Chapter 9: A Bad Good News

Chapter 9

Eliana's P.O.V

“There’s something you’re not telling me,” Leah said. My heart skipped a beat. How did she know? “Nothing gets past your sharp eyes,” I said with a smile. “I’ve just been worried about you, that’s all,” I said, hoping she would take her mind off it. 

“It’s not that, Mom. You’ve been acting off since today, and I feel it’s not about me.” Each word she said made my heart pound faster. I was extremely nervous. I didn’t know how to tell her. The last time I was jobless, she wanted to get a job by all means, but I was able to convince her then to stop. But now, she is much older, her resolve stronger. 

“You’re worrying too much over nothing. Trust me, everything is fine,” I said and stirred the hot soup, fixing my gaze on the bowl.

Then she suddenly asked, “Is it about work?” My fingers twitched, and my movements stopped. “What do you mean?” I asked with a fake smile. 

“I noticed you haven’t been going to work, and it’s unlike you. Were you fired?” 

Bang! She hit the nail on the head.

“N-no, of course not!” How could I be fired? I stuttered. “It’s just… I resigned. Yes, I resigned. That was why I couldn’t come home on Wednesday — I had to sort out some things, but I couldn’t finish on time, so I had to sleepover,” I lied. I lied to her… again.

The first was when I had returned home early last week. My boss was angry with me. He had returned home earlier than usual that day, and when he got home, he was so mad when he saw that I hadn't finished the chores that he told me to leave his house. I even thought he would fire me then. When I got home, I had told Leah that he told me to go home so I could spend more time with her. I hope she can find it in her heart to forgive me.

“Oh,” Leah said. 

I thought it was over, but she said again, “Then why did you cry?”

Did I cry? When did I cry? “I didn’t cry. It’s just… it’s very windy outside, so I got some dust in my eyes,” I said — technically.

Leah’s P.O.V

Mom looked troubled, and a small part of me didn't want to believe what she said, but my reasoning calculated everything — she said before that she had issues to deal with at work before, and now it turns out she was only sorting things out after her resignation.

“But Mom…” I began. 

“Yes?” she responded quickly, snapping her gaze to me. She seemed lost in staring at the plate in her hands, and it was as if I had called her back to reality.

“Now that you don't have a job, what's your next plan?” I asked.

Instead of responding immediately, Mom smiled, stirred the soup, and fed me as she said, “You worry too much about trivial things. Why would I resign if I don't have another option?”

Right. That’s something Mom wouldn't do. Now that everything is settled and in place, I look forward to the exams starting on Monday.

***

Monday

I entered the classroom. It was still early, and not many people had arrived in the classroom. I saw Melissa on her seat, her head bowed. She probably didn't notice me, even when I got to her. 

I went behind her and glanced over her shoulder.

“Makeup?” I said, amused.

Melissa was startled. She quickly locked her phone screen and hid it in her bag which was on her lap.

“Leah?” She said, surprised to see me. “Aiy! You startled me!” she stomped childishly.

“What are you doing watching make-up tutorials?” I asked.

“I want to try it. Can't I?”

“It's just that you've never shown interest in such things, so I'm surprised.” I laughed and sat on the seat next to her — we were desk mates.

“My big sis said she'd let me use makeup when I'm eighteen, and I'll be eighteen next week. Look — I already placed my order for a full makeup set,” she took out her phone, showed me her cart on an online shopping platform and added, “I can get one for you too.”

“No need. I don't do makeup,” I declined.

“Right. Before I forget, when did you get discharged? I thought you'd write exams in the hospital,”

“Lisa! It's not that serious. I was discharged Saturday evening, rested at home on Sunday, and here I am today — healthy and alive.”

The exam went well that day, and I had a peaceful day. Surprisingly, Sky didn't bother me — maybe because of the hospital incident, or because I was recently discharged from the hospital. I would see him in class during the exam, and once we were done, he was gone. It continued like that till the last day of the exam.

Though I had always wanted it to be like that, I felt like a part of me was missing.

After the last paper, my classmates held a small get-together, but I didn't want to attend. What's the point, anyway? It's not the last time we'll see each other — we'd still meet on the day of graduation.

Melissa, Flora and Claire went to the get together. It was held in a garden called Love Garden. I don't know why it's called that, but Love Garden has the most beautiful flowers. I go there sometimes, but not with a crowd.

I went to the rooftop, alone. The air here was refreshing, and perfect for some alone time. I glanced at the school view — the scenery was great, and soon, I'll have a change of scenery. I sat down and took a deep breath. I don't know how long I had been here, until Flora came running to me.

“What's the matter?” I asked as I stared at her smiling face — she looked super excited, and the only thing that could make her this excited was either gossip, or bad news about someone else.

“Have you checked your phone?” Flora asked, her voice laced with excitement.

“No, what happened?” I asked.

“Take a guess!”

“Something went went wrong at the gathering, right?” I asked and closed my eyes.

“Yes!”

I wasn't interested, but nevertheless, I said, “Let's hear it. Who's it about?”

“It's Sky!” She exclaimed, and I snapped my eyes open.

“I've been waiting for this day! After everyone he's bullied, karma finally struck!” She said.

The excitement in her tone piqued my interest, and my excitement rose with each passing second.

“Come on, spill it!” I urged her.