Choosing Love

The entire hall felt dead silent with everybody at the edge of their seats for Mimie's answer. She instinctively gulped down a loop of saliva down her throat, fidgeting a bit as she lurked around at the piercing gazes fixed on her then back to Eugene who has by now lowered his head, on the verge of giving up.

At that moment, the confused look on her face was replaced with a relaxed one as her mouth instinctively curved into a bright smile.

"Yes," She answered, making Eugene swiftly looked up at her to see a witty grin plastered on her face.

Instantly, the anxious spectators broke into cheerful rumpus as if they've won a lottery.

"Yes?" Eugene queried as a bliss of joy swept across his face. "Did you just say yes?" He hastily added while jumping to his feet. Mimie nodded, taking the bouquet from him but before she could think of anything else, Eugene swept her off her feet as he whirled her around with both of them giggling.

The very second Mimie's feet touched the ground, he tugged into her for a kiss which she hesitated not.

Crystal and Jayden who stood behind Mimie with Jayden's hand draped over Crystal's shoulder glanced at each other and simpered, taking into the moment. For some reason, Crystal was so happy for Mimie. Just when they thought they were having heaven on earth, the bell rang.

All the students instinctively broke into a disappointing roar as they scattered across the hall, finding their way out of the cafeteria in groups.

Mimie glanced back at Eugene for the last time with a shy smile as she left off together with Crystal and Jayden.

He in turn just stood smiling from ear to ear, staring as their backs faded through the exit. Philip and Mike who were all along standing beside him smiled at the joyous expression on his face.

"Ah..." Mike sighed, kneading Eugene's shoulder with a slight grin on his face. "Guess someone got some luck." He chuckled and trod off. Philip also patted his shoulder, wearing a grin on his face and followed after Mike.

"Don't just stand there, we still have a class." Philip shouted over his shoulders as they headed to the exit. "Mrs. Gags is surely going to have your head on a plate if you should be late." He added while rounding the corner.

Eugene guffawed at Philip's cheap joke and went after them.

*****

Shuffling among the few students who were done with their morning class, Linsey and Lucretia headed to the school's garden. Anita who still had a project to complete left off to the library, leaving the two to themselves.

The day was still heavenly with the bright skies and gentle sunshine. Getting to their destination, Lucretia exhaled, settling on the bench as she glanced heavenward whiles pressing her hands on the bench. Linsey who also didn't want to be left out, followed suit.

"Have you finally decided?" She asked, taking a quick glance at Lucretia.

"About what?" She instinctively answered.

"About Philip of course." Linsey uttered whiles straightening herself.

"Oh that," Lucretia leaned back on the bench. "I.." She muttered thoughtfully and sighed. "I don't know Lin, guess I'm afraid." She stared at Linsey, her eyes lingering with traits of fear and anxiety.

Linsey's heart sunk seeing her friend like that. "Oh Luc..." She stuttered, drawing Lucretia into a hug. "Maybe you should just let go off the long crush." They drew back from the hug. "I can tell him your decision if you want." She added and Lucretia's mouth curved into a faint smile.

She was about to speak up when she head her name over her shoulders. They deftly turned to see Nia, one of their colleagues.

"The principal wants to see you." She said.

"Okay," Lucretia answered with a nod and Nia left.

She glanced back at Linsey and she in turn, rubbed Lucretia's hand encouragingly. The corners of her mouth instinctively curved into a smile and they sprung up. Without another word, they headed off to the principal's office.

The rest of the day went by with no special happenings, except the school bustling with it's usual classroom activities and extracurriculars.

At around 4pm, the bell went off, sending the whole school into rumpus as students made scrapping noises with their desks while picking their bags to leave.

They sauntered out of their classrooms in groups with witty chatters, flooding the hallway. Lucretia, Linsey and Anita were no different from the rest. They got to the entrance of the school to meet Mrs. Mark waiting for them. Smiles swept up their faces on seeing her and they rushed over.

"How was school?" She queried with a sweet smile on her face as they got into the car.

"Great." They chorused and Mrs. Mark nodded affirmatively. Few seconds after they've settled in, she sped off.

******

Just as the saying goes, time flies when you are having fun. That was the situation Lucretia found herself in. Minutes turned into hours and hour into days. Soon, it was time for Lucretia to go back to the States.

Her exchange programme was over and graduation was just around the corner. She needed to return back to school where reality sat in wait for her. Where she had to face the person behind the reason she left.

She was packing her cloths into her bag when Linsey staggered into the room.

"Are you done packing?" She questioned as she neared Lucretia who sat on the bed still folding some dresses.

"Almost." Lucretia hastily answered with her attention still fixed on what she was doing. "Have you heard from Anita? She promised to come over after returning from her errand to her grandmother." She continued.

"Yeah, she just called." Linsey replied as she settled opposite Lucretia, leaving the bag in between them. "She won't be able to come but promised to meet us at the airport." She hinted.

"Okay, hope she isn't going to bounce on me." She joked and they both chuckled.

"Come on Luc," Linsey muttered amidst laughter. "There's no way Anita is going to miss it. Not even on her life."

"I know right?" Lucretia giggled and the atmosphere suddenly fell into silence. "You know what Lin?" Lucretia broke the silence. "You guys are really the best. What will I have done without you two?" She continued and Linsey smiled, spreading out her arms.

A grin swept up Lucretia's face and they drew into a hug. "Thank you guys– I'm really going to miss you two." She muttered over Linsey's shoulders, making her tighten her grip around her as the grin on her face broadened.