2nd Leg
-Chester-
Fall 2014
The scent of autumn air conquered the whole place, just like every year, when the season strikes with a high kick. The leaves fell in precise and perfect harmony, with the sunrise complementing its movement. Everything around me was green and brown, and somewhat bright. This is my most favorite time of the year. There seemed to be a link between me and this season.
As I slowly grabbed my brakes and halted to a stop in the huge parking space, I breathe with a sigh of relief. September. Another school year has started, and it would roll a carpet of unforgettable moments. This time, all I could do was smile to myself, as those memories ran across my mind. It’s been almost two years, when I stepped inside this school, and had my first lesson about love. When my secret was intentionally publicized by some crazy guy, I had the hottest hell out of my life. Those days were filled with real torture. But then, my real friends came up and held my back, so I wouldn’t fall down. Everything settled in its right place, like nothing actually happened.
Andrew and Reese, along with Sam and Robert were graduating students. I didn’t know where they were going to study for college, and I bet they’re planning to go to the same university. Hera’s a sophomore, and as part of being who she was, she’s still a brat, however, a controllable one. Naomi and I were junior students, still together and making our friendship the world’s strongest. I still bring her home, with my almost two-year old bike given by Reese. One time, we almost had an accident when a car overtook us while driving down the road. We both fell on the ground, injuring both our left arms, and had to where arm slings for days.
“This is all your fault, Chester. If you were just careful, we wouldn’t wear this silly thing. I won’t ride on your bike anymore, you reckless!” she pouted.
With my right arm, I spanked her head on the back.
“I tried my best to be careful. But that dumbass heightened his speed. Now tell me, whose fault is it?”
“Yours.” she blamed.
I glared at her. “Your brain is severely damaged.”
“Shut up!” she yelled.
“Hey you two, stop bickering please. You sound so crazy.” Andrew said.
“Tame your cousin.” I said to him, rolling my two eyes in disgust.
That time, Andrew had to take the both of us home, with his newly bought car. Reese also came along with us, and she would laugh every time Naomi and I started to fight again. I kept my mouth shut to end the conversation. Andrew might just drop me off in the middle of national highway in no time.
Everything has changed. After Andrew and I talked on Michael’s balcony on New Year’s Eve, our friendship became stronger. I always put in my mind that what I am connected to Andrew was not out of love, but more of a brotherly friendship. Little by little, I tried to forget how I first felt for him, and eventually letting go of the past. He made me realize that my own kind of love is a losing one, and there was a better kind than unrequited love. He helped me in getting up from the darkness I once experienced.
It took me ten months before I finally got home. Mom was still mad about the scandal I once committed, and undoubtedly, it scarred her. I was his only son, and it must have hurt her to know that I fell in love with a person that had the same gender with me. I was hesitant to leave, for it hurt me as well when she gave up on me. I was living a well-off life under Michael’s custody, but then I have to decide. And so I came back home.
“What’s this?” Michael asked me that afternoon, the time when I was going to leave him alone. I handed him a sketch, with his face as my model. It was my thank you gift, for letting me stay without asking for anything in return. He was one of my real friends, despite our age gap.
“That’s for you. Thanks for everything.” I said. I tried to wear my best smile, yet nothing came out. I was really sad, and I couldn’t hide it from him.
He hugged me tightly.
“You sure are welcome. I also want to thank you for bringing yourself here. At least, I had someone to order around.”
I broke free and punched his upper arm lightly. “How dare you.” I said.
“Just kidding. Thanks for everything, Chester. I don’t know when you will be back again, and I’m definitely looking forward for that. You know how much I need someone.” he sincerely said.
“Prepare the adoption papers. I’ll take care of Mom. I wanted to be adopted by you.” I joked.
“Shut up. I don’t like you to be my son.”
We both laughed, despite the pain between the both of us. He hugged me again, much to my surprise.
“Take care of yourself. Marie is waiting outside.” he said.
With a full and brave heart, I smiled one last time and walked away from him. I knew we would meet again, but the question is, when.
Later that night, Mom prepared my favorite food, and she apologized to me. I said sorry to her, for hurting her with my own carelessness. It was, one of the happiest, and heartwarming moments I spent with her.
I didn’t go to class after I parked my bike. I proceeded to the vacant football field, just to feel the warmth of nature. I lay down on the very center, feeling the vast expanse of it soothe my body. I closed my eyes, and felt the air sweep off around me. How everything changed in two years seemed so epic. I found my place in this world, with real people who were there to catch me when I fall. It was just so touching, and I hoped this would go on forever.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a hardbound book fell on my face. When I opened my eyes, I saw Naomi glaring at me. I picked the book up and sat on the grass, then smiled. It was “The Devil Wears Prada”. I remembered watching it last night with her, and she was so angry with Miranda. She swore to me that when she had the chance to see Meryl Streep, she would throw her favorite pair of shoes to her. I calmed her down, and she fumed like a soon-to-be-erupting volcano.
“Hey, are you trying to piss me off?! Why did you leave this book beside me?” she asked, her voice almost made a ringing sound around the field.
I grinned. “No. I just want you to read it. Calm down, please? You’re not gonna die, are you?”
“I would. Miranda sucks. I love Anne Hathaway even more.”
“Whatever.” I said and extended my hand. “Care to bring me up?”
She held my hand and held me up. I was back in my feet then.
“Let’s go.” she said calmly and grabbed me by the arm. When I looked at her, I realized how much important she was in my life, not to mention what would happen to me if she ever left me alone. I was the luckiest guy, because I had a friend like her.
“Prom night?This early? God, it’s still September.” I fretted.
“Actually, more like a prom night. You know it’s held on May, right? It’s just a simple gathering of students. It’s just a night of party and getting to know each other.” Andrew said when he dropped by our classroom.
“Tsk. Everyone here in school knows about me, you jerk.” I pouted.
“Hey, watch your words, young man.” he warned in a somewhat joking manner.
“Whatever, I’m not going.”
“What if I’d say it’s a must? Will you go?”
“Certainly not. I don’t know.”
“Trust me, Chester. It’s fun.” Reese interrupted.
“Please?” Naomi begged. I had no choice when it comes to my best friend.
“Okay, you said it.” I shrugged, still unsure of what to happen.
“There’s a game along with the party. I’m sure everybody will like it.” Andrew added.
I managed not to give him a reply.
The night of the party came. Naomi and I were together, and I sought her help on what to wear. I had a black suit with a navy blue long sleeve inside, paired with white necktie, black pants and leather shoes. I didn’t know what Naomi did to my hair but it shaped up into a way I never ever thought. It was combed in a disheveled yet stylish way. As always, Naomi wore an intricately and simple-looking white knee-length dress (she hates gowns that flow loosely down the floor). She fixed my hair before we entered the ballroom hall.
“Alright! You look so handsome.” she said, running her hands through my hair to the left and to the right.
“Stop it, please. I might look like a beggar.” I said while rolling my eyes.
She frowned. “You better thank me rather than complaining.”
“Thanks. Satisfied?” I said sarcastically. She finished fixing my hair and clung on my arm.
“Okay. Let’s go inside.”
We headed inside, and the party hadn’t started yet. There were many people in the ballroom hall; all dressed formally like it was really the actual Prom Night. Andrew and Reese came to greet us. They, like Naomi and I, looked dashing and beautiful.
“Hey. I’m so glad you came here.” Andrew said.
Naomi smiled. “Yeah.Me too. I almost dragged Chester here.” she answered. I nudged her elbow in anger.
“So, let’s get this started.” Naomi said vigorously.
“Later. We’re waiting for the others.” Andrew replied.
“’Kay.” she said.
The party started in less than half an hour. All the students and some teachers were gathered inside the venue, and the music blared in every corner. All of us started to dance with the beat, and suddenly, Mr. Schulein made his announcement.
“Tonight we’re going to play a game. This is called, “KISSING WITH THE SPOTLIGHT”. As you can see, a spotlight is out in the open, searching for a pair. When the spotlight aims on a pair, they have to kiss. Lips, to lips.”
My eyes widened with what he said. Naomi just laughed it out while the others howled in excitement. Was this an exciting game? I don’t think so.
“He must be kidding. Foolish old guy.” Naomi said.
“Try your best to hide from the spotlight. You know I’ve never kissed anybody since birth.” I ordered.
“Me too. And I won’t dare to kiss you. Your lips sucks.”
“Shut up.”
The spotlight pivoted in every direction possible. It landed on each and every pair, including Andrew and Reese, Sam and some random guy who I thought was her date.
And in the least expected situation, the blaring light machine played a not-so-good joke. It focused on Naomi and I, much to everyone’s surprise. There was a long silence, and Mr. Schulein spoke up.
“We have Chester Sulkin and Naomi Rivers. As part of the game, you have to kiss. Lips to lips.” he said.
What the hell.
Naomi and I looked at each other, deciding whether to do the consequence or not. Her eye contact said no, and so was I.
“This brings us shame, Naomi. I told you to hide, right?” I said in a low voice.
“You better end this now. I’m in total chagrin.” she answered.
“But how? I haven’t even kissed someone, not even my mom.”
“Oh my god, are you that innocent?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah. For all we know, I’m relying on you. You had several boyfriends, and a certified bitch as well.”
She punched my abdomen. “One more word and I’ll surely drag you out of here.”
“What’s going on? Are you gonna kiss or not?” Mr. Schulein said.
“Kiss, kiss, kiss!” the people chanted. I looked at them and felt my heat race under my chest. I didn’t know what would happen after this. I was trapped in a very bleak situation. Even Andrew and Reese wanted the same thing.
“Shit.” I cursed under my breath.
Naomi then pulled the collar of my suit, causing me to almost fall down, but I maintained my balance. She tiptoed and kissed my lips. My eyes popped out of shock, and I heard screams and howls from the people around us. My heart palpitated even more, and I felt like catching my breath. I never saw this coming, nor have foreseen this one. My insides were starting to get wild, as the kiss summoned my lips to move along with the flow. I slowly closed my eyes, allowing myself to be consumed in this heavenly yet sudden bliss, as I willed my lips to move and kiss her spontaneously.