Chapter Five: Blast From The Past

"That's good. Both of you shouldn't run away from this. You need to work on this together.

"Anyway, I can't wait get out from the hospital. Let's all go home, shall we?" it was obvious that Via is trying to change the topic.

"I'm sure you already miss your room and your bed. Let's get going, then." Serena nodded in return.

Liam helped them carry some bags, and Serena is the one who is pushing Via's wheelchair.

Serena had a shock of her life when she saw someone from her past that left a big impact on her during her highschool days. 

Paolo is the very first guy that she loved, and he is also the very first one who broke her young heart...

Her mind instantly went back to her past witn Paolo...

And it was back in the year 1999...

  

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June of 1999.

Serena's eyebrows meet in a frown as she tries to squeeze herself from the crowd of students.

The new school year for Senior High School has already started. 

She finally heaved a sigh of relief when she finally found Paolo from the big crowd of students. 

"Well, we're still in the same section even on our last year in highschool." Serena informed him.

"Why, don't you like being in the same class with me?" Paolo curiously asks her.

"I can't do anything about it, right. Anyway, this is our last year in highschool, so this is the last time that we're going to be seatmates." Serena shrugs in return.

"You're right. At least I won't see your ugly fave again next year." Paolo started teasing her.

"The feeling is mutual." Serena shot back, while rolling her eyes heavenward.

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After a few moments, Serena and Paolo. ate getting settled inside their new classroom.

Serena's smile grew wider and her eyes sparkled in excitement when she saw Mr. Stephen Richardson. She has a huge crush on their History Teacher, and she is happy to be their teacher again. 

"Serena, are you sure that your crush is not---gay?" Paolo suddenly whispers at her.

"I don't believe in those baseless rumors, so you'd better shut your mouth, okay?" Serena hissed back at him.

Paolo just helplessly shook his head.

Meanwhile, Serena dreamily listened to her favorite teacher and her ultimate crush...

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After 2 hours.

Paolo and Serena went down to the school cafeteria together. 

Serena noticed that almost all of the female population in their school are all looking at Paolo, with so much admiration in their eyes.

"Are you aware that all of the girls are looking at you like lovesick puppies?" Serena whispers at her bestfriend.

"Well, I don't have time for girls. And besides, I'm busy with basketball so flirting with girls is not on my priority list." Paolo casually stated.

"Maybe that's just an excuse... Maybe you're the one who's gay?" Serena tries teasing him.

"Whatever. You can say whatever you want. Anyway, I forgot my wallet, so I need to borrow some money from you. You owe me a few bucks, remember?" Paolo reminded her.

"Hmp! You ugly stingy pig! It was only a small cone of ice cream, and you never treated me at all!" Serena sulkily relayed.

"But it's still money. Come on, give me back my money."

Serena didn't have a choice but to give him the money she owes, or else, Paolo will talk to her Daddy...

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The next day.

Serena froze on her tracks when she saw her crush, Mr. Richardson, who is walking her way. She clutched her book on her chest and she tries to sweep her hair away from her face. She wants to look pretty infront of her crush. 

"G-Good morning, Sir." Serena mustered all of her courage to greet her Teacher first.

"Good morning, Serena." Mr. Richardson smilingly greeted back. 

"Serena, get a hold of yourself! Act smart and normal!" she secretly scolded herself.

"Serena, can you meet me in the library after lunch?" Mr. Peralta asked her.

Serena nodded in return, but deep inside, her heart is beating so fast, that she is having a hard time to breathe.

"Great. See you at the library after classes, Serena." Mr. Richardson said, then afterwards, he finally walks away. 

Serena feels like she's walking in the clouds because of so much happiness. Does it mean that Mr. Richardson feels the same way too?

"Hey, why are you spacing out here like an idiot?" 

Serena pouted when she heard Paolo's voice behind her.

"Ugh! Everything's perfect until you came along." she said, while looking irritated.

"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Paolo asks her again, while frowning. 

"Oh, forget about it. It's nothing!" Serena said, as she quickly walks away from him. 

"Wait, aren't you going to have lunch with me?" Paolo asked her another question.

Serena continues on walking without looking back. 

"I'm on a diet!" she answered again. 

Meanwhile, Paolo just watched Serena go, until she was out of sight.

Serena's been acting weird, and she needs to find out why is she acting that way...

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All of her classes for the day are finally over.

Serena is now making her way inside the library.

"Mr. Richardson?" she calls out for her teacher. 

"I'm glad you came here, Serena." she heard her teacher's voice behind her. She wheeled around and she shyly stared at Mr. Richardson. 

"H-Hello, sir." she stammered. 

"Come, let's take a seat. I need to talk to you about something important.

Serena's heart is beating so fast, and she feels like she just ran a full marathon. 

"---Serena, I'm glad that you're able to keep your promise on meeting me here today. I just want you to promise me that everything I will tell you right now will be kept as a secret, okay?" Mr. Richardson started to speak. 

"Yes, sir. I promise."  Serena reassures him.

Is he finally going to confess his love towards her? 

Serena held her breath in suspense while waiting for Mr. Richardson to speak again. She feeling excited and nervous at the same time...