At least they're together now

CHAPTER FIVE

Shantiny
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10
School trip.
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'Jason just couldn't bare being alone.'

I close my eyes, hearing the words echo in my ears.

We all knew that Jayson was going through a tough time. He loved his brother.

I remember texting him four days before that evening.
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"Are you coming too?" asks Mr. Van Dijk.

We are going on a school trip to Walibi Holland today.

I've never been to Walibi before, so it will be my first time. "I'm coming. I just need to send a message." I answer.

Everyone is already outside lining up to get inside the bus, I'm the only one still inside the school building.

Mr. Van Dijk sighs and walks outside. His patience with me has run out.

I open whatchapp and start typing.

08:46 Tuesday “Hey, Jason. Today, I'm going to Walibi for the first time. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm going to send you pictures'

He still hasn't responded to my previous messages.

08:24 Tuesday "I'm going on a school trip today."

08:34 Tuesday 'Why are you ghosting me, haha?' 'Just kidding. But just respond seriously, haha.'

I also sent him a message yesterday that I was going on a school trip, but he had not responded then either.

I put my phone in my pocket and slowly start walking downstairs.

“Romero?” I shout before he gets on the bus, and I quickly walk towards him. "Hey, can I stay with you and Kayden when we are in Walibi. I've never been there, and"

"Of course you can. You really don't have to ask." He says with a smile.
At least now I don't have to worry about being alone.
"You okay?" He asks worriedly, "Shantiny?"

I'm silent.
No, I'm not okay. I'm worried about Jayson.

How come I still haven't heard from him? He would never leave me hanging.
He has promised, no, he had sworn not to be like...-

I am shaken a wake out of my thoughts by Romero. He has both his hands on either side of my shoulders.

We are now both behind the bus out of sight of the other students.

Thankfully, other children have to get in. Otherwise, everyone would be looking for us.

"You okay?" He asks again, "What's going on? Something is clearly wrong."

"Nothing wrong," I lie, "I just didn't sleep well."
He's clearly not convinced. Who am I kidding? I wouldn't believe myself either.

He lets go of my shoulders, and we both start walking onto the bus. "I'll sit with Farhad." I tell Romero while he's putting our bags in bus lockers.

Farhad is a senior. We became friends because we both love reading.
Today is the last day we are together.

"Sure thing, hey, let me know if you wanna talk." He tells me with half a smile.

I give him a slight nod and begin to walk over to my seat.

I open my phone to see if Jason has responded yet, but he hasn't even opened it yet.