The Art of Pen Flirting (#LunaEast)

5

Good news: Terrene is not gay! Bad news: He’s dating my best friend!

Yay!

Okay, no more sarcasm. I was too early in school; I left early because I don’t want to be caught of the Monday traffic so I am alone in our classroom.

Minutes later, every girl in this room would talk about and feel giddy when Lisa starts spilling every cheesy and romantic details of her date. I wasn’t wrong because when she got in, she’s holding the little bear in a blue dress with a floral band. It was Terrence’s date gift.

I forced a smile and reacted like how a best friend should react. Deep inside, it hurts. I never expected it to hurt that way, nor did I expect I will be hurt. I sighed when I was out of sight. Every girl is coming to Lisa, asking for the story and the proof that Terrence isn’t gay. Despite the rumors of being gay, Terrence is some kind of heartthrob in Luna East, isn’t he?

Meanwhile, Esther was stressed so am I. Know why? Because Esther’s laptop made a fool of her during the weekends. She was half-way through the layout when her laptop started updating itself.

Esther’s looking seriously in front of her laptop screen, her hair in its frizziest state. Sure, she’s stressed and I feel guilty that I can’t help her right now.

Terrence would be mad. He’s expecting at least 75% of the layout today. I sighed. 8 more hours before seeing the monster, hohoho. Terrence the monster, and he’ll be aiming at the two of us for sure. Terrence can be harsh and merciless when he losses it during Editorial work. No wonder, most contributors fear him and they usually approach me. The writers talk better at me than Terrence and I am the bridge of the messages. For the first half of TWP, my EIC’s strict approach is working.

Lisa sat with Terrence at the cafeteria during lunch. She’s a perfect fit to their table as if she’s a part of the clique from the start. Lisa’s funny, energetic and bubbly and they look like a perfect match. Terrence also is an elite of Luna East and Lisa get along effortlessly with Terrence and his kind. I sort of envy her for that.

I rolled my eyes. I don’t want to cry in front of Esther who’s stressed. By the looks of the cafeteria, you already know that Luna East is a big and complicated world. Esther and I chose to be the silent ones of this school.

“Esther, please. Stop it. I don’t care if Terrence gets mad or not. Eat your lunch.” I said, more of an order.

“But, Macy!”

“Put. That. Down.” I threatened. She sighed in defeat.

“Okay, but you take care of Terrence.” Esther looked at me, her eyes looked tired.

“You didn’t sleep?” I asked.

“For the layout that never happened,” she replied, dejected. “Hell yeah.”

“Estee, I’m really sorry.” I lowered my voice, trying to sound sweet.

“It’s not your fault, just eat. Actually, I’m more worried about you.”

I looked away.

“How are you doing, Macy?”

“Fine.” I answered, then started spoonfuls of my lunch so she’ll stop asking me.

“Oh really? Then look at me.” I took another swig. “I can’t,” I answered, my mouth full.

“Oh please, Macy. Don’t be so pathetic. I still have this!”

Esther dropped a green spiral notebook in front of me. I swallowed my food before I talked.

“That’s…” I was going to say something when I suddenly choked.