The Real RPG of Life Series: Memoirs of Friendship [FIN]

Chapter 5: Depend On Me (Chris)

Monday; the first day of summer vacation and yet, here I am, finding myself waiting for the next train going towards my school. Why did I have to fail my finals exam, I could’ve failed my midterms and come out fine if only I just passed the finals.

As I step inside the school gates, I can sense the dullness that awaits me inside the classroom. I can barely see any fellow students coming today; I guess only a few of us flunked the finals too. When I arrive at the classroom, I soon find Richardson standing from his seat and making his way towards me.

“Welcome to the summer classes, Chris!” he seems too optimistic about this which I cannot find to do so myself.

“Yeah, good morning Richie.” I replied as I sat down my seat. I looked at my right side and was surprised.

“Natie isn’t here?” I thought to myself.

“Who’re you looking for Chris?”

“H-huh? No one.”

“Ohh… looking for Ms. Graham aren’t we?” Richardson teases me.

“N-no! I was just—“

“Thinking about what you did the field trip?” he grins mischievously.

“Field trip…” I soon realized what he meant and when I looked back at him, he was already back in his seat.

“Geez…” But I guess this was a habit of mine nowadays. Whenever I get to my seat, I’d always look for Natasha and greet her a pleasant morning. Old habits die hard it seems.

The doors soon open; it was just Penelope and Erica. I was about to greet them when I noticed something was bothering them. As much as I want to know, I can’t since Mr. Hank went inside a few minutes after they did.

And so our 1 month summer classes started that day. The classes took a whole day much like having regular classes during last semester. We tackled the same lectures that have already been discussed, making the class boring and lifeless. I went home that day, feeling tired just like any ordinary school day.

The next morning, as I was sitting idly at my desk, Penelope and Erica came at the same time again; and as usual, they showed that worried expression yesterday. I wonder what were they worried about? This continued on for a few days; I just quietly observed these two as I go about my day. Was it regarding Natasha? Come to think of it, I haven’t heard from her ever since that last Friday.

That day ended with me having the craving for an iced coffee to reward myself for another good work today. I end up buying one at the convenience store Natasha and I used to stop by from time to time. As I was about to leave, I soon avert my gaze towards the opening door of the store.

“Erica?”

“C-Chris? W-what are you doing here..?” it was Erica; what was surprising is that Penelope wasn’t with her.

“I just bought something. And you? Are you alone?” I looked for signs of Penelope but to no avail.

“Y-yeah, it’s just me.” She seems to wear the same worried expression like before.

“Is… everything alright?” I asked her.

“H-huh? You can tell?”

“Well, you two seem worried about something the past days.”

“I-I see…” we both fell silent for a few seconds before I’ve decided to break the ice, “Is it Natie you’re worried about?” Erica had a surprised expression for a brief moment and nods her head down.

“Y-yeah…”

“How is she? I haven’t heard from her in a few days now.”

“P-Penn went to her house to check on her again… I wonder if she’s okay…” Erica fell silent afterwards, succumbing to her worries about her dear friend.