Helping the Girl Get the Guy

Fifteen ▪ Lifesaving

Mr. Tan Co called my name. He was our Chinese History professor, and perhaps, he's at his sixties. Not a single black strand of hair was present on his head. I'd probably call him 'Grandpa' if he wasn't our teacher.

We had spent nearly a week in Hong Kong and I was still adapting with the Chinese classroom environment. Unlike in Australia, students in Hong Kong were really quiet. No murmurs. Well, except for Nathan and Luke. Everyone seemed focused with the discussion. Again, except for Nathan and Luke. I wondered, what were they discussing? Was it Chinese History related?

I immediately stood from my seat in alarm. To be honest, my eyes were closed already when Mr. Tan Co called me.

"Name the four dynasties," he said.

"Tang, Shang, Zhou, -"
Shoot. I forgot the fourth. I snapped my fingers, squeezed my eyes shut until I get the fourth answer.

You can do this, Jess.

Then, I heard a loud crash. My heart leaped, and as I turned my head to see the culprit, everyone in the room had their eyes transfixed on Luke.

"Sorry," Luke said with a worried expression. He stood from his seat, taking the green water bottle from the floor.  Good thing, it was sealed. I don't think Luke knows how to clean up the floor using a mop. He seemed clueless with regard to household chores. Okay Jessica, stop judging. Luke's your friend.

"Mr. Hemmings, next time, better be more careful." Mr. Co said with I heard a heavy sigh.

"I definitely will, sir." He replied with a nod. Then, Luke's eyes found mine. His worried expression earlier was gone.

Okay. The bottle dropping was not an accident.

"You're welcome," he mouthed the words.

I rolled my eyes, then turned again to face Mr. Co. I gave him a wry smile, ready to say the fourth dynasty, and before I could respond --

"Thank you, Ms. Quinn, seat down." Mr. Co ordered.

I did as he asked. "What about the fourth dynasty? I think she forgot to say that." A voice from the crowd asked. It was loud enough for the class to hear.

A voice that definitely belonged to Jenny.

Jenny, you think you can embarrass me?

"It's-" again, I was interrupted.

"Ching. I heard that earlier." This time, it was Nathan Yale who spoke. At the back of my mind, I let out an evil laugh. One point for Jessica Quinn.

"Oh," was all that came out of Jenny's mouth. She gave Nathan a wide smile, and her eyes followed. Nathan only nodded in return.

Then, Nathan looked at me, as if waiting for me to say something.

I panicked.

"Thank you." I mouthed the words, and he replied with a grin. My cheeks colored. Nathan Yale, saving me from possible humiliation. Frankly, I was surprised.

Nathan was seating beside Luke, and from my peripheral vision, I could see that Luke seemed annoyed. He crossed his arms, and leaned back on his chair.

When our eyes met for the second time, I smiled at him, real wide. Unfortunately, my eyes did not follow. Thank you, are you happy now? I said at the back of my mind.

"Okay, shall we continue?" Mr. Tan Co asked.

The class said, 'yes' in unison.

Mr. Tan Co proceeded with the lesson, and for thirty minutes, I struggled to keep my eyes open.

▪▪▪

The class finally ended.

Luke and Nathan went ahead, and I was left with the other students in the room. Everyone started speaking in Chinese, and from then on, I hoped there were subtitles placed either above their heads or at their belly level. It's frustrating. Not being able to comprehend what other people are saying. What if they're already talking about me? It can't be backstabbing for I can hear them clearly. It's just that, I don't understand.

Jenny, before leaving, bid me goodbye with a smile. It did give me a weird feeling that her act meant, "I'm not yet done with you."

I sighed, took my bag, and headed outside. Before I could even reach the other end of the hallway, I was being held by my arm.

I turned, and saw Luke and Nathan.

"Thank you so much for saving me back there, even though I actually know the answer. It's just that, it came out late." I said, trying to sound as confident as possible.

They both chuckled. "We know you're struggling, your eyes don't lie. And with the consistent snapping of fingers? That's what normal people do when they're trying to remember something." Luke said.

"Which is why, as your friends, we're at your service." Nathan grinned. Friends. Okay, hope we get to the next stage of friends.

"So, anyway, since the principal Mongkok exactly five days ago, I figured you might want to come with me. Besides, I'll be busy with training next week."

"I would love to, how about you, Luke?" I asked, raising my eyebrows at Luke hoping he got the message that Nathan I had to be alone together.

"Sure." Luke replied. Not the answer that i wanted.

"Aren't you busy with some stuff you mentioned earlier?" Please say yes. Please say yes.

"I mentioned nothing Jess. You must have misheard me." He smirked, and once again, the evil Luke was back.

"That's great! Let's start the tour, shall we?"
Nathan placed his arms on me and Luke, pulling both of us closer to him. His arms on my shoulder. I hoped it stayed where it was. "Mongkok, here we go!"

Feelings, please don't go.