"Zabi, is your head okay?" Xayvion's voice quivered with a mix of confusion and concern, his brows furrowing in disbelief. It was evident that he couldn't wrap his head around his sister's sudden and unconventional suggestion. His emotions were on full display, his tone laced with upset, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Zabi, however, remained steadfast, her gaze fixed on him, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, betraying her nervousness.
Xayvion took a step forward, seemingly determined to leave, but Zabi swiftly reached out, her hand tightly gripping the back of his shirt, halting him in his tracks. "Zabi...you always have this bad habit of stopping me," Xayvion's voice trailed off, a hint of frustration mingling with his concern. His gaze shifted towards his sister, attempting to understand the reasons behind her actions. It was as if he had experienced this scenario countless times before.
As a silent observer of their interaction, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Zabi's sudden invitation had caught me off guard, and I desperately hoped it was just a joke. Glancing at Xayvion, his visible distress and confusion mirrored my own feelings. I had no clue what Zabi had written on the paper to him, but whatever it was, it seemed to be making him even more uneasy.
While I didn't mind hanging out with Zabi tomorrow, the thought of her brother joining us made me hesitate. It was an uncomfortable situation, one I hadn't anticipated. Zabi hadn't mentioned her brother at first, and now she wanted the three of us to go to a cafe together. It was a sudden development, something that had only come up this week.
As Xayvion hurriedly walked away, Zabi turned to me with a smile. However, there was an underlying sense of unease in that smile, as if something ominous lay beneath it. We began to walk together towards our classroom, Zabi jotting something down on her paper. I hoped it wasn't related to her earlier invitation.
"Good thing Xayvion agreed to the three of us hanging out tomorrow," I read in her notebook, and a wave of disappointment washed over me. Zabi chuckled, finding amusement in my dejected expression.
"Zabi, you know your brother and I don't get along, and... I feel really awkward around him," I admitted, averting my gaze as I expressed my sincere concerns. I hesitated to discuss it with Zabi, knowing how much she cared about her brother.
Am I being selfish?
"I'm sorry for putting you in this situation, Miciela. But I didn't do it just for Xayvion, but for you too," I read in her notebook. Zabi reassured me with a smile, and then she paused, continuing to write. "I've been trying to convince him to distance himself from his friends, so I saw this as an opportunity for you to become friends with my brother. He's much kinder than me, and you can count on him once you both feel comfortable with each other. So please, Miciela." Zabi's eyes pleaded with me, a mix of hope and concern.
Lost in contemplation, I couldn't help but study Zabi's expression. It was hard to believe her claim that Xayvion was kinder than her, making me feel uneasy. Despite my doubts, I nodded, sensing her growing happiness at my agreement.
Zabi's genuine enthusiasm for the hangout was evident. Did she hope for a friendship to form between me and her brother? The thought crossed my mind, and while it wasn't a terrible idea, there was something about Xayvion's demeanor that instinctively made me hesitate, even though he hadn't expressed it aloud.
When we arrived at our classroom, our teacher was already writing on the board, and the class discussion had already begun. Zabi and I quietly made our way to our seats, hoping not to draw any attention from our strict teacher, who had a reputation for being unforgiving.
"Ah, Cyrillus and Arilynn," Rhaella's loud voice suddenly jolted us, and our teacher shot us a furious look.
"Why are you late?!" she demanded, and I glanced at Zabi, my hands trembling nervously. I didn't know what to say, feeling the weight of everyone's curious gazes upon us. My heart pounded in my chest, as if it might burst at any moment.
As I watched Zabi reach for her notebook to write a response, I instinctively grabbed her hand, stopping her. Of course, she couldn't speak, and if she wrote something, it would only exacerbate the teacher's anger, making Zabi the target of ridicule. But in that moment, my voice failed me, leaving me incapable of uttering a single word.
"W-w-we're s-sorry. We were just... playing and didn't realize the time," I stuttered, desperately spouting out any words that came to mind. I averted my gaze from the prying eyes of my classmates, staring down at the pristine white floor, feeling like a complete failure.
"Didn't you hear the bell?!" the teacher's voice grew louder and more severe.
"We did..." my words trailed off, unable to form any coherent sentences. We felt like losers.
Then, Zabi released my hand and began to write. I read her words—a note explaining the situation. "It's my fault. I was discussing my brother's behavior in class, but my inability to speak caused me to struggle with writing, which took longer than expected."
Zabi approached the teacher, her hands trembling nervously as she handed over the notepad. The teacher mumbled while reading its contents, her expression softening and sighing in response.
"Your brother can be quite troublesome in class. But don't be late again, okay?" The teacher's tone and demeanor underwent an immediate shift, understanding Zabi's inability to speak and returning her notepad. Instead of punishing us, she simply instructed us to take our seats. I glanced at Rhaella, noticing their disappointment as their schemes were foiled by the unexpected change in the teacher's attitude.
Oddly, a strange sensation washed over me, something I hadn't experienced before. I couldn't quite explain it, but my heart ached. I remained dazed, gazing at Zabi's smile as she turned her attention towards me. Although I had the ability to speak, it often only incited anger in others. However, at that moment, Zabi seemed distant, just like everyone else. I still felt lost and cowardly, unable to bridge the gap that separated us.
Suppressing the bitterness and denial welling up within me, I forced a smile. "You're amazing, Zabi," I sincerely complimented her, genuine excitement tugging at my words. Yet, beneath the surface, conflicting emotions simmered within me. What were these unsettling and inexplicable feelings I harbored towards her? They felt repulsive, leaving me confused and disgusted by their presence.
A sudden realization struck me: if Zabi weren't mute, she would effortlessly attract people and make numerous friends. However, before I could dwell on this thought, I noticed Zabi placing a notepad on the table in front of me. Her actions were accompanied by an explanation written on the notepad, expressing her concern about the possibility of me facing punishment because of her.
"I'm sorry, Miciela. It's my fault that the teacher scolded us,"
As I read her message, I couldn't help but feel a surge of conflicting emotions. Deep down, I knew it was unfair to harbor such negative feelings towards someone as kind as Zabi. In response, I whispered, "It's okay," acknowledging her consideration.
Zabi's smile seemed slightly awkward, her lips moving as if she wanted to say something 'I'm really sorry'. Despite her unspoken words, I understood her intentions. However, just as quickly as she had placed the notepad before me, she mischievously snatched it back, her face lighting up with anticipation.
With a mischievous glimmer in her eyes, she began writing again. "Hey, wear cute clothes tomorrow, okay? Dress like you're out to find a crush," her words appeared on the notepad. The sudden shift in topic and her playful request had an inexplicable effect on me. The negativity and resentment that had plagued me dissipated, replaced by a mixture of confusion and amusement as I looked at her.
"alright!" I exclaimed, laughing at the way she effortlessly changed the topic. Despite feeling annoyed and embarrassed by her suggestion, I couldn't help but find her playfulness endearing.
Today was Saturday, the day I had planned to hang out with the twins, but I found myself lacking enthusiasm for the outing. I sat on the couch, hugging a pillow, my tired face reflecting my lack of motivation.
"Ugh, I take it back!" I exclaimed, a sudden realization hitting me with a pang. Earlier, Zabi had texted me, reminding me to meet them at a café just across the street from the school at 10 am. However, as the clock showed 8 am, I was still glued to the TV, completely unprepared to leave the house.
"Why are you still daydreaming? You reek of bad odor. Shouldn't you take a bath now?" My nine-year-old brother, Michael, sat at a distance on the sofa beside me, his mischievous eyes taunting me. I had already obtained permission from my parents, but I was reluctant to go out with Xayvion. Furthermore, the thought of wearing cute clothes made me anxious—I was convinced I would look terrible.
Worry clouded my mind as I considered the possible consequences of dressing in a way that might give Xayvion the wrong impression.
"What should I do?" I blurted out in frustration. My brother, who had been eavesdropping, looked at me and burst into laughter.
"If you wear those old-fashioned clothes again, you'll be the laughingstock. Ha!" he teased, his laughter echoing through the room. In response, I playfully pinched his cheeks, only to discover how smooth they were, reminiscent of a baby's skin. Overwhelmed by a sudden wave of affection, I tightly hugged him, savoring the feeling of holding a precious little bundle.
"What should I do, baby brother? What clothes should I wear? I don't want to go," I expressed my concerns, seeking my younger brother's input. However, he persistently pushed me away, not wanting to be involved in my dilemma. Frustration overwhelmed me as he resorted to punching my face, triggering a surge of irritation within me.
"What's your problem?!" I exclaimed, releasing him from my grip.
"You're heavy and smell so bad," he retorted, his face contorted with disgust as he fled from me, hastily covering his nose.
Ah! My little troublemaker of a brother had run off, leaving me behind to grapple with my own worries.
As my attention shifted, I heard my mother's mobile phone ring. She placed it on the table, and a flicker of curiosity compelled me to take a peek at the message. Expecting it to be from a relative, I was taken aback when I saw it was a text message from Zabi.
["Hello, Miciela. I'm sorry, but my brother couldn't come out with us today. So it's just the two of us. See you later."]
Joy surged through me, erasing my previous worries in an instant. Thankfully, Xayvion had changed his mind. Deep down, I knew he despised me, yet there was a strange sense of gratitude in knowing that I could avoid his company today.
Returning to my room, I prepared myself for the outing with my friend. I stood before the mirror, meticulously adjusting my attire. I opted for plain-front blue jeans paired with a slightly oversized white shirt, neatly tucked in at the front. My hair, meticulously braided into two parts, added a touch of youthful charm.
Seeking my mother's assistance, I called her into the room. She helped me put on silver heart-shaped earrings and a matching necklace, her eyes beaming with pride.
"You look like a young lady," she complimented me, a playful glimmer in her eyes. "Do you want me to accompany you?" she teased, aware that it would undermine my attempt to appear more grown-up. I pouted, fearing that I would resemble a little girl instead. She couldn't comprehend that I was yearning to embody the essence of a teenager.
"But it's not a date, right?" she continued teasingly, her words dripping with a mixture of mischief and maternal affection.
"No, Mom. I'm going out with my friend, Zabi!" I clarified, my tone earnest.
With the clock striking 10 am, I bid farewell to my mother and stepped out of the house, ready to embrace the day's adventure. Excitement surged within me as I ventured into uncharted territory—my first hangout with Zabi. Until now, I had believed that only teenagers engaged in such outings. Thankfully, my parents had granted permission as long as the location remained within walking distance.
Upon reaching the café, I noticed the glass walls that offered a glimpse of the bustling interior. A surge of happiness washed over me as I caught sight of Zabi already seated, clad in a black plain turtleneck and cargo pants—a simple yet stylish ensemble that accentuated her unique charm.
Eager to join her, I entered the café, only to find the attention of both adults and teenagers fixated on me. Their gazes, filled with warmth and curiosity, made me self-conscious and flushed with embarrassment. Determined to reach Zabi's side, I hastened my steps, eager to escape their unwavering scrutiny.
"Zabi!" I called out, relief flooding my voice as I finally reached her. Zabi turned her head to look at me, but her eyes held an unfamiliar coldness, reminiscent of her brother Xayvion. I involuntarily flinched under her gaze, sensing a subtle shift in our connection.
"Is something wrong, Zabi?" I asked cautiously, settling into the chair opposite her. Silence hung heavily between us, and I yearned for an explanation, my heart pounding with anxiety.
Zabi's response was a mere shake of her head before she averted her gaze towards the menu, as if deliberately avoiding me. My heart sank with a sudden wave of confusion. Had I done something wrong? Was it because I didn't speak up when our teacher called us?
Minutes dragged on as she continued to peruse the menu, her face hidden behind it. The suspense grew, intensifying my anxiety. Finally, she placed her order, and a friendly waitress approached our table, her smile radiating warmth.
"What can I get for you, little ladies?" she beamed, her eyes lighting up even more when she caught sight of Zabi. Without hesitation, Zabi pointed to the strawberry milk tea on the menu.
The waitress turned her attention to me, and I hurriedly scanned the overwhelming array of options, my eyes widening in disbelief. Were these drinks meant for adults? A mixture of curiosity and confusion flooded my mind as I pondered over the extensive menu. To my surprise, the prices were exorbitant—over $5 for a single drink. Panic gripped me as I realized I only had $1 with me.
Unaware of the steep prices, I muttered, "Um, just water. I only need water," my voice barely audible as I tried to maintain composure in the face of my dwindling confidence.
Zabi let out an audible sigh, hastily scribbling something on her notepad, shielding it from my view with crossed arms.
The waitress, oblivious to the silent exchange, smiled and walked away to fulfill our orders. My eyes remained fixed on Zabi, her gaze still averted, an unmistakable look of distress etched on her face.
"Zabi, did I do something wrong?" I asked, my voice laced with cautious concern. Avoidance was not a trait I liked in our friendship, leaving me unsettled and eager for resolution.
To my dismay, she continued to ignore me, her focus fixated on the passing figures outside the café window. Doubt gnawed at my mind, intensifying my worry. It was clear that she was upset with me, though the reasons remained elusive.
Driven by a desperate need for clarity, I impulsively snatched her notepad and pen, surprising her with my uncharacteristic boldness. I hastily wrote, "Do you hate me?" on the page, extending it towards her in a plea for answers.
Zabi's surprise was evident in her wide-eyed gaze as she stared at the words I had written. A flicker of understanding crossed her face as she absorbed my pitiful expression, which silently begged for her attention.