I quenched my thirst with an energy drink; it sure was an exhausting workout with Sandra. I then watched Jane took her seat at a bench and looked at the surrounding. It was one place in school that I had never been before. I didn't know that there was a small yard just located outside the gymnasium. There were different orchids and wild flowers around, which wonderfully blossomed. I took a deep breath and felt the magnificence of the scene's beauty.
"Arch, I'm sorry about what Micah did." My attention then went directly to the lady who perfectly suits the atmosphere.
"It's alright." I responded. I could feel my heart racing again. I walked closer to her, fidgeting the bottle I was holding. Jane then looked up, her eyes dazzling. I stifled.
"I just want to say that..." she paused and looked away. "I should have told you earlier about me and Micah." I listened.
"I don't even know the reason why she decided to study here." She said, both her hands tightly gripped. I could sense that she was probably nervous as well.
"She has dropped out of high school three years ago during her second year..." Jane continued. 3 years ago? I then started counting in my head. So in other words, Micah was a year older than me, and Jane.
"You mean...?" I mumbled.
"She's dad's first child." Jane retorted as she saw my confusion. Well, it looked more of like Jane's the older sister. And with my mind still in uncertainty, I took a seat beside her, still trying to process what I had just heard.
"Micah rebelled when she found out that dad had another family." I listened more intently. "Basically, I was the mistress' daughter." Jane explained.
"So, are you in good terms with your sister?" I asked. Jane then faced me, a little smile formed on her face.
"We were so-called friends slash enemies." She replied. "But I can feel that she cares for me, just in her own ways." Jane continued with a chuckle. I smiled, after knowing that at least, the two sisters have a bond.
"So where's Micah's mom now?" I asked, curious on why Micah moved in with them.
"Aunt Marie died just 6 of months ago." She paused, "so she came to live with us."
I then took a deep breathe and asked, "Do you have any idea on why Micah hated me this much?" Jane smiled.
I needed to know on what was Micah's trying to show through with her mystifying messages, in my bathroom and in the locker room. And of course, I needed to know who the anonymous girl was.
"I don't know Arch." She retorted and looked down at her hands. She looked more tensed now.
"Maybe she's mad about you dating Patricia?" Jane continued, looking a little disappointed. I swallowed hard. Jane probably thinks that I am an ass and that I girl-hop. I had to tell her the truth.
"Actually, we're not dating..." I responded. Jane looked shocked.
"So what Arch?" Jane asked, probing.
I was then reminded of Patricia's threat. I had to take it back before someone finds out about it, passes the message around which will eventually lead to the evil Patricia. I swallowed hard again and replied, "It's better if I tell you after your prom."
Jane nodded, was a little dissatisfied with my response. She might be thinking that I am covering my ass up. If this wasn't for my best friend, I would have told Jane. Damn, I hate my life now!
"Well, so I guess..." Jane paused, "we're friends?" She stood up, her hand direct to my face, waiting for me to shake it. Friends? I then felt a pang in my chest. But I love you Jane, I thought.
I rose up and forced myself to shake her hand. "Friends." I responded. Our eyes were then glued on each other's and I felt something exceptional in her gaze. It's like we yearn for something more than shaking hands. And I definitely wanted to kiss her.
"Arch..." Jane said, distracting me from my thought. "My hand..." She continued. I quickly let go. I embarrassing cleared my throat and abruptly pretended to look at the plants around.
"So I'll see you around, Arch." She smilingly said.
"See you too." I retorted and watched her leave. I then realized I had forgotten to ask about the anonymous girl and Micah's indirect signs that has been bothering me. Well, at least, I was starting to see clearer now.
..............................................................
I went back to the locker room to see Jen, sleeping on a bench.
"Dude, wake up." I shook her.
"What took you so long?" She asked, yawing. I smiled at her as I took my things in my locker.
"Jane had to explain about her relation with Micah." I retorted while changing my sweat-soaked jersey with clean clothing. Jen watched me and asked, "So everything's fine now? You and Micah?"
"I don't know about Micah." I responded while spraying some sporty cologne on my body. "She has too much pride to want to talk to me, I guess." I continued. Jen then stood up and took her bag.
"How about you come home and see dad?" I offered as we headed out of the locker room. "He has been missing you too, fuck face." I teased.
"Great!" Jen exclaimed and quickly took her phone to inform her mom.
Suddenly, Patricia appeared in the doorway. Oh man, the spoiler, I thought. She then threw her arms around my neck like as if we've never seen each other for years. Jen became uncomfortable and moved aside.
"Arch, I want to meet your dad too." Patricia said, excitedly.
"But..." I looked at Jen. My best friend won't definitely come down if Patricia's around. And it would be awkward to have Patricia crashing in my place.
"Actually, her dad only wanted THE best friend for today." Jen sounded sarcastic. She looked like she could eat Patricia up and spit her in some foul smelling canal. I wanted to laugh as if some cat fight was about to flare up. Patricia glared at Jen.
Patricia then looked at me, her eyes saddened. "Is it true Arch?" She asked. I quickly nodded, wishing that she wouldn't tag along.
"Fine then." Patricia then composed herself up and walked off without goodbyes.
...................................................................................
As we walked to the car park, someone shouted for Jen. We quickly turned to see Misha. She looked like she has run a distance as she grasped for air.
"Jen, will you please go out with me? Like now?" She gasped. Jen then brightened up. I could feel Jen trembling with excitement.
I quickly snapped in and said, "We have plans." Jen then pulled me aside, her eyes fixed on Misha.
"Actually, it was cancelled." Jen said. She then looked at me with eyes begging for a chance to be with Misha. I then pulled her to my side.
"Jen, come on..." I softly said. "You can choose her over your best friend?" I asked, a little angry.
"Arch, you have to understand... I've been wanting this." She beseeched. I then remembered that Jen hadn't been in a relationship, all her life. And she has never fallen for anyone, besides the stalker, that is. I indeed had to understand her situation.
"But Jen, I wanna spend time with you." I retorted.
"Please Arch... please..." She begged. "I could drop by tomorrow."
I then heaved a sigh. I have to let her go. I shouldn't make her choose in situations like this. Well, Jen has the right to fall in love, I thought.
"Okay..." I responded, disappointed.
"Thanks Arch!" she gladly replied. Jen and Misha then bid farewell and left, my eyes followed them until there were nowhere in my sight. And now I looked like I was pathetic loner, I pitied myself.
I then threw my bag at the back seat of my Land Rover and took my seat, still upset. Suddenly, Patricia came knocking at my window. I opened it.
"Where's your best friend?" Patricia mocked. I gave her a disappointed look.
"She's out with Misha." I retorted.
"You call that a best friend?" Patricia teased and laughed. "Let me meet your dad." She then quickly ran and took her seat beside me. Damn it, she's definitely getting on my nerves. This is for Jen; I reminded myself and cooled down. I then started the engine and drove off.
While I was driving, Patricia then started fiddling in the car. I became annoyed as I watched her. And all of a sudden, a thought came into my mind. Was Misha and Patricia up on something? Why did Misha showed up after Patricia left angrily, and taking Jen away? And now, I am sitting with her while my best friend's out with HER STALKER. Something was really going on.
I was then distracted from my thought when a cat came running across the road. I abruptly made a stop, causing a great shriek from the friction of the wheels and the ground. I quickly looked at the side mirror. Thank god, no one was at the back.
Then my eyes went to Patricia who was looking all shocked, her eyes wide and hair in a mess.
"Fucking cat!" She shouted with irritation. She started to fix her hair and put her poise back. I wanted to laugh at her.
Then the thought of her in alliance with Misha came popping in my head again. There was something about these two.