THE OLD ME BACK

Chapter 27

"How kind you are," that's what I got to utter from my mouth when he told me his reason. This was the kind of friendship that had its give and take. So it made me smile a bit after knowing that he was ready to sacrifice himself for his closest friend.

"Can you do me my favor? Please?" He begged.

"Fine. You already got me by your kindness," then he laughed for what I stated. "You know what, Denzel must be lucky to have you as his friend."

"I am actually more lucky to have him," he said with a curve on his lips. He stated it proud. I don't know why he could manage to smile even though he knew he would undergo heartbreak after my trap. Perhaps, he would not really fall for it, would he?

"Why did you say so? Sacrifice is the best thing you can offer, isn't it?"

"I do agree, but what he did was beyond sacrifice," what he uttered next made me listen to him attentively. "Way back when I need help financially because our business got bankrupt at that moment, my parents decided to let me stop from schooling. They could not pay my tuition anymore. I lost hope and it's so hard to accept because I can't leave the school which then becomes close to my heart. Aside from that, I can't leave the group that gives me a room to showcase my ability. But there he was, who helped me to continue my studies. He accepted sermons from his dad even if it hurts him a lot since he lied to him that his money to pay for his tuition got lost, so he could ask once again to actually give it to me."

"Wow." I looked away for a moment as I internalized what Denzel did. "That was perhaps the lowest point of your life, but there was someone who was there for you. Someone who gave you hope. Someone who lifted you up. I wish someone could do that for me one day when I am already at my lowest, too."

"Who knows, you are famous here."

"Famous for breaking hearts," I joked around even if it is half meant. No way I was already tagging myself as a heartbreaker. "You know what Banjo, I don't appreciate more the fame I have now. They just know me outside, what they just saw from me, what they just knew. They easily judge me when they do not know the reason behind my actions. They criticize me easily when they are not even interested deep inside me."

I sniffed when I felt the tears about to form on my eyes. Gosh, I don't want him to see me crying. I'm not weak, right?

"Are you still fine?" Due to his curiosity, he made a way to see my whole face. But I kept on looking at the other direction. Crying was not my thing.

"Don't mind me. Maybe I'm just talking too much," an excuse I reasoned out which was so lame. "Anyway, should I go now?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry for bothering you."

"No, it's okay. You actually helped me realize something. Bye," then I left him at that place while I was running back to where I left the broom. I continued sweeping until the area assigned to me was already cleaned again.

So tiring! I felt like my body would collapse any moment from now due to fatigue.

Directly, I went to the locker room to get my things to be needed in the afternoon class. Upon getting out of the locker room, I hurriedly took my steps to attend the remaining classes today. Good thing that it's two in the afternoon and the first subject has just done.

The stares and the murmurs coming from my surrounding were always at observed. I knew in myself that I was on their mind while they're doing it because someone mistakenly mentioned my name which she should not suppose to. But what's in my mind is to be able to attend on my second subject in the afternoon. While focusing on my steps, to my surprise, I found the Boylight group ahead of me. No way. They were in complete, very serious. All of them were walking towards me!

My gosh! I started to become uneasy now. They were busy to notice those students who called their names, so I got to think of something not to cross our paths.

Without a second thought, I turned behind to take the longer way. But unlucky I was when Banjo called my name while he's with them. But I acted deaf and continued still on my walk. No way I would approach them.

Quickly taking my steps away, I never expected to pass by the bulletin. Never I had the plan to stop because I might chase by him but the title of the new blog captured my attention. So I looked behind me and when I knew he did not, that's the time I took time to look closely on the blog.

NEW GIRL CRUSH HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED DURING THE 21ST FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY

The boys voted for their own girl crush among the girls in the school. It is done annually with the cooperation of all the bonafide student boys. There was already 3 consecutive years got by Kiana which was the highest attainment in the history. Next to her is Alesha who got two years recently, which the students expected her to win again. But there is a new girl crush being announced and revealed this year who got the highest votes. Congratulations to Leana Parambita!

I don't know what to react on this. Should I be happy because my best friend won over me?

"Alesha?"

When I looked at someone who called me by a familiar voice, I saw her walking already towards me. I heaved a sigh and then moved away from the bulletin.

"Alesha, I'm sorry." She apologetically said. I still managed myself to smile and acted as if nothing was wrong.

"It's okay, Leana. You deserve it. Congratulations to you."

"But you desire to bet Kiana, right?" She asked that made me reflected upon. When I realized it was then my goal to achieve, I felt as if there's a big hand that slapped my face.

Gosh. Why did she recall that thing?