Tangled in Notes

Chapter Twelve

Thursday. I was on my way to school with my bike. I told Armin not to come pick me up today since I was in the mood to bike. I wanted to be emotional right now after the asthma-trauma. I was a little slower today since Doc McKinley said not to tire myself.

During lunch, Armin messaged me that Sed wanted to treat the whole board since it was his birthday but I wasn't in the right state of mind so I said I couldn’t join them. I feel so down. Maybe because of things I thought was a no-problem.

I sighed and sat at the very top of the athletic field's bleacher. I sighed then breathe in closing my eyes. Life is unfair after all. Too bad I was the unfortunate one.

"Hey."

I turned my head and saw Armin already standing beside me. I smiled at him. "Hey." He walked towards me and sat next to me fixing his bag to his right. “The celebration…”

“What about it?” he asked.

“Is it done?” I turned to him.

He smirked and shook his head. “Nope.”

"What? Why are you here then?"

“You said you couldn’t come. I worried that something might have come up that turned you down. You usually get excited when someone invites, you’re a pig remember?”

I chuckled. He’s right.

“What about you? Why are you here? What’s the matter?”

I shrugged and shook my head. "Nothing. I’m just really tired."

He turned to me. “Isn’t that why I’m here to lift your spirits up?” He smirked and I rolled my eyes lightly. Still, as arrogant as he is. “Like how I always do?”

“I’m sure you couldn’t pull it off this time, Min. But thanks anyway.” I let out a weak smile.

He turned to me surprised.

"What?"

"Your voice. It's soft."

I frowned then chuckled. "Duh, Min." I slapped his arm a bit and drank my water. I sighed and looked at the field creating small hurricanes from the dust. Should I just tell him? Nah. He’d only bug me to go to the hospital every day.

"Kevin and Will told me you had the same English time as them."

Kevin? William? "Really?" I asked in disbelief. "I didn't notice—"

"Exactly. He told me they kept calling your name but you weren't paying any attention to him even the teacher. You were floating. He said you were just staring out. They were supposed to tell you about Sed’s birthday."

"Oh." I looked down. I'll get this over with. That. I promise. “Sorry. I was really off today. I don’t know. Everything is so messed up.”

“What? I thought you were happy. You kept bragging about your aunt and sister’s visit the other day.”

I sighed deeply and planted my forehead against my knees. All I could see was a small hit of light between my legs and everything was black. “I don’t know. I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. Don’t worry. I’ll be back to my normal self someday.”

"Seriously. What's wrong with you recently? You’re not, Julia." He asked and I heard a slight concern in his voice.

I can trust him. He's been my best friend after all. I heaved a sigh before I opened my mouth. “Do you remember that time you told me to go see a doctor?”

“Oh. Yeah. You did tell him you got red gross bumps.”

I nodded. “I did. The result— it came out yesterday."

"And?"

I was about to speak when he spoke again.

"Don't tell me you have cancer or a tumor in the brain because that would sound pathetic and absurd AND cliché! It’s a very familiar scene already, Julia, so… Yeah I was clearly joking." He said the moment I glared at him.

I laughed. "Seriously, Min? Cancer?" I laughed again and he arched a brow.

"Or you're being moody today because you're having your period?"

I looked at him in disgust before I slapped his arm. "That's so gross! How can you even say that in front of me?!” I chuckled.

He smiled and sat straight. "Okay but seriously. What happened?"

"Hm. The doctor said I have asthma.”

"Asthma?" He asked and I chuckled lightly. "But that isn’t really hard to cure. It can go away any minute.”

“I know. But the way Dr. McKinley said it to me; it’s as if he knew something I still don’t know. He told me to come back once my cough comes back and I personally don’t like the sound of his voice the moment he told me that.”

“Hey, Julia Burton. Don’t tell me you’re thinking of—”

“It’s not impossible, you know.”

“You can’t think like that, you pig! Why are you even thinking things like that? You’re so brainless.” He crossed his arms.

“You’re not really helping, Min.” I sighed.

“What do you expect me to do? Remove your senses so you won’t feel pain? Well sorry because I’m taking up Business Management in college. Not nursing.”

I chuckled.

He smiled lightly and stood. “Come on.” He offers his hand. “Jared wants the whole board to be present today. I don’t know what came up, so probably it’s another scolding time for us.”

I laughed and stood fixing myself. I was surprised when he suddenly hugged me. “What are you doing?” I asked still confused as to why he just did that. His perfume was striking, they were fragrant.

“I know my perfume makes you feel better. Go ahead. Sniff the soul out of me.” He did smell good.

I pushed him and frowned. “No I don’t.” I lied.

“You might not realize it but sometimes you often say I smelled good.”

My eyes widened. When did I? “Liar.”

He raised a brow. “Ha! The only liar here is you, Julia. You say it out of the blue.”

“Well,” I paused. “I must’ve been dreaming.”

He leaned closer to me and his fragrant smell lingered through my nose as usual. “So you dream of me now?”

I gulped hard and I feel my cheeks get heated. They’re probably red right now. “N-No. I-I wasn’t s-saying that! p*****t!”

“So I’m the p*****t now? Who was smelling me after all this time?” he made funny faces and started running away like a kid.

I guess I felt so much better after telling it to him. I chuckled at my own thought. But he did smell good. I wonder if I usually say that out of the blue. That sounded so p*****t.

“Come on, Julia. Stop staring at my handsome back and start walking.”

I frowned. “I wasn’t staring!” then ran to catch up with him.

“Yeah right, you weren’t. Keep telling that to yourself.” He smirked, his hands on his pocket.

I remained quiet.

“Do you want me to tell the guys not to continue the meeting in your apartment?" He suddenly spoke.

I shook my head. "No. It’s fine. Besides, I wanted an alibi to get off from work. Just this time.” I laughed. “Also, Jared would remove every part of me if you do."

"Okay then.”

I turned to my watch and it said 5:03 pm. "Oh no. I need to go." I was late for my shift. I’m so dead.

I was about to run away when he stopped me. I stared at him confused. "Don't tell me you're still continuing your job in that situation?"

I nodded. "Why not? Besides, my doctor said it was fine.” I lied again. I’m so sorry, Min. Gosh. “I can manage, okay? Stop acting like you’re even worried, Armin Hannes Zeiger."

He clucked his tongue and glared at me still not letting go of my wrist. He stood and gripped my shoulder from the side. "Nope. You're not going and I said that. Let's eat. I didn't eat yet."

"I need to go! I'm already late!" I tried to move away from me but what was I thinking. He was a guy. Of course he'd be stronger than me.

"No you're not. And it's an order from your handsome boy best friend? What about I treat you to a restaurant you love? Hm?"

The frown in my face slowly faded away and before I knew it, I was kidn*pped by the arrogant, rapper who claims himself, handsome— my bestfriend.

Later that afternoon, I was on my way out of the campus since nothing was assigned for me to do in the club. I sighed and continued to walk. "Julia!"

I turned and stopped walking. I saw Ysabelle running to me and I smiled waving at her. "Hey." I greeted and stared at her panting hard.

"I just want to say that tomorrow, it's my mom's birthday and I want to invite you. The celebration will be in NC Hall at 8 in the evening. You should come."

"Uh. . ." I paused. I couldn't say no but I feel so tired right now.

"Please? Tell me you'll come." She smiled and I looked away awkwardly.

"I'll see. I'm not really feeling well."

"Awe. Okay. I'll just meet you there then if ever you come. If you can’t, that’s totally fine with me." She smiled sweetly and I nodded. "Bye!" She waved and walked away.

I turned and continued my walk as well. I was surprised when Armin popped out as soon as I stepped out of the gate. I crouched away in fright. “What were you doing there? You scared the hell out of me.” I said tapping my chest.

"Why are you always with her?" He asked and I sense a slight ‘jealousy’ in his voice.

"You mean, Belle?" I asked and he nodded. He turned to me with furrowed brows. "She was just inviting me to come to her Mom’s party. What’s so wrong about that?"

"She’s not like you.”

I chuckled. "In a good or bad way? Because hearing you say it feels like the bad way." I looked at him smirking.

"Here. Use this." I looked up to his hand and saw a pink-white mask. I grabbed it with a frown.

"For what?" I asked.

He looked away and breathe in. "I don't know. Eat it if you like. Does it look like something you can eat?" I laughed. This guy. "Of course it's for you to not exhale gasses, stupid. Obviously."

I smirked at him teasingly. "Since when did you care for me like this, Min?"

He rolled his eyes a little and grabbed the mask from me. He wore it around my jaws and hooked them around my ears. "Stop talking and just wear it."

"Okay, okay."

I smiled at him and he looked so awkward right now. He looked embarrassed and it felt so new. He would laugh and tease me right now. Maybe because he knew what was happening to me that he changed himself? Either way, Armin’s still Armin. Nothing will change.

Friday. I did not really attend my classes. I wanted to rest even for just a half day. A while ago, I received a call from Aunt Sue saying they couldn't visit me for this week.

It was a good thing. Besides, I was having visitors this Saturday. I lied down my bed counted the stars I stuck in the ceiling with the help of Armin of course. He was taller than I am. Far taller.

Around ten, I stepped out of my room and grabbed some chips in my food dispenser. I need to go shopping sometime. Hm.

I watched the television until lunch time. Living alone is so empty and lonely. I don't even know why I wanted to live in an apartment. Oh. I wanted to but that was only with Jaimee. Now I feel so alone.

I fried two strips of bacon. I was used to this. I can live on my own but without noises and happiness, I feel so dead. After cooking, I ate that for lunch. I rested for a bit then started cleaning up. Though, there wasn't much to clean, I still did. I mopped a little and cleaned some of the figurines with the duster.

I also cleaned the bathroom, my room even if I told them we won't use it. Anyway, my room was a bit messy so I just cleaned it.

Saturday came and I hastened my way out of my apartment. I was going to ride my bike but then I thought, ‘I would go back here alone since Jared told us we were going to take a cab together.’

I walked slowly over the edge of the street and by slowly I meant normally. I don't walk. I always run because time is precious to me. I guess I'll change that habit as for now. I could've run right now but it won't be good to me. And for approximately thirty minutes, I arrived in front of our school's gate.

Everyone turned to me. They were all there already. I saw Sean waving at me with a happy smile. Armin ran next to me. “You’re so dead meat.” He whispered in my ears.

“I know.” I whispered back.

"Didn't I say 7:30… in the morning?!" Jared exclaimed and I looked down catching my watch that read 8:06. He even has the nerve to yell at me when in fact they were the ones that needed my place. "What took you so long, Burton! Was it that hard to get a cab instead of walking like a snail to get here?!"

"Jared!" Armin exclaimed and I stopped him by the chest. He looked at me worriedly. Everyone was staring right now.

"It's fine. They don't know anything."

Armin stepped back and I looked at Jared creasing his brows like there's no tomorrow. I smiled. "Sorry. I am currently on tough budget so—” I coughed. Does that mean I’ll have to meet Dr. McKinley again?

I feel Armin’s hand in my shoulder. I raised a hand gesturing him that I was fine.

"I don't need to hear your reason. You're still late anyway. Nothing can change that." Jared said walking towards the end of the street.

I looked down with a sigh. A sweat ran down the side of my face. I was really tired. And I was only walking. I looked up and saw Sean in front of me with a wide smile.

"Why weren't you here yesterday, Julia? I didn't see you around." He asked and I smiled back.

"I was sick."

His mouth parted a little. "Even now?"

I nodded.

"Jesus. I'll tell Jared to apologize. Sorry about a while ago. We didn't know you were sick." Sean said.

I nodded with a smile. "It's fine."

He suddenly jumped. "I can't wait to see where you live. I bet it's as good as you." He winked and I chuckled.

“TAXI!”

I turned because the impact of its voice was so loud. It was Kevin calling for a cab. “It’s good that you’re finally doing useful, Boo.” Sean mumbled making the whole board member chuckle.

We all turned when a bell rang. An ice cream stall was standing across the street and a fast speed of wind ran through my face. We all turned to Kevin who suddenly whistled then grinned.

“Oh! There it is.” He started walking and we all turned in front only to find air. Again, we turned to Kevin who was laughing again.

“Everyone get in.” This time, Jared spoke approaching the first car in-line. Three cabs stopped in front of us.

Armin and I rode in a cab with Karen, Denisse, and William. Armin was in the passenger seat to help the driver point out the apartelle where I live.

When we stepped out, the boys (and girls) looked like they have never seen an apartment. They were so amazed that they didn’t think it was this tall.

Armin was beside me the whole time we entered the apartelle and even when I unlocked the door to my apartment. "I apologize if my place is a bit messy." I opened the door and stepped inside widening the gap for them. Each of them entered glancing around. Jared stayed cold as usual.

"Straight to the point, let's start the meeting." Jared announced as we circled up in my small living room. "So, the CEO told us to do something this near break. . ."

That whole day, we talked about a lot of things. Sharing thoughts and ideas but mostly came from Jared, Sean, Kevin, and sometimes Joshua and Alder. They had what you call ‘TEAMWORK’.

For dinner, I ordered up beef and soon it will arrive. They were just in the living room and I was sitting in the kitchen part where I eat alone. I watched them laugh together when I noticed my door room was opened. Did I leave it open a while ago?

I stood and walked towards inside. Even from the back view, I could tell that it was Jared. "What are you doing in my room?"

When he turned, he was shocked and something slipped down from his hand. My heart was beating so fast when I realized what it was. I watched as it fell down in a speed of light. My— My snowball… “HEY!”

I bent down in hurry and saw my carpet got wet. The glass shattered and the glitters that were inside the ball disappeared. I grabbed the castle that wasn’t – fortunately – broken. Tears formed in my eyes and they started rolling down my cheeks. "Dad. . ."

I gripped the castle of the snowball in my hands and glared at the guy who was responsible for this. I was burning in anger. I stood and glared at Jared. I just want to rip his neck right now.

"I thought we agreed to not use my room?! How could you enter without even telling me! Why would you even touch something you don't own?!"

He looked down and more tears rolled down my face.

"Why are you even here?! I clearly told everyone not to enter my room! This is exactly why I didn’t want to use my place! Why—?! Why did you have to disobey me?! I hate you!"

I turned and ran away. I pushed myself out of the already-crowded door and ran straight to my balcony. I stared at my broken snowball and cried. "Dad." I mumbled and shook my head in disbelief. This was the only thing I have and now. . . It was broken.