Relief (Completed).

Chapter 14 of Relief

I stayed up awake ‘till 1am, writing. All my writings were about her. I’m thinking about composing a song for Jade.

“Jade, where are you now?”

My eyes stung as I whispered her name. I’ve been crying since she left. I’m surprised to find out me tears haven’t ended flowing.

Bright sunshine greeted me as I wake up. My clock ticked 8am. I gathered up my papers-I fell asleep on my table-, put them inside the drawer, and picked up the phone. I dialled the number that I wanted.

“Hello?”

The receiver’s voice sounded hoarse. I guess she just woke up.

“Daniel here, Kelly.” I said, my voice apologetic. I call every quarter of the day, making me memorizing her number.

“No news yet.” She knew what I need everytime I call. Still the same thing.

“Oh.” I sighed, crestfallen.

“I’m sorry.” She said.

“It’s okay, thanks.” I hung up.

I went downstairs for breakfast. As I work, I spilled some coffee on me. I kept thinking of Jade, I guess. When did I stop thinking about her?

I bit a cinnamon roll, thinking deeply. I didn’t noticed Crookshanks leaped on me. Begging for his breakfast, of course. “Oh. Wait a second.” He followed me, and happily licked me feet when I set his feeding bowl on the floor. “You’re welcome.” I said, stroking his head as he eats. Crookshanks liked Jade, I suddenly remembered. She’s the world’s greatest cat lover. They first met when Jade helped me because Carl and his gang almost beat me to death. I can recall it so well. How can I not?

I saw Carl, Jerome and Chris in the cafeteria, discussing something. I noticed how sharp Carl’s glares are on me. I kept my eyes down. What? Why? Have I done wrong to him?

Then it hit me. The lunch invitation. He was never rejected by a girl before.

Oh. I glanced at Jade. She saw me looking and waved a little. I waved back. Then, I glanced again at Carl. Now, he’s looking at my direction again, fists clenched and looks like he’s ready to strike. Luckily, Ms. Cloverheart, our history teacher, entered the room, which forced me to fly back and focus on school.

Time flew fast, and I found myself readying for the class to be dismissed. History is our last subject, and within this period, many of my classmates are sleepy, even me. As always, I’m eager to go home after school. But that day, I wanted to be the last to leave the room for some mission.

The room soon emptied. I went to her desk and placed something inside. It’s a letter for Jade, five pages long, with the scent of tulips. Honestly, I don’t know how to surprise or prepare something that’s romantic for a girl, so I think that this letter is stupid. But knowing Jade, she appreciates everything done or given for her, so I still continued this absurdity. I wrote everything in this letter and made sure I didn’t miss a thing.

As soon as I placed the letter carefully in a place on her desk-not totally hidden, but also not totally revealing- I journeyed my way home. But then, I saw them. Those three, Carl, Jerome and Chris. I pretended that I haven’t noticed them and continued walking. I had this feeling that they’re following me, so I pulled my phone from my pocket and checked them through the phone’s screen. The image I saw proved me correct.

I faced them. “What? Why are you following me?” but I didn’t get an answer for Carl punched me straight in my stomach while the other two held me tightly. I fought to escape, but I can’t. Carl punched and punched me, not showing mercy. “You think you could get her from me? She’s mine!” He snarled at my face. I cannot answer him back, I found breathing difficult now.

Then, someone distant shouted, breathing her lungs out, “Stop it!!” I looked around and saw Jade briefly,  running towards us. The three boys ran quickly and disappeared at the sight of her.

She called my other friends, and they helped me to be home. It’s a good timing that my parents are out. They should not know a thing.

Fred and Jonathan needed to go home early, so they asked Jade if it’s okay for her to stay for a while with me. “Yes, it’s fine. I already called my mom to explain, and she said it’s fine. Go on. Take care.” She smiled, and they waved a set off.

She continued dabbing the ice bag on my wounds.

“I’m sorry.” Jade said.

“No, it’s fine. I’m fine.” I reassured her.

She just nodded, and resumed her work. But you could see her exasperation and her worry because her brows are creased. Minutes later, she stood up. “I have to get more ice for you.” Then, I heard her shriek, “Oh, what a cute cat!” She rushed back on my side, with the ice bag and Crookshanks on her arms, her smile wide.

“Is he yours?” She asked.

“Yes, that’s Crokshanks.” “Such a sweetie.” I heard her murmur to the cat.

She petted his head, and then turned on me. She continued dabbing on my wounds, still silent. Then, she blurted out, “I’m really sorry. I don’t know this would happen. I mean, Carl’s not my boyfriend. He’s not even courting me. So why should he do that? Why should he claim that I’m his?” her eyes were almost filled with tears.

“Oh no. Don’t feel upset. It’s okay. I’m fine. It’s not your fault. It’s nobody’s fault. And besides, I would do anything in the name of love.” I joked. This shocked her. “Love? You loved me?”

We were interrupted by some beeping sound nearby. It’s Jade’s phone. “Excuse me.” She went outside, talking to someone.

When she went back inside, she announced that she should leave, but she just left after she felt sure that I’m really fine. She’s even reluctant to leave, I think it’s Crookshanks that held her back. But she needed to, because dark is already approaching.

Before she leaves, she lightly kissed my forehead. She smiled and said, “Take care, Daniel.”

I remember sleeping peacefully and contented that night, even if I almost die because of what happened. I smiled at the memory of her kiss. She really is beyond special for me.