Chapter 2
1743 Words
"No. No way. Whatever you started, you must finish."
***
SAMANTHA
"What's wrong with you, Sammy? Why do you seem so out of it?" Mich asked irritably as she worked on solving our math assignment.
I decided I’d just copy her work. I couldn’t muster the energy to ask for help. Sigh. Even if she explained how she got the solution, I wouldn’t understand it right away. My mind was elsewhere.
"Who knows? Maybe I accidentally drank shampoo," I replied, staring blankly into space.
Whatever. If the teacher calls on me, I’ll just apologize.
It was break time, and Mich and I were the only ones in the classroom. I couldn’t focus earlier during our first class because of that Chester guy sitting behind me.
That’s why I borrowed Mich’s science notebook since I didn’t take any notes earlier. I’m such a slow writer when I’m not concentrating, and honestly, my hands were too lazy to move because of everything running through my head.
Icia was right—Chester, the new transferee, really is in our class. When he introduced himself in front of everyone earlier, I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
And apparently, he couldn’t take his eyes off me either.
We kept looking at each other, and when our classmates noticed, we became the center of attention. They teased us endlessly, and in my frustration, I started throwing erasers at them. But of course, they didn’t stop.
It was so annoying. And to make matters worse, I started feeling those stupid butterflies in my stomach. I knew I was losing my mind, but it wasn’t because I was hungry. It was because of the transferee.
I grabbed a juice box and drank it to drown out my thoughts.
"Aha! I know why you’re so distracted!" Mich suddenly shouted, making me raise an eyebrow. "It’s because of the new transferee, isn’t it?"
I was so shocked by her question that I ended up spitting out my juice. Thankfully, it went out the window and not directly at Mich.
"Sammy! Why’d you go and fountain the juice out the window?!" she exclaimed, looking grossed out. "Oh no, what if you hit someone outside? You’re in big trouble now, Sammy!" she added, trying to scare me, but I just rolled my eyes as I wiped my lips.
"This is your fault, Mich!" I snapped. "What kind of question is that, anyway? Why would I be distracted because of Chester?" I feigned ignorance.
Good thing I’m a natural actress—Mich didn’t catch on to my act. Even though people say I should join the theater club, I never do. I’m just shy like that.
"But come on, you two were getting teased earlier, weren’t you?" she said, poking my arm repeatedly, which made me wince. "Don’t tell me you’re finally falling for a guy, Sammy? Is he making your innocent little heart beat faster?" she teased.
Well, I’ve never had a boyfriend before, unlike Mich, who’s already had two. I’ve never been interested in guys around here, no matter how good-looking they are.
Besides, my older brother would lecture me if I did, though oddly enough, he didn’t say anything earlier when I got teased. He even seemed amused.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, my voice laced with annoyance.
"Really?"
"No! Why would I care about that Chester guy? Ugh!" I huffed and drank my juice again.
This time, I swallowed it instead of spitting it out.
"Let me copy your work," I demanded, and before she could even respond, I grabbed her notebook and started copying the solutions.
That’s how cool I am. And she loves me enough to let it slide, even though I often copy her work. We have a give-and-take relationship, after all.
"What choice do I have?" she said with a roll of her eyes.
I just flashed her a peace sign and continued writing. Fun fact about me: I write really fast when I’m copying something. It’s hilarious how the only fact I can think of about myself is so random.
"Thanks, Mich! You’re the best!" I said cheerfully as I handed her notebook back.
"Wow, you’re fast!" she said, impressed.
"Of course! It’s me we’re talking about!" I said proudly, even doing a pose to emphasize my greatness.
She just laughed at my antics. Honestly, I think I’m starting to pick up some of Kristoff’s mannerisms. Yikes. I immediately stopped when I realized that.
"Anyway, Mich," I said in a serious tone, which made her look at me curiously. "Do you think I have a chance of getting into the theater club?"
Her jaw dropped in shock, and she stared at me, speechless.
Then, out of nowhere, she started shaking me and screaming.
"Of course, Sammy! You’ve got beauty, brains, and potential! Oh my gosh, are you really joining the theater club?!" she exclaimed, grinning widely.
I covered my ears because her voice was so loud it felt like a megaphone.
I didn’t answer her question. Instead, I pulled out the form I had asked Icia for earlier. Mich’s eyes sparkled when she saw it. She probably recognized it since she’s been trying to convince me to join the theater club for ages.
She always said it would be a waste not to, but she couldn’t force me back then.
"Oh my gosh, whatever sock you sniffed today, I wish I could have it so I can make you sniff it every day!" she said in excitement, but I heard her loud and clear.
I couldn’t help but laugh.
It wasn’t surprising that she was so over-the-top when I told her I’d join the theater club. I’ve always lacked self-confidence and never participated in extracurricular activities.
I’m in the top five at our school, but all my grades come from academics. I don’t have any extracurricular grades, which is part of why Mich has been pushing me to join—to boost my rank.
But that’s not my goal now. I just want to find out who Chester really is. Until I figure it out, it’ll keep bugging me. And I hate riddles without answers!
It’s so frustrating. Why does he seem so familiar to me? Agh, stop overthinking, Samantha!
I grabbed my pen and filled out the form. When I was done, I waved it in Mich’s face. She grimaced at first but ended up laughing.
"Tadaaa! All done!"
"I hope you get in, Sammy! Do your best, okay? So we can be together in the club!" she cheered, smiling widely and even jumping around.
"Yeah, I hope so too," I said. "Fingers crossed I get into the theater club. Aja!"
We shook hands to seal the deal—our little friendship ritual.
After that, we killed time playing rock-paper-scissors. Even if we grow old, Mich and I will always stay young at heart, and nothing will ever come between us!
"You cheated again! There’s no way I keep losing!" I whined, pouting.
"Hohoho!" Mich laughed and flicked my forehead. "Don’t blame me for your terrible skills!" she teased, laughing even harder.
I just rolled my eyes at her.
While we were playing, a gust of wind blew my form toward the door. In my panic, I accidentally punched Mich since I was about to throw a rock in our game.
"Ouch!" she yelped.
"The form, you i***t! It flew away!"
I jumped out of my seat and ran toward the door, but I froze when a guy entered the room. And, of course, it was Chester.
Oh crap…
I silently prayed for the ground to swallow me whole as the form landed squarely on his face, just like in those TV shows.
Instead of getting mad, he just furrowed his brows, pulled the form off his face, and held it tightly.
He looked serious as he read what was written, while I stood there, fidgeting, unsure of what to say to get the paper back.
"You’re joining the theater club, Miss De Jesus?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
What? He knows me?
Oh, right. Duh. He read the form.
"Yes," I replied curtly.
He gave me a mischievous smirk upon hearing my answer. Ugh, this Chester guy! What’s with that look? Is he underestimating my abilities? Doesn’t he know I can sing, dance, and act like a pro?
Oh, right. Of course, he doesn’t know. Not only is he a transferee, but I’ve also been keeping those talents hidden.
He leaned casually against the wall, brushing his hair back with his left hand while holding my form in his right.
He looks cool... yet undeniably hot.
"I'm the president of the theater club, Miss Samantha," he said with a grin. "Friday. Nine in the morning. Show me what you’ve got," he added meaningfully, before heading to his seat—which, to my horror, was directly behind me.
And just like that, he took my form. At that moment, it hit me: I was officially one of the auditionees!
I was left speechless, mouth agape.
What the—President? Isn’t he just a transferee? What the heck? How did that even happen?
A wave of nervousness suddenly washed over me as I stared at Chester. I started having second thoughts. I wanted to back out. How am I supposed to perform in front of him?
"Uh, can I back out? Maybe I’ll just join a different club," I said hesitantly to Chester, who was now slouched over his armchair.
I was already seated at my desk, and my neck was starting to ache from constantly turning to face him.
Mich, on the other hand, was sneaking glances at us every now and then, pretending to be occupied with something.
But I could see the sly grin on her face. I kicked her under the table, making her yelp in pain as she shot me a glare.
My attention shifted back to Chester when he suddenly lifted his head. I turned to look at him again, and my breath caught when I realized how close our faces were.
My heart raced... This feeling—it was familiar, like I’d felt it before.
He gave me another mischievous smile.
"No. You can’t back out anymore. Whatever you’ve started, you need to finish," he said seriously, his tone unwavering.
Oh no, what now?
"I know you can do it. Good luck," he cheered, and then... he winked.
My heartbeat quickened even more. What is this feeling?
- Writer
