Scars

A New Pace

When Romela learned the news that James and Maureen were in a relationship, she was deeply affected. She always looks sad. She can no longer attend school organization meetings. It's gotten to the point where she rarely comes to school anymore. "Romela, what's wrong with you, why don't you always come to your school?" asked the girl's mother. "Nothing, I just don't feel like it, I'd rather rest here at home" Romela said sadly. Romela has neglected her studies and has come to the point where her professors have to talk to her mother. "It's a loss if Romela can't graduate, Mrs. Robinson, your daughter is a good and smart student" said the girl's professor. "What's wrong with her? Maybe you can talk to her, maybe your daughter is going through something", the professor added, "She doesn't tell me anything, so just let her do what she wants,besides it's her life, by the way!" Romela's mother said as if she didn't care.

Romela went through severe depression. She felt too much about her separation from James, who was her first boyfriend. Her relationship with her mother, who seemed to not care about her also added to what she went through. She no longer leaves the room, she eats very rarely. She always cries every night. She has nothing to talk to because her older sister is no longer with them because she is studying in another city and lives there with their grandmother, Sharon. Romela did not graduate from high school. Because of this, her mother scolded her every day. She was talking about nothing but her daughter's weaknesses.

Time heals the pain. A few months passed and Romela gradually recovered. She is often seen joining their neighbors to serve at the church as a volunteer summer teacher for the kids. This caused the girl to forget little by little. She is happy whenever she meets the children she teaches. Little by little, she is also talking to their neighbors who are the same age as her. Because of Romela's natural beauty, many people like her in their place. Their admiration for the girl is often said to her mother. Her mother often just shrugged her shoulders. There is one family that has become very close to Romela's family. It is the Zild family. Mr and Mrs Zild have two sons. The eldest is nine years apart from Romela and the other son is 10 years younger. Their family is kind, Mrs Zild and Romela's mother are often seen going shopping. That family is also generous, so Carmela really likes them.

Their eldest son, John, often plays basketball. He and Romela often ran into each other but they didn't talk to each other.Until one day there was a party at the Zilds' house and Romela and her mother were invited. Everyone was busy and enjoying themselves while Romela was just outside getting some fresh air. "Don't you want to eat?" John asked the girl. "Maybe later.. I'm not hungry yet" she replied, smiling at the young man. That was her first conversation with John and it continued until they met on the road and the young man made fun of him. "It's late, where are you going? Do you want me to accompany you?" John asked Romela. "To Mrs. Ganzon, I'll just return the books I borrowed" answered the girl. The girl was already planning to resume her studies at another school next school year. "Oh no, I need to accompany you, something might happen to you there, I still have a conscience", John joked to him. The girl agreed to the young man's offer. As they walked, they exchanged questions with each other. This was the start of the serious conversations between them.

As time goes on, Romela's beauty is getting noticed more and more. Even John's friends plan to court the girl but the young man just stops them. "Please, don't dare to court Romela.. I already know you bro, she's like my sister", John warned his friends. "John, your mother is looking for you, she has something to tell you" Romela said with a smile when she saw John. John was suddenly attracted to the girl's smile. He feels that he is in love with the girl. Romela visits the Zilds' house more often because John's younger brother, Carl, is being tutored by her. After Romela tutors Carl, John takes her home to their house. "Do you want to go out with me? I mean I would like to ask you for a date", John boldly asked the girl. "Why? Why all of a sudden? Why me?" Romela asked the young man in surprise. " Its simple, I like you!" John said, smiling. It seems that the girl did not take what the young man said seriously. She just smiled and said goodbye and then entered their house.

"John? Why are you here?” Romela asked the young man when she saw him outside the salon. "You look so beautiful!" said the young man, seemingly mesmerized. "I had a haircut, do I look so horrible?" asked the girl. “No, you look perfect! Now, can you eat with me?” asked John. Romela did nothing but agree to John's invitation. After all, he is handsome, he looks like a Hollywood actor. He is kind, like his parents, but what seems not okay is their age gap. "Romela, can I ask you something?" John asked as they ate. “Yes, what is it? said the girl. "Can I court you?.. I know you notice that I like you. I hope you give me a chance", John begged. No one else in their area knows about what happened in Romela's past relationship. The girl is afraid of getting hurt again and wants to focus on studying first. "I'm sorry John, I like you.. but as a friend!, you are like a brother to me.. I feel safe when I'm with you", Romela explained. "I just don't want to have a relationship right now" added the girl. John just nodded and seemed hurt. But he has not lost his love for Romela, which grows deeper as time goes on.