[ONGOING] NOT JUST PENELOPE

20: Upside Down

ZACH

I was too late and too distracted to join my class so as planned, I went to the Library hoping that some books would help me keep my mind off things, but I failed.

Every now and then, what happened earlier about those two boys destroying Penelope's posters keeps on popping out of my mind, which is why I can't really concentrate on this book that I am reading.

I can't believe those CQ candidates are actually capable of doing something like that to their co-candidates.

And for what?

A stupid crown?

But the real question is, who among them is behind that incident earlier? 

And among all other candidates, why Penelope?

ARGH! I'm about to lose my mind!

Things are starting to get crazy

and I am getting crazier.

"I think that's not the right way to read the book," a girl's voice came from nowhere.

See? I am even starting to hear voices from girls now. These past few weeks, this whole popularity stuff and girls are confusing my life.

I need a break!

Somebody poked me from behind and when I turned around, my mouth fell open.

IT'S ZIA?!

And not just any Zia.

My Zia!

Okay, I need to stop. That was way too cheesy.

But why is she here though?

I mean, okay. She also studies here, but of all places that she could be in right now, why in the library where I'm currently in right?

Is this what they call "fate"?

Okay, I really need to stop!

My heart started beating wildly. I don't know how to act. Help.

"Hi, my name is Zia." I know, I wanted to say.

I'm not sleeping in the library now, right?

"H-hi? I'm Zach." I tried to compose myself, but obviously failed.

I reached for her hand for a shake. Damn! It's so soft.

"Would you mind if I sit here?" She pointed towards the seat beside me. I didn't even realize the library is packed with students at this hour.

"Yeah. I mean n-no, I don't mind it. I mean yeah, at all." 

Don't embarrass yourself, Zach!

She looked at me like I'm funny then she sat down. "Thanks!"

"No problem!" I immediately looked away from her and focused on my book.