STRANGERS

Chapter 9- Solitary

Never have I thought that this school year would be chaotic. My life is a mess and I feel like I don't belong here anymore. Sir Andy bid his farewell and left Willow High. It really sucks to be me right now.

It's eight o' clock in the morning and I'm already late for our first period. I have decided to rest up in the morning and just go to school in the afternoon. That would lighten my feeling.

I went outside for a short walk and felt someone was following me from behind. I could hear footsteps. Who could it be? It's really bothering! My heart was beating fast because it's hot outside.

Through my peripheral vision, I saw a boy and he was quite familiar.

I'm wondering who is trying to scare the heck out of me.

He's getting closer and I'll confront him!

"Quit following me!"

It was Dale. He didn't go to school, too.

"Why are you following me and why did you not attend class today?" I asked.

"I saw you loitering outside you house so I've decided to follow you, instead." Dale answered.

"You should have approached me instead of scaring me that way. You're messing with me again." I asked.

"I'm sorry. I just like watching you from behind. It's like I'm protecting you." Dale said.

Dale is such a teaser yet a nice guy. He is really friendly. His future girlfriend will be so lucky to have Dale as a boyfriend.

"Are you going home?" Dale asked.

"Yes, why?" I answered.

"I'll get you there." Dale said.

As soon as we started walking home, he asked why I did not go to school today.

"I decided rest up this morning but I will go this afternoon."

"Let's go together. I'll see you later." Dale said.

"Sure." I replied.

Dale seemed tired. I offered him to eat breakfast at my house and he did not hesitate.

"Are you sure?" Dale replied.

"Yes, I am. Come inside. Our house isn't that fancy but it's still home." I said.

We went straight to the kitchen and I prepared the food.

"Don't try to poison me with food." Dale teased.

"I'll feed you some dog food." I replied sarcastically.

We shared a simple meal enough for us two.

"Thank you for the food, Andrea. I appreciate it." Dale said.

"That's nothing. :)" I said.

"I have to go now. We have classes later. Let's go together. Don't forget." Dale said.

I nodded and he left. As soon as he went off, I took a bath and took a nap. And, I set the alarm of my phone so I'd get up before twelve o' clock.

-Fast forward-

The phone was ringing. I woke up but it was not time for the alarm to ring. May be someone is calling.

I checked my phone and it was Dale. I answered and he told me to get ready. He's really bothersome.

Still, I got ready for school and went outside finding Dale waiting for me. We went to school together.

Steph hurriedly went to us as she saw us entering the school campus.

"We have a quiz later at one o'clock!" Steph said.

That would be easy. Besides, we had a presentation and lectures about the topic which we reported.

We went inside the room and Sir entered, too.

"Good afternoon, class. Bring out one piece of intermediate paper and a pen." He said.

"Please pass the test papers and you may start as you get it. Good luck." He added.

I read the questions. This test is easy and basic.

"Once you're done, you can pass your test paper." He said.

The class was silent. I finished it in ten minutes, passed it to the teacher and went outside.

Dale finished after me. Both of us went outside the classroom. He was looking at me with a smile.

"Stop staring at me!" I exclaimed.

"You look cute." He said with a smile.

I didn't say anything to him. He'd just get into my nerves again.

"I like you, Andrea. From the day I met you, until today and tomorrow." He added.

Why all of a sudden? He just confessed. I thought he liked me only as a friend.

"Dale, you are such a good friend to me. You've been there for me and Steph. But I only look at you that way." I replied.

His smile became cold but he did not leave. I did. I went back to the room. Later that moment, we did not talk to each other. I decided to talk to Steph. She was listening to music and I approached her and said,

"Steph, there is something I want to tell you."

"What is it, girl?" She answered.

"Let's talk in private." I added.

We went to the cafeteria and found a table for two. There were only few people there.

"It's about Dale." I said.

"Did he confess?" She asked.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"From the beginning, I knew. I felt it. I just didn't tell you because I knew it would destroy our friendship." She said.

I didn't say anything and felt helpless because I rejected him. Deep in my heart, I don't feel the same way. He's really just a friend to me.

"Andrea, you are a great person and I know that you know it, too. You're frustrated and confused about many things but you're handling it well." Steph said.

"Steph, I am such a coward. I am afraid to love and accept it. Dale is just a friend of mine." I answered.

I ended the conversation and left Steph. I waved at her and went home.

Nothing good really came to me this year. I've pushed people away from me. Am I selfish or afraid? Whatever the case may be, I am still hopeless. What will I do?

I think I need to leave Willow High. What would bring me to happiness? Should I stay?