Beatrice and the Poem

Beatrice and the Poem

It was actually funny because just when I was enjoying that dream—the kind of dream I wished was real—Mom came knocking at my door.

"Damie, it’s dawn! Get yourself washed up and get ready for school."

God! I felt like crying. I tried to go back to sleep, hoping I could continue the dream, but it was useless. One thing about good dreams is that they come once, and they never repeat themselves.

I sighed, forcing myself out of bed. I hurried through my morning routine, washing up as fast as I could before throwing on my uniform. When I finally stepped into the sitting room, Cynthia was already there, waiting for me. Mom had left while I was still in the bathroom.

I couldn’t even bring myself to look Cynthia in the face. After what happened earlier, I felt too embarrassed. Instead, I quickly rushed to the kitchen, grabbed a handful of cookies, and poured myself a cup of tea before heading to the dining table.

"So, you won’t even call me to join you? What a stingy soul!"

She said, watching as I shoved cookies into my mouth like I was in some kind of competition.

I swallowed quickly, realizing how rude I must have seemed. "Please, come join me. Don’t mind me, I was just in a hurry so we can leave for school on time."

"No, no, enjoy yourself. Eat alone and die alone."

She said, crossing her arms dramatically. We both burst into laughter.

At School

Just like I had predicted, there was nothing important happening in school today. Even the morning assembly wasn’t held. Students ran around the schoolyard, laughing and playing like kids, making a whole lot of noise. It was as if the entire school had turned into a playground.

Meanwhile, I stayed inside the classroom, which was nearly empty. I rested my head on my desk, fiddling with my pen as I worked on something special—a poem for Cynthia.

Yeah, I was trying to find the perfect words, something that would impress her. I also wanted to use it as an excuse to invite her to dinner with Mom and me.

The only students missing from school today were Bright and his crew. Not that I was complaining—it meant a quieter day for me.

I was so lost in my writing that I didn’t notice when someone walked into the classroom until I heard a feminine voice.

"Hey, handsome. What’s up?"

I looked up and immediately recognized Beatrice—the same girl who had flirted with me after my swimming session with Bright.

I blinked at her, slightly surprised. What was she doing in my class?

"Hmm, I’m okay. And you? How are you?"

I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.

She smiled and leaned against the desk. "You don’t feel like coming outside today?"

I sighed. "I will, but as you can see, my girlfriend, Cynthia, was sent on an errand by the principal, and honestly, it’d be boring to just stand around outside by myself. Didn’t you see me when I was out there earlier?"

I made sure to mention Cynthia deliberately, just so Beatrice wouldn’t get any ideas.

Cynthia and a few other students had been sent to pick up some materials for the upcoming swimming competition, so she wasn’t around at the moment.

Beatrice tilted her head, smiling knowingly. "Oh, I saw you. I was watching, but you didn’t notice me. But hey, won’t you at least offer me a seat?"

I shrugged. "Why are you standing there staring at me like that? You know I don’t own this class. You can sit anywhere you want; you don’t need my permission." I paused, pretending to think. "Wait… what’s your name again?"

I was playing dumb on purpose.

She laughed lightly. "Hmm, I’m Beatrice." She pulled out a chair and sat down across from me. "I actually came to tell you that a lot of people are gathered by the poolside. I thought you’d be there too."

I frowned slightly. "Why? What’s happening there?"

"Are you serious? What else could be happening at the pool? People are practicing, of course. Everyone wants to see our sexy merman in action."

She winked at me.

I sighed. "Geez… don’t mind me. Honestly, I’m starting to have second thoughts about this whole swimming thing."

Just then, as if on cue, my mother’s voice echoed in my mind.

"You must never swim or go into any water… The day you do, you might die. So please, my love, for both our sakes, don’t ever do these things."

It was the one warning Mom had never stopped giving me, ever since I was a kid. She never missed a chance to remind me.

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice Beatrice waving her hand in front of my face until she called my name.

"Damian, darling!"

I snapped out of it instantly and turned to look at her. I hadn’t even realized she had moved closer to me.

"What’s your problem, honey?" She asked, tilting her head. "You look lost. What were you thinking about?"

I shook my head, trying to clear my mind.

Seeing this, she reached out and rubbed my shoulder gently.

That touch—soft and warm—made me tense up immediately. I opened my mouth, ready to say something that would make her stop, but before I could get a word out, she suddenly noticed the notebook in front of me.

"Awwn… you’re a poet?" She grinned, reaching for the paper. "Who’s this poem for? Is it for me?"

She leaned in closer, pressing herself against me slightly. I swallowed hard, my eyes darting to her chest, where her slightly unbuttoned shirt revealed just enough to make me uncomfortable.

I gave her a look, hoping she’d get the message and back off. But instead, she giggled, clearly enjoying my reaction.

I sighed. "Beatrice, it’s not for you."

"Aww, don’t be shy! You can tell me."

She teased, nudging me playfully.

I quickly closed my notebook and stood up, deciding it was best to leave before this conversation took a turn I wasn’t ready for.

"Look, I have to go." I said. "I’ll see you later."

Beatrice pouted. "You’re no fun, Damian. But fine, I’ll see you later."

I grabbed my things and walked out of the classroom, releasing a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

This girl was trouble.

And for some reason, I had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time she tried something like this.

But right now, I had more important things to worry about—like Cynthia, and how I was going to convince her to have dinner with Mom and me.