Being Next to You

Chapter 4: My books and your songs

It's been a month since I went out with Julian.

Nothing changed, we still go home together after class, he helps me with some studies, and sometimes we go somewhere before he brings me home.

But a distant with my friends were still there. 

At lunch break, I saw my friends ,eating in the classroom. I went closer to them holding my lunch box.

"Can I sit with you....?" I nervously asked.

"Sure," answered Theresa, and I was glad as I took a seat. I got a permission to eat with them, but still, I can't keep up with their conversation.

"Rina, you're good at English, right? Can you help me with my homework, I haven't finished it yet," called Theresa, and I happily nodded my head with delight.

I was glad that Theresa was still talking to me and asking me for my help. Yet I can't help but noticed that Sarah and Carol are unhappy to see me, and I felt a little bit down.

"How are you and Julian?" Suddenly asked Carol.

"We're fine..." I replied.

The atmosphere felt heavier suddenly.

"Is that so, Julian must really like Rina to go out with. Good for you." Adding a smile.

"Yeah........"

I wondered if their smiles are real. It felt rather sad. I wonder if I could do something to help them. I wonder if it's me that makes everyone feel unease...

No! No! No!

I started slapping myself!

I SHOULDN'T BE THINKING LIKE THIS!!!

It's not RIGHT!
I need to be POSITIVE.

First, I need to take a deep breathe and calm down and go the library to return my book. I shouldn't think too much.

BUMP!!!

"I'm sorry, it's my fault for not looking where I'm going. " I said while trying to stand up.

The boy I bumped looks familiar. Then suddenly he stared at me.

"HEY!!!"

"I KNOW YOU! Your Julie's girlfriend! " He bluntly pointed.

"Wah! It's really Julian's girlfriend. It's a pleasure to meet you." The guy with bangs gave me a warm smile as he gave me a helping hand.

"Don't crowd her too much. Before you get too excited, let the librarian stand first."

The guy with glasses came with Jude angrily.

"Eh~... She's a librarian. Who knew?" Jude bluntly said.

I accepted the helping hand the guy with bangs offered me. After I stood up, Julian's brother, Jude started to STARED at me. I was a little nervous and confused.

"Ummm... "

A hand suddenly reached out. It's the person who gave me a warm smile.

"I'm Sidney Rose. We're Julian's friends, it's a pleasure to meet you. And this is--"

"CHARLIE SWING! I'm half-French." Interrupted the blonde-headed guy.

"I'm Kevin Glover and this GRUMPY guy over there is Jude Bridge." The glasses guy added.

"Why did you introduce yourself to her? She's our enemy. " Jude whispered to Kevin, even though I can hear him...

"It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Rina Bookman." I said.