bapa: from here to eternity

chapter 5: in the aftermath of shadows

Chapa's POV:

Saturday mornings were usually a time for catching up on sleep and taking a break from the rigors of the academy. Today, though, I woke up much later than usual, my head throbbing with remnants of last night's alcohol and the flood of embarrassing memories. I cringed as they replayed in my mind—calling Bose, asking him to dance, and worst of all, admitting I had read his notebook. I felt a knot of regret tighten in my stomach.

"Why did I still have his number in my contacts?" I muttered, smacking my forehead in frustration. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got at myself. "Stupid, stupid, stupid," I scolded, feeling my face flush with embarrassment.

Just as I was spiraling into self-loathing, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw Sage's name. Relief washed over me as I answered the call.

"Sage, hey! How are you?"

"Hi, Chapa. I'm okay, I guess," Sage's voice sounded shaky.

My heart sank. "What's wrong?"

There was a brief pause before she spoke. "I've been getting bullied at school."

My anger at myself vanished instantly, replaced by a fierce protectiveness. "What? Who's bullying you? I'll hurt them, I swear."

Sage sighed. "It's just some kids. Can you come over? I need someone to talk to."

"Of course, Sage. I'll come over this afternoon," I said, my voice firm with determination.

After hanging up, I felt a surge of resolve. I couldn't let my personal mess interfere with being there for my sister. I jumped out of bed and got ready, shoving thoughts of Bose and the embarrassing night aside. Sage needed me now, and I couldn't let her down.

As I was about to leave, I realized I couldn't find my handbag. Panic set in as I tore through my small apartment, searching everywhere for it. My wallet, ID, and everything else important were in that bag. I checked the kitchen, the living room, even under the bed, but it was nowhere to be found.

"Where is it?" I muttered, feeling my anxiety rise. I couldn't waste any more time. Sage was waiting for me, and I couldn't let her down.

Then, a memory from last night flashed in my mind: I had my bag when Bose brought me home. Could I have left it in his car? The thought made me groan. The last thing I wanted was to contact Bose again, especially after everything that happened. But I had no choice.

I grabbed my phone and hesitated for a moment before dialing his number. The phone rang twice before he picked up.

"Chapa? Are you okay?" Bose's concerned voice made me wince.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said quickly. "I think I left my handbag in your car last night. Can you check?"

There was a pause. "Hold on," he said. I could hear him moving around, probably checking his car. A minute later, he came back on the line. "Yeah, it's here. I can bring it to you if you want."

I sighed in relief. "Thank you. I need it as soon as possible. Can you meet me at my place?"

"Sure, I'll be there in fifteen minutes," he said.

"Thanks," I said, and hung up.

Fifteen minutes later, there was a knock on my door. I opened it to find Bose standing there, holding my handbag.

"Here you go," he said, handing it to me.

"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling awkward.

"No problem," he said with a small smile. "Are you feeling better?"