The Importance of Being Idle

Chapter 1

 

Viennese

I’m drowned by the book I’m currently reading when Alex suddenly leaned in and said “Can you help me with my analysis paper for English Literature?”

“I dunno. Maybe after I’ve finished ------" I wasn’t done talking when she cut me off and begged me.

“Pretty please?”

She’s using her charms again to make me help her. There’s no use arguing. In the end, I‘ll surely give up and she’ll win. That’s always the scenario. I just sighed and nodded in response.

Alex has been my only best friend. ONLY. We grew up together, went to the same high school, and now, we’re also taking up the same course. She knows me from the outer core up to the deepest part of my being.

“Thank you, Viens! I love you so much!” she said as she hugged me. She’s the only one who calls me ‘Viens’. My real name which is Viennese, pronounced as Venice, captures too much spotlight (especially the professors’). Her quirky and sweet remark seems to have called the attention of the people passing by.  They eyed me with disgust and confusion.

I am not a lesbian, okay?  I screamed inside my head. Of course, they thought that I‘m the lesbian. Alex will always be the girl and the victim of my selfish desires (as to what they say).  Don’t get me wrong! I don’t have anything against lesbians. It’s just that, I’m not one of them.

Alex has always been the confident one. Her hair is the color of light auburn which makes her stand out. She knows how to speak for herself and she can walk in a 4 inches high heel without making a joke out of herself. It’s a bad thing I do.

I’m not the popular type like Alex.  People just pass by me and never notice my existence.  Why would they want to know me? I do look ordinary. Light chestnut hair and steel gray eyes. I don’t really care about my looks but I’m wishing for a pair of green eyes. I find it very captivating and refreshing.

“Yeah, love you too. Now let me go to my next class. Mr. BALD-er will literally go bald out of frustration.”  I said to her as I stood up and walked away.

The school corridors are currently empty for the bell already rang 10 minutes ago.

Great! I’m late!

As I stood outside the Audio Visual Room, I breathed in, praying Mr. BALD-er’s still not inside and discussing the heroic life of Jay Gatsby. I really think he’s Nick Carraway, just living in another dimension.

                               --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clint

Man! That was harsh!

Amanda already walked away. I’ve just witnessed a non-shocking slap scene….again. Well, of course it’s not me who has been slapped.

One of my friends Dave, is a douche and he’s very aware of that.  He’s been a natural flirt, womanizer, and one hell of a sonuvabitch.  In spite of being an asshole, we still remain friends. I know he’s a good man just not a good boyfriend.

“Seriously! Why do women LOOOVE to slap men’s faces?” He said, still rubbing his swollen cheeks.

“You gotta stop that habit of yours, dude. Trust me, it ain’t going anywhere.”  Math, our group’s big brother, warned Dave. Math’s attitude towards women is very different from Dave. He treats them like a gem. He believes women should be valued. Math has what they call “Daddy Issues”.

“Yeah right.” Dave ignored Math and got back into fiddling his cellphone.

I was taking a nap when suddenly, I heard Dave whistled and called out a name.

“Hey there pretty lady!”  He started targeting women again.

“Shut up D, or I might scrape that pretty face of yours.” Just with the sound of her voice, I already know who has arrived.

“Go ahead, Winter!” Winter’s a cousin from my mother’s side.  She’s a year younger than me but I treat her as my best friend.  I know it’s weird having a GIRL best friend and add the fact that she is my cousin but I feel comfortable around her.

“Hey, what’s up?” I asked her, knowing there’s something she wants to talk about. Winter doesn’t go wherever Dave is unless I’m at that place and she needs something from me. She says she can’t stand Dave’s flirtatious ways of messing with her. Being a big brother that I want to be, I also don’t want Dave messing around with Winter. She’s too good for this asshole.

“I got Detention because of Balder! Can you believe that?!” She looks like she’s having a tantrum but I just sat there looking at her while she’s going antsy. Dave burst out laughing and Math just smirked.

“What happened?” I arched my eyebrow in question.

“I just stated a fact which he says that it is not but I know it definitely is!” She began talking real quick that I can’t really understand what she said.

“I just had a heated argument in the classroom with that professor and I can’t take it! I’m dropping that course! Literature sucks!” she continued without giving me a chance to react.

“Easy there, babe! You’ve got me hooked on your fingers!” Dave said, throwing his hands up.

“I’ll really hook you and bait you to the sharks if you call me BABE one more time!” She squeezed her words back at my asshole of a friend.

“I’ll call you later, Clint. Let’s go home together after detention and don’t you dare bring Dave with us or this guy will definitely make it to my ‘most hated people’ list for this day.” She said then quickly walked away from us before I could even react. Winter really one hell of a complicated woman.

Speaking of Mr. Balder, I think he’s a counterpart of Jay Gatsby’s friend. I think his name is Nick?  

AN: I dedicate this chapter to one of my most admired writers here in Wattpad, the creator of The Mischievous Mrs. Maxfield <3