"Attention please," Mary called out.
All the eyes in the class were on her. She continued, "As planned, we will be going on a trip. Teachers have approved, they left the planning decision on us." The whole class was cheering and expressing their joy.
I was excited after a long time, I would get a break. The whole class was discussing where to go, but I would rather not join the discussion, it's like a battle between beasts.
As the discussion came to an end, the destination was decided.
It was break time. Plan about the trip, fill the air. Then suddenly Mary asked me, " Would you be coming on the trip?" I answered excitedly, Yes. She continued, " Would you bring your phone?" "No, I don't have a phone." I said and continued, "Phone isn't allowed at school, will they allow it on the trip?" She said, " Are you an idiot? Of course, it's allowed. Right, how would a person who has never gone on a school trip know it?" I remained silent. I don't go out often because my parents don't allow it, but her words did sting me a little.
Mary is my childhood friend. I have known her since I was little. I don't remember if she was like this in childhood. I feel so suffocated when I'm with her. She's pretty and that's all. I can't remember a single good thing about her.
"Finally, summer vacation is approaching," Jane said, looking tired. Thaja added, "The exam results will be announced in just a few days, and we'll have many assignments to complete during the break. It sucks." Honestly, I'm worried about the exam results; I don't want to get scolded.
When I looked away, I saw Maipakpi and called her. She looked at me I was excited to see her. I ran to her excitedly and said, "Have you seen the new music video release by 5star?" She was as excited as me. She replied," Oh my gosh, they were so cool. I keep on repeating it," When I talk with her, time flies quickly and both of us will talk nonstop,p that sometimes my throat feels dry and hurt.
As I finished my conversation with Maipakpi, after an eternity. I realised I was an eyesore to Mary. I wouldn't realise if it was my first time, but I've been through this a lot. Her stare makes it so obvious. Let's freshen up our memory.
When I was a kid, I attended the same school and became friends with her. I have known her for quite a while, but everything changed between us when we hit our teenage years. I'm not sure what caused it, but whenever I speak, she looks annoyed and often tries to make fun of me. This made me feel very insecure about myself. Looking back, though, her behavior feels quite childish. I wonder how we are still friends. Perhaps it's because we never openly express our feelings, and even when we argue, we quickly reconcile in the name of friendship.
"Laija, let's head back to class," Jane said. I nodded.d and followed them.
There is an unspoken secret among the four of us friends that none of us acknowledges. We are connected by a fragile thread of friendship that could snap at any moment. Everything changed when we reached our final year of school. We fought frequently and began to resent one another. Perhaps I'm overreacting and overthinking things, but this feeling is undeniably bitter.
We arrived in our classroom and took our seats. When the teacher entered, the lesson began. My gaze wandered, and it settled on him. I silently told myself, "Focus in class, focus in class," but it didn't work. I looked at him again; I couldn't help it. But I have advised that before you fall in love, never fall in love with a guy like him.
His name is Tyler, proposed by many girls all were rejected. He even dismissed Mary. She refuses to accept it and keeps saying she never loved him for real, and it was just a joke. I'm scared he will reject me, too.
"Laija focused in class," the teacher said to me. I felt a little embarrassed. I couldn't hear it fully, but I know Mary is making fun of me.
School's over, I felt relieved. At that time, I started talking with Maipakpi. Well, our conversation couldn't be finished even if we talked for a lifetime. Sometimes she would remark that I'm cute when I talk in a high-pitched voice. But I would get " Why are you overreacting?" from Jane and " You are cringeworthy, could you shut up?" from Mary. It's not like I could just grab my voice and throw it out. When I talk too much, it becomes like this, hmph.
Then Mary said, " Laija, we are hanging out, are you coming?" " Don't you have an extra class?" I asked. She said, "Who cares? Just skipping once won't kill me." " No, I'm not coming, I won't be allowed," I said and waved them goodbye and left.
I want to hang out with my friends, but my parents won't let me. I think they will go out while telling their parents they are in an extra class. It would be a lie if I said I haven't lied to my parents. I once went out with them, telling my parents I was in an extra class because the class was canceled. And after that, I swear I'll never do it again because I realised it was bad. My parents don't know yet, but I've tried to tell them, but could not.
"Mom, I'm home!" I called as soon as I entered the house. She greeted me warmly. Then I remembered something. "Mom!" I exclaimed excitedly. "You promised me I could go on the school trip, right?"
She looked at me, surprised, and replied slowly, "I approved that a long time ago. Why are you asking me again? Wait, isn't your exam announcement coming up soon? I hope you will get good results if you don't forget about the internet." I was nervous, but her words made me terrified, living without internet. NO WAY.
I went to my room and fell straight onto my bed. I'm exhausted from all the drama today, but I can't shake off this feeling of emptiness inside. I start to remember all the things Mary has said to me—not just today, but consistently. She's called me pretentious, fake, and a drama queen. Yet, a small smile creeps onto my face. Her words seem to come from a place of jealousy. But can I be sure? It's hard to believe she could be jealous of me.
I remember my talk with Maipakpi. What connects us is our love for 5Star, the K-pop group. We spent hours discussing our favorite songs, the members, and their latest performances. It was nice to share that excitement with someone who understands my passion. But what can I say, Mary hates my interaction with Maipakpi. Girl grow up.
There is another problem: I share everything with my mom except my actions, which is why she dislikes Mary. Sometimes I'm so frustrated that when I tell my mom everything, she gets angry on my behalf.
Before I knew, I had fallen asleep. I got woken up by my younger brother, and he said, "Sis, wake up. Mom said to study." " Yes," I said, but still snuggled into my blanket. Then he shouted, " Mom, sister is not waking up." I suddenly got up and covered up his mouth and said, " Okay, okay, I'm up."
I got up and started studying, but was secretly watching 5Star live. It didn't last long. I got caught. My mom found out she was angry, and then I knew I was done. I got scolded, and this time I started studying seriously. My parents want me to do great on the final exam so I can get into a good college.
Today ended with a mix of chaos and excitement. However, something disturbed my sleep tonight—it was thoughts about the trip. I have a strong feeling that it's going to be a lot of fun. I haven't told anyone yet, but I have some plans for the trip.