The Incident in December 20

15- December 18, 2027

     At class, our professor was handling out our Christmas party plans. We will be having it tomorrow. Lots were excited and lots were exclaiming because we will be bringing any food we want. I wonder what I'll bring.

     "OK, so prepare your exchange gifts and prepare some delicious food you'll share here, in class. Let us make this a meaningful party for us all," the professor said.

     The Christmas break will be starting after the Christmas party itself. Once we get home, we will be coming back on January 12, 2028.

     Ah, new year's coming. I wonder what will be their New Year's Resolution, I thought.

     The bell rang exactly eleven sharp. I went outside and accidentally bumped Nicholas. He looked at me. Had eye contact, but I just greeted him, "Sorry if it's late, but, good morning," I smiled.

     He didn't. He went away and didn't even bother to greet me back. He was still angry, and I thought that it's better to leave him alone. I don't even want to hurt him so badly.

     I saw Aaron placing books in his locker. I approached him and asked, "How's medicine class. Wanting to be a doctor so far?"

     "Ya, I think so. So that I could help people at least."

     "What a childish answer, really."

     "You think so?"

     "Rephrase it so that it would sound like a college student's answering my question....., hurry."

     "Because I want to save your life," I looked at him. His answer was alarming. I totally forgot that he knew about my secret. I wasn't mad at him, because I don't want him to get mad at me too. And besides, it's better to tell the truth than to vanish like a bubble.

     He smiled back at me and continued, "Sorry, for telling the truth to Nicholas. Maybe it's for everyone's good. So sorry," his face, still smiling. He locked his locker and leaned against it. Placed his earphones in his ears and turned on his phone. He's listening to music.

     "Goodbye. I better eat now," I waved my hand as I went away. He waved back. He will save me from death? But how, he is not even done with his course. He has to take his major too. How will that suppose to happen?

      I went to buy something healthy.

     "One casserole please," maybe not. I ordered and gave him the money. Went away and sat on a vacant table. Ate peacefully. I was thinking of lots of things. Especially with what Aaron just said. And how Nicholas acts now. Dominicia sat beside me. She smiled and greeted me. Does she even know? I wish she doesn't.

     "So how is life now? You know I'm always here and I will always be, even on your last days," she said. She knows? I want to ask, but maybe she'll just laugh because she thinks I'm joking.

     "Do you know? Did Aaron or Nicholas told you?" I asked her suddenly. I wish she doesn't know the news.

     I wish.

     "Huh? You just seem so lonely. You know it's a metaphor. What are you talking about anyway?"

     "Oh, I see. I was just joking," I laughed. Gosh, good thing she didn't knew about everything. Maybe later, I'll ask Aaron a favor. And I'll try to ask Nicholas a favor also. I wish that, he will at least answer.

      "Okay, I wish you'll get fine soon. And on January 2, it's my birthday. I wish you'd give me a gift."

      "What do you want as a gift?"

     "Maybe a necklace with a star on it. It'll do."

     "Okay, I'll give it in advance. I'm not sure if I'll be there on your birthday."

     "Why?"

     "I'll be going on a vacation with my auntie. We're going somewhere far."

     "Okay, just don't buy anything that is expensive. Anything cheap is find with me," she said smiling.

     I am so sorry. So sorry.

     I bid goodbye and went to the garden in front of the school grounds. I slept there. We still have an hour before the classes resume. I slept nicely, nobody was disturbing. I wonder if there were people who also sleep here.

°°° Nicholas °°°

     I decided to go to the garden in front of the school grounds. It was breezy today. Even though it's already winter. It wasn't that snowy, but there are some parts of the school that has snow all over. There was a tree on the right side of the garden. It was surrounded with snow, it was in the centre of the snow.

     "Ah, there is no snow on the tree and on the ground it's shadow touches. And besides, it looks nice to read and sit there," I said. Nobody was around. Maybe all of them are in the library now. I headed there immediately, when I saw somebody lying there too.

     Ah, it's Toria.

     I hesitated. I was still mad at her. I don't know if I'll be sitting beside her when suddenly, she begin to sleep talk.

     "Nicholas, I'm really sorry. I was just scared," she mumbled. Her mumbling was quite clear. She went back to sleep. I decided to sit beside her. She had her eyes closed nicely. She slept so peacefully, even though she's almost dying.

     "Sorry too, I just carried by my anger. I'm not angry at you."

     I just got carried?

     I rubbed her forehead. So smooth. No bumps, it's so beautiful.

     Why am I dazing at her forehead?

     I remembered the time when I whispered to her. I was actually aiming for her forehead when I remembered, "I have kissed her forehead," that's what Aaron said.

     I wish I could make it up to her. At least, before she dies. I leaned against her, and looked at her eyelashes closely.

     So long... It's amazing!

     I kissed her cheeks, and decided to sleep as well.

     I wonder, if it felt like an angel kissed her cheeks or not.