THE HANDSOME DOLL

CHAPTER XXXVI

"According to our records, you are already enrolled this semester Mr. Chavillon." the registrar's officer answered.

I went to our department secretary first before going to class to ask who's responsible for getting my grades. Ms. Dona said that a Mr. Glin, Mr. Han and Mr. Mcberry came to her the day before the enrollment to get their grades then beg for the copy of mine. She informed them that it can't be but they beg and bugs her for two weeks.

Judson, Clint and Scout.

I'm on a scholarship program so the tuition fee doesn't matter so all they did is to get a copy of my grades from our department and present it to the registrar. But getting a copy of my grades is no easy task. Every department's policy includes prohibiting anyone from accessing another student's grades. I'm shock after hearing what they did.

"They say that you're the breadwinner of your four children since their father left you to run away with another woman and that your mother is sick, it will not take long before she goes. If you'll not be enrolled this semester then your scholarship will be forfeited. If that happen..." she becomes teary-eye. "I hope I helped you Ms. Chavillon."

Those morons, they even go as far as making up a story. How clever.

I smile to myself as I walk down the hallway. 

When I enter the classroom, I almost fall because they rush towards me, asking many things altogether I don't know who and what to answer first so I pulled out a notebook and hit them each in the arm.

"Ouch!" Scout complains.

When we all fell silent, we smile to ourselves and as if by some instinct we welcome the new semester with a group hug. Judson put an arm around me and pat my head.

"You're hair's growing Chavillon." he said.

"Eh?"

"I can cut it for you. But it will cost you ten dollars." says Clint.

"Ten dollars?! I'm having my hair cut in the most prestigious salon here in town but it only cost---"

"Shut up Scout!" we yell in chorus.

"I'm just saying that it cost me--!" he grumble. Before he can say anything we crowded him and mess up his hair while laughing out loud.

"Thank you guys." I said later on.

Judson blush. "No one wants your thank man, we want some booze!"

I chuckle. "Why don't we have your booze after this day?!"

-----

When I arrive at the central office that night, I found out that the the big boys also prepared a small celebration at the mini bar. The banner says Welcome To The Christian World but the words "To the Christian World" is cross-out and replace by "Home Little Doll", so it reads Welcome Home Little Doll.

I put a hand on my face the moment I saw it. Geez, its so awkward.

"Blythe! We miss you!" Mint scream, he was about to hug me but Boss Cheston grab me by the collar to stand on his side.

"Damn." I sigh to him.

"Yeah! we thought we wouldn't be able to taste your steaks again!" adds August.

"Don't make us worry again like that dumbass!" says Nick.

Bruce hit him in the head. "Don't call the Boss's lover like that!"

I laugh. "I miss you all too guys! What are we waiting for then? Let's get the party started!"

Even Boss Cheston was glad for having a small celebration like this. He may never knew it but I owe him all my happiness.

During the party I receive a call from Bliss.

"Where on earth are you now brother?"

"I'm somewhere near the pacific ocean, baby. Oh! Crystal's sending her regards to you." his voice sounds cheerful and I can hear the waves of water splashing on the shore.

"THE PACIFIC OCEAN!!" I shouts. "You! When will you grow up Bliss! Don't do anything stupid."

He give off a hearty laugh. It was the kind of laughter filled with life. He must be really enjoying himself.

I smile.

"Ah, do you remember this day.." he chuckles. "No, never mind... Take good care of yourself too sister.."

When he said those words it always signals the end of our conversation. I was apt to say what is it that I need to remember but since he says never mind, he will be stubborn and not reveal it to me.

Neither of us press the end call button. We just stay like that. I'm on town and he, at the ends of the world, our phone press on our ear, listening to each other's breathing sound. Though I wonder if he hears mine.

"See you soon Blythe." he says.

"The souvenirs.." I reminded and drop the call first.

There is something about this day that I forgotten. I was thinking of it the whole time but I couldn't remember what. So I walk to the boss office and glance at the calendar at the top of his desk.

This day.

That was right. How can I forget?

It was my father's death anniversary.

So this is what Bliss wants me to remember. After Gregory brought us here in town, we never go back to our original house again and neither of us remembers our parent's grave. I tried calling Bliss again but his number's busy.

It's okay, I thought. I don't have to worry about those things anymore.

I walk towards the window and admire the town's lights flickering under the dark night sky. The room's stillness is almost frightening.

"Mom, Dad.." I whisper. "Do you think its a good idea if I look forward from now on?"

That night, with things going smooth around me, I almost believe everything has fallen again into their own perfect place.