From Afar

"Caution: Slippery, May Fall"

"Hey, hey, what do you think about transferring to a new school? My mom thinks 'new school, better environment' was the idea behind it." Charlotte nudged my ribs, almost hitting my side boobs. 

The canteen's packed with hungry and insatiable people. One guy across us bought six burgers and chomped about three of them in a blink of an eye. A Burger King fan? The rando girl sitting beside the table of the Burger King fan looked at the food before her with a drool. The line was so long. If it weren't for Charlotte's craziness, we wouldn't be here. 

She insisted we line up. I told her I'd look for a table but she dragged me with her and told me, "No, you brat! You can't make me your maid forever" but how about the table! Do we have to race again with someone to be able to eat? THIS IS CRAPPY.

"Hey! Careful! Your elbow's so near!" I don't know, but everything's crappy today. The uniform's a crap. My friend's a crap. The school's a crap. The food is a crap. You know what else is a crap? 

 Your feelings for the person who can never love you back is. 

Charlotte looked at me hysterically, eyes saying, "Excuse me? You're a flat board." And continued on about what she's been telling since two weeks ago. "You think you can convince your dad? Want me to talk to him?" 

I swear, Charlotte, I've been hearing the same things for four-flipping-teen days. 

"My dad doesn't want me to transfer. I said this for about ten times since two weeks ago." The thought of even packing my belongings and having to look for the nearest dorm is pain in the ass already. "Unless I rebel, pierce my ears and maybe include my nose, and get a tattoo, I'll stay here. And you know how I feel about piercings and tattoos--big no no...which means...NO. I won't leave here." 

"I know there are handsome guys here. But if we go there, we might have a chance encounter with prince charming!" She giggled and even slightly jumped like a child. Students around us looked at her as if she's a wild animal. We all knew she was.

As if we go to school to meet handsome men. 

"I know what you're thinking. Yes, we do that. What's the point of going to school when there are no eye candies? Boring~ You're boring~" 

Boyo, all she thought about all day flipping long were boys. Boys. BOYS. Fricking boys.

"Yeah, yeah, sure I'm boring. It's your turn now."  

She stood before me and decided to buy the jumbo fries and two large cheese sticks she's been dreaming 'bout. She took her food and bid me goodbye for a while to look for available seats and table. I looked at her and told her to clean everything before she eats. 

I then proceed to look at the food menu. I've been in this school since 5th grade. It's just a real wonder I still don't know what to buy. But hey! The last time I tasted food here, I ended up getting self-diagnosed with LBM.

I must've been been scanning for too long since someone tapped my shoulder. I turned to see who it was. A guy. Of all sexes, I mean, of two sexes, why, oh, why a man? This is committing social suicide!

He closed the distance between us and told me to come closer so I leaned as if we're sharing a very important secret mission. You know, Mission: Impossible starred by our so handsome Tom Cruise? Or like Spy Kids? Man, they were the best! Anyway, I digressed.

"Pres. Owens, please choose your food," he whispered and pointed to people at the back. "We're all hungry." He gently laughed. 

I didn't know what to do. What do I do? That was the most soothing voice I heard. Too soft and too meek. I could listen to is all day but...

Did he perhaps lack testosterone? How do I help him to have tons? 

"Ah yeah, sure, sorry." I looked back at the menu and chose whatever my eyes see first. "I'd like one cookies-and-cream shake and ugh, ugh, three, large criss cross fries with extra ketchup."

The middle-aged server gave me the tray and the placed food I ordered on top. I thanked her before stepping out the line but I heard a low voice call me before I could reprimand my slothfulness and slow decision-making. 

I knew it was him so I stopped on my tracks. I knew I had to. 

Almost as quiet as a thief at night, he said, " I apologize for offending you." 

Then he smiled. Not a toothy smile but a shy smile. He smiled. It was awkward but it was enough to leave my mouth agape. Well what can I say? What a cute smile.  And then he turned to the lady in front and talked to her. 

My legs started to walk away while my eyes were stuck on him like glue. I saw how he talked, how he ordered food, how he scratched his head when he knew two things he ordered were out of stock. It was strange. The sight of him being indecisive was...cute. Almost too adorable for my heart.

I broke his spell and the corners of my lips started to curl upwards. What a hypnotizing creature. 

And just as fleeting our conversation was, I quickly realized I've been hit by a smooth criminal. To smooth I might fall. Too slippery I might just sink.