Unchanging

Chapter 1

"Wendy," Seth called from the back door, his height noticeable among many. "I'm starving, come on."

She greeted him with a familiar smile, "I'll be right there," and hurriedly got the bag resting on top of her desk. This was a routine they would do every single day; a routine Seth knew would forever be in their system.

"Again, there's always a need for me to come fetch you," he took out his hand from his pocket, palms exposed. "Where to after going to the cafeteria, the rooftop?"

Wendy then handed the lunch box, "because it's not only your family that adores me, but you as well," she said with a chuckle. "And yes, we'll eat at my favorite place today."

"Yeah, right." He placed an arm over her shoulders, "let's hurry or they'll run out of your favorite bread rolls!"

She playfully pushed away his arm to run, and Seth chased after her as if they were playing tag. By the time they got to see how crowded the area was, Wendy's face fell with the realization that she might not be able to buy her favorite bread rolls after all. "Let's just go," she said with a weak smile while taking Seth's hand.

"Wait," Seth tugged away his hand and ran towards the swarming people to get to the counter.

"What you're doing's hopeless, you know," Wendy shouted for him to hear her, but Seth was too preoccupied negotiating with the lunch lady.

He turned away from the counter, head low as if he was disappointed. "I'm sorry," he muttered. "But the lunch lady couldn't resist my charm and gave me the last bread roll for today," he said with a wink as he took out from his coat what she loves to eat most.

And her smile was beyond compare, "you're the best!" She took his arm and dragged him out of the place, "come on, for today we'll eat at your favorite place."

"That's something I'd like to hear often," he laughed as he kept up with her pace.

---

"You've loved this big, old tree ever since we were little. Why is that?" It wasn't a question that would catch him off guard, but Seth couldn't answer. "You can tell me anything," she said, giving it one last push.

"I know," was always the answer he gives while looking at her with gentle eyes, and he knew she would never notice that. This was the place where they would always meet and play when they were little kids. Since it was just a few minutes away from their school, coming often to reminisce their childhood was never a problem. And this big tree planted here was a witness to their growing friendship.

"Okay then," she set aside the containers and stretched. "You know what? You should come eat with us since your parents won't be home for another week," she rested her head on his lap, "I'm sure auntie wouldn't mind me babysitting you."

Seth then looked at her with judgmental eyes, "you just want me to sleep over."

"What?" Wendy sat up and gave him a punch on the arm. Seth rubbed the area she hit to convince her that he got hurt and they started to laugh. "No I don't," she continued, "it's just that your parents are always overseas and I know you get lonely."

"It's not too bad since I have the place all to myself but," he patted her head, "I'll sleep on your bedroom floor for this week so that you wouldn't be haunted by your nightmares."

"Do as you wish," she said with a big smile. "And why do you think I have them?"

His smile vanished in an instant, "I'm so—"

Wendy's hands suddenly cupped Seth's face which made him stop from talking, "it was just a joke, don't take it seriously, and I'm sorry."

"But—"