“Why did you avoid your other friends?” Ellie wondered aloud as she walked next to Jake. Jake gulped lightly. He had only seen them when he was about to leave the café, not like he would have greeted them anyways. “Jayson and I had a little quarrel last night.” He answered. “What?!” She exclaimed and came to an halt immediately. “Why?” She asked. He shook his head and said, “See you don’t need to worry about it. We will settle it soon.” He continued walking. Ellie hissed out and said. “You have got to fix it soon.” He smiled lightly. “Yeah, yeah.” He rolled his eyes. He just could not stop liking her. Even though Jayson has not for once defend her or even talk to her, she was still willing to make sure they don't quarrel. People like her are really rare.
“Big bro.” They both heard a voice call out. They stopped speaking and turned to look at the person. Aria walked joyfully towards them with a grin on her face. Ellie's lips unknowingly rose into a smile but her face held uncertainty as to who Aria called Big brother. Jake beamed at her and engulfed her in a side hug. “Hey.” She said to Ellie who still staring at the drama that was unfolding. Her eyes darted between them, questioning them. But Jake and Aria won't stop beaming at each other. “So… will anyone tell me what is going on?” She asked. Aria pulled away from Jake and said. “I am his younger sister if it is that you want to know.” She grinned at Jake who would not stop beaming at her also. Ellie found it strange and she also kind of found a likeness between the both of them as she studied their facial features. “first, you told me you were the only child of your parents. Right?” She asked Jake. “Wait, I thought you once had a crush on him.” She asked, baffled.
Aria smiled. “It is all in the past now, Ellie.” She said. “I really want to know more about it”. “It’s nothing much actually.” Aria shrugged and started explaining how they became friends and everything. Jake made sure to argue about some things she said as she used them to tease him. This made Ellie laugh hard. The weight of what happened to her was slowly lifting off her but she could not forget. She made sure to bury her sadness deep inside of her. And show to the whole world that she was cool and okay. “Tell me what is stopping you from being real siblings?” Ellie taunted. They kept walking when Jake stopped abruptly and seemed to recall something. He looked at her and then at Aria who were staring at him like he had gone crazy. “Hey, guys. I think this chat can wait because this lady over here–.” He pointed towards Ellie. “–Needs to prepare for her examination that will be coming up tomorrow.” He smiled and before Aria could argue more, he pulled Ellie by her hand and dragged her away.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
“Being a special student can be worse at times.” Jake grumbled as he dropped the textbook. Ellie managed to pull a smile. “At least it is better than being expelled or suspended.” She said sadly. Jake did not bother to ask what had ensued in the office that day but at the look of how she reacted to her granny that day, he knew that maybe, just maybe the granny did not beg for her. And also one thing, he does not like asking about family issues but he is going to do his best in trying to make her pass against all odds. Ellie puffed air in mouth and sat down on the chair. “Now down to business. Chemistry is the first subject, right?” He asked with a tone of seriousness. She nodded attentively and brought out her book. “Now before we go into this, I want you to tune each and every distraction out. Keep your inner demons at bay. Focus.” He instructed her. She inhaled and exhaled. “Ready?” He asked. “Yes.” She replied with determination. She's got to rely on only herself. Though she has people around her, they were not worth it. When you have no one on your side, you got to do things that will bring them to you and stay permanently.
*
Seconds ticked. Minutes thumped. Hours passed. Yet he did not stop explaining. Each and every questions she asked, he made sure to answer accurately. That is why Shining stars is a prestigious school. Even when she was caught cheating, it came with suspicion. Because when they took the scholarship examination, it was only she and her sister including four other people that got admitted. Now to think that she would cheat. She listened attentively, blocked everything that seemed to be in the world out.
The librarian packed the last books back on the shelf, as he was about to turn off the lights. He saw some shadows at a corner and heard some mutterings. He wrinkled his eyebrows and walked over there cautiously. He stopped as he saw two students who were deeply immersed in what they were doing- studying. He cleared his throat to gain their attention. The both of them looked up instantly that he almost jerked back in fear.
“And it will…” Jake was still explaining as he stared at the person who had uninvitedly interrupted them. “Did you guys check the time?” He questioned them. Jake glanced at his wristwatch and saw that it was half past Six already. “Oh, sorry.” He apologized. Ellie just stared at the both of them. “We will round up now.” He said politely to the man. The man nodded and said. “I am about to lock the doors.”
Jake turned towards Ellie and implored. “Hope you understand everything I said?”. Ellie nodded her head positively. He smiled satisfactorily and packed their books. Ellie shove her chair making sure it does not make much noise. She packed her books and they both headed out of the library. Jake made sure to appreciate the librarian. “Sorry for the inconvenience.” As they stepped out of the library, the cold night breeze blew by them making them shudder. Ellie rubbed her arms while Jake just kept one of his hands in his pockets. It was not really dark so they could trail their way back to their dormitory.
“It is quite cold tonight. All you have to do is go to your dorm, have a hot bath and sleep. Don’t open your book.” He instructed her. She smiled. “And also, don’t be nervous.” His lips pulled up to a smile of encouragement. “Aria's big brother.” She teased and he chuckled. “Sitting in the same class does not mean anything and moreover, I never knew her that much. Just that when I started moving with you. Besides, she is not one of those ladies that will do everything to get their crush to notice them.” He said and she nodded her head.
As they got to her dorm, Jake stopped and looked at her. “You… you are pretty.” He complimented her. She stared at him with confusion. “Good night.” He said and walked off before any interrogation from her. Why was his feeling fluctuating?
Ellie entered into her dorm and stepped into her room. The door was not locked. “Do you know Jake and Jayson fought all because of you?” Elsa's voice asked. Ellie snorted and ignored her.
“And what has that got to do with you or even me?” She asked with an arched eyebrow. “And besides, I have exams to write tomorrow so I don’t have the time to bicker with you this night.” Ellie said spitefully before Elsa could talk thereby closing the discussion.