The Notebook

Chapter 8

The empty corridor had never felt more unwelcoming. Tina walked silently to the direction of the school clinic, wondering what she would tell the school nurse when she asked her what her problem was.

The fact that the whole class witnessed what happened made her insides clench. To add insult to the injury, Troy was walking beside her now with a smile on his face. He had abandoned his petty attempts to engage her in a conversation and seemed to be enjoying himself.

"Happy now?" Tina asked grudgingly.

Troy looked at her, smiling, "About what?"

Tina rolled her eyes at him. What was he playing at? Why wouldn't he leave her alone?

"For making me look weak in front of the whole class," she answered bitterly.

Troy shrugged. "It wasn't my intention," he said nonchalantly.

Before Tina could argue further, they arrived at the school clinic. Troy opened the glass doors and waited for Tina to get inside before following suit. The smiling face of the school nurse met their eyes.

"Good afternoon. What can I do for you?" she asked, taking in the appearance of Tina with her eyes.

"Here's the patient Ma'am. She's my classmate and I was asked to keep her company," Troy said. He pushed Tina towards the empty seat in front of the nurse's table.

"What's your name dear?" the nurse asked, pulling open a file drawer.

"Bettina Ramirez. Just Tina."

"Well Tina, how are you feeling?" she asked politely.

Feeling stupid? Tina was tempted to say just that but her stomach had made the complaint in behalf of her. She blushed, feeling more embarrassed than ever.

Tina didn't really feel apologetic of her status but didn't exactly feel proud about it either.

"I'm just exhausted Ma'am. I didn't get enough sleep last night," Tina said while the nurse was taking her blood pressure.

"Your blood pressure is low and you look pale too," the nurse said. "Make sure you eat healthy and get enough rest. I think it's best for you to rest at home. I will write to your teachers so that you won't get into trouble."

The nurse picked a pen and started scribbling on a notepad. Tina protested, "But I have to work in the library after school hours."

"I will inform Vivian, don't worry. She won't mind," the nurse said reassuringly. "Go home now, get some rest and eat properly. You're too thin."

Tina was about to protest some more but Troy grabbed her arm, pulled her up and said, "Thank you. We'll be going now."

When they were out of the clinic, Tina rounded on Troy. "What do you think you're doing? Who do you think you are, making decisions for me? You don't know me, I don't know you! Stop bothering me!" she said through gritted teeth. She started to walk away.

Troy didn't seem to hear what she said. He caught her arm and said with a smile in his face, "Come on, I'll give you a ride."

"Let go of me! I have no plan to ride on that motorcycle again, thank you," Tina argued, but before she knew it, she was being dragged away by Troy.

"Who said we are going to use my motorcycle?" he asked, chuckling.

They reached the parking lot, bickering all the way. Troy led them to a black sedan with heavily tinted windows. Tina looked at him suspiciously. Troy laughed, "Don't worry. I'll keep the window open for you."

When Tina didn't budge, he added, "Fine, let's do the interview and after that, I will not bother you anymore."

Fine. Just this once.

Troy opened the door for her, smiling broadly.