2.2 ME

Hana and I finished our material shopping at about seven in the evening, if it wasn't for the employee in the supply store we would be stuck in here for a while.

Now, the supplies we bought, that are beeping their way at the cash register are legit totaled, just like Philip said.

Our paper bags were stuffed with materials and the cardboard boxes weren't even in plastic because of how big it was. Five cardboard boxes and the four paper bag filled materials are quickly gathered by some staff at the supply store, as promised the store clerk was the one finishing up our delivery home service.

"That's about it…your overall total is two thousand pesos…All is paid and your good to go!" The clerk said. Hana and I both looked at each other. Cupping her hands she whispered at me.

"Seems to me that Philip isn't lying this time. Feels like he just wanted you to suffer because of how many the materials you're going to take in school for tomorrow and how hard to buy all of this, not to mention how long the list was".

I just scratched my left cheek and gave a slightly awkward smile at Hana.

"So…can you just sign here Mr?" The clerk continued.

I gently grabbed the pen and paper and wrote my full name, address, and telephone number. After signing it all, the items we bought are going to be delivered at exactly seven-thirty. Feels like the boulder sitting on my back suddenly rolled the way out. All was going smoothly, the only problem now is how I am going to get those stuff in our school tomorrow. We have a car but it takes a lot of pleading to convince my stepdad to drive me to school.

"All is set, Mr. Alex…You can leave it all to us have a good night…" She was nice and even respectful, she even assisted us till the very end. That's why before leaving I sneak one hundred pesos inside her top jar, she earned it though. After exiting the supply store, both of us stretched out of exhaustion. I can see students entering the department stores and families having fun with their kids at the arcade.

"Hey…wanna grab something to-"

"I think you should go…my mom is texting me nonstop so we should go…" Before I could tell her if she wants to eat and I'll be paying, she cut me off. I can see her face worried, her mom is must be angry, about why she isn't home and it's already dark outside.

"Are you saying something?" Hana put her phone in her pocket then asked me.

"Oh uh…Nothing. I think we should go I think my parents are also worried…"

"Good! Let's get out of here…we can take the short cut road behind the mall since it's the best way towards the train station…I can see students walking there!"

"If that works that's good to me…"

We then walk side by side to the exit. Upon leaving the mall grounds, a cold breeze touched our skin. I saw Hana shivering and letting out a sneeze, I took off my hoodie and offered it to her.

"Nah… I'm good, thanks…" Then opening her knapsack, she pulled out her school P.E sweater.

"You… seemed… prepared… huh?" I replied to Hana as my voice was muffled while putting on my hoodie.

"Unlike you…" She made a funny face while fixing her clothes and then her hair. We walk while exchanging insults to each other.

Since middle school like Rina. The three of us went to the same academic tracks but the catch is, Hana was my classmate. Since my girlfriend is busy with the athletic sessions and training, both Hana and I are devoured by books in the library. We spend a lot of time reading books from morning till noon, while my girlfriend is at her practice both of us, hanging around where we can visit worlds by flipping pages.

"Hey can we stop here for a sec, I'm thirsty…" Cutting off my reminiscing session, Hana spotted food stalls outside the mall, I think this is my best chance to give my token of appreciation. Thank God for this.

"One, pineapple juice please, medium thanks…" Grabbing her wallet from the pocket, I immediately cut her off before she could pay.

"I'll pay for this, it's my thanks for accompanying me until this time…" good thing some of my lunch money manage to survive the witch hunt Philip did earlier.

"Oh, alright thanks!" Then while the sound of moving ice and the sipping sound while she slurps the pineapple juice, she suddenly smacked me on my back. I almost dropped my wallet. Seeing her enjoy the drink made me relieved, I'm just anxious because I dragged her here with me and deal with my problematic life, at least by this little thing I can show my appreciation.

"Oh, sorry…" while putting back my money, two guys came out of nowhere. Good thing I'm gripping my wallet tightly.

"Oh sorry as well, boyo…" the two of them just walk in the opposite direction. We continued our way. We couldn't see the food stalls anymore.

The moonlight shined down on us, we reached a lane towards the nearest train station.

"You sure this is the right lane?" Asking Hana.

"Yeah, I always see students always walking here after going to the mall…"

Observing the surrounding it was not that dark, lamp post on every side so we can see the lane very clearly. It was evening so we can't see people walking by along with us.

"So what's your classroom's plan?" Hana shaking her drink, hearing the ice cubes, it's already empty.

"Oh, still don't know. Philip just asked me to buy the materials we need…not still sure what we're about to do…"

"How about your class?"

"Oh… I think it's a movie booth or something…." Hana then noticed a trashcan beside a bench under a flickering light post.

"Wait…" She then formed into a free-throw position, the empty juice container became a basketball. She took the shot and surprisingly the trash went in. she punched the wind in excitement and after that told me we should get going.

"Hey, you guys…"

Then suddenly two guys approached us. Both we're tall, my head only reached their bulky chest. The one who spoke is wearing a long black t-shirt designed with a skull and a snake circling it. Wearing ripped jeans and holding a cigarette in his hand.

"No, uhm…just going to the train station that's all…" I replied, Hana suddenly stood by my side.

"Heh?! You guys are high schoolers huh?" another guy responded, wearing a white shirt, a gold chain, and blackish shorts. They reeked alcohol… the guy with the black skulled shirt approached me, then blew the smoke coming from his mouth.

"You seem pretty harmless, I can see it in your eyes…just give us your wallet and we will be on our way" pulling out a kitchen-sized knife, he then pressed the tip at my cheek.

"I don't have any money…" I lifted both my arms indicating a white flag.

"Sorry, boyo… You just bought two drinks earlier right? So come on…don't make this long, because my patience is short!" wait these guys were tailing us? this is the guy from earlier.

"What the hell are you doing!?" Hana who is beside me exclaimed, the other guy suddenly held Hana behind her back then covered her mouth.

"Yo, bro I got you covered! Hurry!" The guy exclaimed, Hana still struggling to escape. She was on a brink of tears. Then Hana manages to bite the guy's hand, then stomped at his left foot. But the guy manages to grab her hair. Hana screamed in pain as the guy gripped her hair and approached her.

"You mother F…that hurt!" Then out of annoyance. He punched Hana on the stomach. Not knowing how I got the courage but, clenching my fist then struck the guy on the face. He dropped his knife and screamed on his knees.

"You Bastard! Come on bring it!" The guy stood up, picked up his knife then letting out a psychotic laugh. My heart was pounding hard, feels like my ribs are going to pop out because of how nerve-wracking the situation was. Assessing the situation, the only solution is, I give my wallet to them.

"Here…" I tossed my wallet. In-front of the man. Still holding his knife, his lips are bleeding. Then, taking a few steps back away from him.

"You have my interest! The wallet ain't my problem any more kid…now let's have some fun!"

Then he moved forward stepping on the wallet. Playing tricks with his knife using his hand like a playing card used by magicians. He continued to approach me. Hana was screaming her lungs out while the other guy is holding her mouth, she's on her knees and crying while holding her stomach.

"Finish him off bro!" the man cheered.

"If you move I'll make sure your parents ain't gonna see you starting tomorrow…" the guy said while still holding Hana.

Damn it! Damn it! Damn it all! Rushing at him while holding my arm to draw out a punch, but the guy quickly avoid it. I'm not a fan of violence and in my life, I did not raise any fist to any person until now…

"Is that all you got? Well then kid my turn!" he then put his knife at the back of his jeans, then ran towards me at full speed. He was like a bull-rushing towards a red flag. The only problem was the red flag was me. Speared at the ground, my sight was blurry. I can't see the guy nor Hana properly.

"I'll teach you some pointers kid, first do this!" He punched me in the stomach.

The man held my uniform and raised me, then tossed me at the pole, after that he then grabbed my neck and squeaking it like a stress ball, I couldn't breathe. Kicking him in his stomach, but it was no use. Tried scratching his arms, but he didn't even flinch.

"How you feeling kid!?" Both of the guys laughed hard. My sight turned blur as I gasp for air. As the guy pinned me at the pole. I can hear Hana's resisting voice under the other guy's hand. Hana's squeals grew even weaker, until…

I can't longer move any muscle…

My body feels heavy…

Is this it for me?

Am I going to die just like this?

Being a loser?

I think it's okay for me…to die like this…

My life has been hell already….

Both of the guys continued to laugh their stomach out.

"Are you going to die already? What a shame brat! Well…in that case seeya!" He then squeezed my neck like a lemon. Gasping for and clenching my teeth, then Stared at the man squeezing my neck and drifted my sight to Hana who's been crying…

Then closed my eyes.