Time Loop

08 - First Loop

Jasper's POV:

[ The Beginning of Jasper's Loop ]

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My phone rang in my pocket. I stopped walking and pulled it out it was my sister calling. I answered, "Hey, Rhea, is everything okay?" I asked. "Yeah, um. i forgot to tell you. I needed to go out to get Mom's medicine. The money you gave me last time is all used up, and... I need more," she said hesitantly.

I sighed deeply, rubbing my forehead as I processed what Rhea was saying. "I don't have any cash on me or in my account right now, Rhea. The money's in the locker at home, but I have the keys with me," I told her. There was a brief pause on the other end before she replied, "Then can you come home and give them to me? I really need to buy Mom's medicine."

I looked up at the school in front of me. I had just arrived, but what choice did I have? "Yeah... fine. I'll head back now," I said before ending the call. Stuffing my phone back into my pocket, I sighed again and turned around, walking back in the direction of home. I had no other means of transport. The bus cost money, which we barely had to spare, and we didn't own a car. Not even a bicycle. Walking was my only option, like always.

Ever since Mom got severely sick, she couldn't work anymore. I was the only one keeping things running, working a part-time job just to pay for food, rent, and her medical bills. I had once saved up money for a PlayStation when Mom was still healthy, but now that money was being used to survive.

After a while, I reached home, slightly out of breath but used to the trek. Rhea was already waiting at the door. I pulled the keys from my pocket and handed them to her. "Here. Keep them with you from now on. That way, you won't have to call me every time you need cash," I said.

She nodded, muttering a quick "Thanks" before hurrying inside.

Without wasting any more time, I turned around and started heading back to school. By the time I got there, I knew I was late. My pace quickened as I crossed the school gate, heading toward the right-side building. Our school had two buildings. We were separated from first and second year students. Since I was in my junior year, my classes were in the right-side building. Not that this information mattered at the moment.

I finally reached my classroom, already preparing for the scolding I was about to receive. As expected, my teacher was already standing at the front of the room, mid-lecture. The moment I stepped in, he turned his gaze toward me, then slowly crossed his arms, looking unimpressed.

"Is this the time to be arriving for class?" he asked, his tone sharp. I straightened up and tried to keep my voice even. "I'm sorry, sir. I had something urgent to take care of," I said. His eyes flicked to the clock before he scoffed. "Go stand outside. And your break time is canceled."

Great. Just great. I let out a silent breath before nodding and stepping back outside. The door shut behind me, and I leaned against the wall, staring at the ground. Minutes passed. Then more. Eventually, the break bell rang. But instead of heading to the cafeteria like everyone else, I was stuck standing there in the hallway, waiting for my punishment to end.

"Here." I looked up and saw Sam standing in front of me, holding a snack and a cold drink can in his hands. He had that usual nonchalant expression, like he always did when he did something for me without making a big deal out of it. Without hesitation, I snatched them from his hands.

"I was literally waiting for you, you know," I said, already opening the snack and taking a bite. The crispness of it crunched in my mouth, and I quickly followed it with a sip of the cold drink, letting the cool liquid wash it down.

"I know," Sam replied simply, sighing as he leaned against the wall beside me. He folded his arms across his chest and turned his head slightly to glance at me. "So, why were you late today?" he asked. I kept chewing, my eyes briefly flickering away before I answered, "Same reason. Had to go back home. You know how it is."