Part 11

SHANE'S POINT OF VIEW

Was it my fault why he became sad?

"U-um . . . the girl thing . . . that was just a joke, okay? Do not take it to heart," I said with a laugh. Yes. I will do everything for me not to be guilty.

He came closer to me, making me nervous. I thought, he was going to scold me because of his very serious face but he just patted my head and messed up my hair.

"My hair," I complained. I glared at him. I even had a hard time combing it earlier but then he just messed it up? Every strand would get tangled and would possibly fall out if I combed again.

I slapped away his hand resting on my head. He took a small step back but his sight was still on me.

I sighed and closed my eyes tightly. "Why are you here?" I asked, diverting the topic.

"Nothing. Is it forbidden?"

"No. I just asked. Can I not ask? Besides, why did you take my phone number from May?"

He smirked again. I hope you get wrinkles with your smile! "Nothing. Is it forbidden?" Different questions, same answer. Great. Brilliant.

I rolled my eyes in annoyance. "Of course, it is private," I said seriously.

"Yeah. Private. For your friends only," he added.

Unconsciously, I raised an eyebrow again. "You already know. So, why did you get it?"

"Because I am your friend too."

"Sorry, okay? As far as I can remember, I am not your friend."

Instead of being ashamed of what I told him, he smiled. Gosh! Is he not tired of smiling? I am tired of seeing it.

"Okay. Miss Shane Smith, I am Mister Andrei Williams. Will you be my friend?" He held out his right hand in front of me.

I raised an eyebrow at him for the nth time. Oh, so formal, huh?

I looked at him again from head to toe. There is nothing wrong with me making friends with him. "Okay, fine, Mister Williams." I held out my hand and shook hands with him.

"Now, we are friends."

"Fine, Sir."

"Hi! Let us play." A boy approached me. Surprisingly, his face was blurry.

"Okay."

Only one thing was clear to me – we were playing catch in a park . . . familiar park. After we played, we sat on a bench while drenched in our sweat.

"It is tiring," said my companion.

"Yes, it is," I agreed while panting.

"I have a question. What do you want to be when you grow up?"

I answered mindlessly, "I do not know."

"Is that so?" I nodded. "If I am asked, I want to be a doctor."

"Nice. Why do you want to be a doctor?"

"I want to cure my dad." His tone of voice became sad.

"Why? What happened?"

"He has cancer."

Gradually, the surroundings changed. Now, I was outside a green gate.

"You are a liar!"

"Do not take my daughter with you! If you are leaving, leave alone!"

"You do not deserve to be a father to her. You are a bad influence!"

I could hear Dad and Mom shouting. They were fighting again.

Mom was holding my right hand and carrying a black suitcase on the other side. I did not know but tears flowed from my eyes.

"Mom, Dad, that is enough!" They were shocked by what I said and both looked at me. "P-please."