Chapter 1: Belong

(2 days ago...)

The sky was mixed with yellow and orange when I'm in a dream. Standing at the end of the cliff, I'll close my eyes as I felt the wind touch my skin, the wind that blew my dress and hair.

"Jasmine.."

Why do I feel like there's a missing piece in my life, I know that I did lose my memory, but there's something inside me that is important... I don't know how to explain this...

"Jasmine..."

But... but... I want to remember it because I want to know who I was and where I came from.

"Jasmine!"

My eyes are blurred. I blink for a second before I look at the person who's calling my name. Oh... I forgot it's...

"Y-Yes, sir?"

He closed his eyes and shook his head. He massaged his head before he looks at me.

"Are you listening, Ms. Jasmine?"

I looked around... I forgot that I'm in the classroom.

And my classmates are looking at me. Some of them are whispering, laughing, and shaking their head while looking at me. I sigh.

I look away. "Yes... I am listening, sir."

After I said that, the school bell rang.

"Okay. Class dismissed." He went out.

Some of my classmates went out immediately as they heard the bell ring. And some stayed inside the classroom. I bowed my head when I heard it again.

"What is she thinking?"

"Oh, I bet she is dreaming again."

"I know what it is! She's dreaming about her prince charming!" And they laughed.

I shook my head and, instead, review my notes for the next class.

We’re used to being friends, but I think they just like me at first.

I thought I already found my companion, but I was wrong. I closed my eyes because I remembered again what they did. I sigh.

They help me change. No, I changed for them. To be with them is to be like them. So, that is what I did.

"Hey, Jas. We're friends, right? Can you buy me something?" I looked at him. It's Jasper.

And everyone knows that I can't refuse him. I don't want him to get angry at me or talk back at me. I am hoping for him to like me back. But I think not anymore. I want to live in peace.

Why can't I feel that? Did I do something wrong?

Why do I feel like I don't belong here? That I don't fit in this world. It feels not right.

I slowly nodded at him and stood up. I heard his friends laugh. I ignored them.

I looked at him. He is stunned for a second when he looks into my eyes. He stood properly.

"I-I... Uhmm... Can y-you buy me two chicken sandwiches in the canteen?"

He gave me his wallet, and I left. But before that, I heard them clapping their hands. When I go out, people started to look at me and whisper.

I did not mind them, and I started walking in the hallway. I sigh. I realized that I'm different right now, and I think I used to be sensitive.

When I heard them talking about me, I would cry silently in the cubicle. Do you want to know why? That's because when I transferred to this school years ago... A group of friends started talking to me, and they asked me to be friends with them, and I agreed.

They are fun to be with; they are funny and kind, and they looked so free.

When I felt comfortable with them, I tried to change so that I can fit in. But rumors started spreading in our school. I don't know how, but when I heard what kind of gossip is that. I already knew who started this. I told them my secret. My secret was pure and innocent, but they changed... it.

I told them that I like Jasper... but they said to everyone that I seduced him. That I’m showing my true colors by impressing him... After hearing all of their thoughts about me, I think I changed. I don't feel anything anymore.

"Awww!" I groaned as I felt the impact when I fall to the ground. I look up, and I saw Cindy. She's the one who hit me using her shoulders.

"Are you dreaming again, soft girl? Pretending that you didn't see me?" She laughed. I bowed my head as I heard everyone laugh.

I stood up, and I fixed myself. I ignore her and walk away. But she held my hand roughly.

"Trying to escape, eh?" She smirks.

I bowed my head. I don't want to look at her. "Please. Let go of my hand." I whispered. I know that she heard it.

I forced myself to let go of her hold, and I successfully did it. After that, I ran so that she won't catch me. I stopped when I reached the canteen. I sigh, and I close my eyes, looking for some air.

After I bought the chicken sandwich, I immediately went back to the room when I heard the school bell ring for the second period. Thank goodness, ma'am Lazaro is not here yet!

Cindy raised her eyebrow when she saw me go in with a sandwich. I looked away and didn't mind her stare. I went to Jasper, who is sitting in his chair. He's smiling while looking at me. He looks excited.

"Thank you... Cindy!"

I can feel the pain, and I think it's red. I touched my cheek where she slapped. I look at her coldly. Her eyes watered. Her lips trembled while her hands are still in the air. Jasper stopped her when she intends to slap me one more time.

"H-How dare you!" Her tears fell from her eyes. I don't why she's crying. "You are trying to impress Jasper, and that's why you're in a hurry!"

I frown. "What are you talking about?"

"Cindy, that's not it!"

"Then, why did she buy two sandwiches?! For the two of you?! Is that it?" Her voice broke.

I shook my head and ignored them. I went to my seat but.. suddenly she pulled my hair.

"Y-You slut! You dare ignore me!"

"Cindy! Let her go!"

I fell to the ground when she forcefully pulled my hair. I closed my eyes as I endure the pain. I caught his hand, which is holding my hair. I held her hand tightly, and she let go.

"Ouch! My h-hand!" She screamed.

I immediately stood up and looked at her. My eyes went wide when I saw her hand burnt.

"H-How did she do that?"

"Oh my goodness.."

I look around; they are looking at me grossly. Some of them are whispering, and some are trembling in fear.

I took my bag and ran. I went to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. My hair is messy, and I thought my left cheek is red... but it is not. It's okay now, and I don't feel any pain now. I heard the doorknob move. I panicked and immediately went to the cubicle.

They are laughing when they went in. "I know you're here, little girl." It's Mandy!

"I know where she is..." one of them whispered.

I gulp.