FINDING YOU AT LONG LAST

Chapter 5: FOR-N-EVER FORGOTTEN

When the incident smoothed out, I was able to focus on school clearly. Many would cheer me as a hero when I pass. What just happened might've been difficult for a normal student but I guess not to me, and maybe to Rolan. Still he never left my side and got so much more clingy than ever before. Over time I got used to his pesky nature. I don't know why but I did eventually grew to embrace his company. He did became less upsetting and we'd see each other at lunch or when school ends. I can't seem to find any other reason to get mad at him, other than being loud I guess. We slowly became good friends, "huh maybe I can have more than one friend" I thought. Running or cutting him off were two things I cannot seem to do anymore. His house is just few blocks away from mine so he'd often walk with me to school and back home. Even Ruth adore his presence.

Exams were coming and I worked my butt out for an entire week. Ofcourse I passed. I told Erica about it and she succeeded aswell. We were screeching in the halls and planned to celebrate, even if its not the finals there's nothing wrong with going on a little treat. She told me to invite Rolan and I said yes. I found him at his locker and was about to approach him when suddenly, a group of senior boys surrounded him.

They were picking on him and saying awful things and he just stood there silently. "Aww, whats the matter little Rolly, you failed again?", a boy asked. "Just leave me alone" he replied, not facing his gaze. They kept on teasing and poking him and I can't just stand there. I pushed two of them out of my way and stand between Rolan and the boy. "He said leave him alone!" I glared and shouted. "Great now your girlfriend is here to save you? Gosh Rolly how pathetic and soft have you become?" the boy said.

I found his ID, written on it was Blaze Hindwood. He was the school's jock and hundreds of girls have fallen for him. I used to have a crush on him from 7th grade. Now I didn't care. I pushed him hard, away from us and he went livid. He was about to attack me when Rolan grabbed his collar and punched him on the ground. I gave his minions a little flying kick and that surely scared them off. Babies. I looked at Rolan and he was insanely furious.

I hold onto his shoulder, hoping to stop him from going far. He took my hand and we both left. He calmed down and as we were walking to the front gates, I told him about Erica's invite. He happily agreed and when we met her, we left for downtown at a local ice cream place. We took a walk at Haven's Path and the trees are starting to change its colors. Leaves are blended with the same color of the sky. Rolan's hair. While Erica was distracted, I asked him about what had happened.

Liz:"Why did that moron called you little Rolly?"

He hesitated to speak like words stuck on his throat. A dash of anger filled his green eyes. His aura changed the moment I said his name.

Liz:"Ohh I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked that"
Rolan:"No it's...okay Luney. I don't have to hide it from you anyways. He is my cousin. He is the son of my father's eldest sister. He's been like that since we were kids. Guess he just hates me for all I care"
Liz:"He mentioned something about "fail"
Rolan:" Yeah...I failed one test. Numbers. He always makes a big deal out of it or to any of my failures"

I suddenly felt pity and upset that his own family member would do such a thing to him. He has been a...nice friend and I want to help him get better with his struggle. I never knew much about his family so I guess I'll have to keep that in mind.

Liz:"How bout this, any free time at school, come to the library and I'll tutor you. During the weekends, come to Book Dome and I'll help you there"
Rolan:"Wait really?!"
Liz:"I hate that idiot calling you pathetic. I'll help you get better with subjects you struggle and show that dork he is so wrong for picking on you. So what do you say?"
Rolan:"I'd love too! Thanks Luney"

He hugged me tight as if a slight burden on his chest was lifted. I patted his shoulder, "No problem Ray!" I said and smiled, later realizing that I adressed him differently, I covered my face out of embarassment. He just laughed and I was happier that he is now fine.

"Hey lovebirds! Let's go!" Erica shouted at a distance. Furious at her calling us "lovebirds" I charged at her with lightning speed. She runned faster and Rolan was trying to catch up with us.

Rolan's POV:

Oh sweet Elizabeth, you truly never change. Even in my darkest times before, you have been my light and now, you still are. Trusting me with your time even if you still keep your distance, how cute. I wonder if you still think of me the same when the truth comes to light. Whatever happens I will never let you go again. Losing you twice feels the same as losing you once. I hope you know who you're being friends with, now that I have finally found you, My Luney.

Liz's POV:

Ever since then, I tutored him at the library at breaks and during weekends, we'd go to the city library and he would use that as a way for us to hang out after like going on food trips, malls, art museums and arcade. His favorite was the dance simulation, which I have to agree he was good at. We even danced a duet and won. My favorite was this claw machine filled with animals and food plushies. He got me a pink bunny once. I'll have to admit that I was having so much fun, he's not so bad. A feeling I never thought I'd feel once more.

My heart became lighter and somehow, something deep inside felt more carefree than before. He was fun to hangout with and although he is noisy and annoying at times, I distinguish it as unusual. There was lightness in his heart which I found aggravatingly alluring. That shine inside of him, I have always doubt it. A bit loathe to say but- things didn't feel lonely or broken anymore. Uhhh I'll have to keep that a low profile... I sound so cheesy, like something that came out from a burnt movie.