Heartbeat Song

Chapter 20

Anna

It's Monday.

After a helluva of rest yesterday, I'm now able to stand firm on the ground. The last attack really got me weak. I literally stayed inside my room and was just lying on the bed for the whole entire day. I haven't eaten a strong food either, which makes my stomach tremble in hunger right now.

It's 6 o'clock in the morning now and I'm wearing green leggings and a gray sweater which got 'I'm a fighter' sentence printed on it. What a positive affirmation. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.

The weather is now kinda colder than before, given that it's going to be Christmas soon. I'm not planning to attend school today. I'm just up now for some hot, solid and strong food that will kick me hard on the stomach.

No time to waste, Cindy might just burst out from her door in any minute now to know whether I'm still alive or what. She kept on bothering me yesterday, sending me a lot of messages and calls that I ended up turning off my phone. Good thing I left a note posted on my door that I was not at home yesterday. That's why my door was not destroyed.

"I think, I have to put on some blush on..." and maybe some lip gloss. Because I'm so pale and my lips are cracked as someone who's just got out of asylum or someone who's about to die. Well, that's what I usually see in the movie, but the latter seems to be true.

Grabbing my small bag, I let it hang on my shoulder and get my keys on the table. I walk towards the door and finally step out. I quickly put its lock and dash out from the building. The rays of the morning sun are radiating vibrantly, making me warm and feel alive. It's a good feeling while walking towards the bus stop. And looks like I'm on the right timing. The bus just stops and I quicken my pace. I hop in, sit on the middle and gaze outside the window while contemplating as to where I'm going to eat.

Not long after, I catch the glimpse of food chains lined up on both sides of the road like a bunch of army men, marching out with the president. There are lots of establishments and restaurants on this part of the neighboring city. Yet I still don't know where to eat.

I want something hot and something homey to eat. Then I see something. I immediately stop the bus and hop out of it. I'm actually being quick today. I'm wondering where my strength is coming from, even without enough food yesterday.

"Good morning Ma'am." the security greets me and I just smile on him. The ambiance of the place is suited for hungry people like me. Red and yellow is the color theme of the interior and the people are not that many, maybe because most people don't want rice for breakfast and prefer cakes or pies for their mornings. I'm going to order now.

"Hello Ma'am." My eyes go wide.

"...may I take your order?" In front of me is a girl, with a make-up that is as vibrant as the sun outside, err, not that vibrant, but it is overly done, with cheeks that look like being slap a hundred times and lips as red as the ketchup that they have. My hand automatically shot up to my cheek and my eyes involuntarily look at the girl on the next cashier, maybe looking for some salvation...

"Damn."

"Ma'am?"

"Oh gosh. No, I mean, yes. Yes." I need to regain my composure before I order. What's this restaurant? Their cashier staffs are all wearing the same make-up. Is this some kind of their promotional gimmick? It's the first time that I experience this.

"Okay, I think I'll have..." I look at their menu, but then before I can even say my order, the girl clears her throat.

"You can try our promo meal, Ma'am." she points out the poster posted in front of me, on the cashier counter. I look at it and my eyes go wide again. I think I found what I'm looking for.