Chapter IV

“Are they like the queen B’s here?” I was just intrigued: not everyone gets a face to face with those rich, entitled girls. “Yes they are.” Betty says this as she violently scrubs the tiles and smirked at me. She is my new partner at cleaning the pool aside from Jerry. The first time I met her, her impression to me was– the grungy too-cool-for-school type. Yes, we were wearing matching uniforms in blue-collared shirts, it’s just that – she looked way cooler. The combat boots were a thing and I’m envious at it. Why is she even wearing that at work? Total gangster move. Her hair had violet streaks in it which was kind of emo. She told me about her love for indie music and most of what she mentioned were actually my faves. The moment we get along with each other, I told her about my encounter with the wannabes at the lobby.

“They’re always like – together. ALL THE TIME. Even at school,” She said.

“You go to school the same as they do? Wow.”

“Totally.”

“So, what are they like?” I asked.

She handed me the chlorine and said, “They like to mess with kids at school. Like –” Then paused, remembering what seems to be monumental. “Okay so – this tall chick, the scary one, her name’s Brittany.”

“They’re pretty rich, as in totally, rich. Actually, those three were. Everyone knows they had tight rein on anything – navigating the perils and insecurities of us-versus-the-world.”

“That bitch has the face. And, is renowned for her brutal honesty. If she says you’re ugly, it means – you’re downright ugly,” she said the last part while pointing at me.

Umm. Ouch. I’m still working on my style.

“Next, is Chelsea,” She batted her eyes, hand on her forehead, posing like a pretentious damsel in distress. “The eyes and ears, the sniffer, the hair with full of secrets. She knows everyone. The trend setter of Mormond High. She can control you, blackmail you, and use you, so don’t spill anything when you’re around her,” She continues. “Morgan, Oh so – precious Morgan, is the player. She hangout with boys a lot. A notorious two-timer and faultfinder. The cheerleading captain who happens to be a total bully.” That hits the spot. I think just stepped on crap. They’re the kind I need not to mess with in any circumstances.

“But you know, they’re just dumbasses. It’s not like they’ve done something miraculous to benefit the school. All they did was to look cute on guys, flaunt on them to the hopeless girls.” She said this while looking disgusted. “Do you like to go to school Betty? No offense, by the way.” I said.

“Well, yeah kind of,” she shrugged. “I actually get the top four in class. Not something to brag about honestly – I love chemistry that’s all.” I looked at her with awe. A top four, she’s something. Really don’t judge by its cover. There’s no wonder she can wear the boots confidently. “You’re awesome,” was the only thing I can describe her. We halted talking after the momentary interruption.

Speak of the devil – the three Barbie wannabes just flashed towards the pool in their bikinis, walking like ramp models. Each are wearing sunglasses and hats. Both Betty and I can’t help but scowl.

I was returning the net inside the storage when I heard people talking loudly at the corridor. It’s quite muffled so I inched a little closer: my eyes peeking behind the wall.

“You still don’t get it flower boy? Okay, let me simplify it for you – GET LOST!” I could only see their backs from here. The other guy beside him was laughing hysterically.

“Tell me where uncle is.” A tall guy in a gray shirt gripped the loud mouth’s collar. Can’t see his face yet. I need to be closer.

“Woah, flower boy, your dad’s gonna be proud of you if he sees this. Let’s see what you got!” the loud mouth said.

Then the tall guy landed a huge punch on loud mouth’s face. Woah.

I took a step back and press my back on the wall. Loud punching sounds was all I heard. I peeked again and saw them in each other’s throats. Two guys were ganging up on the tall guy. He moves swiftly, avoiding the other guy’s fist then he swept an uppercut to the jaw. Loud mouth pushed him down – and he fell hard – then both of those guys kicked him in the gut nonstop. I can’t stand it anymore. Those guys are viciously violent. I saw a red button – must be the fire alarm. It was stupid but necessary.

The alarm beeped and sprinklers turned on, and all of us were drenched from the downpour.

“What is going on?!” the other guy said in panic.

Well, at least that stopped the fighting. The two ran after being soaked wet. Jeez, too scared of water. Don’t they shower at least? I looked up to see loud mouth’s face as I dragged the tall guy from the floor – that’s when I realized, it was him. He’s the one making out with Brittany in the bathroom.

My glasses was becoming cloudy so I wiped it off with my shirt. After putting it back, I stopped dragging the guy – who also seems to be my savior from the car incident. I can’t help to put a hand in my mouth and gasp from this unbelievable coincidence. I heard a loud click-clack. It turned out to be Mrs. Arborro.

“Goodlyn? Is it you who made all this?” She came in the corridor drenched, holding a latte. She looks scary with her eyebrows knitted together. Oops.

“Ma’am, I can explain.” I get into my knees seeming helpless. “Urghh.” My attention goes back to the injured who’s whimpering in pain.

“Oh my! Mr. Jenkins.” Mrs. Arborro recognized him instantly. She put his arm in her shoulders to support him up. “Goodlyn! Come here. Grab his arm too!” I obeyed but confused in the situation.

We put him inside a guest room. Meanwhile, I was shivering in cold as Mrs. Arborro called someone on the line. “Goodlyn, I’ll be out in a moment. Take care of Mr. Jenkins for a second.” She stride to the door at once.

I wrapped my arm to myself because it is so cold and the AC is on full-blast. Shaking, I saw my savior drenched. He must be cold too. So, I covered him with a comforter. He looked peaceful in his sleep. It didn’t take long until I stared at him so closely, observing his long lashes, and his cute little freckles. The cut in his cheeks and lips are still bleeding – this might leave a scar. I won’t let that happen to this gorgeous face. Hence, I fumbled in finding a first aid kit in one of the closets of the room. And, tended to his wounds right away.

With a trembling hand, I cleaned and disinfected the cut before placing the gauze.

“Aaah!” He squinted from the sting. To my surprise, I nudged the kit by mistake causing a loud crash from the falling tweezers. “I am so sorry! I am sorry!” I said.

“I’m fine.” He gets up, still figuring out his surroundings. “Who are you?” I was about to answer him but the minute Mrs. Arborro together with an even taller man in a tux emerged in the doorway, I zipped my lip.

“You okay son? I’m sorry about the boys. Their mom’s going to give them a scolding,” the man chuckled.

“Don’t worry about it.”

Mrs. Arborro tugged me out. We went inside her office and in that moment, I came back to my senses. Oh gosh, I’m so stupid to press the alarm. I could’ve just pulled them out instead, but I would be dragged in their fight if I did. I might be the one getting the cut on the cheeks. To top it off, I’m on duty and Mrs. Arborro will think I was a total gossip.

“Goodlyn, tell me. What exactly happened?”

So, I explained to her that I just saw them fighting, accidentally. I excluded the part where I listened behind a wall of course. Totally unnecessary. Thus, she told me not to touch anything inside the resort except the cleaning materials and that I won’t stir any further problems with my idiocy. “Oh and - Don’t mess with my coffee,” she added.

I let out a sigh of relief as I get back to the pool. “Dude! You took so long to return a net.” Betty walking with a pail in hand. “Sorry. I’m just – you know what. I’ll take it from here. You can go home early.”

“And leave you out here? No way! You look miserable, what just happened?” she said.

“I’m fine. It’s nothing,” I blurted.

“Is it nothing, as in nothing or – just nothing?” I’m baffled with that. “Just nothing, okay,” and let out a chuckle.

I tucked my bike to the garage, careful not to be discovered by Nan. My tummy’s famished, so I headed to the kitchen. “Nan! I’m home –” There’s no one in. That’s odd.

Still, the house is in its usual organized manner. Nothing out of place. I looked for grandma in her bedroom and she’s not there. Knocked in the bathroom, but no one answered so I opened it and again – yet she’s not here either. I go back to the kitchen to open the fridge, and there I saw inside a Tupperware with a note that says: I’m going for groceries dear. Eat this for lunch. Don’t worry, I had mine early. Love, Nan.

Okay, that almost put a shock in me. Nan’s just getting groceries that leaves me to be alone – again. That’s fine. Quickly, I finished Nan’s bibimbap and japchae before going to Garnet.

Garnet Homes is just three blocks to walk from home. Recently, I thought the side road is just excellent for walks so why not try it. The neighborhood is peaceful, and the pink skies looked wonderful. It was magical. I was absorbed into my sudden musings before someone puts a hand in my forehead.

“Hey, you almost kissed the tree,” He grinned. Right, I almost head bump a large tree. I’m such a klutz.

“You – you’re the thief who stole my bike!” I pointed my finger at him. “Why are you here?”

“I would ask the same. Are you here to report me? Here.” He held out both of his hands acting like he’s being arrested.

I rolled my eyes. Seriously? I walked past him but he catches up and nudged my arm with his elbow. This guy is annoying. I stopped on my tracks and faced him. “Can you please, not follow me?” “Umm… stranger!” I added.

“Follow? I’m heading this way too.” He looked at me with a smirk and left me struck. He waved at me before getting inside Garnet.

This guy just– irritates me.

Old John stuck his nose in a newspaper. I can’t help but feel awkward around the other elders except him. Besides, I’m still not familiar with the people around here. I moved towards him. “Hi, is there anything I can do for you? Do you want me to get you some coffee?” I said sounding cheerful.

“No, girl. You don’t have to,” he said.

I cleared my throat, a bit disappointed, and considered to find another occupation when he looked up and said, “Instead, read me a book from here.” He gestured to the direction of the shelves full of books. A small smile draws out my lips and I picked some of the classics I’m very familiar with. He might’ve read all of them but he chose to let me read it once more. It made me hopeful to get to know him.

I brought him three books to choose. “Which of them would you like?” I asked expectant of his choice.

“That’s for you to decide.” Okay, I pointed at Jane Eyre. His teeth showed and his jowls sagged, mustering an awkward grin, I think he’s trying to smile too. “That’s great, read it to me girl,” He ordered. And so I did. A few hours later, someone interrupted me while I was reading a passage in chapter five.

“What a lucky guy.” He chuckles. “Hey pops.” And, hugged Old John.

“Would you like to join us?” the old man said.

I’m astonished. They knew each other. It turned out the guy’s name is Gavin and he is Old John’s grandson. He properly introduced us to each other, which is unnecessary because we already met. And Gavin is a complete nut crack. He tried to joke out of nowhere.

“I bet you’ll get a goodnight sleep,” Gavin says.

“Who, me?” I asked.

“No,” he instantly replied.

Old John straightened his shoulders, looked at him squarely and said, “What did you say boy? Me?!”

“No – Her,” A hand motioned to me. Can you believe this guy? He’s a twit with his grandpa.

Gavin couldn’t stay with us after that because he had a prior appointment which is of course what a teenage boy would say when he really wants to escape from the boredom of talking to older people.

I mean, Old John is kinda sweet just like Nan. Speaking of which, she must be home already. I stared at the clock on the wall then continued reading some more.

With Bright Tomorrows, end of Chapter Four.