WE ARE ALL CAVED IN

Chapter 9: Love is in the Air

The field trip was a success. Onyx momentarily forgot his troubles as he immersed himself in the clean-up drive along the seaside and rivers.

It's Friday afternoon, and I'm zoning out, staring at Sir Shem's discussion. My mind is still occupied with our plan. I really hope it works out.

Jameson came up with a brilliant idea, as always, during our brainstorming session the night Onyx had an emotional outburst. He suggested that we help Onyx by doing something the three of us love: baking cakes and cookies. Despite our rugged appearances, we love baking. Jameson proposed we turn it into a business, and since I was out of ideas, I agreed.

We'll start our plan this Saturday. We'll bake and deliver to our respective customers.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. The three of us aren't in the same class for this subject, too, this is just a minor subject, so I walked out of the room alone. As I walked, I noticed Cyrone sitting on the stairway with his three cronies. My blood boils at the sight of his face. I still can't believe that behind his innocent grinning appearance hides a creepy personality. Gross.

He glanced at me with a devilish smile. What's wrong with him? As if his smile could affect me. If he wants to know, I'm more evil than he is. If he provokes me...

When I reached our meeting place, the narra tree, Carl, Jameson, Jeff, and Walter greeted me. My friends' partners are here, great. Our circle is getting bigger, but my heart suddenly feels heavy. Where's Onyx? I didn't see him today.

"Hey, bro. Tomorrow, right?" Jameson asked, referring to our plan.

"I hope it will work out. I hope we can pull this off," I replied.

"No worries, I'll help you," Jeff said. "If this is for my friend Onyx, then I'll help you guys." My heart feels so soft right now. It's really nice knowing that someone will help me provide for Onyx.

"Me too. I'll help. Staying at home is boring, so it's better to do something productive and helpful," Walter added. This is great.

"For real? Will you guys help?" I asked. Not gonna lie, my heart is jumping right now. It's so good knowing that we're a five-man team now.

"I'll help too," said a voice from behind. "The plan is for my sake, right? So, I'll help," Onyx added.

Suddenly, my heart beats faster and random butterflies are dancing in my belly. Seeing him right now is far from what I want, but it's exactly what I need. This is great.

"Hi," I managed to say. I heard laughter behind me from Carl and Jameson.

"Hi? For real?" Carl teased.

"Our buddy is not like that though. He's in love," Jameson teased further.

I didn't mind them; I kept my eyes on Onyx. As he approached, I hugged him immediately. He was surprised but hugged me back.

"I miss you," I whispered to him, and he nodded in response.

"If you're asking who told him, buddy, well, it's not me, it's Walter," Jameson said. Walter looked surprised at Jameson's accusation, as if to say, "I didn't say anything." Walter hit Jameson's shoulder, pretending to be hurt.

"Your mouth. I didn't say anything though," Walter protested, pinching Jameson's ear, making him yelp in pain. They look so good together. Seems like Jameson is the underdog here.

We all laughed and sat on the bench under the narra tree.

The next day, I woke up early. It was only four in the morning. I told Camille that we would be baking at home, and she said it was fine since she was going to Boracay to relax. Camille is financially independent now, so she can do what she wants. My parents said they couldn't come home this weekend due to urgent meetings, so I have the house to myself.