"She's such a trollop."
"My God! What a slut!
"Who knew she could lead the poor guy on?"
Lead the poor guy on? Why are they all looking at me like that? I walked to my seat, feeling nervous about being the topic of the class.
Why were they doing that? It's not as if I killed someone, I thought with twisted lips as I took my seat at the usual place.
I looked around for Philip and Daphne. And was relieved when I found them walking towards me.
They're holding hands. Why are they holding hands? I winced at the sight, a feeling of jealousy sweeping over me like a wave.
"Hi, hi, girlie." Daphne greeted.
"H-hi." came my shaky response.
Eyes moving to Philip, I expected him to say something—but he said nothing, and excused himself.
Was he mad at me? I knew not.
But Daphne's chuckle got me surprised. "What's funny?" I asked.
"Cos you're all over the internet." the boy by my side broke in.
"All over the internet?" I gasped, fixing my gaze on him. "What do you mean that I'm all over the internet?"
Daphne chuckled again, and walked off, like Philip had done.
Why are they all acting weird? Why is everyone acting weird?
I looked to where Philip was, as his expression was one that I couldn't understand. Why couldn't he just tell me what was going on? I wondered.
"Here." the whiskey brown-haired boy said to me, getting his laptop in front of me.
"And what am I supposed to do with this?"
He gave no reply, but went back to writing in his notebook.
Gluing my eyes reluctantly on the screen, I was taken aback by what I saw. "What the hell?!" I exclaimed, holding the laptop closely.
"Where did you get this?" I asked rhetorically, knowing the answer already.
I brought my eyes back on the screen and read the headline again, this time rolling them repeatedly, in a bid to digest the words.
"ARROGANT MISS POPULAR IN LOVE WITH MULTIPLE MEN."
Multiple men? The last two words struck me so hard. Why would someone accuse me in this way? What have I done to deserve such?
Tears trickled down my cheeks as I took the laptop off me.
I didn't bother reading the rest of it, as I rushed out of class, down the hallway, and into the bathroom... I went.
I wasn't ready to talk to anyone, especially not Philip. I couldn't believe he actually thought I was capable of doing that—when I've never been with any man—well, except James.
I gritted on remembering James. It can't possibly be him, can it? He's been long gone, I consoled myself with the thought.
I couldn't come to a conclusion, so I was left with no choice but to waved it off, and get back to my normal self!
Tricia never lets anyone step on her, I said. So why would she now? I grinned and walked back to class, not minding the prying eyes lay in wait.
I also didn't care if Philip wasn't talking to me. One thing I knew, was that I wasn't going to talk to him, either—some childish attitude he's got!
☆
"So you mean to tell me that some dufus made your name go viral? I mean, he didn't, like see any other reasonable thing to do?"
I laughed as Derek went on. "A dufus indeed." I agreed on it.
I loved the way Derek made things sound hilarious—and the way he made me smile.
Who knew we would be best of friends one day? I would say, when I looked back at the time we were at each other's throat.
I was glad to know that at least I had someone who believed me, unlike some!
"So, what do you say we talk about us?"
"Us?" I repeated, not so sure if I had heard right.
"Yes, us." he affirmed.
Oh, sweet Lord. I hope today isn't the day? My tummy tightened as I held on to it. "So... uh, I don't know..."
"Tricia, please."
"Derek, I don't think we can do this."
He got his hand on mine, and brought his head closer. "No, no. I'm not insisting that you give me a reply now."
"Good." I heaved a sigh.
"But," his fingers came up as he spoke. "You are gonna do something for me."
"Something like what?" My heart skipped, anxious brows arching up. What thing is he talking about now?
"Just wait."
I pouted my lips as I waited for him to get out whatever thing he was searching for in his right pocket.
"Close your eyes," he demanded.
And I made no objection.
His breath came upon me as I felt something around my neck —something not so different from a—
"For you,"
I got my eyes open eagerly and looked down, a shiny new necklace embracing my view.
"Oh my gosh. It's so pretty." I blushed at the sight, and ran my fingertips on the inscription below.
"T as in...?"
"Tricia!" he completed the words as I couldn't help but feel loved at that moment. "Put this on for me, will you?"
"I will. It's so pretty. And shiny, too." I said admirably, not taking my hand off the jewelry.
"I knew you'd love it."
"Oh, I so do. Thank you."
"No, thank you." he smiled.
"For what? I didn't even give you any present."
A chuckle escaped his lips as he said, "You needn't give me anything—because our friendship is the one gift I'll always cherish."
☆
☆ TBC ☆