Last Teardrop

Chapter 13: I'll Be Around

Today is tutoring day. I went earlier so that I could prepare the stuffs I am going to need to teach English to the little kids.

The children were slowly arriving but Patrick was not around yet. Is this guy asking for another hour of community service? He just never learns. Just then Jasmine called me out. She was endlessly asking what my relationship to Patrick is.

“I told you Jas, we’re just friends.”

“Earth calling Sam! You hugged and I saw that with my two eyes. If you’re just friends in the first place, does hugging look normal to you??”

“Hey hey, take it slowly Jas. Of course, Samantha here is trying to get to know the guy first.”

At the sound of his voice, I don’t think I could move. But I managed to look at Daniel. What is he doing here? Of course I’d understand Jasmine with all the intrigues and questions, but Daniel reaching here in the elementary building seems awkward.

I realized that Jasmine and Daniel are getting closer now. And that seems weird because the last time I knew they talked was when I introduced both of them at the mall. Am I missing something here?

“And since when did both of you….?”

Daniel laughed. “Your friend here is trying to sell you to me. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s doing the same to you.”

Trying to what? Seriously Jasmine.

“I really need to get back to tutoring or else I‘ll be extending time. I’ll see you guys later.” I said, trying to get out of the really awkward situation.

I taught the little kids and they were so adorable that I didn’t even notice that I was there for almost 3 hours already. I would have wanted to stay a little longer but I still have class to attend to. And I also noticed that Patrick was not around. After last night, I know that I was not able to properly thank him that’s why I wanted to see him this morning.

Did something happen to him? I looked around school but there was no sign of him. I even looked at the parking lot to see if his Mercedes was there but I failed. Where could this guy be?

“Looking for something?”

I turned and saw Daniel holding a donut and a bottle of juice. He then handed them to me. I looked around to see if Jasmine is still behind this act. But she was not there. He noticed that I was thinking twice.

“Come on, it’s really for you. Jasmine isn’t behind this. I know you’re hungry so I bought it for you.”

He bought it for me? And why would he do that? He cares? Oh cut the crap Sam. He has a girlfriend already. –And does that mean he couldn’t take care of you, like a sister perhaps?, contradicted another side of my brain.

“Thanks Dan.”

He smiled. “I haven’t seen your guy.”

“My guy?”

“Patrick? Was he supposed to tender community service with you today as well?”

“Yes, but I don’t really know where he is. I have been looking for him but I guess he skipped class today.”

“You’ve been looking for him.” He repeated. It was not a question. I know.

But why does it feel like he’s affected? Should the extent of his caring-like-a-sister-act include who to date and who not to date?

“Sam….”

Daniel’s face turned serious. There was no smile, eyes focused on me as he reached for my hand.

---“In case he hurts you, I’ll just be around.”