Secrets, Lies, and Deception

Chapter 13: No Rush

After being discharged from the hospital, I didn't waste any other day and went back to school. I do not want to be any more left behind than I already am with the lessons.

I picked out a casual outfit from my wardrobe. For my top, I wore a black rib frill detail cami top finishing it with an oversized patterned blazer. As for my bottoms, I chose to wear a high rise buttercup straight denim jeans with black stilettos. I tied my hair up in a ponytail. My makeup is light with a pop of red color on the lips. This isn't really my usual style, but I wanted to look proper.

As usual, when I got out of the room, mom was not home. I don't even bother to wonder where she is because she's probably somewhere fucking another man or a boy, in fact.

I closed the door behind me and made sure it was locked. I secure my ponytail again as I passed along Mrs. Gibbs's door. I was about to press the button for the elevator when Mrs. Gibbs called out to me.

"Dear, come here," she said. I walked up to her and greeted her with a smile.

"Good morning, Mrs. Gibbs!" I cheerfully said.

"You sound... happy?" she confusingly said.

"Am I?" I said with a laugh.

"Oh well, I know that you don't prepare something for breakfast. So, take this bread and get yourself a cup of coffee on the cart on your way to school," she said, handing out a small brown paper bag. I gladly accepted her offer.

"Thank you, Mrs. Gibbs, and goodbye," I said, waving my hand to her as I walked to the elevator.

I glanced at my watch to check the time. I would be earlier than usual by the time I get to school, even if I took the bus, which painted a smile on my face. Minutes after, the bus arrived, and I hopped into it. I slid the back of my phone on the terminal to pay for the bus fee and took my seat at the bus's back end beside a window.

Since it was still early, there weren't really many people taking the bus. Many prefer to rather walk and enjoy the summer breeze. Thank God really that it isn't as scorching hot this year as last year.

I opened the window to also enjoy the summer wind. The wind tickles my face as it also messes up my bangs. If it was me before, I would have been enraged for ruining my hairstyle, but now, I really don't mind at all.

When I woke up this morning, all I could feel was happiness... genuine happiness. For the first time in a year, I was happy. I didn't have to feel anxious or depressed at all.

Flashes of memory appeared of what happened the last two days when Nate visited me. He asked me to go out with him. I remember it vividly. He held my hand as he turned his face slowly to look directly at me and asked the question. Taken by surprise, I flustered and stood up straight in a flash, then walked away from him.

Remembering it now, I felt embarrassed to even face him. I didn't even answer his question. He might be upset with me because he didn't see me when I got discharged from the hospital.

And yes... I did slightly expect him to be there.

I realized that I have depended on him too much recently despite him involving himself with my own business. By relying on him, I meant that unconsciously I always wish him to be by my side and protect me from every little bad thing that might happen to me, whether my secret will be divulged or harassed once again.

"I am my own," I blurted to myself as I was reflecting.

I shouldn't depend on someone else's for my own happiness. I should learn to be happy on my own despite everything that has happened to me. I can be satisfied.