I Thought I Was A Devil

Season 5 Chapter 1

Me: (I seized Maria’s collar, glaring at her with a menacing aura) Why are you doing this to me? (My voice was low yet charged with danger.)

Maria: Oh, come on Anne. Do you want to keep your ‘friends’ in the dark? (She emphasized the word ‘friends’ as if taunting me.)

Me: You! (I hissed, tightening my grip on her.)

Victoria: What is she talking about? (Her eyes bore into me.)

Me: (Releasing Maria, I turned to face the expectant gazes) Don’t listen to her. Sometimes she talks nonsense.

Victoria: Ugh, I hate how you always hide the truth and lie with a straight face. Makes me wonder if you even trust your own friends. (She said, disappointment evident in her tone.)

Jules: (Her jealousy of Maria evident) You… never told us…

Bella: Anne, if you knew how to play football, you should have told us, right? (Her words were awkward.)

Choon Hee: I always knew you were pretty athletic. (She grinned.)

Christina: No wonder you could form a team so easily. (She blinked.)

Irina: A hidden gem, huh? (She was awestruck.)

Hope: But this is good news, right? (Excitement tinged her voice.)

Jules: Yeah, now with Anne and Maria in the team, we just need one more person. (She wrapped her arms around my neck.) How could you hide something like this from us, Anne?

Paul: Alright, we should head out now. Enjoy your time. I’m running late. (He said, ushering Thomas and Bruce away.)

Thomas: Bye, everyone!! (He waved enthusiastically as he was dragged off.)

Choon Hee: With Anne and Maria on the team, we only need one more person. (She clapped her hands together, feeling satisfied.)

Christina: That should be easy, right? (She grinned.)

Me: Um… I… (I hesitated, biting my lower lip.)

Victoria: I can’t believe you chose to hide such important information from us. I feel betrayed. (She rubbed her forehead) Can you believe this, Julie?

Bella: Julie, why are you so quiet? (She raised her brow, glancing at Julie.)

Choon Hee: She must be overwhelmed with happiness. (She grinned, patting Julie’s back.)

Julie: Enough, guys. Can’t you see Anne’s uncomfortable with the situation? (She sighed)

Me: Um… (I hesitated.)

Victoria: You’re seriously taking her side even though she betrayed us? (She looked at Julie in disbelief.)

Julie: I already knew Anne could play football. (Everyone stared at her unable to believe their ears.) And her skills are admirable. But that doesn’t mean we should force her to join the team against her will.

Jules: That’s not true. No one’s forcing her here, right? (She looked at me questioningly.)

Me: (Sighing, I removed Jules’ hand from my shoulder.) I’m sorry, guys. But I don’t like playing football. It disgusts me even to think about it. (My gaze shifted to Maria, feeling a pang of pain.)

Maria: I’m sorry for causing misunderstandings. I should leave now. I need to meet the Director. I’ll join the team from tomorrow. (She waved, showing no remorse before taking her leave.)

Me: (Standing there for a moment, trying to process everything, I sighed.) Excuse me. I think I should go. Please don’t follow me… and I hope no one brings this up again in the future. (I said, walking towards the gate before leaving.)

My heart felt heavy with each steps I took towards the restaurant. My head ached at the thought of Maria’s face. My throat felt bitter with betrayal and my ears tickled as if I could hear their hushed murmurings. My legs trembled with the weight of my own body. As I approached the restaurant, the chatter of other patrons faded into the background, drowned out by the turmoil within me. Each step felt like a burden, dragging me further into a whirlpool of conflicting emotions. Maria’s departure left a void, one that echoed with the sting of betrayal and the ache of disappointment. Instead of entering the restaurant, I turned around and started walking towards the Medical College. Taking out my phone, I dialed Brother Leo’s number, the phone kept on ringing as he picked up after few seconds.

Leo’s voice: Hey Anne, what happened? (He asked worried)

Me: Are you free right now? (I inquired)

Leo’s voice: We have a class after this, but I can bunk if you need me. (I could understand his increasing anxiety through his voice)

Me: It’s fine, don’t worry, it’s nothing special. I just wanted to meet you because I miss you. (I said reassuring him)

Leo’s voice: Hold tight, I’m on my way. Wouldn’t miss this for the world! (His voice chimed in eagerly)

Me: Ah….. don’t get so overexcited. (I rubbed my forehead while standing in front of the medical College gate) I am already here.

Leo looked out of the window from the 3rd floor as I waved at him. He waved back before disconnecting the call and disappearing. I stood outside the college premises waiting for him. He walks behind my back and hugs me tightly lifting me up and snuggles just like when we were children.

Leo: I missed you so much! (He kissed my head affectionately)

Me: (I struggled feeling embarrassed) Put me down brother! We aren’t kids anymore! (I pouted)

Leo: (he placed me down feeling ashamed at his own behaviour as he stares at me with puppy eyes) I am sorry….(he said looking down)

Me: Agh, don’t make me feel guilty. (I said before kissing his cheek) I missed you too (I smiled)

Leo: (grins) I like when you are honest. So tell me….what happened? Did anyone bully you? (He cracks his knuckles while keeping wide smile over his face)

Me: Uhm….(I opened my mouth to say something then pressed my lips, gathering my thoughts together, I forced a smile over my lips and shook my head) No, nothing. Like I said before, I just wanted to meet you.

Leo: (he frowns then cups my cheeks) You haven’t changed over the years. You still hide things from your brothers. My foolish Anne….why don’t you open up regarding your troubles to me? (There was sadness behind his words but he changed his tone) Anyways, it’s up to you, I don’t want to force you. (He runs his fingers through his hair)

Me: Thanks brother. I love you. (I grinned)

Leo: Look at this cheeky little brat. (He pulls my cheek) Always making me melt. (He pouts)

Me: Ouch, come on. I am telling the truth. (I puffed my cheeks)

Leo: (he looks away covering his face) Stop attacking me with your cuteness. Don’t think that I will forgive you, just because you are cute.

Me: (I sighed putting my hands in my pockets) Anyways, I need to go now. Take care. I am sorry that you missed your last class because of me.

Leo: Ah, don’t mind it. I already have hundred percent attendance anyway. So it won’t affect me much. (He shrugs)

Me: (I cringed hearing his words) Are you seriously my brother? I only have some seventy percent attendance.

Leo: (he pinched my nose) You should attend your classes more. Stop being lazy.

Me: Agh, it’s boring anyway. By the way….want to go for a movie tomorrow? (I grinned)

Leo: Is that idiot going to accompany us? (He raised his brow)

Me: Nope. I will meet King in the morning, and meet you at afternoon. How does that sound? (I smiled)

Leo: I don’t like that you will meet with that fucker but anyways. (He sighs) I can tolerate him for my cute little sister. (He patted my head)

Me: Thanks bro, I should get going now. Take care. (I grinned before waving my hand and leaving)

After having a long conversation with my brother, I finally felt relieved. But at that moment I was ignorant to the fact, that this meeting could turn into a disaster at later days.

To be continued....