STUDENT BODY

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

So we were back to being normal at school, each of us doing our normal routine except for my occasional visits to the football bleachers to see Richard practising while I do my sketching. We would sometimes exchange short glances at each other whenever we have the opportunity at school but we never talked directly. However, we exchange short messages during our period breaks in which I intentionally set my phone to silent mode so it will not attract unnecessary attention. I even renamed his contact name to Cliffhanger just in case somebody gets nasty with my mobile.

I texted Richard that I changed his name to Cliffhanger and he replied with a smiley. I didn't ask him what alias he gave to my name but he replied anyway with the name 'Babe'. I chuckled because it reminded me of that adorable pig from the movie 'Babe Pig In The City ' but I didn't text him that. I just simply replied, 'Deliciously sweet '.

So this charade went on for about two months and I was getting used to it already. Richard still hung out at least once or twice a week at my room but we were more cautious and careful than before. I would sometimes pick him up or sometimes he drops by my house whenever the coast is clear. He however has yet to invite me to his place because according to him, he wanted it to be at a perfect time. I wasn't complaining at all because I promised him I would give him enough time until he is ready. He's the one who is constantly reassuring me to trust him fully. And I do trust him fully.

Everything seemed to be working well as planned but I was feeling horrible that I have to keep this from Cameron. He hasn't suspected anything yet but he will eventually find out either from my mom or from other people. I requested my mom months ago not to divulge any information about my relationship with Richard. She didn't agree with the idea first but she understood and respected my decision anyway. I assured her that I was happy with the setup and this was just temporary and I didn't want this to interfere nor complicate my studies. It wasn't really that difficult to convince my folks since I was doing well at school and so was Richard.

Until that one Saturday morning.

I was strolling along River Heights Bay walk together with my sister Jessica while eating ice cream when I heard an unfamiliar voice calling my name and coming from behind us.

" Hey Taylor wait up! " the voice said so I looked back and was a bit shocked and confused because I thought I saw Shawn, my team leader in rock climbing slash ultimate crush. He approached us immediately and that's when I said, " I'm sorry but do I know you? I don't think we met before."

" Well.... yes and no. " He replied immediately while flashing his captivating smile. " My name is Ronan Myers. You might not remember me but I was with Shawn's climbing activity a few months ago, " as he scratched his head feeling a little embarrassed but still continued talking anyway. " Shawn is my half brother. "

" Oh " was all I could say. That explained the resemblance. I asked him why Shawn didn't introduce us together and he explained that he came in late and left early. I told him that it was nice meeting him and extended my hand for a quick shake but he hugged me instead. I was for a moment in a state of shock and was taken aback by his hug and wasn't able to respond to it. Little did I know that a pair of watchful eyes were observing us which wasn't that far from where we stand.

I regained my composure and introduced the tiny person beside me who only managed to say 'hello' to Ronan. I told him that we were heading home and was on our way to the parking lot. He asked me if don't mind walking with him together to the parking area and I just simply replied "No, I don't mind at all. "

I engaged Ronan in a light conversation as we walk along, asking him some silly questions and expecting some silly answers so we could just laugh out loud for being basically silly. When we reached to my car, we lingered for a few more minutes until I was cut off by a phone call. After taking the call, he gave his number to me, saying it was nice to finally have met me. Jessica and I went inside the car, waved to Ronan and drove away. I could not help but smile with this happy encounter with Ronan.

After a few minutes, we arrived home. Mom greeted me at the entrance and told me that Cameron was inside looking upset and that I should talk to him. Mom took away Jessica as we enter the receiving area. As Jessica climbed upstairs, she chanted "Taylor's got a boyfriend " again and again loud enough for Cameron, Mom and I to hear. Cameron looked at me as if he was saying that we really need to talk. So I motioned him to go upstairs to my room.

As we entered my room, Cameron said, " Why didn't you tell me you had a boyfriend ?"

I told him that Jessica was just teasing me because I met this guy this morning and we seemed to get along very well and maybe she thought I liked him or something because we were just being silly and happy.

"Well, do you like him? Do I know him? What's his name? ", he asked as if I did a crime or something. I paused for a moment and thought that I don't have to answer him yet. After all , he came to talk to me and not nag me about my morning.

"Before I answer your questions, I thought you wanted to talk to me Cameron? Is everything okay? You looked so upset. Now tell me first what's bugging you. "

" Fine," he paused momentarily and mumbled, " I utterly hate myself right now." He paused again for a moment and then continued. " I met this guy at a party two days ago and he isn't like any other guys I dated or hooked up before . He showed so much interest at me, talked to me and I thought we hit it off. He made me so comfortable talking to him until we found a spot where we were alone together. While he was talking, I kissed him in the lips and he just froze. His face became pale and when he was able to talk again, he said that he couldn't do it and apologized for giving me the wrong idea. I felt so stupid and humiliated I decided to leave the party. I caught a glimpse of him before I left and I saw him talking to Atkins, you know, Richard Atkins. I learned that they were former best friends."

I couldn't say anything. I just listened to Cameron. I never saw him this hurt before. I wish I could say everything will be just fine but who am I kidding ? This guy must mean something to Cameron. "What's the guy's name? " was all that I could say.

" His name is Ronan ..... Ronan Myers. He told me that his brother went to River Heights and graduated two years ago. You know Shawn didn't you? Ronan is like the half brother, " Cameron answered.

I was literally speechless and my mind went blank completely. Should I tell Cameron that we were referring to the same guy whom I met this morning? But why Richard didn't mention to me about Ronan even if they were former best friends? Ronan was at the climb. You just don't forget these details especially among friends . I paused for a moment, moved a little closer to Cam, placing my hand over his shoulder and said, " The guy I met this morning is Ronan Myers. He was in the climb with me together with Shawn. "

Cameron gave me a bewildered look, struggling between frustration and confusion and asked me a question which I couldn't evade to answer. "Do you like Ronan too? "

I just shook my head and reassured Cameron that I was kinda fond of Ronan but I didn't like Ronan the way he did. But he wasn't very convinced as Cameron stressed that Ronan wouldn't make an effort to know me if he wasn't interested at me.

"Just sleep this thought over Cameron. We will find a way to get your guy. I'm not promising anything. In all honesty, I was expecting that you would easily get over with this, probably find a random guy to sleep with and move on. But it seems you like Ronan so much that instead of doing what you used to do, you chose to come and talk to me. I appreciate that. Now, I want you to move your ass. I will drive you home. Let's go watch a movie, eat tons of ice cream and pizza. "