Faces I didn't Expect To See

The walk back home felt like it would never end. Maybe because my head was crammed with everything that had been happening lately. Truly, there are some troubles that even “sorry” can’t fix overnight. You just have to live through them.

My legs were shaky, the heaviness and hotness of my head was trying to weigh me down. All I could think about was finding the nearest grocery shop to grab a chilled bottle of water or a soft drink to cool my head. Sadly, there wasn’t one anywhere near the school, except the canteen — which, as usual, was closed after lunchtime.

As soon as I reached home, I dived straight into my neatly arranged room. I hadn’t even taken off my uniform. My room gave me that reassuring feeling like it understood my tiredness. The silence and stillness were exactly what I needed.

When I checked Mum’s room, she was gone off to the hospital to stay with Dad. She usually came home at three, sometimes even before I got back from school. Then, after making sure the house was in order, she would leave again. I had always had my own spare key for moments like this.

I tried to nap, but thirty minutes later, boredom chased me right back out the door.

Grabbing my pink cap to shield me from the scorching sun, I decided a little stroll wouldn’t hurt. Maybe I’d even figure out how to deal with my other problems along the way.

Not far from the house, I stumbled on a mini supermarket. It wasn’t the big, crowded kind, but it was neat enough to earn the title. The first thing that struck me wasn’t the orderliness of the place, but the way everything — from drinks to snacks was arranged so perfectly. And CCTV cameras? There were plenty. As small and hidden as it is,my wandering eyes still caught them all.

I had never noticed this market before. Maybe I just never paid attention.

Then I spotted a familiar face.

“Nora again? How come she’s shopping around my area?” I muttered to myself.

She was there with her clique, chatting and picking groceries like she owned the place. I wouldn’t say I dodged them, but I shifted just enough so she wouldn’t see me. I wanted to ask her about the things she’d been saying about me, but this wasn’t the place for a scene and I wasn’t in the mood for a fight either.

While avoiding her, I almost collided with someone. A firm grip stopped me from hitting the ground. Embarrassed, I turned to thank the person and there it was Davis.

“Speak of the devil,” he mumbled, coughing like he didn’t know what he was doing.

“This weirdo… how come you’re working here and I’ve never seen you one day?” I raised a brow.

“Easy on me, girl,” he said, wiggling his fingers in some weird gesture.

“Your lifestyle is so expensive I can’t keep up, so I’m working part-time to make ends meet for our future,” he added with way too much confidence.

“Am I not considerate?” he asked, smiling like he’d just won an award.

“Sure you are,” I said with a chuckle.

We both said “thank you” at the same time. Mine for keeping me from falling, his… Well, I still don’t know what that was about.

“See? Our hearts are in sync,” he said, making a ridiculous heart hand sign. He's been overly dramatic, as usual.

A customer called him over, so he left. I bought a soft drink and some ice cream, settling at a table he’d kept for me. The spot was quiet, almost peaceful . That was something I don’t usually get when I’m out.

Just as I started enjoying my ice cream, a hand dipped right into it. Of course, it was Davis again.

“Why were you hiding earlier?” he asked, sliding into the seat across from me.

“Just running away from trouble,” I replied, quick and sharp.

We talked about school and recent happenings until more customers poured in, and I knew he’d try to keep me there if I didn’t leave fast. I slipped out without even saying goodbye.

**********

Halfway home, I spotted someone who looked exactly like Sara. I blinked twice, just to be sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks. I hadn’t seen her around school for a while — especially since that incident which made me even more curious. She kept glancing around like she’d lost something… or someone.

The moment she noticed I was getting closer, she sped up. The faster I moved, the more she pulled away. Fine. If she wanted to play this game, I’d play it with her too. I stayed on her trail, even when she slipped into a narrow, bushy path I’d never dared to take before.