In or Out

Chapter 1: Where it started

Me and Chia are practically cut on the same cloth. But, the difference is that her parents are really rich. I can't say how rich but she gets what she wants. Well, except for a complete family. Her parents has been divorced since she was 9. Both parents are business tycoons in the metro. Her being the only child. I won't explain but you're getting the point probably.

"I had to work hard on my physics toy and you get yours signed just like that? What a lucky ass." I told her as I smirked. "I helped you with that. If that makes you feel good." "Nah. I dont." We walked towards the building to get all this stuff done. I'm tired. And I still have to go to volleyball practice after.

As we walk inside the building, we pass by a group of juniors, which includes my cousin Joey. Joey has a huge crush on Chia and it flatters her very much. Joey was with his friends, he greeted me and talked to Chia. As per me, who loves my best friend that much I had to stop and wait for her. As I look a around, I noticed one of Joey's friends. Gabby.

Gabby is a girl, just to clear. And of course I appreciate the beauty of others. But, she's different. It's not the first time that I lay my eyes on her. I remember last year, she was able to catch my attention during our monthly mass.

(Flashback)

It was our monthly mass in our school. In a Catholic school we are scheduled to attend the mass with the rest of the year levels but still you'll be seated with your class, not unless the sponsoring batch is your batch. In that case some of your batchmates are given a specific task during the mass. Anyways.

I noticed this girl with a pink scrunchie around her wrist. It was bright pink and it's noticeable. She was seated in front of me, and she was wearing her PE uniform. The first thing that I noticed is her black hair. During the Peace be with you part of the mass I was able to get a glimpse of her. She smiled at me and mouthed "Peace be with you". I felt something inside me. Which is weird. I haven't felt this thing to anyone.

Gabby is beautiful. She has a fair complexion. I honestly thought she was Chinese. Her eyes gets small when she smiles. She's not petite, she's fit. I found out why, because she's also into sports. She does karate, also a varsity of the school. She's a little taller than me.

Since then, whenever I pass by her, I always try to look at her. It brightens up my day. But in a none stalker-ish stare. Just a friendly one. Not a stare that would make her feel uncomfortable.

(End of flashback)

"Hi Ate!" A friendly face came by. I forgot her name but she was with Gabby... Gabby is in front of me now. I froze. I wasn't able to talk. "Oh hello.." I said cheerfully as I try to remember her name. "Let me guess, you forgot about my name right?" I nod while I raise my 2 fingers (peace sign). Gabby laughed a little. Like she feels bad for me. " Athena. Remember? I tried out for the team last time. Unfortunately I didn't get in but you were so friendly and you played really well." She said. My eyes lit "Ohh yeah. I remember you. I'm sorry about that." Athena smiled, and so does Gabby. My heart. "Its no problem Ate. I know its a team decision. Anyway, I like you to meet my friend.. Gabby."

Gabby looked at me. For the 2nd time since that encounter, she looked at me. She offered a handshake but I cant seem to move. I froze. I felt like I was sweating a bucket. I can't move. But then I got a full grasp of reality and I reached for her hand. I'm holding Gabby's hand. A firm handshake. Gabby's hand on my hands. It was warm, but it made me shiver in a way. It was a weird feeling but I liked it.

" Hi Ate Jackie. I'm Gabby." She smiled again. That smile. It gets me every time. "Ohh. Hello! I'm Jackie." I responded and smiled. I felt my smile was fake, but to my defense I'm nervous. "Your teams are both going to the incoming interschool competition for sports. Most of her teammates are guys, and the girls on her team they get...scared of her." Scared of her? Why? I thought to myself of course. "I was wondering if she can be your roommate since she told me it'll be a 2 day event and you can be roommates with anyone as long as they haven't submitted the form yet in the Sports office." Me and her, roommates? The girl I practically stalk (only on social media) together in one room. But what makes me think even more is why are they asking me for this? "Ate, I know you're weirded out." Gabby interrupted Athena. "Maybe you're thinking why Athena had to spill over all this information at once but actually this was my idea." It was? I badly wanted to say. But I was too busy to control myself from smiling. " I don't know if it's a coincidence or not but I have been seeing you all over the school, wherever I go. And I don't know but I like you're aura and I want to be your friend, well I badly need a roommate but I still think we can be friends." She explained. Her voice was soft and its the first time I'm hearing it up close.