When Curtains Close

Chapter 8

First day of the week is too horrible.

People are staring. Four random guys approached me and asked for my number.  The days when I'm invisible are over. Damn you, Bandit.

"Lana!"

Finally! I heard a familiar voice from the crowd and I can see Peter approaching  me with a worried look on his face. I hope that he won't react from the issue 'cause I think I've had enough already.

"Why are people staring at you? Weird."
"Don't mind them. Let's go or we would be late for the exam."

I am about to walk when he suddenly grabbed me from my shoulder.

"Lana, if you need a friend I'm just here. If you want me to kick someones  ass, I'll always be here."

I laughed loudly from what he said. Peter is one of those guys you would put under the Cute Nerdy category.  Imagining him starting a fight with Bandit was too hilarious.

Peter actually likes me. Well, that was before when we were freshmen.  He told me a day before freshmen year ends that he want to court me. That time I am not really into dating guys and wanted to focus on my studies so I said no. He took the rejection well and we are friends until now.

We proceeded to our classroom to take the exams. Peter finished first so he waited for me outside the room. I noticed that he kept on looking at me with an annoyed face. I finished my test and went outside to see why.

"Bandit..."

He looks angry and...sad. Even his tie is not properly as if he rushed to come and see me. Didn't his secretary mentioned that he is busy?

"Can we talk?"

"Why are you here?"

Bandit glanced at my side and stared fiercely at Peter.

"Peter, can we meet on the next class? I need to finish something first."

"Oh. Okay. Just text me if you need any help. I'll go right away."

He looked at Bandit then looked at me again. He hugged me before he left.

"Your boyfriend?"

"None of your business. Again, why are you here?"

The bell rang and students went outside their respective classrooms. I grabbed Bandit's arm and quickly pulled him towards the campus grounds. I picked a spot where we could talk without people staring at us and hearing our conversation.

I faced Bandit and he looked pissed.

"Why did you pull me here?"
"You're too famous. I don't need any unwanted attention."

He stopped and laughed hard.

"Why are you laughing?!"
"You're the only girl I met who actually thinks like that."

Oh. I suddenly remembered those pictures taken by the media with him and his dates. Models, Actresses, Heiresses. I suddenly felt so little.

Bandit must have felt the change in my mood since he held my hand and softly talked to me.

"I keep on offending you. I'm sorry Lana. But what I said just now is actually a compliment."

I looked at him and he smiled. He put his other hand on my face.

"You're like my breath of fresh air, Lana."

I blushed from what he said and I suddenly pulled away. This is going too fast and I hate myself for wanting him this fast.

"Why are you here, Bandit?"

"To apologize."

"Wait. How did you get inside our school? Don't tell me..."

"No. I don't own your school. Well, just a major stockholder."

He grinned at me and I fought the urge to kiss him. The Bandit Effect again. I looked at my watch and remembered that I need to go to my second class.

"I need to go Bandit. Sorry."

"Oh. Okay. Wait. Can I borrow your phone?"

I gave him my phone and he dialled a number and placed a call. His phone rang and he gave mine back.

"That's my personal number. Call me if you're done with your classes. I'll ask a car to fetch you."

"What makes you so sure that I'll call?"

"I know you're curious and that you need answers. I'll explain everything once you are ready. Please give me a chance, Lana. I'm trying."

He looks softly at me and kissed both my hands. Those eyes are full of hope and sincerity. I nod to affirm him. He took my hand and asked me to lead the way towards my next class.

He held my hand while we're walking among a school full of questioning eyes. I stared at him to avoid their accusing stares. He looks different from what I saw earlier, more stiff and confident. I suddenly wonder who is the real Bandit.

We stopped outside my next class. I was about to say good bye when he kissed my forehead and whispered something on my ear.

"You're worth taking a risk, Lana."

Then he left without my reply.