Color me Amber

The Black Pitched Hallway

“Why in the world was my seat taken?” I asked Jane as I pick up a tray for lunch. The others followed after. You ask me about my attitude? Yes, I hate having what is mine taken. I lost too much in the process of growing. I’ve grown the guts. We’re now actually at the canteen. Morning class is over and it’s time to regain our energy.

“Which world”? Cath answered as she asked Miriam, the canteen staff, for salad and yoghurt. Sounds a weird combination right? But she says it’s delicious.

I got me a burger. Money-wise, burger is cheaper but fills you better than any of our canteen food. I smacked Cath’s arm.

“I wasn’t talking to you.” I nodded to Jane, again to be ignored. She seems to be daydreaming. I should capture this once in a blue moon moment. It’s rare to see her daydreaming. *click*

There, picture saved. This can be used as blackmail sometime. “What?” Now Jane’s awake. Haha, well.

We proceeded to our usual – or I can call it permanent – table, a table where no people sit on except for us. It’s like it has been on reserved the time we started using it. It might be because of Cath and Jane’s popularity. They’re not only popular, but the students respect them also. They always remind me that I, being the top student at the school, am also popular. Of course, I don’t believe them, never will.

“Umm, excuse me.” A student approached us, bringing something, looking like a really big box.

“Yes?”

“Someone asked me to deliver this to Amber Williams”

Me again? I always receive something from time to time. Flowers, chocolates, even a dress. You ask me who it came from?  I actually don’t know.

“Yes, that’s her” As Jane pointed to me, the student handed me the box. I have no choice but to receive it. I gestured a smile to the student, appreciating his effort.

“Thank you.” I set the box beside me.

“To you and to the one who gave this.” The student left the table and we continued eating.

“I’m telling you Bree, you’re really popular with the guys.”

“Don’t bring that up Cath. All of these might just be pranks or a slap to me that I’m poor.”

“Prank? What the hell Bree? Even Mark doesn’t do this for me.” Jane looks really flustered or may I say disappointed.

And Cath, being the curious one, asked.  “Just whom did all of those presents come from? And by the way, where’s Mark?”

“Oh, he’s with a friend.” Is what Jane said while grinning really wide.

********************************8

I picked up the last pile of books for the day. It’s nearly 6pm and it’s the school library’s closing time. Now that I live in Jane’s mansion – I call it a mansion because I feel really bad when I just call it a house, seems like an understatement – I am obliged to go home with Jane in her car.

♪Today I don’t~

“Yes, I’m coming.” I answered cause even without even looking at the caller ID, I know that It’s Jane. “Be there in 10.”

I arranged all the remaining books from the pile and continued my way to the librarian’s desk to log out. Thereafter, I went to my locker – just along the hallway- and grabbed my things. All my clothes, and other stuffs are already at Jane’s mansion. She had it picked up earlier.

As I was about to walk out the building, a stranger approached me. A guy. “Hey.”

I’m not really good at dealing with strangers. I was just standing there, dumbfounded after he said hey.

“I’m Alexander, you can call me Drex.”  Yet again, I’m still silent.

♪Tod~

Luckily, Jane called. That stopped me from further awkwardness. “Coming..” Then she just hanged up on me.

“I’m sorry but I have to go.” Was all I can say.

“Wait! Remember my name. I’m Drex.”

“Ok, bye!” I left running after saying bye. And then…

“See you tomorrow then, Berry.” I abruptly stopped but when I looked back, he’s already gone.

********************************************

Jane gave me a room of my own. A room in the far corner of the second floor, a place really hard to remember. I might need a map of Jane’s mansion, I’ll inform her later.

I slowly opened my luggage and began to unpack all my stuff. I started with my books- a lot of it- and set it on my new study table, a really elegant looking one. Then I went to hang and fold my clothes.  After, I slumped down the bed. Yes, my things only consist of books and clothes. Nothing else.

Drex. That name rings a bell. I just can’t remember who, when, and where.

I was dozing off when Jane called.

“Hmmm… “  I asked still sleepy.

“Are you in your room?”

“Yes. Why, where are you?”

“In the house of course. Where should I actually be?”

Ok. Blame Jane and her sarcastic side.

“Then why are you calling me, you can just drop by my room. You’re wasting the phone charge.”

“I’m too last to get up. Your room’s also far.”

“Same~”

“They said the dinner’s ready. See you.”

************************************************************

“So Amber, how’s school so far?”

Ok, here’s one thing I don’t like staying in a friend’s house. The 'how’s my kid doing in school' part.

“It’s great and Jane’s doing excellent in class.” As I have said, it’s not just all about money, we also need to be smart and maintain our conduct in class.

“So have you met Jack already?” Aunt Cory asked.

“I haven’t met this Jack yet, but who is he aunt Cory?” My curiosity rose as aunt Cory giggled and looked at Jane.

“He is Jane’s childhood friend, they also have a past. Ahaha” Ohh, that’s why Jane’s all day dreamy today. I have to meet this guy. Soon.