Bittersweet Moments

5 | Chocolate Gold Coins

5 | Chocolate Gold Coins

"Are those black eyes?"

Mitch leaned towards me to get a closer look. She was holding her books in her arms, to her chest and her eyes were narrowed. She had her hair down today and wore one of her many ribbon headbands, which came from her collection. Meanwhile, I was leaning on my locker, looking like I would be signing up for a Walking Dead audition.

"No, they're –" I cut myself off with a yawn. I seriously needed coffee. But we ran out at home and I knew getting coffee pops or a coffee smoothie from the shop can make me extra hyperactive because of the caffeine and sugar.

Thanks, but no thanks. I'd rather look like a zombie rather than zipping around like Sonic.

"Eye bags," I continued hoarsely. Guess I'll catch some z's in Math class.

Mitch put the back of her hand on my forehead, "You sure you're not sick? Diseased? Suffering from cancer?"

I swatted her hand away but mustered a smile, "I'm all good, Mitch. I won't get sick because of a little lack of sleep."

She rolled her eyes, "I was talking about you studying. When do you ever stay late to study? Finals are still far, you know."

I groaned, "When I thought you finally cared for me . . ."

"I have no time for your speeches. I better go before I catch your studying disease," She started scurrying off, but I held her elbow.

She screamed and flapped her other limbs wildly, "Help! It got me!" That earned a few stares from the students walking by in the hallway.

"God, would you shut up!" I held her back with a tight grip and put a hand on her mouth.

Despite my tiredness, I dragged her to a corner where there were less people. She was lucky – and so were other people who'll be trying to get in my way today – because when I get tired and sleepy, I don't get cranky like others. Just tired. And extra lazy.

Mitch was biting and licking on my hand to get it off. I released it and wiped it on my colored pants. "I know you love my hand, dear, but you can make out with it later," I told Mitch.

"Funny," she murmured, "What was that all about?"

"I need to get this out or you'll scold me for not telling you even if you were insisting I had a 'studying disease'."

She made a gesture saying, "Go on."

"I wasn't studying last night," I crossed my arms as I heard I sigh of relief from her. Then, I told her about the contract and my answer to Mom, who told me she'll relay the message to Dad right away. I had decided to tell Mitch today instead of yesterday because I was too busy having inner battles with myself. Last night, I spent hours going over the contract word per word – I really read it. Seriously.

I made sure that every bone in my body was positive that there were no loopholes or catches in the agreement. Nothing that can make Dad come up with another way. Sure, I also searched for loopholes for my advantage, but the contract was made flawlessly. Besides reading, I had also laid on my bed, thinking if I'd made the right decision or not.

"Oh my," Mitch said breathlessly when I finished, "No way."

"It's crazy," I agreed.

"You're going to be under the same roof with Brennan Dale!"

I stared at her, "Huh?"

"You're so lucky, you girl dog, you get to stay in the same house as Brennan and the Dales, too oh! Do you think you can ask him to sign my poster? Please! I need for my signed-by-celebrities-posters collection."