Closer

Chapter 25: Return

It's already 2nd week of November, couple of days since the hospital visit. The weather has been dropping low lately. My body's been warmed with the... no not bodies. Winter clothes, alright? Most of the trees around here have already no leaves clinging on its branches. I hugged myself as I rubbed my arm, warming myself a bit as the wind blew to my direction. My emerald green beanie almost flew out but I was quick to catch it. I've been standing in the front entrance for 15 minutes but there was still no sign for Toni.

"Gosh, she's late. That's for sure" I muttered under my breath.

I saw a glimpse of her form not far from the parking lot. She was also covered in thick clothings as her cheeks blushed in warmth.

"I'm sorry I'm late. My cousin had her drama earlier" she said apologetically.

I nodded at her as both of us entered the school hallways. If you're asking where did the girls went, they have their own club meetings. For me, I just don't join one even I was interested with the basketball team. Toni and I walked side by side towards the cafeteria.

This is the consequence when I didn't join, I get to help on some faculties like here in the cafeteria. I don't know why but it's fine with me. I'll just be scooping some food for the others as a kitchen help. Toni was kind enough to join me once in a while, not that I'm complaining though.

"You two are late. Come on now, get your asses up here and started doing the dishes" Kevin instructed us as he quickly chopped some ingredients.

One thing I like in the kitchen during winter is that its warm. The two of us wore the aprons and started working. I know it's still early but preparing the dishes in this institution aren't easy. I'm glad that I didn't have to cook because seriously I don't have the skills.

15 minutes before the bell, Kevin allowed us to get off the kitchen so that we could prepare for our classes. We quickly made our way with the toast in our mouths to our lockers separately. I shove my coat inside leaving me with my red scarf and gray sweater. Locking the door, I made large steps towards my first class and got inside right before the bell.

The girls didn't know that I was into community service. More like it opened my eyes after the story telling I made back in the hospital. I remembered the glimmering eyes of those kids and somehow it made my heart soft. They don't even deserve to live like that at such a young age.

Right after I finished for my 'suit searching', I contacted Dr. Greene and asked about the details of the kids back there. It was heartbreaking to know that some parents were struggling to pay for their chemotherapy and I didn't hesitate to help them. I know mom would do the same when she see those kids. She too, has a soft spot for them. Damn, I miss my niece, little George, back at London. Sad to say that my uncle was his father.

I was quickly bothered with my thoughts when I felt someone nudging me. It was Ally.

"Hey are you joining us earlier for recess?" she asked with hope in her eyes. I should really tell them about my kitchen work on recess. Thankfully, Toni didn't tell her about it.

"I have to do something later. I'll try to catch up when I'm done" I said with an apologetic look. She pouted for a while but quickly dismissed it, knowing that she couldn't change my mind. Both of us are as stubborn as a mule.

The bell indicated for recess has rung as I quickly made my way towards the kitchen. I didn't wait for the girls since I'll be heading to the kitchen once again to serve some food. In that way, the girls or rather the whole school would probably shocked about it.

As soon as I got into the kitchen, I removed my hoodie and scarf since it's pretty warm inside. Putting it to the empty locker, I took the white apron and wore it quickly while I walked my way towards Kevin.