Wonderland

23. Leaving

I struggle to keep my balance as I walked through the corridor valley of the school- a.k.a the Student Lounge. It was the day that everyone in the school must attend the ceremony of the students who passed the Licensure exam.

I wore my peach dress that hang loosely on both of my shoulders, the dress was just over my knees so it was pretty short but I figured that the guard would let me since its a feast day for the school.

And besides, I was in my car.

Shrugging the stares that some of the students gave me perhaps its my dress and because- its peach colored, well I bet they just love staring at it. I made my way to an empty seat, after two minutes or so, Carol and Stacey joined me together with some of our classmates.

"Stacey I have to talk to you." I muttered to Stacey as she gushed about her new crush, was it Andrew? Brew? I bet it was Brad.

"Yeah?"

I struggled to spit the words in my mouth as Stacey waited. "I-"

"What is it Heather?"

I sighed, I know what I'm doing is right and whatever I'm gonna do to cover my lies, the truth and the truth will emerge.

"I'm leaving after this ceremony."

Stacey laughed, "Where? States?"

She took it as a joke. Typical Stacey.

"Yes Stacey. States." Her eyes soften as she held my hand.

"There's so many things that I wanted to tell you Stacey, but-" I handed the paper I wrote last night to Stacey. "Read this when you have time. That's when you know what I'm talking about."

She nodded.

"But why so sudden?" Stacey asked.

I shook my head, "My family. They.." I took a long breath, "They wants me to go."

"I understand." she says, "Well in that case, you'd be able to see Ric, Clin, Leo, Rj and Bryan."

I shook my head again as I play with my fingers, "No Stacey. I- I can't."

She stared at me, "Why?"

"Because I can't." I said softly.

We fell into a deep conversation about my life, she accepted my apology on how I lied about my family background. And she took courage to me to live my life on how it supposed to be because all I got when I started all over again was heartbreak.

And she said to me, "I wish you the best and I hope you don't break with the same reason love."

The students were approaching the gymnasium for the ceremony while I took turn and went to my secret hiding spot which was the rooftop.

When I was two steps away from reaching it, I saw Cole standing with his hands tucked on his washed out jeans.

"You know someone told me, its forbidden to come here." I said.

He turned around, "I'm curious." He says smiling.

I walked towards the chairs, ignoring the winds as it continue to salvage my hair.

"Do you know that curiosity kills the cat?"

He shrugged, "But good thing I'm not a cat."

I continue smiling, "Do you know that cats have nine lives?"

He walked towards me, "No I don't."

"But do you know, you look awfully beautiful today?" he says.

I feel my cheeks burn at his comment. Good thing the wind carressed my face smoothly.

"Awful and beautiful doesn't seem to blend perfectly Cole." I chuckled as he sat down.

He chuckled as he extend his arms, "But with you, it blended just fine."

Again. The burn.

"S-so how are things with you and your brother?" I asked.

"We skyped last night, he says he's working in a hotel in New York." he answered, "And if you're wondering if he asked for you-" he turned to me, "Yes." he breathes, "Yes he did."

I breathed in.

"My brother is a good guy Heather." Cole assures me.

But why did he have to cut down everything in just one blink? Would a good guy does that?

Just disappear?

"Whatever he do, he always has a reason."

We stayed silent for a while or a long while as we breathe in the same air. I know Cole loves his brother, its obvious the way he talks about him and the way he tells me about what he feels towards me.

For a long time I just notice how similar they looked, eventhough Cole is a tad taller than Carl, Cole's eyelashes were the same as Carl, their eyes were the sane shade of blue- ocean.

Sometimes I wonder if Carl ever talked about his brother who love him this much.

"Stop staring, its scary." Cole choked out.

I smile genuinely, "I just notice you have long eyelashes and its curled. How is that possible?"

He chuckled, "Genes. Too bad yours are-" he stopped as he turns to me.

I raise my brow jokingly, "Well? What is it?"

He shook his head and I'm sure he murmured something.

"Yours are curled too." he says.

"Yeah but they aren't long like yours" I rolled my eyes as he laughs.

I sighed, okay here it goes.

"I'm leaving to States today."

His head snapped at my direction, "Why?"

I smiled softly, "I've been here long. Long enough to stay here. I was supposed to hide, but I ended up taking a course here."

His eyes became sad, "H-how long will you be gone?"

I shook my head as I play with my hands, "I-I really don't know."

"You aren't going there because of Carl, right?" he asked sadly.

I shook my head again, "No."

"Cole, I have a life out there. You will know it after I landed. "

He chuckles lightly, "You mean to tell me that you are a celebrity?"

"I don't know, but lets just leave it there." I answered.

I stood up as Cole watch me grab my bag, "I'm going now Cole." I walked away from him.

I reached the floor and I'm in the Student Lounge. There were students sitting and talking to each other as I passed. Even Krissy was there talking to Narnia, Jaclyn and Jana as Knorr walked into my way.

Knorr didn't notice me- maybe its because of the hair or the dress. But I'm better now, they will be peaceful once my presence is gone.

"Wait Heather." I feel a hand in my arm as it made me turn aback.

"I- I just need to do this."

I was shocked at least when Cole hugged me tightly. I smile at the gesture reminding me of Ric- well that bastard will have to see me when I get back. I hugged back, ignoring the few stares we earned.

"Just don't forget about me Heather. Because I won't."