Chapter 8

The next day. My brothers left me at home. Didn't mind if I'm going to be late or what. My temper is boiling, going up to my head. I'm mad right now knowing that my mouth is full of curses. And then, here's Joyce telling me something that can probably hurt my feelings without her knowing it. She pointed out that I have to start avoiding Jaden. But why?. I wanted to ask her but she stops me with her sudden explanation. She said that Jaden is now courting someone. Namely, Denise. The transferee girl. I don't like to believe nor trust what she said but I have this damn guts. I don't want to recognize it but it keeps on bugging me, saying that I should listen to her.

I ignored her message.

Adding the confusion in me. Joyce left my side because she quickly accused me of something I didn't realize what it is all about. I want to understand her. Don't want to judge her either but damn these feelings. It hurts me so badly. She is my best friend and she did betray me for whom?. For this Denise who's making attention from everyone. Geez!. What a small-minded one. I don't know how Denise knew that I have a crush on Jaden. Also, didn't understand how did Joyce come this far?. They accused me of flirting with Jaden while they're in a relationship.

Silently, I just giggle at this.

Accusing me is useless coz I don't mind what they're saying. All I care is about Jaden. I have no words for them. I am mad at them. Wanting to put some curses on their names but I just can't. I don't want to go this far just for the people like them. I cried, yes. Of course, I do because Joyce is the only person I've trusted in many years and yet she did what?. Destroying me for the sake of nobody?. I just can't believe this.

But the left side of me asking why's and what. Is that even true?. How about me, Jaden?. Do you even care about me?.

Geez! Why am I crying?. Will you please stop Bamby?. Stop shedding tears on someone who's not even worthy of your precious tears.

"Mom, what did I done wrong?. Joyce betrayed me." I hugged the belly bottom of Mom. Hiding my ugly face while I'm crying.

"You did nothing, my dear. If she chooses not to be with you anymore, let her be. Maybe she has these reasons." Mom explained while caressing my hair gently.

"What reasons Mom?. I can't believe her now."

"Oh, dear! Just like our weather, people can easily change in just one snap."

"Still. I don't get her." I said while hiccuping. Shaking my head in disbelief.

"Time will come, you'll understand her reasons, Bamby. For now, as much as possible. Don't judge her by one mistake. Coz sometimes, we people are too judgemental to someone without knowing their true story first. We'll never know if she's doing this for your good." I let go of her hug. I look down for a while so that I can wipe away my tears.

"What's good in hurting people Mom?. She hurt me." I insisted. She stared at me, intently.

"I know. I can see that." Just to stop me from asking or crying like a baby. She chooses to stay quiet over these petty things of mine. I know, she has a lot to say but she knew that I'm not gonna stop asking if she continues to talk.

I get what she is trying to say. She tries to explain to me that I should understand Joyce too. Okay fine. She's hurt, so do I?. She is probably crying right now, and me too. We're on the same boat but the fact that she's doing this without telling me about is making me sick. She knew that I'm fond of Jaden even before. Why now?.

Tsk!. Thinking this deep might get me crazy.

Grrr!.

I also liked to obey what Joyce advised me before the controversy but I just can't. How can I avoid someone if every time I go to a place like a gymnasium, the hallway, parking lot, canteen. I notice him most especially in our house. He's always with my brothers playing video games, billiards, or basketball even if it rains. So tell me. How can I ignore him huh?.

And the worst is yet to come.

"Quiet." The advisory teacher enters the class after me. I just got enter the room and I feel like I'm going to pass out at any moment. The teacher spoke and then introduce me to the whole class. I heard someone's voice. It's so familiar. Still. I didn't bother to take a glimpse at them because I am shaking with embarrassment right now. I'm not used to this at all.

"Yes, Miss." In chorus. They answered the teacher when she asked them if they knew me.

I let out a deep sigh. Releasing my worries.

"Well then, Bamby." She called me. It is a signal that I should face the class as of now.

Great!. This is so! Nerve-racking! I can't breathe normally!.

She even asked if I'm okay and I just nod at her even if I know to myself that I'm not that okay. Damn this!..

"Don't worry. You are not alone in this competition. Denise, Ace, and Jaden. Stand up, please." She announced it confidently and I was like. What?. Really?. Are you kidding Miss?.

Gradually, my eyes widen with each step of the three. Asking myself if is this real?. The people who I struggle not to look to is my companion?. My goodness Miss?. Are you tripping me?.

I can't help but bit my lower lip just to calm myself down.

And Ace?. What is he doing here?. All I know is that he's in Australia?. Why now?.

The teacher announces that we are the representative of our year level. She also added that we need to do our best to win.

"Of course Miss. We can do this. isn't it, baby?." I wish Ace whispered this but he didn't. Asshole!!

Wait. What baby?. Ugh, Ace!.

"Shit bruh! That's a foul!." Someone pointed us and all he did is a nod at them.

"Is it true that they're together?." I heard some girls ask this to her seatmate. I secretly stared at him intently. Giving him warnings!.

My forehead automatically creased.

He then avoids my eye contact and continues his damn smile to others like there's nothing wrong.

Geez! You'll get one punch later boy! You'll see!.

I waited for Jaden's reaction to what their classmate had been asking but I get nothing. He just stands firmly. With his poker face. I wanted to utter words, explain myself out, ask more questions to the three of them, or even argue with someone who is asking but suddenly, I got mute. My pounding heart eats away all my strength. Ugh! This is exhausting!

The teacher got curious too.

"Are you guys dating?." Her brow's up while looking at me. Without hesitation. She asked this straightforwardly.

"It's up to you to judge Miss," Ace added something but I don't have any time to comprehend it coz I'm busy torturing him with my own eyes.

Damn Ace! What are you up to huh?.

I even cursed his name a hundred times on my mind because he acts like we have something were in fact. We have nothing. We are just friends. That's all. I greeted my teeth when I saw how confidently he is saying that we're together.

Ace!!! Asshole! Go home, will you!?..

When we're dismissed. I give my gratitude to the teacher and walk out of the room without greeting the two beside me. I am embarrassed to the thoughts of knowing that Jaden heard what did Ace has been telling others. This makes me mad at him. Fiercely!.

What do you want Ace?. Tell me.

While marching back to my class. I saw on the left side of my eyes the shadow of Jaden. Watching me closely while being chased by Ace.

Oh, man!

What should I?! Think Bamby!

"Let's talk later." I angrily look at Ace when I said this. Then after that. I secretly look at where Jaden is before but he's already gone.

Fuck this! Don't believe in rumors Jaden!. It is just a rumor. That's not true.