This Feeling, It's Killing Me

Chapter 2

Raku couldn’t believe it. This was the same unapologetic girl from earlier.

‘Why did I shoo Larry away?’ He thought.

He looked to his right with the corner of his eye. He saw Penelope.

She was red with anger. Her eyes, agitated. Raku leaned in to take a closer look. She turned around. He could feel the fire in her eyes burning. He quickly turned away.

He looked across the classroom. Dan was staring at him, with a cheek to cheek sly smirk on his face. He caught Sophie looking back. Perhaps she was just checking out the new girl.

“The Principal will be here to make an announcement. Everyone be in your perfect form.” Ms Park announced.

She looked around. Her eyes rested on Raku’s shirt.

“Raku.” She approached him.

“Yes, Ms Park.” He stood up.

“I can see you’ve had an accident on your uniform.”

“Yes. Ms Park.”

“Care to explain it?” She said in a stern tone.

Raku’s head hung low. He looked around. He felt like blurting everything out. Being honest and pushing the blame on Penelope, after all, it was her fault. He saw Penelope getting a bit tensed from the corner of his eye.

“I was irresponsible.” Raku said quickly.

“Mr Raku. I don’t think I need to remind you. But you’re in your last year. I certainly don’t think this kind of irresponsible behavior is something expected from a senior student.”

“I’m sorry Ms Park. This won’t happen again.” Raku replied.

“I certainly hope it doesn’t.” Ms Park replied.

A few minutes passed by. Ms Park gave instructions regarding the class routines and the subject teachers. Some students inquired about the changed routine. Ms Park readily answered all their doubts. A notice came by.

The Principal walked into the room. Everyone greeted him.

“Good Morning students.” He began in his deep firm voice. Everyone became quiet.

“Today onwards you are going to start a new academic semester. Your last in this school. This year will indeed be a special one that you’ll cherish for your life. Your efforts and determination will shape your future. With all that I wish everyone good luck for the academic year.”

The Principal paused. Everyone applauded.

“I have another announcement to make. I believe you all are aware of the arising unfortunate incidents in our town. Due to these incidents, we are taking some steps to ensure the safety of the students within and around the school premises.”

Whispers filled the entire classroom. Ms Park quickly settled everyone down.

“All the students traveling to school should report the premises on time. Any suspicious activities noticed by the students are to be reported directly to the authorities. No students are allowed to stay on the school premises after school hours, which means no detention is to be given. All the students should travel in groups. The groups will be decided by the teacher depending on where you live. Under no circumstances are these rules to be broken.”

“All the students should follow the mentioned rules. Remember, times are pretty hard right now. We can’t be taking any chances. Danger is prowling all around. Beware.”

The class was stunned. An uneasiness spread throughout the class. The principal left the room.

“Everyone.” Ms Park began.

“As the Principal has said. Everyone will be divided into groups depending on their locality. You are to strictly follow your groups. A group leader will be assigned to each group. Under no circumstances is anyone to not follow the leader. And the leader should take responsibility to not leave anyone behind.

Is that clear to everyone?”

The class nodded in approval.

Shortly after that, Ms Park began classifying students. Raku looked around the groups. The Central Space was the biggest group of almost over 25 students. Dan was grouped with 7-8 other students. A few girls along. Sophie and Tiffany were together along with 4 other girls.

All groups were nearly done. Sophie was the groupleader of her group. She was busy giving everyone instructions. She was putting her soul to it. Raku kept looking at her. Dan, on the other hand, was being a total wuss baby, he wanted to be the groupleader but Ms Park was quick to label him “not responsible enough”.

“I wish someone lived on the Westside too. At least I’ll have some company.” Raku thought.

“Raku. You’re next.” Ms Park called out.

“But Ms Park. I travel alone. There’s no other student from Westside.”

“That’s not the case anymore.” Ms Park replied. She turned around.

“Penelope.” She called out.

Raku looked behind. Penelope approached quickly, with a nasty look on her face.

“Raku, You and Penelope will be in a group. As no other student is traveling from Westside.”

‘Why is this happening to me? I’m stuck with her! Ugh!” He thought.

He looked at her. Her expressions confirmed that the feeling was mutual.

“At least I get to be the Leader.” Raku muttered.

“I don’t think so.” Penelope piped in.

“As for the group leader.” Ms Park resumed.

“Raku,”

His eyes lit up.

“As much as your geographical experience of the area favors the judgment towards you, I’d rather choose Ms Penelope over you.”

Penelope smiled.

“But. She doesn’t even know the roads.” Raku gave a disappointed shriek.

“Let me remind you. It is not about knowing the roads. It is about taking responsibility. A quality Penelope seems to have far more capability in.”

Raku stayed quiet. He hadn’t had any say in the decision. After confirming the group activities, the classes resumed. Ms Park began teaching Trigonometry. Penelope was quick to answer every question put in her way. Raku would somehow manage to give correct answers. This continued for most of the day.

The recess bell rang. The teacher wiped the board and left the classroom. Everyone was relieved. The uniform seating arrangement quickly scattered. Some students left for the cafeteria. While some stayed talking before leaving. Sophie walked out with Tiffany. Raku and Dan were busy in the corridor. Everyone was relaxed.

Penelope however was stranded alone. She looked around at everyone else, but not knowing anyone, she had a difficulty in starting a conversation.

“Hey. Penny right?” Sophie approached her.

“Yeah. Hi.” She replied.

“Let me introduce myself. I’m Sophie and this is my friend Tiffany.”

“Hi Sophie and Tiffany.”

“Are you going somewhere? You can join us to the cafeteria.” Sophie offered.

“Thanks. I’d love to.” Penny replied.

The three of them talked all the way to the cafeteria. Penny was happy at making some new friends. Sophie and Tiffany enjoyed her company too. They asked her about her previous home, her family. Penny happily answered all their questions. They were having a good time. They offered Penny some food, while Penny offered them some of her homemade cookies as well.

“Hey, Let me get you guys something as a treat.” Penny said.

“Sure. Whatever you say.”

Penny happily frolicked over to the counter. She looked around. She didn’t want to get anything too much because they just had their lunch. She finally settled in for three orange drinks. She paid at the counter and took the three packs. She looked around, it was a bit difficult to spot Sophie in all the crowd. After walking aimlessly for about a minute, she finally spotted her.

“There you are.” Penny exclaimed.

Penny quickly became good friends with Sophie.

The recess was over. Everyone returned to their classrooms. The day went by quickly. Ms Park was taking the last lecture. Everything was monotonous for a long time. The bell rang.

“Students. Do the rest of the sums for your homework. And also, all your school duties are put out on the notice board. So check on that before leaving.”

Everyone got up and walked out. Raku waited for Dan at the door. Dan walked there after finishing talking with the other guys. Raku shared a small talk with the other guys before they walking out and then resumed talking with Dan.

They walked towards the notice board. There were very few students there considering most of the larger groups went away earlier.

A very few students were left now. Raku noticed that Sophie was already looking for her name on the board. Tiffany was in her monotone as usual.

“Oh, Sophie seems happy. Looks like she got animal care this year too. Hope she doesn’t lose any animals this year.” Raku thought.

Raku noticed Penny standing beside her. Her eyes were spread wide. Dissatisfaction was written all over her face. She turned around and saw Raku. Her brows lowered and knit together. Almost as if she was cussing him with his eyes.

“Geez. What’s up with her?” Raku whispered.

“You.” Dan replied.

“Sorry, what?” Raku asked.

“You got Library. And you’re paired with her.” Dan replied trying to control his laughter.

“You’re kidding me!” Raku almost shouted.

He dashed everyone away to look at the notice board.

6. Library Duties. -------------------------- Raku -------- Penelope.

“I hate my life.” Raku sighed.

All of them left after a few minutes. The groupleaders led the groups forward. Sophie, Tiffany, and Penny were in between. Raku and Dan were at the very last. Raku’s mood was down the whole time. He was stuck with Penelope for the whole year. She seemed really rude.

“Maybe a talk could solve the problem.” Raku thought.

The group thinned out slowly by slowly. The first two groups separated pretty quickly. Sophie’s group separated next. Finally, Dan’s group separated. Raku waved Dan a bye.

“All the best.” Dan mouthed pointing behind.

Raku turned around to find Penelope standing at aside. It wasn’t like he had expected anything else.

Penelope started walking forwards. Raku followed her, maintaining a distance.

“How impolite! She doesn’t even want to talk it out.” Raku thought.

Penelope looked at him for a brief moment but turned around quickly. She could sense his impatience.

She stopped walking. Raku followed. Clueless at her action.

“Do you want to say something?” She asked.

“No.” He quickly blurted out.

“Okay.” She said and continued walking.

“i***t! I had the perfect chance.” Raku thought.

‘Okay Plan B. I’ll just say. “Hi Raku here.” No no-no. Sounds too mundane. Something more like.

“Sorry for earlier.” But it wasn’t really my mistake earlier. But I should address it somehow.

What about?

“I think we started on the wrong foot. Let me reintroduce myself. I am Raku.”

This one seems good. I’ll go with it. I just need the perfect moment.’

Raku walked on for some time waiting for the perfect moment. But he didn’t seem to get her attention.

‘Screw it. I’m going in.’ He thought.

He paused walking, mustering all his courage he managed to blurt out two words.

“Excuse me.” He said.

Penelope turned around.

“What?” She asked.

Raku started reciting the statement in his mind.

“Let me put a foot on you I am Raku.” He blurted out.

“Excuse me?” Penny asked in an agitated confused tone.

“Sorry, sorry. Let me start again.

I think we started on the wrong foot. Let me re-introduce myself. I am Raku.” He said.

Penelope stared at him.

“What’s wrong with you?” She spurted out.

Raku saw a blank disgust on her face. Oddly enough, it was the first time he actually noticed her face. Her features were stunning. Her aqua blue eyes complimented her face. Raku kept staring at her face for a while.

“Hey! What’re you ogling at?” She said.

“I’m sorry.” Raku retaliated quickly.

Just then his attention shifted over to her earrings. Bright pearls dangling down held by a chain-like string. He gradually noticed that her left earring was missing.

“Hey, Penelope.” He said.

“What?” She asked in a frustrated manner.

He held out the earring from earlier from his pocket.

“Does this by any chance belong to you?” He asked.

She looked at it. She grabbed it and inspected it closely.

“Hmm. Where did you get this?” She asked interrogatively.

“Well, I found it earlier in the morning. You know when you.” Raku began.

“It is mine. I was looking for it.” She replied.

“Oh. Let me guess. It’s very costly and probably belongs to your mother, right?” Raku said.

“What are you talking about? I got it free on a pack of cornflakes last week.” She replied as clueless as she could’ve been.

“Ok.” Raku said quickly.

They resumed walking.

‘Geez. Not even a thanks.’ Raku thought. ‘Not that I expected anything, but a thanks would’ve been good.’

Both of them were nearing their homes.

“So where do you live?” Raku asked.

“Dear me. You can’t leave me alone, could you?” Penelope said in a drastic tone.

“You can, not answer. Sorry to bother you.” Raku replied apologetically.

They walked together separately for about 10 minutes before reaching a fork.

“I think we part here.” Raku announced. “My house is that way.” He said pointing right.

“Thanks Einstein.” Penelope gave a remark and started walking the same direction.

‘Why do I have to make it awkward?’ Raku thought.

Finally, there was a point when they both diverged.

“See you tomorrow then.” Raku said before leaving.

Penelope just rolled her eyes.

Raku pretended to not notice that and went home. He finally went to his room after explaining to his mom how he got a giant stain on his white shirt.

……

Later that night. Raku finished reading an entire online blog about why rabbits can never maintain longer eye contact with leopards. When he finally decided to let go and sleep.

He lay on the bed thinking about the incidents that unfolded since the morning.

‘What a weird day.’ He thought. He took out his glasses, folded them, and placed them on the side table. He took a deep breath before finally closing his eyes. He was asleep in no time.

Raku felt a cold breeze all over his body. Loud tapping sounds fell on his ears. Raku woke up in the middle of nowhere. He looked around. Tall dark trees surrounded everywhere. Everything was pitch black. He instinctively touched his face. He had his glasses on. He was on a cart of some sort with a horse tied ahead. The cart was traveling very fast. Trees rushed by as quickly as they came. The branches of the trees were very high up so there was no fear of hitting anything from the open cart. He looked around the dim-lit back seat. The only source of light available was a shady looking lantern on the cart. The lantern was rusting from the edges but like everything else was sturdy. The lantern somehow had strange blue flames on it. The flames flickered and subsided, then danced around before regaining steadiness. Raku was confused, he looked around. The cart looked very old but unusually sturdy. The edges were chipped and the wooden flooring had lost most of its polish. He looked ahead. A figure was driving the cart. The horse prominently galloped continuously, without any break of the pattern. Raku couldn’t analyze anything happening around him.

        “So you’re awake?” The figure ahead spoke. It sounded like a strong deep manly voice.

“Where am I?” Raku asked.

The figure kept quiet.

“Who are you? And where am I?” Raku asked in a frenzy.

The figure did not respond to anything. The horse starting neighing loudly. The figure was alerted.

“It is coming closer.” The figure ahead said without looking behind.

“What?” Raku asked, looking around.

“Look behind.” The figure spoke.

Raku looked behind.

A large silhouette advanced towards the cart. It felt like a large beast running towards them. Raku couldn’t make anything from it. But its large size was enough to frighten the man with the strongest will. Raku was intimidated by the humongous beast.

“Wha-What is that?” Raku asked, shifting on the inside of the cart.

The figure turned around, held Raku from his collar held him for a brief second, and threw him out of the cart.

Raku fell out of the cart onto the ground. His glasses flew away due to the collision. The cart went on ahead. Raku looked behind. Even though he couldn’t see anything clearly he could sense the beast was gaining distance. Raku quickly stood up and started running back towards the cart. The beast was chasing him swiftly. He tried sprinting but fear quickly took over. His legs were stiff and felt incredibly heavy.

He was running borderline to the tall trees hoping to find a way into the thicket. Raku’s lungs were in great pain. He felt exhausted. He was giving up. He stood near a tree, ready to accept his fate. He felt a breath on his neck followed by a wild disgusting stench of raw meat and blood. The beast’s paw rested on Raku’s shoulder for a second ready to snatch him any second.

“This is it. The end of me.” Raku whispered.

Just then something extended from the thicket and held Raku’s shoulder tightly and pulled him inside the thicket.

The beast’s paw hit air as Raku was pulled inside the trees. The beast lurked there for some time before deciding to continue chasing the cart.

Raku was petrified. He looked around to find his savior. He saw an old man walking away.

“Please. Wait for me.” Raku said.

“Shh!” the old man whispered with a finger on his mouth.

“Don’t make any noise. It has very sharp ears.”

The old man walked away into the dark of the forest.

Raku was left alone beside the tree. He wanted to follow him but was too afraid to even stand. The old man walked away. Everything was dead silent. Raku could hear his heart beating.

He was catching his breath while his mind wrapped around the incidents happening. His ears were cold from the wind. He heard a rustle in the leaves. He turned to inspect it. The rustling of the wind turned violent. He got up hastily but his foot landed on an unsteady rock. Raku experienced a sharp pain in his lower leg. He ended up with a pulled hamstring.

The rustling of the wind turned more and more violent. The leaves below his feet flew off towards the source of the rustling. A strong wind started blowing.

A loud whistle of the wind was heard. Thousands of leaves suddenly flew towards Raku. He jumped out of the way with all his might.

He woke up. Raku looked around. He was back in his room.

“It was all a dream.” He said.

He sat up. Took a deep breath. He pushed the blanket aside and stepped out of his bed. Just then sharp pain reached his leg.