Alice Santos: Mystery In Woodland Fields

》(4) Frown on a Face《

After our meal, the teachers announced that we will spend the whole afternoon learning about camp rules and first aid. Don't ask me why they didn't teach us about these things back in school, but it's okay. I guess I am fine with it.

While waiting for the teachers to start, I sat alone under a tree. I was still boiling mad by what happened back when I was in the bus and at lunch.

I had been sitting there, trying to sort things out in my head when I heard a familiar voice.

"You okay, Al? Seems like something is bothering you."

I looked up and I was suprised to see someone standing in front of me.

It was Justin Robbins.

I didn't know what to say. After a few seconds of just staring at him, I opened my mouth and started talking.

"Um...yes. I'm fine, you don't need to worry."

Justin grabbed my hand and pulled me off the ground. He looked at me and I could see the worried expression on his face.

"Are you sure? A frown on a face isn't fine." he told me.

I bit my lip. I felt bad for lying to him. The thing is that I don't want him to know the truth. I'm afraid that I may turn into a burden to him or something.

I never really liked telling people about my problems. Sometimes, I'm that type of person who would just bottle up their feelings.

Finally, I looked down at the ground and decided to tell him.

"Well, Kristel has been destroying my life for the past months. She made me feel like I am a person that doesn't deserve everything that is good in my life."

"Oh, I see."

"Remember the time she scribbled on my History report? Thanks to her, I have to do it all over again."

"Yeah, I do remember that time. I'm glad she got detention for that."

Both of us started walking. As we walked, I saw a nearby lake. The scenery was beautiful, but I wasn't in the mood to stay there and look at it for some time.

Justin and I were walking for a few minutes. It took us a while to commence  another conversation.

"It's like Kristel wants to see me suffer, to be miserable in life!" I cried.

Justin glanced at me. "Have you ever tried doing something else to stop her?"

His question made me rethink about my experiences with Kristel. Have I actually done something else to stop Kristel?

"Well, I defend myself from her trash talk." I replied.

"Self-defense is a good thing. I am glad you know how to defend yourself, but have you tried ignoring her?"

"No," I answered sheepishly. "No, I haven't."

"Mean people like Kristel enjoy seeing others getting hurt. They see pleasure in looking at people who feel insulted because of their statements."

Justin had a point. I never realized any of these stuff until he mentioned it.

"Ignoring them is a reaction that they don't like," Justin continued. "Some will eventually leave you alone."

I didn't know what to say, I lost words. "Yeah.... you're right."

Silence reigned between us for a while. Why am I always awkward around him?

"Thank you for helping me worry less about my situation." I told him. "I appreciate that."

"No prob." Justin gave me a thumbs-up.

"By the way, where did you learn all of those?" I asked. Honestly, I was curious to know.

He smiled. "From experience."

I was speechless. I can't believe Justin went through all the things I'm experiencing right now. I wish I can get through all of this mess, too.

Suddenly, I heard a whistle and then a call afterwards. It seemed like the teachers were calling us back for the afternoon activity.

Justin and I ran back to the main field. As we arrived, I felt dehydrated and decided to rush to Helen's tent to grab my water bottle.

On my way there, I passed by someone whom I am not in the mood to talk to.

"Hey, loser! Forgot something didn't you?" the person snickered.

Of course, it was Kristel. Who else could it be? *sigh*

Oh, how dare she! Calling me a loser! Pftttt.... let's see how she would react if I roasted her in front of a lot of peop---

Woah, take a chill pill there, Alice. Remember your conversation with Justin earlier? Okay, good.

I ignored her very unnecessary statement and just passed by her. It was actually good not fighting with her again for a change.

Once I arrived at the main field, I saw Helen and Charlotte waving at me, motioning for me to sit beside them. They were in front together with Vivian.

I sat beside them and spent the whole afternoon listening to the teachers in front.

xxx

Photo source: pinterest.com
(I forgot to save the link where I got this media, but I will update it as soon as I found it again on Pinterest.)