The Last Teardrop

III. We All Take Mysterious Paths

3. We All Take Mysterious Paths

Belle's POV

Such pain in the ass. Now, how can I work after class when I need to attend meetings every afternoon? Cecille and Neil went home and I'm still here at the cafeteria. I'm hungry but I don't have money. I wish I could go home. I have to wait for two hours until meeting. A bunch of girls is screaming and saw that guy, the first. He really is famous. When I turned back to my notebook, Jane's already facing me.

Belle: AH! You scared me.
Jane: You should be.

She's mad- again. Maybe because of that election lately. No. I can't call it an "election".

Belle: I'm sorry, Jane. I'm not really interested being the representative, I swear.
Jane: I don't believe you.
Dea: Why are you here anyway? This is a cafeteria, not a library. Go away.
Jane: It's our seat.
Belle: Ah, sorry.

I went up to the school's roofdeck. In this place, I find it quiet and peaceful.

Belle: Ah, finally! Nice and quiet. I'm hungry though. I wish I could work right now.

I'm arranging my schedule when I saw a drop of blood in my notebook.

Belle: Huh? Where is this blood coming from?

I thought it came from my wounds, but it was covered with bandages.

Josh: Your nose.

I was shocked when he suddenly appeared beside me.

Belle: Since when are you-
Josh: Just now. Here.

He handed me his handkerchief. It's clean and white. I don't even want to use it.

Belle: No, thanks. I can handle this. Besides, that's white and all.
Josh: It's alright. Go and use it.
Belle: Are you sure?
Josh: Just use it!

I accepted his offer and he sat beside me.

Belle: What are you doing here?
Josh: It's my place.
Belle: Really? I'm here often. I don't see you here.
Josh: Well that's because I hate company. It's actually off limits to students. When someone's here, I go home.
Belle: Ah, sorry. I didn't know. I came because Jane is-
Josh: Bullying you?
Belle: No. She's just... competitive, that's all. Ah, I didn't thanked you about last night. I owe you one. Thank you so much for everything.
Josh: Like what?
Belle: You paid my hospital bills. I will pay it back when I'm back to work.
Josh: Why are you working?
Belle: It's for my sister. I want to give her a happy life. She can go to school, eat delicious meals, buy nice clothes and shoes. I want her to be happy.
Josh: Where are your parents?
Belle: We left them at home. They're always shouting and hitting us. I don't want my little sister to experience my life. I want her happy. The night that I met you, the bag is much important than my wounds. My salary inside that bag is enough for our food for a week and my little sister's school fee. I really am glad that you saved me but-
Josh: You really are dumb.
Belle: Eh?
Josh: Alright, I'll help you. Even though you're annoying, I will help you work your life out.
Belle: What do you mean?
Josh: Every time you attend school meetings every afternoon, it has daily payment.
Belle: What??? Really??? Why???
Josh: I met your sister. By looking at her, I knew she needed you the most.
Belle: You're good at looking people by their appearance huh. So, why did you pick me?
Josh: Figures you might need a one stable job.
Belle: Eh? You knew?
Josh: Your grandma told me.

This guy... just how much does he know about my life?

Belle: Ugh... this is embarrassing. I'm sorry.
Josh: Hn.

He uttered something but I can't follow. He sure is a good guy. After two hours of waiting, we're off to the office for the meeting. Moments after, I decided to immediately ran out of the school to go home. But I feel dizzy. It's getting blurry. And suddenly, black out.

Jane's POV

That girl. She's on her own. I want to get revenge on her. But something's off. I wonder what is it. She's walking slowly, moving weakly. She tried to hold onto the wall but it didn't help her out. She fell. She passed out. What is she doing?
I rushed to her and checked if she's still breathing. I immediately called emergency to pick us up. I don't know why but I'm worried. Hold on, Belle.
We arrived at the hospital. I don't know what's happening but they're starting to do a blood transfusion on her. What is happening?

Jane: Hey. What is happening to her? Is she fine? Answer me.
Nurse: Are you her friend?
Jane: No! Well, I meant-
Nurse: Her red blood is unstable and platelets are too low.
Jane: What?!
Nurse: Is there any symptoms from her? Like nose bleeding?
Jane: I don't know. But please, do everything.

I'm in shock of what is happening. My head is spinning. Come to think of it, she's pale. A doctor came, checking the unconscious Belle. The doctor looks troubled. What the hell is happening?

Dr.Felix: We had some laboratory tests from the patient. What we saw is her unstable red blood cells count and dangerously low platelet. We're suspecting a malignant disease in her blood but we're still running examinations for it. For now, she's safe. Are you her friend?

The doctor asked me straightforward.

Dr.Felix: Also, please write down the list of her everyday condition.

What? Why me?

Jane: I think I can do that. I'm always with her at school.
Dr.Felix: Good thing she has a nice friend.
Jane: I told you that we're not frie-
Dr.Felix: Please examine her everyday together with her bruises and wounds. If they didn't heal in two weeks, then our first diagnosis was right. For now, we can't say much since we have to observe her.

I'm sensing bad news. I have to do this. I decided to go home and I saw the doctor talking to a student- THE FIRST???!!!

Jane: First... what are you doing here?

The first turned and looked at me together with Belle's doctor.

Josh: Janeira...

My body froze as I saw the first with the Doctor. What is their relationship?