Chapter 99: Chapter 99

“hey Mari” Fred said to me after the c l a s s

I snubbed him and packed my books into my bag

“Mari” he said and tapped me

I exhaled and stood up to leave. He didn't follow me and I was glad. As I was going home in my car, I realized that I didn't close my bag. I glanced through hoping non of my books fell but unfortunately I didn't see my text book on physics. I needed that text book for a review tomorrow

I quickly stopped my car and opened the bag. It truly wasn't there

“oh my God. Where did it drop? Will I be able to find it?” I asked myself and heaved a sigh. I was going to turn back before my phone began to ring. I picked it up and turned off the ignition

hello, Ms Cruz speaking

I have your textbook

Fred?

you don't know how happy I am that you recognize my voice

where's my book? How did you get it?

do you want it or not?

I sighed while rolling my eyes

where are you? I'll come get it

meet me in front of the Cyber building close to the taxi stand

okay I'm coming there now

not now. I'm about to sleep. Come by 4pm

ugh! Okay fine.

I hung up and checked the time. It was 2pm.

“I can wait two hours I guess” I said with a shrug and drove home.

The house was quiet and clean, no Eliza to squeal and litter the living room with packs of cookies. I didn't see her at school and she won't answer her calls. I texted her but she didn't reply.

I went straight to my room and slept off. I woke up with an empty stomach and went to eat leftover rice in the kitchen. Just two days and I already feel the impact of Eliza's absence.

After eating, I showered and wore a pink dress with a pink hat. I went to stand in front of the building and waited for Fred. I arrived two minutes after 4pm and I had to wait for ten minutes before I got bored. I looked around and no sign of Fred

“is he always late?” I asked myself

“ugh! I'm getting tired” I wined and brought out a candy bar from my pocket. I opened it and put it in my mouth then began to read the writings on the pack

“hey”

I looked up to see Fred with my textbook

“late comer! I've been standing in the sun for more than ten minutes you moron!” I yelled

“I'm sorry. I was busy. Hey don't give me that face” he said and I glared at him, I snatched the book and walked to my car door.

“hey! You're walking out on me? No thank you for giving you your book?” he said as I sat in. I closed my door and started my car. I looked back and saw him standing akimbo, I scoffed and drove out.

I had arrived home when I saw the news of my breakup all over the internet. I felt bad for Will and bad for myself too, if we were together we'd both be happy.

Eliza

I was sitting under a tree behind our house and going through my phone. I told my mom I missed her and came to receive blessings for my exams.

I then saw the reigning news online, about Mari's breakup.

“what would she do to herself if she sees the post supporting their breakup? She'll cry throughout the night” I said aloud

“breakup? Who broke up with who?” my mom asked from behind me

“just going through something online mom” I said

“aren't you supposed to be reading? Why are you going through your phone?” she asked with a stern face

I cracked a smile “mom, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”

“when I'm I coming to stay in that big house of yours? At least even for a week. The pictures you've shown me are lovely”

“it's not my house mom. It's Mari's”

“you and Mari are best friends. I'm equally her mom you know”

I laughed

“I'll tell her about it” I said

“be quick. I know she'll let me. She's like my daughter”

“mom I'm hungry” I stated and dropped my phone

“you should go back today because I have already made Mari's rice cakes. She loves it. You can eat out of it here” she replied and stood up.

I sighed and looked through the posts again. I better get going, she needs to not go online.

Mari

“what?” I muttered as I saw a post describing me as worthless and not helping Wilbur's career in any way, so he's better off without me.

“that's not true“ I said to myself. I went through the comments and I wish I hadn't because I felt depressed at the end of it. I curled up in a ball-like form and laid on the cold floor, though I was wearing a sweater.

Eliza

I arrived at the house and walked into the living room with the bag containing rice cakes that my mom made for Mari.

The house was awfully quiet like she wasn't around though the security guard had told me she was back and her car's even outside.

“why didn't she turn on the TV? Or is she sleeping?” I asked myself

I heard Goldie wining and sniffing beside the couch, she only does that when she's anxious or in pain

“Goldie?” I called out and walked to the couch only for me to see Mari lying on the floor with her skin pale

“Oh my goodness! Oh my God Mari!” I screamed and knelt beside her immediately

“Mari! Mari wake up” I said while shaking her

“hospital. I need to take her to the hospital” I said and shifted back. I mistakenly kicked the table with my left leg and a tumbler sitting at the edge of the table fell on my ankle

I screamed and held my leg that was stinging with pain. It began to swell immediately. I ignored it and tool Mari's car keys from the table. I tried to stand without adding pressure to the hurt ankle. I pulled Mari but she was heavy. I couldn't do it without a strong stamina.

“the guard” I said and limped to the door. I opened it and that Fred guy was standing there about to knock

“uhh hi Mari's friend. Is Mari in? I wanted to give her her note. I think it's important because she wrote a —”

“—how did you know here?” I asked cutting him short

“I checked her address from school” he replied

“I know Mari would be so mad at me for this but you have to help me take her to the hospital” I said and pulled him in

“holy moly!” he exclaimed. He quickly pulled her on his shoulder and ran out of the house. I grabbed her phone and my purse and tried to run after them, forgetting my ankle. The pain hit me up in my head and I screamed and fell down. The spot had turned red and my eyes turned teary too. I still stood up, ignored the pain and limped as fast as I could to Fred who had laid her in his car

“quick! Get in” he said to me and I exhaled and fastened my limping to reach the car. It's Mari who needs the help now, not me.