Popular Love

Chapter 4

“You don’t have to do that.” It’s after the class of Mr. Evans that I have the chance to talk to him.

“But I did. No big deal.”

“Justin, what are you doing?” I asked him angrily.

“I said it’s no big deal and ever since I had heard about this partner thing, I didn’t really remember any tour you’re suppose to give me. Isn’t it your job?” he said it, smiling.

“Yeah, come on. Let’s tour the garden. I still owe you.” I lead him to the school garden and went to the green house where lovely flowers grow. I felt the wind blew and faced Justin to see his perfect outline of face. I quite shiver when I thought about that.

 “So, any amusing about here?” Justin asked suddenly.

“W-what?” I was startled by an abrupt question. “Oh, well, there are many unique flowers here and others came from abroad. Isn’t it amusing?”

I saw Justin touched a heart-shaped flower and gestured me to come.

“What are these?” I asked him.

“You don’t know them?” I saw a shocked at his face. “I thought this is your school. You should know them.”

I was offended on what he just said to me. “Sorry, Mr. Know-it-all, but I’m not really fond of flowers. I just go here once a year. Okay?”

“Oh, really? Never mind. Come on, it’s time for the next period.” We walked awkwardly going to the class.

“Justin!” I was at the door, ready to leave the last subject when I saw a senior running towards Justin.

“Hi. Remember our practice?”  Mike said.

“Yeah, but I don’t know where. I forgot to ask.”

I answer his question instead. “It would be at the Music Room.”

“Why are you still here? You’re supposed to be going home now.”  He told me after hearing my words.

“Uhm, I’m your partner, right? So, I should go with you even at practices.” I stated.

“You’re supposed to do that? Is it still part of your detention?” He asked, puzzled.

“Y-Yes, yes, it is.” I grabbed his hand. “So, let’s go.”

We went inside the Music Room to see the official band of the school, which is the Rockers. They were all tuning their instruments and glanced at us when we enter.

Justin waved a hand and said, “Hi. I’m Justin and I’ve been invited to join the band.”

Travis, the vocalist, approached him. “Oh, you’re Justin. Come, come. We’re so excited to meet you. Mike was really impressed on your old school’s record. You’re band has just won the Band of the Year and have a lot of awards, too.”

“Yeah, that’s true. That’s really amazing to hear, that even you know about it. But, I’m not in their band anymore. That’s why I’m here, to join your band.”

“That’s where the bad part is for your band mates, but for us, we feel so lucky to have you.” Travis held out his hand to Justin.

“Thank you.”

“Samantha?” Travis set out his eye for me. “Why are you here? Are you here to listen again to my golden voice?”

“Uh, no, of course not. I’m not even a fan of yours – “He tried to talk back but I cut him immediately. “ – And my answer is no again, if that’s what you will ask, again.”

“So, why are you here? Are you going out with someone else in the band?” he asked with sadness in his eyes.

“I’m with Justin. Can’t you see? We just went inside. Together?” I rolled my eyes. “I know, you actually didn’t notice because you’re really excited about seeing him, right?”

“What? Are you together now? Then, he’d be your first boyfriend, ever?” He said this like it’s the fact. I peeked at Justin, smiling secretly to himself.

“No, he’s not. And I would never break my own record.” I replied loudly so Justin would hear it clearly. I’m so stupid in doing that. It’s not even the right thing to say just to let him know that I would never like him.

I watched them as they were teaching Justin on their song, which they will present this Saturday. As usual, they present song as an entertainment to all every Saturday. When they are done, it’s almost six thirty in the evening.

“I’m exhausted.” Justin got his bag and went for the door. I still sat at the chair where I sat for almost three hours. “Wouldn’t you come with me?”

“Am I still allowed?” I asked him feeling bored.

“Of course. It’s my fault you’re still here. I mean, it’s your fault, actually. What am I saying?” This time, he really went out the door. I slowly stand and went after him.

Dear Diary,

What a day. What do you want to hear, the bad news or the good news? Well, let’s start at the bad news. I’m so bored in sitting there, doing nothing. Oh, sorry, I didn’t explain. Justin joined the band. So, obviously, they have their practice earlier and I just sat there, as what I said. And I feel so awkward, because Travis was there. Sorry again, you didn’t know him. Travis was my start-from-sixth-grade suitor. Ugh, I hate him. He’s the most not-my-type guy. Anyway, I don’t really have a type. And the good news is, Justin walked me home again! Actually, I want it to be a habit, but I doubt it. It would just be until the end of the sem. What am I writing? Why I feel so happy every time I talked about him? Hope you could really talk back. I would wish that every night. Good night.

Sam