Planet Tierre

Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

Luna:

Out of exhaustion, I fell asleep after that good cry. I didn't know how long I was out, until a knock woke me up. I turned and listened to it again, afraid that it's going to be another one of my imaginations. But there it was, long solid rapping on my wooden door. And then, a voice called out.

"Mistress Luna. Please get up. You need to eat."

It was Eve.

I didn't respond as I was still butt hurt from Aimee's actions this morning.

Wait, what time is it anyways?

I glanced at my watch.

2:00 PM? No wonder I feel so hungry. 

I weakly got up and exited the room. Then I went downstairs only to find Aimee and a very unwelcome guest laughing over some movie in the living room.

They didn't even notice me coming down the stairs even if I made sure to put some force on my steps. The stairs is behind the couch so they were facing away from me. When I reached the bottom, Anne caught a glimpse of me and smirked before placing her head on Aimee's shoulder and snaking her arms around Aimee's arm.

I felt the urge to hurt someone.

Huffing, I went straight to the kitchen and sat down. There was already food on the table and I ate with a heavy heart. Bland. Everything tastes bland. I couldn't take my mind off on the two people in the living room.

Deciding on something, I hurriedly ran upstairs to take a quick shower. After I blow dried my hair, I quickly got dressed and went downstairs again. This time, I made sure they noticed me. I stood in front of the TV.

Then I sat down between them.

"Excuse me?" Anne, a little bit shocked, asked me.

"You're excused." I scoffed and focused on the television while eyeing Aimee's reaction from my peripheral view. Her jaw went wide open for a while but then she went back to watching the movie. Anne was the only one who couldn't get over it.

"I was sitting there, " she complained.

"This is my house. I sit wherever I want," After that I ignored her. Completely.

I could still hear her grumbling but after a while, she accepted the fact that she will never get to touch Aimee again under this household. Throughout the movie, no one spoke. Or laughed. We were watching White Chicks. I've seen this movie a thousand times so I have an excuse not to laugh. I'm sure Aimee haven't seen it, but she still doesn't get most of human humor so she has an excuse too. I don't know about the witch sitting beside me.

After the movie ended with still complete silence, Aimee volunteered to get some snacks. Before the evil guest could say anything more, I stood up and volunteered to help her. She only looked at me without any emotion in her eyes and then turned around to go to the kitchen.

Now I feel like crying again.

I felt a hand on my shoulder harshly pulling me. I turned around and faced Anne giving me a deadly stare. "How dare you sit between us?" She glared at me

I raised an eyebrow. "Like I said, this is my house. I can sit wherever I want."

"Haven't you done enough? You have broken Aimee. I can pick up the pieces you left behind, so why don't you turn your cheating ass away and run to your girlfriend," she hissed.

I withdrew my gaze from her and looked down. "You don't know anything." I whispered.

"No, I don't. I only know that Aimee loved you more than she loves herself, but you wasted that love. Honestly, that's all that I need to know." She said before walking out and following Aimee in the kitchen.

"Oh one more thing," Anne said. "I'll make sure she moves on. You don't deserve her."

I slumped down on the couch, feeling a few tears running down my cheeks. I know I love Shannon so much, but why is my heart breaking right now?

Aimee, why does my heart hurt thinking about you moving on?

And before long, they returned to the couch again, carrying a big bowl of popcorn. Aimee sat down beside me, at the middle of the couch, with some distance between us. Then Anne sat down beside Aimee, handing her the popcorn.

Now, we decided to watch The Haunted House. It's a horror-comedy film.

This time, the tension in the air is much lighter. I even managed to crack out a smile or two. And I finally heard Aimee laugh.

The tension only came back when our hands would touch each other when getting some popcorn though. Sometimes Aimee's and I's hands would touch, and sometimes, it's Anne's and Aimee's. Every time theirs would touch though, I made sure to break it up by subtly reaching for more popcorn even though my hands were still full of it. And every time that would happen, Anne would send me a murderous look. To get even, she began to do the same when Aimee's hand would touch mine.

Aimee was oblivious to it all, though. That, or she chose to ignore it. Anne is lucky she didn't try and feed Aimee some popcorn. Because manners or no manners, I would've kicked her ass from here to New Jersey.

Until we finished the popcorn and two more movies. Anne finally went home, giving me the evil eye one last time before going home.

And that was the time Eve called us for dinner.

Not saying anything more to each other, we both sat down on the table and waited for Eve to serve us. I couldn't look at her in the eyes. So we began to eat silently. I don't know how long I can take this. I miss talking to her.

Without any meaning behind it, my eyes drifted to her ring finger. She still wears our ring. I had never taken mine off either. Before I can really savor the feeling of being close to her, she finished eating and stood up after a while. But before she can leave the kitchen, she spoke.

"What you did this afternoon is unacceptable. It was immature and I expected better from you," She spoke in a cold voice before leaving.

And I continued to eat my dinner with tears.

*****************************

A week had passed. Now it's Monday again. The whole week passed and pretty much nothing changed between Aimee and me. She grew even colder, if that's even possible.

"Babe, you're stressing out again," Shannon gently held my hand and started to massage it.

"I'm fine," I lied.

"You don't sound or look fine," she whispered. We had to whisper because class is going on. "Does it have something to do with Aimee?"

My breath hitched in my throat and I looked away. "I don't really want to talk about it now."

She quieted down while I discreetly looked at Aimee from across the room. But then I saw Anne lean in closer to her and whisper something in Aimee's ear.

I growled inaudibly.

"Shannon," I whispered and tugged at her uniform's sleeve to get her attention.

"Yes?" She turned towards me.

"Can you hold me?" I requested. "Ms. Kilger won't see us."

We're on the audio-visual room and seeing a film. The lights were turned off and the chairs were scooted closer to each other..

"Of course babe," she smiled at me and put her arms across my shoulders before pulling me closer to her. Then I felt her kiss my head. Her warmth felt nice. It's so nice.

"Luna, I've been meaning to ask you this, but can you go on a date with me?" I heard Shannon ask. "A regular date where I buy you food and stuff that you like on the mall."

"When do you want to go out?"

"How about after class?"

I nodded. "Okay."

"Great!" She beamed before lifting my face up and kissing me on the lips.

****************************

"So, we already ate. What do you want to do?" Shannon asked as she intertwined our fingers together. We just went around in circles in the mall, much like what Aimee and I did.

I have to stop thinking of her.

I smiled at Shannon, hoping it doesn't look like a grimace. "How about we play at the arcade?" And we skipped all the way to the arcade.

We both went up against each other on the hoops and I beat Shannon's ass. She's terrible. Then we tried all other games. She would just watch me and would occasionally join me in a game if it required another player. After about an hour more, we decided to give ourselves a rest and buy ice cream.

"I'm bushed," she said after sitting down beside me. "You have the energy of a bull."

I laughed and licked my ice cream. "Well, yeah. I have to let out some of my excess energy. It's unhealthy to keep it in."

"So what will we do next?" She asked after a while more.

"What do you want yo do?" I asked back.

"How about movies?"

I smiled, albeit a bit forced. "Oh yeah. Let's go to the movie theater." Then I stood up and grabbed her hand.

There weren't many patrons on the movies that afternoon. Maybe it's because it's a weekday and a Monday to boot. We both got tickets and went in. I don't even remember what movie we'd be watching. The whole theater was already dimmed and looked deserted. Except for some other students who were in the corner and making out. Typical.

Shannon and I sat down and patiently began to wait for the movie to start. And when it did start, I almost regretted it. It was so boring. In fact, when I looked over at Shannon, she was already snoring beside me. I chuckled and concentrated on the movie. Maybe this could get better. About a quarter through the movie, another couple, two girls, sat down directly in front of me. I couldn't really see them because it was dark.

But then one giggled. That sounded so familiar. That irritating giggle...

"Shut up. It's your fault that we missed the beginning." More giggling.

"Oh yeah. Whatever. You're not complaining."

I couldn't be mistaken. It's Aimee and Anne.

"Hey, as long as I'm with you, I'm not complaining."

I stayed quiet and just observed them, silently cursing Anne. I noticed throughout the film that Anne kept glancing at Aimee. I wasn't watching the movie anymore. I was watching them.

Like, every thirty seconds, Anne would glance at Aimee. Until she finally said something.

"You're really pretty, you know," she commented, still looking over at Aimee.

And, like in the cheesy romantic movies, Aimee started to slowly turn her head towards Anne. They stared at each other for a long time, and Anne started to lean in.

Until their lips met.

And I was there, watching them kiss in front of me as tears started to fall from my eyes yet again. After what seemed like an eternity and a thousand dull knives stabbing me in the chest, Anne pulled away slightly.

And at that moment, my heart was truly broken for the very first time.

Luna:

I put my hand over my mouth to hold a sob about to come out. Then, I got up and rushed towards the rest rooms to cry.

What is this? If I claimed to only love Shannon, why do I feel like dying? Why do I feel like my heart just got crushed?

Getting out from one of the stalls, I went to the sink to wash my hands and my face to remove the tear tracks. My eyes were a bit puffy and red. Suddenly, the door to the restroom opened and Aimee went in. When she saw me, her eyes widened.

I just gave her a small, forced smile before returning my gaze to the mirror.

She quietly walked towards the faucet next to me and pretty much did the same routine I did. Then I heard her sigh. A few moments later, our gazes met through the mirror. I felt a jolt go through my body so I tore my gaze away first and went to the door to leave. Before I can go out though, I stopped and looked at her first.

"So, you and Anne?" I forced another smile on my lips even though I felt the exact opposite. “I’m happy for you.”

"I-" She started to say before I cut her off.

"Really. I'm happy for you," I gave her another sad smile before heading out, wiping another tear that managed to fall out of my eyes yet again.

Shannon was still sleeping when I went back to my seat. I nudged her gently and woke her up. "Hey. Shannon."

She opened her eyes and straightened up. "Sorry," she apologized.

"Take me home, please."

She nodded and didn't even question me. We went out of the theater and eventually out of the mall to her car. "Are you alright?" She asked. "You've been a bit... quiet."

I just nodded weakly. "I'm fine. I just have a headache."

She started the car and reached out for my hand. "Do you need medicine? I can go back to the pharmacy." 

I smiled and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "I'm good. Please just drive me home." She gave me another peck on the lips before pulling out and driving towards home.

A few moments later, we were already in front of my house.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked and I nodded. "Take care."

I reached out to hug her and got out. I waved at her before I went inside the house, taking my shoes off and dragging my body upstairs. I jumped on my bed and closed my eyes.

I couldn't help but think about it. Thinking that someone else would be Aimee's source of joy... someone else would get to hold Aimee in their arms. Someone else would get to kiss those cherry lips and cheeks. Someone else would hold her hand and get to have Aimee's devotion.

I cursed and got up from bed. Then I stripped and went inside the bathroom to have a relaxing bath. At least, as relaxing as it gets. But I know I will never have a good dream. Because before I drifted off to a pitiful, restless sleep, I kept thinking of a monster stealing someone with a pair of electric green eyes away from me.

***

Before long, it's morning again.

After I showered and got into my uniform, I went downstairs to find Aimee and Anne on the living room.

Again?! They're here again?!

By some cruel coincidence, Anne saw me first again. Aimee still had her back against me. And as if last night wasn't enough, she pulled Aimee closer and gave a her a soft peck on the lips, staring at me.

This is just cruel.

Later that day:

I can't take this anymore.

Now Anne turned her head to kiss Aimee's cheeks. They seriously don't look good together! Even the teacher was uncomfortable with their display of affection. Or rather, Anne's display of affection. Aimee was just doing nothing.

Then, our teacher excused himself to go do something for a bit. I buried my face in my desk. Great. "Now it's gonna get even worse." I mumbled. Suddenly, someone tapped my shoulder. I lifted my head to find Jean, a random person, looking right at me. No, not looking; glaring.

"So we heard that you cheated on our Aimee," she started.

My brows knit in confusion. "What? We?"

Like in those movies, all of my other girl seatmates turned their head and glared at me. My heartbeat quickened.

"Wha-?"

"Just be aware that you will suffer for hurting Aimee," she spoke with so much disgust. "Your time will come."

I swallowed hard. I'm actually very terrified right now. What will they do to me?

I didn't get to ponder soon because the bell rang. Distracted, I fixed my things quickly and got out, finding Shannon waiting for me outside. "Hey babe, are you alright?" She leaned in and kissed my lips. “You're shaking."

“I... I'm okay," I gave her a smile. "Shall we go on?"

She nodded and held my hand to walk me towards my next class. Good thing Anne won't be there. Halfway through our class, Aimee still didn't come in. It's not like her to miss class. That got me worried.

I raised my hand to get our teacher's attention.

"Yes Miss Simons?"

"Uh.. can I use the restroom?" I asked.

She nodded and I stood up to get a pass from her before going out. I have to find Aimee. Fast. I was just passing by the janitor's closet when I heard a familiar whine. I did a double take and went closer to the closet.

Yup. I can definitely hear moaning and kissing noises. I scrunched my face up.

Ewwwww.

I was just leaving when the door opened. And I was dumbfounded when I found Aimee.

But she's not with Anne. She's with another, unknown girl who was blushing profusely, hair all tangled and lips swollen. Then they saw me.

I didn’t know what to do. For a few seconds, my world seemed to stop. Until I threw the restroom pass somewhere and ran. I just ran. When I got home, I rummaged my closet for something. I've been waiting for an excuse to use this.

It's a fake I.D.

I changed out of my uniform first and then went out to the nearest liquor store. I bought some vodka, beer and some lollipops. The cashier didn't even bat an eye when he saw my obviously fake I.D.

I went home and saw Aimee inside our house. She was obviously looking for me.

"Where did you go to?" she asked, eyeing the bag I carried.

I just sighed and went straight to the kitchen, carrying my 'groceries'. I opened my bottle of vodka and drank straight out of it.

Aimee followed me in the kitchen.

"I'm having a very bad day." I complained.

She just watched me for a while before shaking her head. Then she got a bucket and filled it with ice from the freezer. "At least, drink it ice cold..." I heard her mumble before getting a beer herself and sitting down across me. She began to drink with me.

We just quietly drank together. I handed her the bottle of vodka after a while and she silently gulped it down, her face scrunching up at the bitter, burning taste.