One more time

Chapter 5

MOMO'S POV

I woke up earlier than usual. I had to be ready and look really great because today was my first day as a junior high student. I went to the bathroom and washed my face, brushed my teeth and combed my hair before wearing my new uniform. I tried to be careful and don't make noise because I didn't want to wake up Chaeng. It was early in the morning and her school hours were still far away. I walked into the kitchen, ready to prepare breakfast for us but I saw Chaeng already doing it. She is younger than me but she is really caring. She smiled at me and ordered me to take a sit and served the breakfast. It was some scrambled eggs and ham, quite simple but yummy. She was still in her pajamas and looked sleepy but nevertheless she was in high spirits. She was excited for me. We talked about how different things were going to be now that we were going to attend different schools as she remained in primary school.

Uncle and auntie already went to work but left a note saying congrats on my first day. They work almost all day and Chaeyoung and I stay alone in here most of the time. We rarely see them now and I feel sorry Chaeng has to grow up like this, without a mother by her side. I often think that if I wasn't here they could be together. Auntie has taught us to cook basic meals and Jihyo and Dahyun also come to help us sometimes. We aren't that bad but sometimes we prefer to order food instead... Normally on weekends they come and we have dinner together before going to sleep. It's fun and make me forget the lonely times we have at home. Their parents are also very nice and let us stay in their house after school. I feel kinda attached to them already, like if they also were my uncle and auntie.

I had to be on time for the welcome ceremony so I said goodbye to Chaeng before leaving. I went to Jihyo's house because her mom would take us to school. I knocked on the door and Dahyun opened it so I went inside. Jihyo was ready to leave but her mom was trying to braid her hair and she didn't want it. Auntie sighed and complained to me about Jihyo being childish. I couldn't help but laugh at it. Jihyo was normally all obedient but now she was full of herself and wanted to have her hair down. I didn't get it. Auntie gave up on her and offered me then to braid my hair instead as she saw my messy ponytail. I didn't want it either but she insisted and I couldn't say no to her. Jihyo gave auntie her pink colored ribbon to attach it in my hair and she was all smiley as her mom finished. "You look great Momoring. Now, let's go!"

We took a taxi to be on time. When we arrived, there were a lot of people gathered in the entrance. I was very nervous as I looked around. Jihyo noticed and held my hand as she always did when noticed me getting troubled. "Let's take a picture" she said, "to remember this date". Auntie took us a lot of pictures in the front gate before leaving us to find her spot in the parents section. We said goodbye and wandered trought the school still holding hands. We arrived to the board that has the classes asigned. We didn't knew our schedules yet and I wished to be with her in the same class but I wasn't lucky. Jihyo ended being in class B and I in class D. I pouted. Not having her around made me feel insecure as she was my support. Now I had to be on my own and I wasn't sure I was going to be ok.

The memories of the bullies came back to me and I suddenly felt scared. What if there were people like them in here? And if they started to be mean with me and... Once again, as if she could read my mind, Jihyo spoke:

- It's all-right Momo. You will see it's going to be great

- But, what if they think I'm weird or made fun of my accent?

- We have talked about this. You aren't weird. Your classmates are very lucky to have you, I'm already jealous

- How come?

- Because you are so sweet and cute

- Yah~ Jihyo!

- I'm serious, they will love you. And if they don't, I will punch them right in the face