Eternal Flame

Chapter 1

 “One, two, three.” I counted my steps while playing with the wooden ring in my finger. I wished time could fly as fast as I counted. I couldn’t imagine what I had to do for the next 365 days. I couldn’t wait until graduation and get the hell out of this town. School used to my escape from home, but now things changed. School was just another hell on earth for me. Don’t I think school, not really. It was just the people. Well, I couldn’t really much more detail than her. I brushed my curly brown hair and let out a soft sighed before stepped inside the entrance gate

The bell rang the moment I stepped inside the entrance gate of my school. I was studying in one of the most popular schools in my city, a school for high classers. Luckily I got scholarships, and this was my final year.

I was walking through the hallway to my locker, my eyes set on my shoes. I didn't like to watch or be watched. I never wanted to be center of the attention, but I always felt that way, as if every pair of eyes was watching me. I felt so uncomfortable, awkward even.

Reaching my locker, I took off my jacket and put it inside, along with some books. I took a few books out for the classes I had today. 

“Tabby, Tabby!” I heard a familiar voice and footsteps running towards me. Without even looking back, I knew it was my best friend, Melly. She was the closest person I had to a sister. I shared everything with her, and she did the same. There were no secrets between us.

“Morning, Mel.” I flashed a smile and locked my locker, turning back to face her. She looked like someone who had just finished a marathon. “Are you okay?” I asked as I put my hand on her shoulder, tapping it gently to make her calmer. I adored her softly shaped jaw and her pointed nose.

“He….is….here…..”she replied with panting breath.

I frowned, still not getting what she was talking about. ”Wait, who’s here?” I glanced around momentarily. Everyone is here, I thought.

“He.” Melly put an emphasis on the word.

Oh! I froze. It’s not possible. Why now? When I finally found a way to forget him—

Melly briefly cut my thoughts off by shaking my shoulder gently. ”Tabby, are you with me? Matt is here. He’s back.” Excitement was obvious in her tone. Of course she would be. Melly cared so much for my happiness. I just gave her a terse nod, but she didn’t seem to notice it. ”Guess what? He is attending the same class with us!”  A wide grin spread across her face.

“What?” I exclaimed in disbelief. ”Are you serious?”

Melly nodded, the grin still lingering on her face.

“Oh, no.” I felt like there was no more gravity to hold me. I collapsed in an instant. Melly caught me and leaned me against the locker.

“Tabby, are you okay?” her hand brushed over my forehead and my neck. ”Do you feel sick? Let’s go to the clinic.”

“No, no, I’m fine. I’m perfectly all right. ”I assured my best friend.

I didn’t lie there. It wasn’t about me. It was about him. The guy named Matt. Matthew Frank, the school heartthrob. He was the wealthiest guy in my school. Every girl adored him merely for his money.

Yes, he and I had a history together. One year ago we briefly dated for a few months before he suddenly left. He didn’t leave a goodbye, only a message, and one that turned my life upside down.  The message was simple. He said he fell in love with his childhood friend. That was it.

Since that day, everyone, especially the girls, mocked me. There was no word to describe how I felt at that time. I was selfish. I loved him with everything I had and I expected him to feel the same about me. I was completely selfish. I should have been more aware with the fact that I would never, ever fit him in any angle.

And now he’s here… again, studying in the same class with me.

Melly looked at me warily, but I could only sigh and shake my head, burying all the memories about Matt and I deep inside my head, in a place that no one could find it. I still had Melly and I had to stay strong for her. Well, at least pretend to do so.

“I’m fine.” I reassured her once again.

However, she could sense the lie in my voice. It was clearly written on her face. She knew about it as well, and she could have guessed by now how I would spend my day.

“Let’s go.” I said, but I knew I would regret it sooner or later. Sooner most likely.

******