Life's Challenges (Chapter Twelve)

“How are you?” Hebe asked Jiro.

“I’m fine. That’s the hundredth time you’re asking me that. Chill. You’re not the one with bruises and injuries on your body,” Jiro replied.

“Hey, I’m just worried. If Arron were the one injured, you’d be as worried. Although I’m not so sure about him getting worried for you.”

“Aww.. Come on. Arron’s just some human who can’t express himself well. You’d understand after getting to know him.”

“I doubt that’s ever going to happen,” Hebe rolled her eyes. “I mean, he’s so cold and treats everyone like they owe him money. What is wrong with him?”

“Well, I don’t know. He never told me anything about his past. But he does know mine,” Jiro laughed.

“Who wouldn’t. You were born. You grew up with a pet monkey. You played like a monkey. You act like a monkey. And now, you’re a monkey.”

“I know I am,” said Jiro, feeling proud of himself.

Hebe shook her head.

~~~~~
Jiro and Hebe walked to school as usual. Jiro was still recovering from his injuries but he still wanted to attend school. “I get too bored by myself,” he had said. So there he was on his way to his beloved school with Hebe on his side, looking at him and making sure he doesn’t hurt himself any more. “Quite staring at me, will you? Hebe, you’re making me want to go home,” Jiro whined.

“Good. Off you go,” Hebe said.

“Come on Hebe. You know I’m only joking.”

“Yeah, yeah. Hey, that’s Arron,” Hebe pointed forwards at a mob of girls. Arron could hardly be seen. From afar, Jiro and Hebe could hear the words that they had been hearing for so many times that they were immune to it.

“Arron, you’re so cute,” a daring young lady said.

“Arron, why do you treat everyone so coldly? Never mind them. You’ll treat me special right?” another girl said, annoying Arron immensely.

Arron just walked on. But he could not seem to shake them off. They followed him around like a bunch of annoying brats. He wasn’t in the mood to say anything, not that he said much everyday, because his little stepsister woke him up three hours before he was actually supposed to get up. Now it was like he got up from the wrong side of the bed.

Seeing him in difficulty, Jiro grabbed Hebe and ran towards him. “Hey, girls. Leave him be ok? He’s got Hebe with him. But I’ve got no one. I should be the one having special treatment.”

Arron and Hebe’s eyes grew big. I have Hebe? Arron thought. Hm.

Since when was I with this annoying person? Hebe spoke to herself. What is wrong with Jiro? Did the injuries mess up his brain too?

They both stared at each other and caught each others’ glance. They quickly looked away. Hebe blushed. What’s with me? She thought. It’s just the annoying cold brat. There’s nothing to feel embarrassed about.

Jiro, on the other hand, was getting really special treatment from the girls. “Aww.. You poor thing. How are your injuries? Do you want me blow them for you?” one asked.

“Er... That.. erm.. It’s okay. I can blow them myself. Hu.. hu... See?” Jiro blew at his injuries on his arm.

“We’ve got to go now. We’ll see you girls another time okay? Bye,” Jiro said quickly, and without waiting for their protests, he pushed Arron and Hebe into their school, and into their class. “Hah.. There’s no place like your own,” Jiro sighed happily. “I miss my seat.”

Hebe rolled her eyes while Arron, as usual, grabbed a book from his bag and started reading. In no time, the empty class became the opposite. The girls tried to sit as near as they could to Arron while the guys tried to do the same to Hebe. Arron seemed oblivious to his surroundings and went on reading. Hebe, on the other hand, had big eyes on but pretended not to notice anything. They tried to speak to both of them, the boys more daring.

“Hey, Hebe, want to go out with me later?”

“Hebe, don’t bother him. I’m much better, aren’t I?”

“Hebe, if you’re with me, you’re bound to have Valentine’s Day every day. So do you agree?”

Hebe buried herself in one of the biggest books she could find in her bag. Although shot with many questions, all about being theirs, Hebe did not blush or did anything to show that she was embarrassed. And actually, she wasn’t. She then thought about Arron. Just Jiro saying that he had her with him made her blush. Just that single sentence. And Jiro didn’t mean it.

What is this feeling? She thought. Maybe she was just too sensitive. Maybe..

The teacher entered the class.

It can’t be! Hebe thought. It can’t!

“NO!” Hebe stood up.

Everyone stared at her.

-brenda-