Life's Challenges (Chapter Seven)

Everyone turned to see Arron’s expression. He did not seem bothered at all and looked like he did not even hear what the teacher said. He continued reading his book as if nothing happened. He appeared oblivious to his surroundings. Then, as if he felt uncomfortable, he shifted a little in his seat and looked up. He was surprised that everyone was looking his way but he kept his expressionless face on.

Hebe, on the other hand, walked merrily to his side and sat down. Gasps could be heard all over the classroom. Hebe looked up in wonder. Were they surprised at how lightly she took it when the teacher said she was to sit beside him? Or was it because he didn’t seem to mind in the least?

The lesson went on as usual except for the extraordinary silence. Even the teacher, who was used to the noise made by the class, felt uncomfortable and seemed to make a few glances at both of them when he thought they weren’t looking. Other than him, their classmates too were glancing at them and did not seem to bother whether they knew or not. Girls have Hebe the cold look which somehow – to her – meant ‘He’s mine. All mine, so get your filthy hands off him’. But the boys merely looked at her with nice smiles because they knew even if she liked him, he would never like her, which meant, she was free for anyone to get.

Hebe herself was not happy. The cold glares the girls gave her made her felt like she was an outcast, although the boys were making her feel most welcomed there. She didn’t know what to do. She realized that the boy beside her, Jiro’s good friend, was extremely popular, especially with girls. And if she did just a single mistake, or rather a mistake in his fans’ eyes, punishment would come her way. So, throughout all the lessons, she sat uncomfortably beside him. When school was over, she heaved a sigh of relief and left the classroom with Jiro.

“So, how was first day?” he asked.

“Okay, I guess. Only, I can’t really stand the looks the girls gave me. It was like I killed someone.”

“I know the feeling.”

“How?”

“Not sure. But I just know the feeling.”

“Okay. Anyway, why did the girls do that? I mean, I did not actually offend them, did I? I didn’t even do anything to them. What’s more, I don’t even know them.”

“Well, for starters, you’re sitting with the most popular guy in school. Next, its only your first day. And you’re a girl. And you’re pretty...”

“Excuse me?”

“What?”

“Pretty? I don’t think I belong to that category.”

“Why not? You’re beautiful. Anyway, do you want me to go on?”

“Its okay because I think you can go on for a whole 24 hours.”

“Not exactly. I could go on for two days, at least.”

“Never mind, Jiro. I do not really want to know all the reasons.”

“Sure?”

“Yes. So, shall we eat first? Or shall we go home and eat?”

“Why don’t.... Hey, Arron! Over here.”

Apparently, Jiro spied Arron walking towards the opposite way he and Hebe were going. He wanted Arron to have a meal with them. So, he shouted for him, which was a terrible mistake. Because practically every single girl within earshot ran towards Arron and started babbling loudly around him.

“Can I have your sig....”

“I love you for.....”

“Can you be my......”

“Oh my God! You’re so.......”

Arron pretended nothing happened and went on walking towards Jiro and Hebe. As he did, the whole crowd of girls followed. When they reached Jiro, all the girls started staring at him instead of Arron. But Jiro didn’t even seem to realize it. It was like his world only consisted of Arron and Hebe at that moment. Arron looked at his fans from the corner of his eyes. They appeared to realize it and immediately blushed and became embarrassed for they felt they were not being faithful and loyal to their handsome prince.

“Let’s go,” Arron said, ignoring the looks on their faces.

He turned and went on walking. Jiro ran towards him and put his hand around his shoulders and chattered non-stop, leaving Hebe behind, forgetting about her. Hebe turned slowly to walk after them but was pulled back by some hands. She started to shout but a hand was placed on her mouth, silencing her, making her struggle, in vain. The more she struggled, the tighter the hand grips were on her. Suddenly, she felt herself being dragged backwards. She tried to move her body but nothing seemed to work. It seems that her only option was to struggle, although there was not much difference it could make.

-brenda-