Chapter Three- Take Care
Here I was, for the first time in the last sixth months, to ever initiate and stand in front of the Beckett's household with my bag strapped around my back.
Seems like I've beaten him to it. He's always the one to be waiting in front of my front porch, smiling and waving his hands as he greeted me every single morning---though not this time.
I wouldn't have done this if not for my mother's forceful nagging and taunts to make me. It seems "Mr. Perfect" himself, was sick today. Alright, that was rude of me.
I take a deep breath before bringing up my hand curled onto a fist and before I could retaliate, my knuckles made contact with the door and the action was done. All I had to do was wait and maybe say some awkward words before leaving off to school.
I wasn't prepared for this. I don't even know what to say. Take care? Ugh, that sounds so not me. Get better? Suck it up? Yo? The more I think of it, the more I felt anxious. I stare at my long uniform skirt that almost reached my heel.
"Oh Avery!"
I looked up to find Mrs. Beckett smiling at me warmly and also surprised by my sudden visit. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun and sweat trickled down her forehead.
"Uhm, good morning ma'am," I murmured.
"Oh, come in!" she beamed, taking a step back and opened the door wide enough for me to enter. I nod, entering the door and found myself inside their home.
The ambience overall felt warm and like home. The walls were painted pastel pink and furniture were in variety of white, camel coloured and sorts of pastel colours. There were sorts of picture frames on the table with Tom as a young kid grinned, a missing front tooth with two fingers up for a peace sign.
"Uh, I'm just going to see Tom for a bit," I shuffled in my stand, growing uneasy.
Mrs. Beckett smiles, although it seems mischievous. She nods, patting my shoulder gently. "Well, I'll be preparing some porridge for Tom. And Avery?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't do anything naughty," she giggled.
My face flushed red as I stammered. "O-of course no! Totally nothing of the sort!"
She chuckled, amused by my reaction. "I was just kidding. Well, you still have school to attend so I'll be out of your hair."
Sheesh. There's totally nothing happening ever. I shake my head, taking the stairs as my mind was out of focus. Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the door that obviously had a hanging tag named 'Tom'.
"Well, here goes nothing," I grumbled under my breath, clutching on the knob and twist it open.
The door opens and my eyes trailed to find his room dim with the blinds still shut. I reluctantly roamed my eyes to the bed and found him lying, obviously. I take a step further, making sure not to make loud noises or I'll stir him awake.
His room looked like every other guy's room. There was a poster for some band called 'Sixth Blaze', a bookshelf with all sorts of books and a study table. He seems to be also neat and well organized, a surprise to those cliché stuff where a guy's room supposedly looks like a pig's den.
Now my plan was to stand for a couple of seconds like a creep and leave; that was supposed to be what was going to happen, but I seemingly stepped on something and my face contorted to a wry. It sounded like a loud popping noise.
Drat. Great. The bed makes a soft creak and him, himself shuffles in his bed. "Mom?"
His voice sounded hoarse and in a deep, husky tone. I stiffened, staying put in the place where I stood as I stare at him making attempts to stand up in bed but then falls back in limp.
I sigh. "It's me."
"Santa Claus?" he replied in the midst of the dim room.
I snorted.
"Dork. Santa Claus isn't a girl and he doesn't exist," I crossed my arms.
"He does exist!" he defended.
"In your dreams that is," I grumble.
"That's you right, Avery?" he asks, then followed by a cough. "---sorry, but I can't come with you to school. I'm sick."
"I know that," I curtly replied.
"Well, I'm surprised you're here," he says after a split second of silence. The bed makes another creak, seeing him move a bit on his bed.
"My mother forced me to," I shrugged my shoulders casually even though he couldn't see it.
He faintly chuckles. "Called it."
"Well, I'm going now," I say aloud, not knowing what to say.
"Wait," he called.
I paused, clutching to the straps of my bag. "What?"
"Can I at least see you?"
"Why?"
"Well, I won't be seeing you today and it's going to be lonely," he explained casually. "---it's going to suck."
"You mean you're going to miss me? Even for just a day?" I murmur, feeling flattered. Well, deal with it. I have feelings for this guy so I'm being cringey and weird right now.
"Yeah, so come here," he called to me, flailing his hands like a kid learning how to swim. I snort, watching him look like a stupid helpless person frantically moving his hands.
I take a step forward until I was finally standing in front of his bed side. My cheeks flushed red for some reasons. Maybe because he really looks cute (yuck, kill me) with his disheveled hair and hazy eyes.
Geez Avery. What the hell is wrong with you. Calm down with your hormones, will you?
I take a deep breath, and grabbed the chair across his study table, pulling it close to his bed side. I take a seat, patting down my skirt first. "Happy now?"
He grins, eyeing me. "Yeah."
"Can't believe you got sick," I trailed off, casting my gaze on his temple. "—you're the person who looks impossible to get sick."
He chuckles, quite hoarse. "If you've forgotten, I'm rather human myself, Avery."
"Sorry if I forgot you were even one," I retorted.
"Ouch?"
"Well, I'm going to feel lonely today, just lying down and sleeping," he sighs, casting his gaze to the ceilings with a thoughtful look.
"Dude, like that's everyone's dream right now," I eyed him. "---call yourself privileged."
"Well, you want to get my cold too?" he teasingly offered. "—I could pass it to you anytime."
"No thanks," I scrunched my nose. "—having to blow my nose every second feels terrible."
He smiles, closing his eyes. "True."
I stare at my intertwined fingers and let out a breath. "Well, I gotta be going."
I sprung up from my seat, ready to get the hell out of here and not feel so tensed with just the two of us in this dim room. Not that I think of it maliciously, but still.
"Uhm, take care," I let out in a hesitant mumble, feeling quite embarrassed I said that in a softer tone than usual.
He flickers his eyes open and trails to look at me, his olive eyes stared back and me whilst he smiles. "Thanks."
"Okay," I take a step back.
"Mind visiting later?"
He caught up. My back was already turned from him. I peered from over my shoulder and replied. "Okay."
. . .
"So where's lover boy?" Emily asked, leaning forward on my table with her hands propped on my desk.
"He's sick."
Her eyes flashed in surprise before flickering them back to normal. I know. People just can't believe someone like him is even human. Harsh.
"Well, aren't you going to be lonely?" she cheekily grinned, poking my dimple.
"Lonely? Pfft. No way," I wave a hand, disagreeing with her.
Who knows?
Then the trio suddenly appeared in my seat, the four of them crowding me now. What's with people and they're suddenly getting close with me? I sigh, glancing at their eyes looking back at me.
I'm supposed to be enjoying my free alone time. I mean Tom's not here and I'm grateful he's not here to annoy me, but then I get to have four people crowd me. Great. It isn't getting better.
"Okay, let me speak on the behalf of me, Rhea, May and Leila," Emily started, putting a hand on her chest. She grins at me, putting up a malicious grin. "---so a little birdie told us..."
"Told you what?" I cocked a brow, confused.
"That you," she pointed a finger at me, then she takes a deep breath and suddenly she bursts in chaotic energy. "—like Tom!"
I paused. Then my eyes roam to find the other three grinning. What? What the hell? I rolled my eyes, putting up a front. "That's not true."
If they even found out, that would be the end of me. Just look at how loud-mouthed Emily is. She'd probably randomly blurt out to Tom I like him in a flash—which would be a total nightmare.
Plus, I don't intend to do anything with my feelings. Instead, I plan to make things like usual.
Emily grabs ahold of my shoulder and shakes me vehemently. "Why didn't you tell us first?! You promised you'd tell me first."
Now she was throwing a tantrum. I grabbed her hands and fling it away from me. I flattened down my wrinkled blouse. "I didn't say that."
"Well, you did! And you told Lance instead? I'm offended."
Then she paused, eyes widening in revealing her blunder as she covers her mouth like it's going to solve everything. Too late. My eyes twitch in exasperation. "LANCE?"
That little brat! And I thought I could trust him with my secret. Why did I even expect anything from him? Right, he's my frenemy. Remind me to add laxatives to his milkshake as payback.
"I thought he confessed to you? Why are you talking?" I inquired, jabbing back at her.
Her cheeks turned bright red. She frantically moves her hand. "Well we're still friends! Anyway, he told me to help you because you were being as he quote-on quote a "stubborn rat"."
I grumble, rubbing my temple in frustration. "I don't need your help and why," I point to the three earnestly listening to our conversation. Hell, maybe even the whole class heard it. "---did you tell them?"
"Oh, because you guys are friends," she says casually.
"You can't just tell anyone else's secrets just because they're friends!" I screeched, crossing my arms. "---sheesh. I'm going to get a stroke because of you."
"We can hear you, you know?" May piped up in the background.
"Well, that isn't the only thing we're here for," Rhea finally speaks, breaking the tense tension between me and Emily.
My eyes reverted to her. Now what? She smiles, clapping her hands in satisfaction. "We're here to help you get close with our classmates."
Did I hear her right? I blinked, then murmured. "What?"
Leila interjected, peering her head over Jackie's shoulder with a sheepish smile. "Well, we decided we wanted to help you make friends with other people."
"Excuse me?" I shot a brow, crossing my arms. "---I don't need other "friends"."
If anything, this was enough. Having seven people annoy me was enough. Now they want me to be-friend every person in this class? No offense, but you just can't force people to pretend you're friends and all sorts of things.
But these four had other plans. Before I knew, I was held powerless with their hands wrapped around my arms to make me immobile. I squirm, flinging my arms like a wriggling worm but proved no essence when their hold tightens.
"Calm your horses, Avery!" May wheezed, sounding like she was having a hard time---which was my entire goal anyway.
"You can't force me guys!" I raised my voice, tugging my wrist out of their clutch.
Then they abruptly stopped. My eyes flicker to Emily who was now standing in front of me, a mad scientist look was plastered on her face. If anything, she looked terrifying. Her hands were wriggling like some crazy person and then she outstretched it to my direction.
She grins. "We'll just have to tickle you then."
My eyes widened in horror. Now I was more desperate to get out of these hyenas' clutches. By now, I could see in my peripheral vision other people glancing at us like some circus act. I screeched. "Don't do this!"
"Hold her tight guys," Emily ordered, even having the audacity to crack her knuckles while tilting her head to the side. May wraps her hands around my underarm, Leila with my wrists and Rhea hugging my chest from behind. I looked like a prisoner or even worst, like they're going to strip me naked.
"Sorry Avery, but we have no other choice," Rhea guilty whispered, tightening her hold on me. "—Emily can get...."crazy". I'd rather not get on her bad side."
"Here goes!" Emily beamed and with that her hands snaked around my side, tickling me with her fingers. I squirm sideways and back, biting my lip to hold my laughter.
She lightly pinched my side and I stifled a chuckle. "S-stop!"
Emily raises her hand upwards and I kicked my legs. With one last wheeze I hollered. "Stop!"
Then I burst into fits of laughter, my sides starting to hurt and my mouth starting to ache from smiling and laughing—which I rarely do. These people are evil. I'll get back to you Emily. I may or may not hold grudges, but I swear I will!
After what seemed like forever---which in truth, was five minutes, I gave up and succumbed to them. The three releases me and I fell helplessly on the floor, my hands imprinted while I panted, a sweat dropped on the marbled tiles. Damn it. I wheezed.
"That was an exercise," May whistled.
"Curse you guys," I seethed, catching my breath. "---you're all so persistent."
A hand reaches out to me. I look up to find Emily extending her hand for me to reach. I grumbled and with one last curse, I grabbed her hand and she hoisted me upwards.
I pat down my skirt and straighten the wrinkles on the sleeves of my blouse. Leila calmly brushes my bristled hair with her fingers while Rhea lightly pats my hat and places it on my head.
"Now, let's do some work," Emily grinned, looking at me in satisfaction. "---let's start with..."
She squinted her eyes, a hand placed just right up her eyes as if she's trying to see a person from afar. Then she grins, eyes flickering in joy and to me. She points to the guy who sat on the right side near the door. "Him!"
"Uhm, Alfonse right?" Emily looks at me uncertain.
I snorted. "Why are you asking me?"
"That's Alfonso," Rhea corrected.
"Oh right!" Emily pounded her fist onto her palm. "—Alphonse!"
I sigh, rubbing the flesh in between my eyes to keep myself from having a large migraine. "You're not even listening."
"Alfonso, Alphonse, just go do it!" Emily brushed me off, pushing me lightly towards his direction.
I pursed my lips, grumbling under my breath while I begrudgingly went to this guy's direction. He looks to be so heavily invested with a book and his glasses were slightly tipped from leaning his head forward.
Geez. What should I even say anyway? I stumbled right in front of his seat and before I could mutter anything, I glanced back to find the four pointing at their mouths. I snickered. Obviously.
My eyes revert back to the geek reading a book, then I cleared my throat. "Uhm, Hi."
Alfonso stops with flipping his page, then turns to look at me. We stared at each other's eyes for a good five seconds before it finally sinks into him and he lets out a frightened squeal, slamming the book to his face.
"D-did I do something to you? If so, I'm heavily sorry!" he stumbled upon his words, frantically trying to hide himself from me.
I sigh. "Nothing really. And I'm not a witch."
He wearily peeks from over his book, an eye peeking to look at me reluctantly. Then he slowly pulls down his book. He chuckles anxiously. "I-I see. Ha.ha.ha.ha."
"Well, I'm just here to say hi," I responded, my face neutral as I watch him look at me confused as to why I even decided to approach him. "—so, yeah."
"Oh," he blinks, then scratches the back of his head.
"Yeah," I stood there, starting to feel humiliated. "—so can you just pretend to say hi and wave at me? I just want to get this over."
"Okay," he replied.
"Hi," he smiled wryly, his fingers waved up in air but rigidly.
"Thanks," I nod.
"Sure."
Then I turned my heel, facing my back against him and wanting to burry myself a coffin. That was the most awkward conversation I had—not that I talk to people much anyway.
"Uhm Avery?" Alfonso suddenly piped up.
"Yeah?"
"Nice to meet you."
I blinked, then replied. "Likewise."
. . .
I was so exhausted. The four of them wouldn't let me stop unless I greeted everyone in the class. It totally drained me to the point I just want to lie down in my bed and sleep for a whole day.
They held me up longer than I expected and before I knew it, the sun was setting and the skies were starting to become dim. I sigh, finally turning to the right where my neighbourhood was in view.
I have never been so happy to see my own home and for the day to end. It was horrible and humiliating.
Mostly people gave me weird looks and confused looks, but some of them waved and smiled. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe Lance was right.
'You don't even let people see who you really are'
I shake my head, kicking a random pebble as it bounced off. That doesn't matter. I won't ever admit to myself that the little brat had some sense to his point.
Feeling my mood even dampen, I fastened my pace, craving to be alone in the dark room, clad in my blanket. The wind was also chilly and it made my bare skin cold. I mean it was almost December. That was understandable.
As I saw my house right in front of my view, a voice calls out to me. "Avery!"
I stopped in my tracks, my shoe making a sound. My eyes turned to find Tom waving his hands with a blanket wrapped around his back whilst he waves his hand enthusiastically at me on his front porch.
I raised a brow. Then I take a step near to his house and onto his front porch. I huffed. "What are you doing outside? Aren't you sick?"
He grins. "Well, I feel better now. Plus, I needed some fresh air."
I pursed my lips. "Well that's true."
"Come here," he gently called, patting down the space beside him. I tilt my head.
"Why?"
"Well, I want the latest gossip at school," he teasingly grin, his nose red as the deer in the song. "—and you looked tired, so I wonder why."
I snorted. "Thanks for noticing."
He chuckles, his voice still hoarse. "I thought I was the only one who makes you tired, but it seems that Emily and the others made you."
"Tell me about it," I replied, making my way to him. I reluctantly take a seat beside him on the stairs of his front porch.
"So anything new?" he looked at me.
"It's a disaster," I grumbled, peering at him in misery.
Then I start to tell him about all the shenanigans Emily and the three pulled on me. Tickling me, embarrassing myself and having to endure them. It was horrible and I was sucked dry.
Tom listened earnestly, then he chuckled. "Oh poor you."
"Stop being sarcastic," I snigger at him. "---geez. I think I'm gonna take a break."
"Well, at least things are starting to change," he mused, staring at the skies above. I followed his trail and saw how the dim the sky was, covering itself with millions of stars.
I seemed to forgot that time passed through us. Before I knew it, the sun had set and the moon was in full view. My bag was still slung around my shoulders and the wind was getting harsher than earlier.
"Want some blanket?"
He seems to notice me shifting in my seat. I raised a brow. "—and what? Get your cold?"
He cheekily grins. "We could just skip school together. Isn't that fun?"
I paused to stare at him, trying to process what he had just offered, then I chuckle, punching his arm gently. "Did you just try and influence me to skip school with you?"
He closes his eyes, lips strained to a smile. "Maybe."
"I can't believe you," I snorted. "---you're like goody two shoes."
"What can I say?" he shrugs, finally opening his eyes and looks at me snugly. "—I learned from the best."
"Pfft."
He unfolds the blanket around his shoulders and extends it to me. I take it, placing it around my shoulders. I seeped in the warmth, getting some whiff of his perfume.
Maybe I'm feeling bold today. Maybe I missed this guy or maybe I'm going crazy right now. I don't even know myself anymore at this point. But, one thing's for sure, is that I want to be close to him right now.
It's cheesy and so way out of character. I know. Then again, I could just blame my hormones if push comes to shove.
I made the decision to lean my head against his shoulders. It feels nice and warm. Just like a pillow. Scratch it, I think I'm just too tired now to even makes sense.
I could sense him stiffen by my sudden action. He murmurs softly. "Avery?"
I replied, closing my eyes. "Just deal it with it."
"But I thought you didn't want to catch my cold?"
"Avery?"
"Hey?"
Tom peers over his shoulder to find Avery asleep. He sighs, wrapping his arms around her shoulder, a smile straining on his lips. "Well, they sure did tire you."