Enchanted

Chapter 5

Nicolette

I felt breathless like I'll be passing out anytime soon. The air became thick and my lungs were screaming for oxygen. But I just sat there, letting my brain play tricks with me.

I rubbed my eyes and blinked my eyes numerous times but he was still there. I allowed both of my hands to curl into a fist as if it was a reflex action from a stimulus until my palms turned white.

Ms Elaine was saying something about the textbook syllabus but all of the words just passed through my ears with nothing absorbed into my brain.

Sabrina was talking to Elle, who sat beside her and she didn't notice my darkened face. I tried to hide, to put on a smiley face mask but I couldn't. Energy from my breakfast oats just dissipated.

"Colette?" Sabrina waved her hand in front of me.

"Yeah?" I pulled myself back together.

"Are you okay because you are not moving and class is over," Sabrina said with a worried tone while helping me to keep my stationery in the pencil case.

"I'm alright," I murmured.

"I know today's class is a bit boring but at least we have a new good-looking guy." Sabrina laughed.

"Yeah, yeah." I didn't want to sound irritated but I couldn't help it. "I'm running late for maths class, see you later." I swung my bag onto my left shoulder and walked out of the classroom.

Surviving math, English and chemistry today was hard. Not to mention lunch break. I can't imagine the days ahead.

The school bell finally rang. I walked out from the back door because I couldn't stand seeing his face. Cedric Orlando's face.

I speed-walked out of the school compound and did not even make a trip to my locker to keep my books.

"Nicolette!" Sabrina shouted. I paused and spun around.

"I waited for you at the locker but I don't see you." I looked at her, not knowing what to answer.

"Oh, I just want to ask you, can I come over later this evening?"

"My dad will be home early today," I answered reluctantly.

"I don't mind actually considering we know each other, right?" Sabrina pressed on.

"Sorry, I'm just really exhausted and I need to complete my AP assignment." I gave an excuse. "Well, have a good rest then. See you tomorrow." Sabrina waved and walked out of the school gate.

I couldn't wait to get home but the weight in my schoolbag slowed down my pace. By the time I reached the front door, I was panting and sweat trickled down my neck.

As much as I enjoy running, running with 4 books strapped on my back is absolute torture.

"Good afternoon, Nicole. I bought extra hamburgers in case you're hungry." My dad looked away from the television and greeted me.

"Thanks, dad but -" I was tongue-tied and I could feel my eyebags getting heavier.

I could tell dad sensed something was not right and sighed. "Come here, Nicole. Senior year has just started and I don't want you to be stressed out, alright?" He patted the empty spot on the couch, indicating for me to take a seat beside him.

I threw my bag to the side and carelessly sat on the couch.

"Now tell me, what's bothering your mind, hmm?" Dad questioned in a friendly way.

"I just- I saw Cedric at school today and I don't know how am I going to continue my last year in school like this" My heart and mind were experiencing a throbbing pain but no tears came out of my eyes.

"It's been 3 years and you have to learn to let it go, my dear. It's not Cedric's fault and he was really sad about it too, you know." Dad tried to solace me but it was no use.

I tend to find reasons to defend the person I lose, that the person's death was someone's mistake. Therefore, I hold my grudges against Cedric Orlando.

I even begged my parents to move out of our old town to South Lake. To bury the old miserable memories. To put an end to grief and sorrow.

To start fresh.

"I'm sorry, dad. I'm sorry." I buried my face into my palms, with my elbows on my knees, supporting my hands.

"You have nothing to apologise for. Mum and I still do think about Madeleine occasionally and that's alright. I know you want to be a happy girl and of course, I want to see my daughter smile just like a sunflower."

Dad hesitated before continuing. "But, Nicole, you can never run from your past. It will create more pain and will drown and destroy you with hatred. Madeleine won't want that to happen to you and neither do mum and I, understand? We can't afford to lose you."

Dad embraced with me a warm hug before I headed up to my room. I didn't have an appetite instead, I felt like puking my internal organs out.