Tara
I was sitting in History class, remembering what happened during Literature. It was hard to accept the fact that Ma and Pa were dead and Leilani was not by my side.
"May I sit here?" I looked to my right and I saw Simon. He wanted to sit beside me?
"Sure." That was the only word that escaped from my mouth. Simon sat beside me and our History teacher, Mr. Baxton, arrived. I thought he was going to teach something really interesting. I liked History and was looking forward for this class. But then...
"I need all of you to get into pairs right now. You and your partners should carry out a presentation about your favourite historical events. Start your work. NOW!"
Why was this happening? Maybe because he was too lazy to teach. Or maybe he knew no one would listen to him. I sighed. My hopes were shattered.
"Do you mind being my partner?" Simon said to me. Well, he was the only one talking to me, so...
"No. I don't mind that at all." He pulled his chair closer to me and we started our discussion. It was shocking that we came up with our topics pretty quickly. I would talk about Black Friday and Simon would talk about the Holocaust. There was 45 minutes left and we didn't know what to do.
"Tara?"
"Yes, Simon?"
"If you don't mind, may I know why did you run out of Literature today?" My body froze. I felt my eyes glistening with tears. They would stream down.... NO! I couldn't let this happen in front of him. If he were to know my past, he would show me sympathy. I wouldn't let that happen.
"There's nothing to worry about it. To shorten a long story, I'll say that I was reminded of my past. It's just complicated."
"You know, times in our lives can be tough. But just keep faith and you'll be happy every second. And what do you think about Christopher?" His words were soothing to my heart but I almost choked on my water at the last question.
"Christopher? Why do you ask me? I just knew him in Literature."
"It was very obvious that you attention was on him. You were staring at him the whole time. It's quite common for girls to stare at him, you know why. But your stare had a different effect. Even I could see it. That's why I asked."
"It was him eyes which attracted me. They reminded me of my mother. I am living with my uncle now and I miss my family. When I saw his eyes, they reminded me that my family is always with me."
"I didn't know someone's eyes cab give this kind of feelings to another person. But what did you feel when you saw his eyes? Something your gut feeling is telling you." I closed my eyes and remembered his eyes. Christopher's beautiful eyes. I could just forget time and stare at them forever. Wait! I just realised something is wrong...
"I see pure sadness in his eyes. It feels as if he lost someone close to him. Someone who has been there for him. Someone he truly loves. He creates a wall around him to show that he's bold but deep down, he's vulnerable. His appearance seems to be a facade. He even feels as if he can never believe anyone, neither family nor friend. That's what I honestly saw in his eyes."
As soon as I finished telling the truth, the colour drained from Simon's face. He looked so pale and shocked. What was going on? Was he okay? Did I say anything wrong?
"Simon, are you okay? You look as if you saw a ghost."
"No, no. I'm alright. I just didn't sleep last night." He smiles at me and returned to his seat. I took up 'Wuthering Heights' and continued reading from where I stopped. Then, class was dismissed. Simon and I exchanged our numbers before we part ways(Tara gave Elaine's number because she didn't have a phone).
"If you need any help, don't bother calling or texting me."
"Okay. Bye Simon."
-After school -
"So, how was your day?"
"Classes were good. It's just that I didn't get to learn History today."
"Poor you. So, did you meet anyone, dear?"
"I met my childhood best friend, Come. He knows everything."
"I know it's hard for you, Tara. Just be strong. We're here for you."
"Thanks Mom." I said as we reached home. I got off the car and walked into on the house. Dad and Luke hadn't arrived after work yet. I walked up to my room and closed the door and lay down on the bed. I began wondering. Why did Simon asked me that question? And why did he give that reaction?