17) END OF THE YEAR

The final exam finally ended today. The stressful atmosphere disappeared after the last exam and was replaced with a lively atmosphere. After the final exam, the school would be closed until next year. All of the students were happy and smiling. The exam was like a hell to all of the students. They didn't like exams but still had to face them. Being a student wasn't easy too.

After the exam was over, the students were hugging each other and bidding farewell until the school re-opened for the next semester. They all had made different plans to spend the holiday and were discussing with each other. Every student had their own group of friends and was sharing the plans.

Cecil had just exited from his exam hall. He was in a different hall from Noah, Katherine and Samaira. As he was walking, Noah hugged his shoulder from behind.

"How was your exam, Cecil?"

"It was good. How about your?"

Noah turned his head sideways and answered, "Ha... Ha... It was good."

Cecil obviously knew Noah was lying. "It was bad, right?"

"Hey!! It was not that bad too. At least I'll get a passing mark." Noah quickly rebutted. He didn't want to look lame in front of Cecil, alright.

"Hoh... We will see that when the results get published." Cecil said fixing his glasses on the bridge of his nose.

"Of course. I have never failed any of my exams."

"Okay. Okay. I believe you. By the way, how are planning to spend your holiday?"

Noah thought for a while and replied, "This year we are planning to spend both Christmas and new year together. We are going to our grandparent's house."

"Oh."

Noah looked at Cecil and asked, "What about you?"

"Me. I don't know."

In fact, Cecil didn't know where or how his relatives were. Every Christmas ad new year, they were always alone. The only family of three would spend Christmas and new year together. Cecil also didn't care about his other relatives. He was happy with his mother and his little brother. They were dear to him and he was fine as long as they were with him.

"Okay, then I'll see you next year," Noah said seeing lost in his thoughts.

Cecil snorted and said, "Sure if you pass your exam."

Noah laughed and said, "Bye, my dear Cecil. I am wishing you Merry Christmas and a happy new year in advance."

"Same to you."

Noah looked at Cecil's eyes and said slowly bowing down to whisper near Cecil's ear, "And I'll miss you too."

After saying that Noah immediately ran away to his small brother's class. Cecil stood in the same place as a statue for a while and smiled blushing hard. He also whispered, "I'll miss you even more."

Cecil also went to look for Cain. Fortunately, he didn't have to search for long. Cain was waiting for him at the gate of the school. Samaira and Katherine were also standing near Cain.

Cecil rushed forward and arrived in front of them. He looked at Cain and asked, "How was your exam?"

Cain smiled showing his thumb up and replied, "Best of the best."

"Good boy." Cecil smiled and ruffled Cain's hair.

"Cecil, you pamper your little brother too much." Katherine teased him.

"Of course. He is my only brother." Cecil answered. Then he brought Cain in his arms and hugged him. "If you have any problems, just tell your big brother, okay. Big brother will do anything."

Cain also hugged back Cecil and said, "Of course, brother. You are the best."

Katherine laughed and said, "You really have a brother complex. You bro-con, don't you think your crush will be jealous."

Cecil's heart skipped a beat in fear of hearing that. Sure enough, Cain asked, "What? Who is my brother's crush?"

Cecil smiled and said, "Haha... Cain, don't take her seriously. She is just joking, right?" He looked at Katherine narrowing his eyes and showing a smile which was not a smile.

Katherine immediately realized she said wrong and hastily replied, "Yes, Yes ... I was just joking."

Cain smiled and said, "Oh. You should tell me if you have a crush on someone. Remember, no secrets."

Cecil patted Cain's head and said, "Sure."

"Okay. Okay, enough of your brotherly love. I will be out of the city until next year. So, I won't be able to meet all of you. So, Merry Christmas and happy new year."

"Same to you." Cecil and Cain said together.

"Yeah, same to you. See you next year." Samaira also said. All of them hugged before leaving.

"Bye, guys. See you soon." Katherine said waving her hands.

"Bye."

"Bye."

Only Cecil, Cain and Samaira were left. They started to walk together for home.

"Sister, are you also going somewhere?" Cain asked Samaira.

"Yeah. We're going to our paternal grandparent's house."

"Oh, then Merry Christmas and happy new year to you," Cecil said.

"Um. Same to you."

They reached their homes and separated. It had already started to snow and Cecil immediately changed his school uniform to warm woollen clothes. He stood near the window and looked outside. Everything was white and piled with snow. He could see Samaira's home from his room. He still didn't know why Samaira suddenly alienated from him.

Cecil was thinking about this year. This year was good for him. The best thing was he met Noah and the bad thing was he was always struggling with his feelings. His mother was also healthy and everything was good in the house too. His friends were still with him but he was confused about Samaira's sudden change in behaviour towards him. Was she in the rebellious phase? Maybe next year will fix everything. Everything will be good after they meet some break.