Two Steps Behind

CHAPTER 5

"Then… who sent the paper at home if it wasn't you?" I asked in furrow brows, much confused. 

She reached for a sandwich on my plate then ate it. She was spacing out until she finished the food. She snapped her fingers in the air then curved her lips afterwards. Sometimes, I don't get her. 

"Aha! I remembered already. It was my classmate," she started. I raised one eyebrow, asking her to continue. "I took a picture on your assignment in the car then I sent it to him. I told him to answer those and I'll pay him." She spoke with a shrug. 

"Then, how did he know my address? I mean… Lexie said that it wasn't you who sent that at home. So, basically, it was your classmate who did it." 

She shook her head. "Of course I sent him your address. He texted me early in the morning to drop that paper by." I gaped in amusement. 

So, her classmate exerted an effort for money. I guess we can discuss that matter. 

"Can you tell your classmate that I will pay him if he would help me?" I cupped my face in front of her, showing Peachie my most puppy-like eyes. 

"No problem. Just tell me if you need help, okay?" she replied straight to my face, eating my meal. She really can't order her own food. 

I nodded as a response. We continued eating my food which I ordered alone in the cafeteria. Well, it's also good that Peachie came because I can't eat it all. The food is good for three people actually. 

I roamed my eyes around while chewing my sandwich, hoping to catch Khassie in my sight. Students with a group of friends doing their activities, others were eating peacefully and some were with their boyfriends. No trace of Khassie around. 

"Peach, did you see Khassie?" I inquired to my ever-supportive and helpful best friend. She is now holding a book, flipping through each page. 

"No," she briefly answered. 

Maybe she was busy. I sighed and remained quiet while Peachie on my side was reading her notes again. Engineer. Engineer. I was once dreaming of becoming an engineer when I was a kid. Then, it changed into a doctor. But now, a business administration student. 

Funny as it is but I said to myself that if ever I'm not going to become an engineer, I will marry an engineer. Yeah, that was too ambitious. Who would love me either? I'm a total mess. 

Meanwhile, Peachie bid her goodbye because they would have a group study. I understand. Attention is the last thing everyone could give to me. 

"I will see you later, Blythe," she said, grabbing her things on the table. 

"Yeah, sure. Good luck!" I cheered. She smiled at me before she turned her heel on the exit. 

I was just staring at her until she zoomed out. If only I had a sister or a brother at least to be with me all the time, maybe I won't feel that I am just a rebound person breathing in this world. 

They can recognise my presence but not my importance. I am no one's priority. That's how I feel. Everyday. Every time. 

"Hey, Blythe!" I was brought back in my consciousness when someone talked on my side. 

I shifted my gaze at her. It was Jenny, my classmate. 

"Have a seat," I offered, tapping the vacant seat on my side. 

She smiled at me then took the seat. Jenny is my seatmate. We are not that close but we often talk. We copy each other's notes and assignments when we are having the hard time answering it. 

"Blythe, can you teach me how to solve those equations? I really can't understand Mrs. Khant's explanations," she blurted, looking down in embarrassment. 

"You know, the long exam is fast approaching and I badly need to pass her subject. Can you help me?" she continued. 

I made a facepalm then rested my hand on my chin. "Nah. If only I can teach you all those lessons. I actually ask some engineering students to help me out," I replied.

She lifted her view on me, amused. "You do?" I nodded at her. She dashed herself on me then gave a short hug. 

"Oh, thank you for the idea, Blythe!" I smiled. That was weird of hers. 

Before she left, she asked for some fries on my table. I gave her the whole order since I am full. Really, people around me are all weirdos. I shook my head while watching her running on the exit. 

I fished my phone in my bag to dial Peachie's contact. I forgot to tell her that I have an activity to do and I need help. I placed my phone on my ear, waiting for her to pick it up. It took a few rings before she answered. 

"Blythe? You missed me already?" she joked. I scrunch my face in her reaction. 

"Nah. I forgot to tell you that I have to meet your classmate because I have an activity to do," I answered on the other line. 

"Oh, sure. I'll introduce you. Come here in the library." I nodded before I ended the call. 

I hope the guy is as good as Peachie, no arrogance and easy to get along with. 

I instantly grabbed my bag on the seat and left the food I was eating. Wasting is all I can do to spend my money though. I have lots and I can buy all I want so it won't be a big deal if I ordered more than enough for me. 

Since the library is located near the cafeteria, I haven't had the hard time walking along the hallway. My morning started with much effort and I can't take it if I walk a distance. 

Loneliness. That's what I feel every time I'm walking alone and suddenly see students with their parents on their side. When was the last time I had a walk with my parents? I don't know. I can't remember anymore. 

Business, business and business is everything to them. For my own good, for my future. But, they did not even ask me if I'm okay with that. If that was all I needed. If I want to be like them handling lots of businesses. If I'm happy with the setup. They supported me but not the support I wanted to feel. 

How lucky those people whose parents are always there on their side. When you are sick, they can take care of you all night and day. When you have a bad day, they would cheer you up. When everything is a mess, they would fix you up. How I wish I had a family whose presence is constant. 

I immediately stepped into the library when I came there. I walked while roaming my eyes around to search for Peachie's whereabouts. I rarely enter libraries actually because I have my own library at home. There, I can lock myself all day. 

A familiar figure stood up from a chair. I didn't call her at once because I was traumatised by the mistaken identity. That was really embarrassing! I waited until she turned her face on my sight. To confirm, it was my best friend. 

I waved my hand on the air to catch her attention. She immediately walked towards my direction. 

"Come here," she whispered. 

"I'll just wait here. I don't want to disturb all of your colleagues," I replied. 

"That's fine. Come on, Blythe." She reached for my hand and dragged me to the table where she left. 

I am shy of meeting new people. I don't know but I think it was tattooed on me that they won't like me. I chose to distance myself to new people because I don't want to be a disappointment. I can't be who I am around them or they can't accept me. I wasn't grown up like this, I was just developed like this. 

"Hey, Guys! This is Blythe, my best friend," Peachie introduced me. They were all busy flipping pages of their books when Peachie spoke. 

I thought they wouldn't mind us but they lifted their view together and curved their lips. 

"Hi!" 

"Oh, Martinez!" 

"Finally you introduced Blythe to us. I really wanted to meet her." 

"Have a seat, Blythe." 

"I'm sorry for a messy table." 

I can't help but to smile. I felt so overwhelmed by their reactions. Peachie introduced them to me and they seemed good. 

"Where's Raven?" Peachie asked. 

"He looks for a book," Anton, who offered me a seat, replied. He is good looking, a typical engineer face. 

"I found the book, I think this would help us." Peachie shifted her view to the person talking at our back. 

"Oh, Raven. This is Blythe, the one I told you," she said. 

Peachie already told him about me? What a shame. 

I turned my view on my back. My eyes widened in shock as I met a man wearing a hoodie jacket paired with black pants. He was taller than me and his face was still the same when we first met. 

"Oh. My. Gosh," I blurted unconsciously. "It was you," I continued in a whisper.