Life of Problems

Chapter 54

Jiya sat up on her bed, breathing heavily. She was soaked in sweat even in this winter.

AHH! My head, growled Jiya. It's aching like hell.

It was 5 in the morning and we two were sleeping peacefully. Jiya, on the other hand, was victim 

of her nightmare again.

She got down from bed and drank water from the bottle on her desk.

Dear sleep, she mumbled watching us.

*

Trying to decide your questions? Jiya turned swiftly and saw Joe standing on her neck. The book she has just took from a self was about E.T.I.

I am just interested, she said turning again to take another book.

Can l make a request? whispered Joe.

No, said Jiya coldly.

Hey! Now don't be so rud..

Jiya? came another voice and Jiya turned again.

Uhh..Robin? said Jiya uncertainly.

Robin smiled. It's a great honour that you still remember me.

Jiya chuckled. Nothing like that, she said.

You know that your choice of books were great! I enjoyed them so much, said Robin cheerfully.

It's nice that you liked them, said Jiya embarrassedly. Oh! It's Joe, said Jiya pointing at Joe. We share desk.

Hi, said Robin to Joe. Nice to meet you.

You too, said Joe.

Umm Jiya? said Robin.

Hmm?

Happy birthday, he said blushing.

How do you know that? asked Jiya shocked.

I know somehow, said Robin mysteriously. This is for you ,he said giving a wrapped rectangular thing.

But Robin... said Jiya hesitantly.

Oh please, said Robin. I will be very happy if you accept this.

But...

please? said Robin.

Jiya smiled. Okay ,thank you so much for this.

Thank you for accepting it. Hope you will like it.

Jiya smiled. Okay, said Robin. See you again.

Yeah ,see you, said Jiya as Robin left.

So, what were you saying? said Jiya to Joe.

You never smile at me ,he said coldly. And what do you mean by we share desk? Is it a way to introduce someone? Couldn't you say something better?

Jiya gave him a careless look.

So, he said returning to the point again, will you go somewhere with me?

You guys are again going somewhere? asked Jiya.

No, it's just you and me, said Joe nervously.

I am quite busy Joe, said Jiya. Sorry, can't go.

Cause you're afraid to go alone with me? said Joe lowering his head.

Will you stop saying this? said Jiya angrily.

I will go now, said Joe slowly and started to walk.

Jiya sighed. Hey? she called softly.

What? said Joe turning but without looking at her.

Where? she asked.

Will you go? Joe asked looking at her this time.

Wait a minute, said Jiya and went to the counter to take her choosed  books.

Let's go to my tent first ,she said coming back. After leaving these things we will go, okay?

Joe smiled and nodded.

*

Nick was sleeping when his phone rang. He picked it.

Who dah? he asked in a sleepy voice.

Am I talking to Mr. Nick Parker? asked a man's deep voice.

Yeah, said Nick. Who are you?

I am Alex Penn, said the man.

What! Nick sat up on his bed quickly, wide awake.

Could we talk for a moment? asked Mr. Penn.

Sure sir, said Nick respectfully.

Why do you think that you weren't selected yesterday? asked Mr. Penn being informal this time.

Uhh cause I need to improve ,l guess, said Nick uncomfortably.

Quite right, said he. And why do you think l am calling you?

No idea sir, said Nick honestly.

Well, what is the most important thing for an artist? asked Mr. Penn.

Err perspective? Imagination? said Nick uncertainly.

Indeed, said he, and for your kind information, you are having them enough.

Thanks sir, said Nick rubbing his eye.

What thanks? said Mr. Penn a little angrily. Shouldn't you ask that why weren't you selected 

then?

The five were better than me, right? said Nick quickly.Mr. Penn sighed. In the case of perspective, you're as much better as them, maybe even better 

than the last two. But you don't have enough skill as them. That's why you weren't selected.

Nick stayed silent.

But as l said, Mr. Penn continued, perspective is the most important thing for an artist, l have decided to take you in. Will you like to be my sixth student of this arrangement?

Nick pinched himself on the hand. Ouch! I am awake ,he said loudly.

What? asked Mr. Penn.

Obviously sir, said Nick unable to hide his excitement. Thank you so much for the opportunity, he said.

Now if you're joining, said Mr. Penn, stop calling me sir.

Then what do I call you sir? I mean...

Anything you want but not sir, said Mr. Penn approvingly.

Of course sir, l mean...I will ask my assistant to email you all the details about class young man. You can go back to 

sleep now, he said lightly and ended the call.

But Nick was wide awake by his excitement. He saw the date on his phone.

Oh! It's Jwel's birthday as well. Double celebration, Nick thought looking at Jwel who was still asleep in his bed. Joe's bed was empty anyway.