HIS DELICATE

••• 9 •••

(8AM TUESDAY)
   
   
    So this it! After mom and Dad dropped me at the school gate—not before checking all my list of stuff were complete and in order—I found myself staring at the throng of students that gathered around the plaza; bags and luggages littered. Like me, they were wearing dark shirt and jackets. I exhaled loudly as I scanned them. Looking for the familiar faces of my schoolmates when I saw them with Beany, I slowly made my way to them.
   
    I spotted some of our classmates whose names didn't appeared on final list chatting with them. You can see how they were excited, yapping and taking pictures.
   
    My feet moved towards them, holding my two backpacks. I fasten my steps, our teacher stood in front of the bus holding a folder, giving short briefing. She started to call our names one by one. Student that was called went straight the bus as they were handed with tug number and colored wrist band. Blue was freshmen, orange means sophomore, red band means you're junior students. Our batch were given green.
   
    "Rose!" Beany waved at me. I ran to her side. I squeezed myself between her and Chelsea who gave me a nod. Her red hair was arranged into tight bun.
   
    "You're late again!" Chelsea pointed out. I blushed as memories returned from last year camp festival.
   
    Why people keep reminding me about it?
   
    I kept my head lowered. Beany tapped my back perhaps felt my down mood. The last camp we had was in MercyHill. It was all man-made jungle in Daredson Village. At first I was excited like everyone else but when my classmates made fun about me when we began playing in groups that's when my torment started. I was use to hearing small teasing  but it was the last year camp festival that I became the center of attraction of mean words.
   
    My embarrassing moment doubled when I fell from  two feet high right into a small table—which by the way cracked under my weight. They all chanted 'slimy Rose' as I pushed myself to stand up. In front of whole year, I endure days of teasing and whole year of hurtful words. Though Beany was there, it was never enough. I had to fight my own battles.
   

    After an hour, the three buses were already loaded and ready to leave. We were given number seats. I quickly sent text message to Mom saying were leaving the school premises and immediately received her have fun gif.  Inside the bus, I chose to sit next to the window. I leaned back as I shut my eyes, pushing away their loud voices. Instead I submerged myself to my little world in my head.
   
    I smiled.
   
    I imagined myself being someone who develop a new program like Mark Zuckerberg. My invention will be applauded and I will have my own big company with office at the top of the building.
   
    I held my bag tighter, feeling elated—
   
    "What's so funny?"
   
    I jolted hearing the intruding voice. When my eyes met the familiar face, I blinked.

Whats he doing here?! Austen was perched on the front seat, he was staring right into my face.
   
    After seconds my shock expression turned to frown as I gazed at his green eyes that now held curiosity. Then Austen curious look changed into smirk.
   
    "You're smiling. What are you thinking?"
   
     "No, I-I wasn't!" I looked away totally embarrassed. Shit! Why in the earth he's sitting here?! He should be in other bus. I glared at him.
   
    "What are you doing in our bus?"
   
    "Sitting. What? Am not allowed to ride in your bus?" I scoffed.
   
    I get it! He probably owned the school but it doesn't mean he can skip every rules.
   
    "You should ride in your assigned bus. You must obey the rules even if you're Jason Peale greatgrandson," I said it my lowest voice as possible and for some reason Austen feature harden. He looked at me like I hit him with bullets.
   
Bad move...

     Austen turned back to his front. From my seat, he was reading a book, he turned the next page.
   
    "Austen—"
   
     "Don't worry about it—" I clamped my mouth shut.
   
    I count the seconds that passed, when I chance a glanced at him, he was sleeping, his eyes shut with the book resting on the lap. I looked at his shiny blond hair that's peeking up the head rest.
   
    His blond hair and leaned physique is a killer combination for girls. However for me, physical beauty is superficial. At the end of the day, they fade. I believe people should look in the inside.
   
    For weeks that I watched him , I saw his magic on girls. My gaze rest at my girls batch mates that would die just to seat next to him right now.
      
    I blew a breath feeling ridiculous. Few hours later when our bus touched the camping site. The bus' door made thump sound opening as my batchmates almost stumbled to the door while I slowly wait on my seat. Austen on the other hand was still in the bus with me;he was fixing his sleeping bag. He turned to me,
   
    "Are you just gonna just stay here? Or what?' He gestured me follow him.
  
    ____________
   
    My eyes took in the place once I pushed bus door open, Austen was walking in front of me. The green leafy scenery was so refreshing; tall trees and plants growing around. We were in west side of the mountain, a rock statue of flying lemur stood erect at the gate that seemed to welcome visitors. I smiled running to Beany who was waving at me while Austen walk6 to his group.
   
    When a whistle sounded, we huddled around as one of our faculty together with tour guide stood in front, smiling.
   
    "From here we will walk for a few minutes to our camp site 1. That's where we will spent our night, so get ready for a short hike. Also, please attend to your own valuables at all times,"
   
    I see to it turn on my gps and secured my paracord bracelet.
   
     "Did you bring enough water?" Beany asked, her long hair was now swallowed by her green beanie.
   
    "Yeah, its in my bag."
   
    "So... I saw Austen wait for you on the bus. What did he tell you?"
   
    I sighed. "Nothing he didn't wait for me, its just his sleeping bag got stuck so..." I reasoned in firm voice.
   
    "Okay! Okay! Whatever you say. Let's just enjoy this camping, alright?"
   
 
   
    We held each other's hand and walked in silence. Our classmates were busy taking pictures, side glancing to the right, I spotted Austen talking to Jeminiah. When bump to my shoulder stopped my thoughts. Beany stared at me.