Chapter 4
1375 Words
"I hope that after you read that story, you'll learn something."
***
SAMANTHA
"Miss Samantha, you're so cute," Kayleigh complimented me.
Oh my! She's cuter! I blushed because of what she said.
"Thank you. You’re cute too..." I said before a smile appeared on my lips.
I saw Chester laughing because of my red face. I shot him a glare. This guy is really something.
"What’s your talent?" Diane suddenly interrupted with a frown while staring at me. Why does she look like the heavens and earth are against her?
"Singing," I answered shyly.
"Then go! It’s taking forever!" she said gruffly.
Well, Diane Alquisola will always be Diane. That's just her attitude, but I never thought she'd show it in front of so many people. She often pretends to be nice, but it looks like she can't hide it from me.
She glared at me, but I didn't return the glare. Instead, I sat on the chair on stage and started strumming my guitar.
[Now Playing: Why Can't It Be – Nina]
As I sang, various flashbacks flooded my mind. About a man. A man I couldn't see. A man whose role in my life I didn't know.
"Samsam, do you like me? Because I really like you," he said. "But I know it’s impossible."
Who are you? Who keeps calling me Samsam?
I glanced at Chester and saw him looking at me too. My heart suddenly raced. But even so, I didn’t look away from him.
When I finished singing, I bowed in front of them. Kayleigh and Chester clapped, but Diane stared at me sharply.
Did I do something wrong? Why is she looking at me like that? I think she’s jealous.
"Congratulations, Samantha. You've passed the audition," Diane said flatly, as if she wasn't happy I passed.
"OMG! Yes, yes, yes!" I heard Mich shout from behind.
I looked at her, and that shut her up.
"Thank you! Thank you!" I said cheerfully before bowing to the judges and getting off the stage.
I was about to head to Mich, but I was surprised when someone suddenly pulled my arm.
"Oh, Diane. It’s you," I said when I saw her still glaring at me. "Do you have something to say?" I asked, but she didn’t respond.
If looks could kill, I would have been dead by now because of her stare.
"Okay. I’m leaving," I said.
I was about to walk away, but she tightened her grip on my arm. That was the last straw for me.
"What’s your problem?" I asked her irritably.
It’s so annoying. She’s making me look foolish.
"What if there’s a guy who became part of your life, but you can’t remember him? What would you do?"
Literally, I was speechless at her question. Is this some kind of drama? My "amnesia guy" moment?
I looked at her, raised an eyebrow, but she just glared back.
"Well, I guess you wouldn’t do anything. Because he’s the one making an effort to be remembered by you, but you’re not doing anything to remember him even a little," she said firmly, making me frown.
What did she say? Is she going crazy?
She was about to say something else, but a guy behind her suddenly stopped her.
Chester.
"Enough, Diane," he said, looking at me like... sad?
Why is he sad?
I was currently thinking about why he might be sad when Diane’s words suddenly cut through my heart.
"You’re worthless, Samantha."
"Let’s go," Chester said firmly before pulling Diane away from me.
Me? Worthless? What about her?! That Diane is so frustrating!
***
"OMG, Sammy! Congratulations! You sing so well! I’m so proud of you!" Mich said proudly, hugging me tightly.
We were now in the school garden, hanging out. After Diane called me "worthless," I ran out and dragged Mich here to the garden.
I might slap someone if I stayed there. If she's Chester’s girlfriend, Chester should learn how to calm her down! As if she's the queen. Tsk!
"Haha. Of course, Mich, who else but me? I’m so beautiful," I boasted.
I tried to stop thinking about Chester’s stare and Diane’s weird words earlier.
I’ll just enjoy myself. Woohoo!
"Mich, let’s go shopping!" I suggested.
And that girl suddenly got excited when she heard the word "shopping."
"Really? Really?! Okay—"
Mich was about to say something when suddenly someone grabbed her arm.
"Miasse Chynne, we need to talk," my brother Kristoff ordered Mich authoritatively.
Mich frowned at his command. I also frowned because of how my brother was acting right now.
He’s never been serious; he's always the fun guy. He’s even more mischievous than me. But now, why does he look so serious when talking to Mich?
"Why now, Kristoff? I’ve explained everything. What more do you want?" Mich replied calmly, meeting his gaze.
Wait... something’s off between them. What’s going on?! And Mich hasn’t told me anything?!
My brother’s serious. Mich’s response is calm. What’s happening? Is this the end of the world?
"I want you, Miasse," he said.
"Ouch!" I winced when I suddenly fell off the chair.
What the—did he just say that? Is there something going on between Mich and my brother? And what about Rica, my brother’s girlfriend? Oh no!
"What the fudge—wait, Sammy, we need to talk, this crazy guy and I," Mich said angrily. "Come here, Kristoff!" she added before dragging him away from the garden.
"Aww, aww, what the—Miasse!" I heard my brother complain before they could get far.
I just watched them while imagining what might be happening.
Could it be... my brother and Mich have a secret relationship? And my brother couldn’t hide his feelings anymore, so he broke up with Rica? But Mich doesn’t like the idea because her boyfriend will find out about their secret affair? Oh no! Maybe that’s it!
My eyes widened as I connected all the hypotheses racing through my mind.
This can’t be... they’ll all get hurt!
"Sam!"
"Ah, s**t!"
I almost fainted from shock when someone suddenly called me from behind. Siomai! I really shouldn’t drink coffee at night!
"Pft, Sam, are you okay? Why are you sitting on the grass instead of the chair?" Kayleigh asked, laughing and looking at me curiously.
She probably thinks I’m weird. But, who wouldn’t?
"Ah, nothing. Just felt like it, hehe," I answered before standing up and brushing off my dress.
Kayleigh popped up suddenly like a mushroom. Good thing she’s cute.
I looked at her and gave her a small smile.
"Chester called you backstage. The new theater club members are having a meeting," she said.
"Okay, I’ll go," I replied before fixing myself.
I looked at Kayleigh and noticed she’s really cute. Her cheeks are rosy. She must be rich!
"Okay, Kayleigh. I’m leaving now, okay? Bye!" I said before I started walking away.
But suddenly, she pulled my arm.
I suddenly remembered Diane. That freak. I’d love to slap her in the face.
"Oh, why? Do you have something to say?" I asked, feeling irritated because Diane was the first thing on my mind. That annoying jerk!
She released my arm and rummaged through her bag. I was confused when she handed me a book.
"Here," she said with a smile.
I took it and read the title.
"She's the Lovely Angel?"
Wait, is this the best-selling novel from the National Bookstore? I always see customers going crazy over this.
"Are you the author of this?" I asked.
"Yep," she nodded. "It’s a true story. Read it, okay?" she said with a small smile.
I nodded and put the book in my bag.
She's so good at writing stories. I also dream of writing a book like this, but laziness always gets in the way. Only the hardworking can be writers.
"Thanks," I said.
She smiled.
"You're welcome. I hope that after you read that story, you'll learn something," she said meaningfully before walking away.
"Bye, ate Sam!" She looked back at me and waved.
"Bye!" I said and began walking toward the backstage of the theater club room.
As I walked, I couldn’t help but think about what she said. I hope I’ll learn something? From what?
- Writer
