Chapter 1 and 2

CHAPTER 1

 “Living in this world is difficult, but of you share it with your friends, it becomes wonderful and exciting. There may be ups and downs, but they’re all part of friendship. Unlike lovers, your true friends don’t care whether you’re rich, popular, beautiful, handsome, or anything that matters on the outside. They would always be there for you and would love you for who you really are, for friends are also family.”

That was what I learned when I met my friends. My life was never the same again.

                                                =======================================================

Oh hi, I’m Kate. I’m here at my first day of class as a junior student. Two years to go, bye high school, Hello College. But still, I have to go through this third year life. I’m so nervous. Wish I could have a friend here.

 As I was looking through the 3-B student list (my class), I saw Nate’s name. “Hey hey, you’re classmates with Nate? Haha, awesome,” my former classmate, Janine, said. “Yeah, I think so,” I replied. Well, as I think a lot of my batch mates know, Nate is my long time crush and he knows it himself. Urgh, I don’t know what to do.

Scanning further, I saw names of people I already know. Good, I wouldn’t be alone. My long time friend and classmate, Karen, transferred to another school and she was the only one I could really talk to, and I miss her. And oh, one thing, my adviser’s still the same, Ms. Furukawa. She’s great, for she is also the theatre club director. Everyone knows that she was the one who revived the club when she was a senior student, and that is so nice of her. But I have no plans on joining the club yet, maybe next year.

           

Then I saw her seating at her table, eating her favorite, anpa. “Good morning, Ms. Furukawa. It’s nice to have you as my adviser again.”

“Good morning too, Kate. It’s nice to have you as my student again. God bless. Hope you enjoy your junior life.” Oh, I’m relieved that I know I won’t be left out.

 Riiiinng!!! 8 o’clock, time for classes to start. Said some hi’s and hello’s and found a seat. I sat beside Coco. She’s nice; she has really good voice and uber cool hair color – red. She was the one in class I first talked to. As we started the class, we introduced ourselves in front. After everyone introduced their selves, I found out that our class has 33 students. Haha, that’s a lot! There are also 2 transferees, Rose and Joy. They are so fun and interesting. Even though they were from different schools, they seem close.

My classmates are wonderful and fun, yet I still feel that something is missing, even though the school heartthrob, John, is sitting beside me.

CHAPTER 2

Days passed. I always sat with Red and Coco, who were the first two friends that I could talk to. Yeah, they’re fun to be with, but there would be times that I feel being left out because they would talk of things I have no idea about so I would just keep my mouth shut and say oh’s and ah’s if needed. During our free time, they would join our other classmates, Aladin, Marie, and Nina. Sometimes, it really bothers me when they would just go over there whenever invited and leave me alone. Okay, I’m getting used to it. I started to hate them ‘til…

“Hey Kate,” Nina said, looking over her shoulders and tossed back her shiny, perfectly blow-dried, blonde hair to see me. Oh my, she’s really gorgeous. You see, that’s a thing that I lack so I can’t bear to be with her and melt with envy because of her perfect-ness.

“Yes?” I replied with a forced smile.

“Uhm, we’re planning to watch a movie this Saturday and we would like to invite you. It’s The Last Airbender. Coco said you like it. Wanna come?”

I thought for a while and said to myself, “Oh Kate, you’re so rude. You almost hated her even she remembers everything you told to her. You should give them a chance.”

So I said, “Sure! I love it,” and smiled cheerfully.

“So 3 p.m. at the Mall, Cinema 6. The whole gang’s gonna be there. See ya!” Gang huh. Hope that day would be fun.

Saturday came. I’m already at the mall at 2 p.m. Tugsh! Too early. Yeah, I’m kinda nervous because it’s my first time to watch movies with my classmates. I’m thinking of what could happen when suddenly happen, when suddenly…

“Hey!” a voice said and patted me.

“Aaah! Don’t touch me!” I shrieked.

“Whoa Kate, calm down. It’s me, Aladin. Daydreaming about Zuko? Hahaha, don’t worry. You’ll see him in the movie.”

“Ooh, so you’re watching and fantasizing him too, huh? Haha. Just joking. So you’re watching Avatar too?”

“Yeap, a lot. I even completed the series,” he said.

“Wow, that’s AWE-some!” I said in amazement.

For some minutes, or even hours, we talked and talked. He’s intelligent, interesting and funny. He’s also got those blue eyes that looked so cute. He is too. He may be the crushable but not for me. But some other girls see him as one.

“Ehem ehem, excuse me guys, we’re here,” Marie said. They came together, Nina, Marie, Coco, and Red.

“Oh, hi guys,” Aladin greeted. “Where have you been? I waited for a long time. Good thing I had a companion here. I didn’t get bored waiting.”

“Sorry then,” Nina said to Aladin and turned to me. “Hi Kate. It’s nice that you came. Here are your tickets…”

“But you didn’t say…”

“That it’s my treat. No problem. It’s our first hang-out. Just enjoy the movie, ‘kay?”

“Thanks Nina,” I replied. That was also the first time I had spoken her name.

“You’re welcome Kate. No big deal. Oops, I forgot something. Aladin, could you come with me? I’ve got to get some food for us. You guys wait here.”

Nina and Aladin walked to the refreshments section as I looked around. There were a lot of people. Some are laughing, talking, eating and others are alone. I feel sad for them for I am one before. It feels scary when you are alone in such a big place with even such no companion or friend. Yeah, FRIEND. It makes the world look smaller.

“Psst Kate. Come here.”

“Yes, Marie?”

“I saw you talking with Aladin. Do you like him?”

“Haha, no. He’s just a good friend. That’s it. Hey wait, don’t tell me you’re jealous.”

“I hate to admit it, but yeah, I’m jealous. Because you know, he doesn’t talk to me like that, even though we know each other for quite a long time. Unlike you, you’re just a new friend but he talks to you a lot. Ah, life.”

“Hmm, don’t worry Marie. Maybe he’s just shy or something. Does he know that you like him?”

“Yes, since last year. It’s a good thing he doesn’t avoid me like what other boys do.”

“Ooh. Then maybe, he’s just shy, because it’s awkward or maybe he likes you too. Don’t give up! I’ll help you if I can.”

“Thanks Kate!” she said when she hugged me. “You’re the best, Katie.”

I just smiled back and said, “No problem, Marie. What are friends for?”

Friends. Such a nice word that assures you that you will never ever be alone.

“We’re back!” Nina said.

“Here are your popcorns and drinks,” and they distributed the food they bought for us.

You all ready? Let’s go!” Nina finally announced.

“Sure!” everyone said and got inside.