With Someone

I thought it’s really impossible. I made it. I got through almost all of the exams that I did.  I failed in some minor examinations but the university took it into consideration. Fortunately, I passed as a senior high school student. It’s more than I expected to achieve. But I can’t also imagine if I’m gonna go to school with kids. Aciel is their contact all along. So I don’t know if Aciel’s trying to use his power or if I was just lucky.

But as far I know, I really passed those exams. I’m quite confident. After all, reading books has  been my saving grace while I’m locked up in the house for my whole life. No wonder that even though I'm uneducated, I still get to know a lot of things because of the books that I owned and the books in Lulu’s library.

Things happened like a flash. The last time I checked I’m still at Aciel’s penthouse, dozing off. Or I’m in the library with Lulu. But tomorrow, my life will change in an instant. I’m going to school!

I fitted the uniform that Aciel had given me. It’s a checkered skirt, and a white dress shirt. I practiced doing my tie so that tomorrow, it’ll be easy for me. I even prepared my things that I need to bring. From the pens and all that’s in the least.

Lulu gave some to me but most of it, Aciel just ordered some of his men to buy me some of these things. Oh another thing, Lulu had something to say about this. She told me she’s happy for me but she sees it differently. She thinks Aciel is not evil after all.

”Who are you again?”

The girl with the same uniform asked me. She’s slender, the ends of her hair are in perfect curl and her eyes are bluish. I can’t stop noticing her make up that’s highlighting the beauty of her face. Her brows are bushy and natural. From the first week that I went to school, I’ve come to know that she’s famous here. She’s friendly but a bit intimidating for me. It’s just that, we are the complete opposite.

”Alia,” I answered  her.

She raised her brow and left me. I pouted. It seems like she’s annoyed with me or something. She didn’t need any introduction, I know her. She’s Zoey, that’s what our classmates call her.

That’s not just our first encounter. Days after while eating at the cafeteria I saw her group enter. It’s noticeable because every time she’s around she’s like the center of attention.

I was shocked when I saw her coming near me, alone. Harshly sat in front of me with an annoyed cute face. I wonder how old she is. She looks like a real teenage girl.

”You’re really not gonna talk to me?” she sulked.

”H-huh?”

”Can’t you see? I’m friends with everybody here and you are the only one who doesn't want to talk to me.”

I bit my lip trying not to laugh at her.

”Am I supposed to be friends with you?” I asked innocently.

Her mouth dropped and I just innocently looked at her. And from that day on, we became friends. She kept on tailing me and saying that she doesn’t want to be friends with me as well but she’s always ending up beside me and asking me things. Until one day, I just noticed that she’s always with me.

She told me she felt different. She used to be friends with people so easily but I’m the only person who didn’t show any interest. No hard feelings for her but I just think that It’s not necessary for me to have friends.

But I like her. She’s like Lulu but the younger version. I’m two years older than her but sometimes she acts more of her age. I’m glad that I was able to have someone to talk to in school.

Days went by so fast. Maybe this is what they were talking about life. Sometimes, you don’t get to enjoy every single step that you don’t notice and look at things just normal. It’s amazing to think that before I just fantasized about going to school and now I’m rushing things as well.

”I need to go now, Zoey.” I bid my goodbye. We’re done working with this one group project.

”Oh okay! Where’s your driver?”

”Uhm… outside.”

I thought we’ll part ways but she just accompanied me and her mouth won’t stop talking. She’s really cute and I can’t help but to feel glad that she’s around me. Because at first impression I thought we wouldn’t match. But for some reason, we jived.

At the parking lot of the university, I saw Sibal waiting outside the car. I’m not the only one who has a driver here. Knowing that this university is kind of prestigious, but still I sometimes get uncomfortable when he’s around. I have no choice, that’s Aciel’s command.

”That’s your driver?” Zoey whispered while handing me the papers we worked on.

”Yes.”

”Oh, he looks familiar.”

I furrowed my brows. Her eyes won’t leave Sibal. She smiled at me and bid her goodbye.

”Alright bye! Happy weekend! I’ll email you the presentation.”

I waved my hand back as an answer. Sibal then opened the passenger seat for me. This had been my normal life. At weekends, I go to Lulu’s library to catch thing up. The only time I get to see Aciel is at night. He texts me and we message each other but I seldom reply.

We get to talk in person when we’re eating dinner. But I guess not today?

I looked at my phone. I saw that it’s past his arrival already? This is the latest he’d been so far. He usually gets home at five or six and then we’ll have dinner together. But now,  it’s almost seven already.

I waited again. Maybe something came up.  I took a nap because I was waiting. When I open my eyes the surroundings are dark already, meaning it’s evening.

I checked my phone to see any message but I saw nothing. I sighed and stood up. I think I should wait in the living room. I dozed on the couch reading a book but after a while decided to just prepare our dinner. He usually prepares or orders our food but since he’s late I think I should do it.

I cooked a stew and chicken dish. Chickens are his thing. Just the little detail I noticed about him. He likes chicken dishes.

I finished cooking the food already but he’s still not arrived. I sighed looking at the clock. It’s already eight in the evening. I wonder where he is. He could have messaged me since he knows that we always eat dinner together right?

I stare at his name on the screen for seconds thinking either I should call him or not. It took me some time to swallow my pride. I cursed myself while listening to the out of reach tone.

He’s not able to reach? What is this? Aciel Evans is out of reach? Really?

I groaned and decided to wait for some more. Some minutes later, I felt my stomach grumbling. The last meal I had was lunch. I visited the kitchen again and saw that the food was already cold. I sighed.

I decided to message Sibal.

Me:

Sibal, do you have any idea where Aciel is? He’s not yet home.

Sibal replied right away. I don’t know where the hell he is but every time I need something he just pops out anywhere.

Sibal:

I’ll try to contact Ros, Ms. Hampton.

I bit my lip and typed ‘thanks.’I proceeded to read the book, fighting the urge to eat alone. My phone vibrated after.

Sibal:

Mr. Evans  wants to tell you that his battery is dead. He’s currently with someone and he just told me to take care of everything you need. That’s according to Ros.

I read it over and over again. But my whole attention is just on the word ‘someone’. Someone who?

Me:

Will he be home in any moment? I’m waiting for him.

Sibal:

Ros had no idea ma’am.

I sighed.

Me:

Alright. I’ll just wait for him.

I waited and waited. For the second time, I had a nap again but this time on the couch. Waiting for him to be home but nearing ten in the evening he still didn’t arrive.