Ghost Hunt Club
It's monday morning and I woke up early just like what I always do. As usual, I cook light breakfast for us four. Yeah, Haile will be staying here and she'll gonna transfer too in my school.
When I'm done preparing, I glance at the wall clock. It's still five in the morning, so I decided to go out and jog. I need to freshen up my mind.
I stop and sit in the bleachers nearby the park. It's still dark because the sun is about to rise.
"Why is my life so hard, " I said out of the blue.
Maybe if my parents aren't gangsters, maybe they're still alive. But now, I understand why they didn't allow me to go out before. . . because it's dangerous.
When I got home, Haile already already awake. She's in uniform already, well the uniform suits her well. I just go to my room and prepare for myself.
"Grandma, grandpa. We're going!" We said in unison. Our grandparents just nooded as we go out and head to school.
***
STFU University
"Girl, have you heard that there's a transferee?"
"Yes girl, I think she's first year engineering too!"
I hear different kind of gossips around the hallway of school. I'm sure, they're talking about Haile because she's the only transfer student who takes engineering.
"I heard that she's popular and influencial."
"There she is!"
"Carl, " Haile walk towards me. I hear the negative comments from them, I just look down.
"Let's go," I grab her hand but she didn't bulge. She's still looking at Bea. The school wanna be queen.
"Omg girl! She's so pretty but, ew! She's friend with that disgusting nerd eww-"
"What did you say!" Haile shouted. All of the students look at her. Sh*t!
"A-ah ha, Haile let's go-"
"No, we're not going!" She harshly remove my hand walk towards Bea. D*mn, how can I stop her?
"What did you say?" Her eyes shows no emotion while asking her.
"He's a disgusting nerd. Why? You have a problem with that newbie?" Bea said while raising her fake brows.
The next thing we know is Haile slap her hard and the crowd gasp.
"DONT YOU EVER DARE TO BAD-MOUTH MY COUSIN YOU B*TCH! YOU'RE NOTHING COMPARED TO HIM SO SHUT THE F*CK UP!"
"H-haile,"
"What is the commotion here miss Sarmiento and you miss newbie?!"
All of the students look away and when Ash arive. Her dominating authoritative aura is so strong to scare the students in this university. The tension between the three makes us silent. I just avoid my gaze on Haile.
"Miss newbie, I want to see you after class for your punishment." Said by Ashley."i think you have a initiative are we?"
"Sure." Haile said while looking at her nails as if she's very bored. This girl is really something! I scratch my neck and tightly close my eyes. I'm so stressed!
"Let's go Carl." Then she drag me with her. " Wait Haile,"
Bea dramatically cried in front of everyone. " Vice president, I think I broke my arm look. . ." I saw how my cousin roll her eyes.
Ashley just sigh and help Bea.
Broke her arm huh! Tell that to the turtles. Tsk! What a brat!
"Well, I am very thankful if very you really broke your arm. Tsk!" Haile was about to leave when Bea's minions attack Haile.
"You're new here but you act like you're the queen in here!" Said by Trixy. Bea's right hand, or should I say pet.
"Shut up you bitch!" When Haile slap her I think my place slowmoed. All of the people just look at Haile with wide eyes. I didn't know if how many cuss I said while I'm trying to stop them four.
Wtf?
"ENOUGH!"
They stop from fighting and that's my cue to grab Haile. Trixy is still holding her face unable to move and still in process of shock, while Cleah and Trisha is glaring daggers at Haile.
"I didn't expect that this what you'll gonna act on your first day miss Santiago! I was disappointed to expect something. I thought you are an hier? But, thats what an heir will act in front of many? The audacity!"
***
Instead Haile will face her punishment this afternoon, suddenly we expect earlier because of what happened. Even the minions of Bea is also punished. I just look at Haile who's seriously mapping the floor.
I just cut class, I didn't leave her because she might kill those three. And, my conscience will eat me if I'll leave her here.
When she's done, she turn to and walk towards me. Her face was covered with sweat, and her hair is messy.
I suddenly felt nervous. Her aura is really scary!
"H-haile-"
"So this is how they treat you Carl?!" She ask seriously. I laugh nervously and look away. I think it's really obvious if I'll gonna lie right? There's no point in hiding now, but, I don't want her to worry about me.
"I-its not-"
"So your bullied here." She tightly close her eyes and tried to be patient. Calming herself as she could.
"Goddamn! I shouldn't leave you here." She sat beside me and drink her water harshly. Later on she throw it away that makes me startle. "I'm pissed, really."
I look down and sigh. "I'm already used to it-"
"It's not a valid reason Carl!" She almost cried in front of me. Her voice echoed in the area and if there are students here, they will also hear her loud roar. "It's still not f*cking valid. I was enjoying the power and influence while you're suffering here!"
I tried to reach her hand and spoke, "Hey, it's not a big deal-"
"Yes it is, Carl!" I shut my mouth that instant.
I saw how she wipe her tears harshly. I just didn't notice that she's already crying. I feel bad because I make her cry. "I promise, Carl. I promise to protect you. . ." When I look at her she's already covering her face with her hand.
"I did promise."
I smile at her a little and tap her shoulder, trying to console her. "Shh. It's okay. It's okay Haile, atleast I'm not like before. I learn from it, I learn from their bullying," I said.
"I learn to deal with them and protect myself even a little."
***
Days passed and we're always together as what she promised. Even at work, she also applied where I work.
She really stick to her promise. 'Wherever you go I'll be with you.'
It's not that I don't like the idea. To be honest, I am really happy because I have someone now with me.
"Carl, where's Nicky?" I just pointed where Nicky was. Well, Nicky is entertaining a customer. Or should I say suitor.
I just notice that the guy always come here. So I'm sure that he is not just a customer. Plus, he always brings a flower to her.
"Oh, I see," She said and focus on playing CODM. She's now addicted to that game. I'm kind of jealous because I can't play with her. I always die whenever we are in mission.
We also agreed that we should avoid cat fights in school. Lately, she almost choke the girl because of apple juice. Good thing I was there on time, or else she's already kick out from school.
We also agreed that we should avoid Ashley because we receive a text from someone that there is a person who wants us dead. And, if ever Ashley comes near us. She'll may include from our trouble.
But lately, I also notice that Ashley is busy of her student council duties. We barely see each other and I'm thankful for that. Atleast, we will breathe for a moment and think a better idea on spying our rival.
"For your individual project I want you to join our school clubs," Our professor said. I boredly rest my head on the side and listen to him atleast.
"Nevertheless the students council didn't announce it yet, but, you need to participate or you will going to fail in your academic performance." We all just agreed to make it easier. Ask if we have a choice aside from that either. I mentally shake my head and turn my gaze on her.
I notice that Haile if not listening. She's just sleeping. I was a bit worried because she always go out and she's always tired. I was confused, really. Where is she going always. She always stay up late and it's not good for her health. Good thing the professor didn't saw her because we're at the back.
When our class ended, we headed to the rooftop and chill. We also think a plan on our upcoming events in the university. We also talked about the transferee student on that day. Because she said that there's someone who'll gonna transfer and maybe, that student is one of those rival so we should more careful.
I really wonder on how she knows everything.
Oh right, she has many connections outside. Stupid Carl!
***
Tommorow is our foundation day and up until now I still didn't know what club did she join for us. I really regret trusting her because she didn't choose it well. She just sign the papers without thinking. Now, I'm starting to get pissed thinking what club we belong. I let out a breathe irritatedly.
"Haile, remember what club you join for us, common!" If punching her makes her remember and get back her senses, then, I will do it wholeheartedly. Just f*ck it! I'm loosing my patience. Damn!
She smile at me wickedly."I really didn't know, okay? Lemme think,"
Can I just slap her?
She just stare at me like she was amused seeing me annoyed then she spoke, "Hm, wait. Ah! I remember now!"
"Okay what is it?" I ask impatiently. Leaning a little.
"Ghost Hunt Club."
"WHAT?!