GUM

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen – The Transformation

Maxine

The orange light that came from my window greeted my morning. Last night was one of my best nights. For the first time in a long time, I slept without a single tear shed. And it's all thanks to my new found friend. I rose from my bed and inhaled a handful of fresh air from my balcony. The vast land of the city is very relaxing that it calms my soul down to its inner core. I grabbed a cup of coffee from my kitchen and sat on the balcony, enjoying my view. Dad's birthday celebration begins at 6 p.m., and it's only 8 in the morning now. I still have a couple of hours before for preparation. Dad's place isn't that far from here, just a one and a half ride by car. So I think that I should be ready by Four o'clock and begin my journey. I got up from my position and decided to take a shower to begin my preparations. I still have to choose a present for my father in which I don't have any idea what to buy.

Before proceeding to my preparations, I went to the forest of the school to check if my stranger friend replied to my message. The security facility permits me to enter the school grounds even if it's the weekend because we own the school. I approached the forest with excitement to see the stranger's reply. This time, I'm not going back to weep or to be alone but I am looking forward to a new beginning. To a new me. A transformed me.

I arrived at my safe haven. I looked under the swing and saw another blue paper. I excitedly unfolded it and read it:

Is that so? Then let me BE YOUR FRIEND. :)

S.

The message was short but for me, it was very meaningful. Two days in a row that someone asked me to be their friend. But I still can't trust this person because it can be a prank and I don't like dirty pranks. I grabbed a piece of paper and a pen then started writing:

We can be friends. On some conditions, let's stay as a stranger to each other. No proper introductions needed. And this stays as a secret to us both. No lies shall be told. I am honored to your friend. :)

M.

I folded my paper and pasted it under the swing, of course, using the mighty chewing gum which is now strawberry-flavored.

I left the forest still deciding if whether I will really take that transformation and stuff. It took a moment for me to finally decide.