Behind the Curtains: A Tale of Hidden Emotions

Chapter 3

Monday!!!!

Oh, how I love Mondays. It's the start of the week, a chance to reset and set aside all the negative things that happened last week, and live for a fresh start.

"Yoko!" I was a bit startled when I heard Jane calling.

Jane has been one of my close friends since high school. It's nice having her around in college too. I don't know what I'd do without her here. I don't want to start over and try to make new friends.

As an introvert, it's really hard for me to trust someone. I'm okay with the friends I have. That may be the things why people are sometimes skeptical approaching me. I heard some rumors that I was mean. Well it's their opinion. I might be hard to get close to, but once I put my trust in you and let you into my life, I'll keep you forever.

Jane is one of the few who truly understands me. She's been there through my ups and downs. She and my sister Alice saved me from my most traumatic experience with my ex.

That experience was an eye-opener. I learned that most men today just want to get under your pants. I'm not generalizing, but most of them in this generation will never be satisfied with the love you can give. They will always seek more and won't care if you get drained in the process.

That's why I decided to dedicate my time, love, and effort to my education and career. Besides, my family gives me the love I want the most. Their love is unconditional and it's enough for me.

"Apasra!" Jane's shout snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Oi, chill. I'm just here in front of you," I said with a smug smile.

"Yes, you're physically here, but your mind was off in outer space, probably still chilling on some planets. Let me just check." She stepped back a bit, and I was startled by what she did next. She rapidly snapped her fingers and did a weird chant.

"Earth to Yoko~~ Earth to Yoko~~ Earth to Yoko~~ Earth to Yoko~~" And, take note, she did it with hand gestures. She looked like a dancing crab. HAHAHA.

I rolled my eyes and left her there, still doing her silly dance.

As I walked to our next class, I couldn't help but smile. Jane's antics always managed to lift my spirits. Her playful nature was a stark contrast to my more reserved personality, but somehow, it worked. We balanced each other out.

Entering the classroom, I took my usual seat by the window. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the room. I pulled out my notebook and started doodling absentmindedly, my thoughts drifting back to the conversation I had with my sister Alice over the weekend.

Alice had always been my rock, my confidante. She understood me in ways no one else did. We talked about everything, from our dreams and aspirations to our fears and insecurities. She had been there for me during my darkest times, especially after the breakup with my ex. I couldn't imagine my life without her support.

"Hey, daydreamer," Jane's voice interrupted my thoughts once again. "You okay?"

I nodded, smiling at her. "Yeah, just thinking."

"About what?" she asked, plopping down in the seat next to me.

"Life, I guess," I replied, glancing out the window. "And how grateful I am for the people who are always there for me."

Jane's expression softened. "You know we'll always have your back, right?"

I reached over and squeezed her hand. "I know. And I appreciate it more than you can imagine."

The professor entered the room, signaling the start of class. Jane and I exchanged one last smile before turning our attention to the lecture. As the minutes ticked by, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I knew I had a solid support system. And that was more than enough to keep me going.

After class, Jane and I decided to grab a coffee at our favorite café. The place was buzzing with activity, filled with students chatting and studying. We found a cozy corner and settled in, sipping our drinks.

"You know," Jane began, "I've been thinking about what you said earlier. About focusing on your education and career."

"Yeah?" I said, curious about where she was going with this.

"I think it's a great idea," she continued. "But don't close yourself off completely. There are good people out there, Yoko. People who will appreciate you for who you are."

I smiled, touched by her words. "Thanks, Jane. I'll keep that in mind."

As we chatted and laughed, I felt a renewed sense of determination. Life was full of ups and downs, but with friends like Jane and a supportive family, I knew I could face whatever came my way.

And as the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the campus, I realized that this fresh start was exactly what I needed. Mondays were truly a blessing, a reminder that every week offered a new beginning, and with it, endless possibilities.