Ana Louella
As soon as the bus stopped, I wasted no time. I quickly ran towards our classroom and there, I saw my two friends. There aren't too many students in the university yet because it is just seven o'clock and first period classes start at eight. Our classroom is empty so I invited them to come inside so that we can talk properly. Meg and I sat on our usual seats. Andrei snatched a chair and placed it across us and then he sat.
"What happened to you last night Lou? We couldn't reach your line. We're so worried so we decided to get here early so we can check on you." Meg said worriedly.
"I should be the one asking you that question. Are you guys okay? What did they do to you last night? I was so worried." I replied as I looked at them worriedly.
"We're okay, Lou. Nothing bad happened to us. Ace called me last night, he told me that you're with him and that he would make you suffer if I wouldn't come at his house, so I came and when I arrived at his house, I immediately asked where you were and he told me that you're with Drake. I was about to go home but he stopped me, he told me that he would tell Drake to torture you if I won't oblige to whatever he'd ask me to do. I agreed and he made me clean his car. After that, he offered me a slice of chocolate cake and a glass of orange juice but I didn't eat them and then, he asked his driver to send me home. As soon as I got home, I called you but you didn't answer any of my calls." Andrei answered.
I believe Andrei but I can't believe what he has said because I always thought that Ace is not like Drake. I believe that he has a good heart even though he had hurt me once, when he tore down his sketchbook in front of me, I was so hurt but I do not hate him. I still believe that he is a good man and he just does not show it. Maybe, Drake just asked him to do that. Right! That man is ruthless anyway.
"I'm glad that you're okay Drei." I replied and he just smiled at me.
"How about you Meg? What happened to you?" I asked as I turned to Meg.
"I'm okay Lou. Dane did the same thing to me but he didn't make me clean his car. I cleaned the swimming pool in their backyard and then his driver sent me home." She answered.
"Did you get tired? You know, you aren't allowed to get tired." I asked worriedly and then she smiled at me before answering.
"I'm fine Lou. Please, don't worry about me anymore. I'm okay, calm yourself now." She said as she caressed my back with her hand.
"What about you Lou? Are you okay? What did Drake do to you?" Meg asked and I could not help but make a grimace.
They do not have to know what happened to me last night because they will surely worry about me. I know that lying is bad but I do not want them to worry about me.
"Can you tell us what happened to you last night, Lou?" Andrei asked as he raised his right eyebrow at me and I let out a sigh before answering his question.
"I-" I started but Andrei instantly cut me off.
"What did Drake do to you Lou?" He asked and I bowed my head before replying.
"He just did the same thing to me. I cleaned his room and then he let me go home." I said without looking at them.
They would know that I am lying if I looked at them so I had to look away. They do not need to know what happened. I know that I would disappoint them but I have to keep this to myself.
"Lou, I know that you're lying. Can you just tell us what really happened?" Andrei asked as he scratched his head in frustration.
"Drei, I already told you what really happened and it's the truth!" I snapped at him and he scowled at me as he exhaled heavily.
"Look, you're lying because you don't want us to worry about you. Lou, I just want to know what really happened." Andrei stated as his expression softened.
"Drei, I'm not lying. That's what really happened. I just cleaned his room and that's it." I lied as I tried my best to maintain our eye contact.
"Lou, I just hope that you aren't really lying to us." He said and then he sighed.
"Drei, I'm fine. Look, I'm okay. Don't worry about me anymore." I said and then I diverted my gaze to Meg's direction.
"Oh, fine! Just tell me if Drake is bothering you." He said and I gave him a salute before answering.
"Aye, aye, sir!"
"I'm glad that you're okay Lou." Meg piped up and then she pinched my cheeks and I just smiled at her.
She immediately let go of my cheeks and then she looked at me worriedly before placing the back of her hand on my forehead.
"You're having a fever!" She blurted out and then Andrei touched my forehead too and he hissed the moment he touched it.
"Shit! You're having a fever Lou!" He exclaimed.
"Come on, it's just a fever. It isn't that serious." I replied and he gave me a stern look.
"Tell me that Drake has nothing to do with this, Lou." Andrei spoke out and I looked at him before replying.
"You're right, Drei. Drake has nothing to do with this. I fell asleep in the bathtub last night for like one or two hours. Maybe, that's the reason why I'm having a fever today." I lied and he let out a sigh.
"Let me take you home. You need to rest." Andrei said worriedly and I just shook my head.
"Why? I'm fine! It's just a fever, Drei." I answered and he looked at me dubiously.
"Seriously, I'm fine. I'm bringing my meds and I'll be fine after taking one. I can't skip my classes today because we have three exams later. Right, Meggy?" I added and then Meg nodded.
Speaking of exams. Shit! I haven't studied anything! How can I be so forgetful?!
"Fine but do you promise to take your medicine?" Andrei asked and I nodded.
Meg and Andrei looked at me confusedly as they moved their faces closer to mine.
"Did you eat your breakfast?" Meg asked and I nodded.
"Are you sure?" Andrei asked as he wiggled his eyebrow at me.
"I ate half of my chicken soup." I lied because in reality, I only had two mouthfuls of it.
"What are you waiting for Lou? Take the pill now." Andrei said and I sighed.
I am not bringing any medicine with me because I forgot my bag in the natatorium. Didn't they notice me holding nothing?! More than that, I am not the kind of person who would take medicines when sick. Medicines are just disgusting and I hate taking them!
"I'll take it later." I replied and Andrei shook his head as he stood.
"I'll buy you some meds and water. Wait here." He said.
"No, you don't have to do that. I-" Andrei cut me off.
"Wait for me here, Lou." He said and then he left us.
Andrei knows me so well. He knew that I do not have any medicine with me and he also knew that I will not take one after he leaves so he will make me take one in front of him.
"You never remove your med kit in your bag. How come you forgot it at home?" Meg asked skeptically and I laughed at her remark.
I may always have a medicine kit in my bag but I do not take any of the pills inside it anyway so what is the difference?
"Silly, I forgot my bag at home!" I lied and she scratched the back of her head.
The truth is, I left my bag in the natatorium last night.
"Do you have an extra pen?" I asked and she nodded.
"Wait, I'll get it." She added and I just smiled at her.
She quickly searched for her pencil case inside her bag. She took it out and opened its zipper. She took out a pink pen with a unicorn's head attached to its cap. It is cute but I do not really like pink stuffs. Well, Meg loves pink and unicorns despite her age but I love her for that. She kind of looks childish but she is one of the mature persons I know. I love her for who and what she really is. She held it out to me and I took it from her hand and then I thanked her.
Meg and Andrei have been there for me since I was thirteen. I may not have a complete and happy family but I have friends who are way too good than my own flesh and blood. They complete me and make so happy and for that I feel so lucky and grateful to have them as my friends.