at where was the bomb coming from and who was behind this mystery. As much as I want to help, I know that Dad is better than my capabilities in detecting such cases. However, things got complicated. He reminded me to just be careful since we will never know what will happen and what actually the reason of the bombing. There is a possibility that Missi City could be included.” Theo announced.

I saw how the face of Kai, Theo and Ryecinth left dumbfounded.

Bombing accident. But, the real question is, when? I hope it won't gonna happen.

THIRD PERSON

A MAN on his 40s is watching the sun as it sets glowingly at the tinted glass wall. In a black polo suit, too formal and was smirking, glaring his eyes thinking he probably would get the success after destroying the Edora Island expecting someone to be killed with his sudden moves.

His phone suddenly rangs. In just three rings, he picked it up. He smiled creepily. “Master, the bombing already happened and the island right now is suffering from a massive destruction.” One of his men said.

He grab the swivel chair and sat down like a boss, still mesmerized with the glowing sunset behind the glass wall.

“Let them recovered and make sure, that this time, it will be on a positive note. Do you mission, find the person in the sea of people suffering.” Without a kindness act, the man commanded.

The call ended.

The man was cold-hearted to kill several civilians every week. He is that desperate to find that specific person just to be able to acquire the affluence of territory and the ravage of money in their family. He thought of everything that he does is a masterpiece and never-minding the life he took of every people.

“Nashira, we are almost at the finish line.” The man said and sip his glass of wine.

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