Chapter 3

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I was up by 4 A.M. (shocked?) and was doing my assignments. Two nights worth of sleep, lost for her. We all realize the value of something when it's lost, best explained in my case. What the hell does she think of herself? Though physically at the study table, my mind was on my upcoming tournament. I was also terrified that eyebags were gonna develop under my eyes very soon and I would lose my princely charm! Somehow I dozed off.
"Harry!"
"Harry!!"
"HARRY!!!"
"Who? What?", I murmured.
"Wake up, you idiot! ", someone was shaking me from behind, "you promised to drop me off at the stadium today."
Kate, was it? I did promise her that. But right then, I was a drooling mess with a lagging brain. How did she get in? Hadn't I locked my door?
"Open your eyes. I am gonna be late! Give me your keys."
My right hand efficiently (unconsciously) made its way to the upper right drawer and pulled out the keys of my motorcycle.

And that's how I ended up in the subway station, waiting for the next train. After 5 minutes of spacing off, the train arrived, crowded as always. Achieving a seat for myself was out of question. I swayed with the motion of the running train, looking around to find people reading newspaper, some drinking coffee, some very busy with their electronic gadgets, others just taking their daily nap. There was this strange girl in the corner, away from everyone's line of sight, just standing quietly. I stared at her back some more (because I was bored). Next station, doors opened, doors closed, but she didn't move an inch. Was that a mannequin? My destination came and I struggled to get off. One last glance at the mannequin; 'it moved!', that gave me a little shock but, 'it's that girl!!!!', gave me more. She was also going to school (of course). I held back my urge to confront her then and there. I was intelligent enough not to repeat the same mistake over. But that ruined my mood completely.

I never once thought that my life would become so flaccid. Walking alone to school, wandering around the town with nothing to do; that sounds alien to me. School was beaming with chatter and laughter. I wore my disguise (why?) and entered through the school gate. 'Is this the life I seek?' I slumped on my desk and squatted my forearms. I opened my hands and rested my face on my left palm, elbow supported the wooden table. I looked at the back entrance. There stood Jimmy, leaning on the door frame. 'Oh! He is early!' Was he flirting with a girl? Moreover, our accountant. He had guts! It was definitely not his sister (I made sure, thrice!). I was skeptical. He returned to his seat with a creepy smile pasted on his mouth. 'Don't tell me!'
"Don't start early in the morning!", it was my turn to tease him.
"Huh?"
"You know what I mean!", 'feigning innocence, bastard!'
"I am not like a certain someone!"
'How does he always manage to turn the tables?' "It's weird.", I pointed towards his face. It really was!
He reverted back to his poker face in a split second and said, " she asked me if I would go shopping with her for the freshers party!"
'I haven't asked for an explanation, have I?' "When are you going?", I inquired, uninterested.
"Lunch break. I have to take permission from the respective teacher. See you later.", he hurried off.
I switched on my phone and started listening to music. Ah! Peace!

Lunch time came in no time. I went to the committee room to make sure I was unwanted there. I didn't want the president calling me in between my lunch. I slowly reached the canteen and found some of my buddies already present. They waved at me.
"Yo!", I greeted them.
"Have a seat!", Gerard patted on a chair next to him.
"Hmmm...", I grunted, taking the seat.
"How is the preps going on for the freshers, class secretary?", Thomas asked.
Grabbing a vanilla milkshake from Elvis and sipping on it, I said, "it's awful!" I gave a hearty laugh. They looked at me in surprise.
"You must mean awesome, right? Right?", they were tensed.
I played with the straw, and kept playing silently. "..."
"Hey!!!", Gerard shoved me.
I looked at him in utter dismay, "see, this preponing the freshmen party is a disaster. Our preparations are far from complete."
They all looked down. But that was the truth! From when did I start speaking the truth!? I surprised even myself. "I think we can use some extra pairs of hands, what say?", it was my way of cheering them up.
I got a surprisingly positive reply. 'They were looking forward to it that much!?'
"Damn! I'm so hungry.", I cried, subtly changing the topic.
Not a single one of them offered me anything. Rather, 'Did they just pull away their food?', no compromise on this ground.
"I will go grab myself something to eat." 'And thank you very much for the hospitality!'

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