I stared at the crowd of people moving to and from their business.
Although I came earlier, there was still crowd here...wow
I quietly tried to make my way to my first class avoiding every possible weird glance made my way.
Geez I knew what happened yesterday but...why the meaning–confused glances made my way then.
Without my better judgement I walked facing down and mistakenly bumped into a really hard chest.
I know my height isn't what most people would consider short nor tall, because being 5'6 is tall for me.
But this body –chest– I bumped into was hard...and the owner of this body was really tall from my speculations.
I didn't dare to look up.
Wait –did I just hear a growl and I felt a rumble coming from his chest.
I'd never been so grateful for Samantha at this point in my life because that was when she just appeared out of nowhere.
She approached the guy while I stood awkwardly looking down because I hated drama and this was not what I budgeted for.
What if the so-called man decides to make me his next victim of anything bad he does –not that I know of.
I was snapped out of my bubble of thoughts as Samantha held my shoulders and whispered softly,
"Are you okay?"
I stared at her and nodded, feeling my eyes burn and my throat tighten only to feel tears streaming down my face.
************
Freya didn't know why she was streaming down tears and why she felt like a piece of her just died.
Samantha calmly hugged her, no questions asked –just holding her for comfort.
Some minutes passed by and Freya stopped but she couldn't figure out why all this happened in just 10 minutes.
But she was really grateful that Samantha was there for her.
They went to their classes for the day in silence.
Freya was still feeling overwhelmed added to the message she got last night warning her of making bad friends.
She kept to herself till much time –which she dreaded the most.
****************
"Freya what's wrong...you've been staring at your meal for a while now" Samantha asked as she watched me intently.
I sighed and shook my head "nothing's wrong...I just feel sick that's all." I half lied.
It's the truth though but I'm still keeping aside the message part and tried skipping the morning incident.
"Well girl we need to go to the school clinic then...or I can do something to dazzle you. Y'know."
She tried to brighten up the mood and it worked a little as I gave a half smile.
But the idea was still off my list because I've already been dazzled enough, "yeah...no"
"Whyyyy?" She whined.
"Samantha... I have been dazzled enough from yesterday and...this morning" I said and took a bite from my sandwich.
She had an o-shaped mouth like the realization just hit her.
I rolled my eyes playfully but my curiosity hit top notch right now cause I really want to know what happened the whole time I was in that closet.
I leaned a bit closer and her facial expression changed to one of surprise as I did that as if she was expecting me to ask that question.
"Soo..." I started, "what really happened as you know...I was locked in that closet?"
She smiles nervously with a slight chuckle.
"Just boys...and you know their usual fights here and there, so I didn't want you getting hurt...and the only thing I could think of was to keep you there" she rambled.
My instincts were telling me that something was surely wrong somewhere...but I didn't push further, I'll do the research myself –later.
The lunch continued as we made small conversations till it was over and we went to our next classes.
*************
So today was bearable for me despite the many rude stares I got.
Sometimes I just wondered why such hatred was directed to me.
Was I prone to being bullied?
Other times I just don't give a fuck and just mind my business in everything I do.
Samantha has been really helpful because most times I think I can be on my own –that's when loneliness seeks to make a way into my life.
And so she fills that spot perfectly.
As we made our way down the hall... I felt really happy that yet another has gone by and I'm going back to my comfort zone –Home.
"Freya, do you have any plans for the weekend?" Samantha asked.
"Nah" I shrugged cause I really have no friends yet since I just transferred here. "Not really".
"I was wondering if maybe I could show you around town since y'know you just transferred...and might be bored".
Wow...I never really thought someone would actually want to hang out with me. Although how can I ever be bored when I have my parents around.
A whole day with them is never boring. But she is right since I also need to improve my skills in being extroverted.
"Sure, I would love that."
We were outside the school and mum texted informing us she was coming in the next five minutes...which I totally believe – because I know that woman isn't afraid of the road and she knows her way around.
"So...I guess you will be ready for the fun filled adventure I promised on the weekend"
Samantha said and she started going back to the dorm –I guess cause I don't even know where she lives and I never asked.
"Sure" I waved and it was at that perfect time that mum arrived.
"Sweetie how was school"
"It was fine" I replied, relaxing more in the passenger seat because I know today had drained me.
And like she read my mood she didn't ask any other word as she made our way home.
*************
"Mum...umm this weekend I'd like to hang out with a friend of mine from school"
Dinner as usual was nice and all was going well with dad around. Because he was home when we came back.
Both paused their eating...did I ask something wrong?
Dad was the first to speak "so who is this friend of yours that you are just telling us about"
I never hide anything from dad...never. Mum yeah I can but dad –he is like my secret treasure chest who I could confide in at any time.
I think I kinda broke it right now since I haven't told him of Samantha.
I gulped and carefully dropped my utensils, "well she was the first person that talked to me at school...Soo –and she also helped me a lot...and–"
"It's alright Freya, you can go –im proud that you were able to make a friend after all the trauma you faced from your previous school" mum said softly as she softly glanced at dad...like they were talking through their eyes.
Which I find confusing most times and it's like telepathy cause they always know what the other is thinking.
"Fine...you can go"
"Thanks dad, I–
"On one condition "
I know I didn't like the sound of that but still wanted to know what he would say.
"You must be back home before 5 pm"
Seems like a fair deal...so I agreed
"Of course...thanks dad" I got out of my seat and kissed his cheeks and kissed that of mum's too.
Dinner went along as mum and dad talked about their day and I also gave in my own details.
–of course removing most parts.
***
She wished her parents goodnight and went to bed.
Not knowing that the day she awaits holds more than what she will expect.
***