Hey, Sandy

Prologue

THE USUAL

D I S C L A I M E R:
This is a work of fiction. Any names, places, events, or whatsoever that contained in the story that might have similar to actual events is pure coincidence only. Again, this is fictional that made by my imagination and creativity if ever you think that there's something similar to this story, I beg your pardon but no it's not. This is my original work so please refrain from comparing any stories to mine. Thank you.

This is an unedited version please do understand if there are a lot of errors going on along the way. :))
***

Life can be as hard as a rock and sometimes we need to be hit as hard as that to make us stronger than before.

"Do you think it's peaceful there? " She asked. We were looking at the sky for minutes now. I look at her and nod. "Of course, you worry no more when you get there," I said as if I know how it feels. She's Sandy, my best friend. We were friends since grade school and I don't know how it happened but we are stuck at each other. 

I like her company though she's silent and very observant in a way that you need to be at least cautious. How did I know that? She's my best friend. Period.

There was a time when we are at the library making our assignments so we can finish them and pass them earlier than the said deadline. Whose idea, was it? It's her. 

She said, "Let's make it today I don't want to worry myself next week," 

I ask her why because it feels like something is bothering her but then she shrugged it off. Since I play the role of the good best friend I obliged.

As we are in the middle of doing the assignments, I noticed that she's staring at me. At first, I thought I was hallucinating but when I glanced at her, she was indeed looking at me. I was a bit weirded out because she's the type of person who does not stare at people because as she quoted "it's a waste of time". I raised a brow at her to tell her what's wrong, she sighs and continues doing her own assignments. 

And I was left confused. What was that? I shrugged it off of my mind and just continue.

"Is there something bothering you aside from these shitty assignments?" she suddenly asked. And there I know why she's staring at me. She knew me too well that even if I didn't tell her she noticed it. I told her it's nothing but she won't drop it so I told her about my parents planning on separating, that I was against it because I still have a younger brother and it's painful for my brother. After hearing it, she taps my shoulder and smiles at me. And strange may it seems but I felt comforted and light by just her tapping my shoulder and smiling.

"Separation is always an option in marriage, even in everything. Don't worry, I know your brother will understand if you make him understand the situation. We can't force someone to delay the separation they needed; it will just worsen the situation." she said. 

My lips parted at what she had said, I stare at her for seconds until she snaps a finger at my face. She said it as she experienced it first-hand. How can someone, who is single since birth, say something about relationships? This is something very mind-blowing to me.

On the next day, I drove to her home only to found out that she's out early in the morning. I called her many times but she is not picking up or maybe she didn't bring her phone with her. Where could she possibly go early in the morning? I look at their house one last time, should I ask her mom? No, they're not close. There is no way she's telling her things. 

Ah, this frustrating! I sigh and just drove away. When I got passed at the playground, I saw someone sitting on a swing. By the figure of it, it's a she. She's wearing a gray hoodie, black pants, and a sneaker. I stop my car at the corner and start walking towards her.

"Why are you out early in the morning, hmm? And your hoodie is so thin. It's nearing ber months in case you forgot." I said and sit beside her swing. She didn't answer me instead she stood up and starts walking away. My eyebrows crease and stood up to catch her. I grab her arm and it shocks me when she flinches. I immediately turn her to face me. I grab the hood and examined her face.

"What happen? " I ask. "Nothing," she answered. I sigh and walk her towards where my car is.

"Get in. I'm taking you to a hospital," I said. I was about to get inside when I notice she didn't move. I walk to her.

"You don't have to. I'm fine," she said and smile at me. She's got bruises on her face and arm and yet she has the audacity to smile at me. The smile of assurance. "Just take me to a place where food is abundant"

After that day I started to get worried about her well-being. I never thought she is being treated that way in her home. I asked her yesterday about the bruises and she only said, "The usual." I didn't get it at first until I remember a lot of scenes where she always wears a hooded jacket the whole month and not picking her phone up and some that she's nowhere to be found. When I told her to report her mother, she only smiles and said she can't "At the end of the day, she is still and will be my mother. "

I. Did. Not. Agreed. On. That. But it's her decision and I needed to respect that. I was so stupid to not even noticed things like those in the past! I'm her best friend and yet I know nothing! I shouldn't consider myself as one because I'm useless to her! Weeks pass by and she didn't show up in classes anymore. It's like she's dropping out! For the past weeks, I've been sending text messages to her, she replied two or three words only until just 4 days ago I didn't receive any reply from her.