John knew exactly who it was. He had been hoping not to run into her today, but now that she was here, there was no avoiding her.
A sigh escaped his lips as he reluctantly spoke.
John: Are you gonna let me see you or what?
A soft chuckle came from behind him, but she kept her hands over his eyes for a few more seconds, teasing him. Then, finally, she removed them.
John turned around and was met with the sight of the person he had expected—but had wished not to see today.
Standing before him was a girl with short wine-colored hair, striking blue eyes, and a charming, almost mischievous smile.
This was Rachel.
Rachel crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly as she looked at him.
Rachel: So what happened to your phone last night?
Before John could even respond, two more voices chimed in.
Joseph: Yeah, same thing we asked him.
Ivan: Mhm. We're pretty sure he was up to something shady.
John sighed again, already feeling cornered.
John: I already told you, that's not the case.
Rachel smirked.
Rachel: And why should we believe you?
The three of them—Rachel, Joseph, and Ivan—stared at John with suspicion, making him even more uncomfortable. He could feel their eyes drilling into him, demanding an explanation he wasn't willing to give.
John: (to himself) Why isn't our teacher here already?
As if the universe had finally decided to show him mercy, their class teacher walked into the room through the front door. The students immediately scurried to their seats, preparing for another dull day of learning.
John's group dispersed as well, each heading to their usual spots.
Ivan sat one seat in front of John. Joseph sat beside him on his right. Rachel, on the other hand, had her own seat near the front, right where the teacher stood.
Just before focusing on his lesson, John cast a glance outside the window. His gaze landed on the giant tree standing proudly in the school courtyard, its leaves rustling in the breeze. A fleeting moment of serenity washed over him before he finally turned his attention back to class.
*****
The lunch bell rang, and as expected, the school erupted into a chaotic mess of students and staff moving around. The air buzzed with chatter, laughter, and the occasional sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floors.
John navigated his way through the crowd, heading toward the school store where food and snacks were sold.
He had skipped breakfast that morning, and his stomach was making sure that its discontent was known.
John: Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm hungry too, man.
When he finally reached the store, he was relieved to find only a few students in line. That meant he'd get his food quickly and still have time to meet up with his friends.
After selecting his meal, he paid using his PayBank account and was just about to leave when he ran into Rachel—again.
Rachel: Oh, there you are. I thought you'd be with the others by now.
John: I was heading there. Just needed to grab something to eat first.
Rachel smiled, adjusting the strap of her bag.
Rachel: I see. Well, since we're heading in the same direction, mind waiting for me while I get my stuff?
John sighed but nodded.
John: Yeah, sure. Just don't take too long.
Rachel smirked and disappeared into the store while John leaned against a nearby wall, waiting. His stomach growled loudly once again.
John: Be patient, will you?
Soon enough, Rachel emerged, food in hand, and the two of them began making their way toward the courtyard. They wove through the sea of students, ensuring they didn't lose each other in the crowd.
Soon enough, they reached the school courtyard.
Students occupied various spots, some chatting in small groups, others sitting alone and observing their surroundings. Despite the number of people, the courtyard was spacious enough for movement, allowing John and Rachel to walk without trouble.
As they approached the giant tree in the middle, Rachel glanced at him.
Rachel: Hey, did you get enough sleep last night?
John's eyes widened slightly in shock.
John: Was it that obvious?
Rachel nodded.
John sighed.
John: Yeah, I didn't really get the rest I wanted.
Rachel: Was it because of your mother?
John stiffened at the question but eventually nodded.
John: Yeah. She was doing her usual 'stuff' again—without any consideration for how it makes me feel. Honestly… it makes me sick.
Rachel's expression softened.
Rachel: I'm sorry you have to go through all that. You know I'm here if you need someone to talk to, right?
John forced a small smile.
John: Yeah sure. (to himself) Yeah right. It's not like you'd understand anything.
As they reached the tree, they spotted Ivan and Joseph waving them over.
John and Rachel joined them, and the four of them sat under the shade, eating their lunch together.
*****
Rachel Longworth.
We've been friends since we were kids, and out of everyone, she's the only one who knows about my situation with my mom.
Not because I told her—but because she happened to see my mother during one of her… escapades.
Ever since then, Rachel has stuck by my side.
Almost like a sibling would.
Or maybe even a girlfriend.
But—
Even though she knows, I still can't bring myself to vent about my life.
Not to her.
Not to Ivan.
Not to Joseph.
Wanna know why?
*******
The lunch bell rang, signaling the end of their break. The group stood up, stretching before heading back inside.
John lagged behind his friends, lost in his own thoughts. Ivan, Joseph, and Rachel walked ahead, laughing at something Joseph had said.
John watched them, feeling that same familiar emptiness creep up inside him—one he had known for as long as he could remember.
That line—the invisible line that had always separated him from them—felt more prominent than ever.
Rachel, sensing his absence, turned around and noticed the distant look on his face.
Her expression faltered.
Ivan and Joseph followed her gaze, their laughter dying down.
Ivan: Hey man, you okay?
John blinked, snapped out of his daze.
John: Huh?
Joseph: You look kinda out of it. You good?"
John: Um..yeah.
Ivan narrowed his eyes.
Ivan: You don't look okay…
John forced a small smile as he reached out and gave Ivan a light pat on the shoulder before walking past him.
John: It's nothing. Don't worry about it. Come on, let's get to class.
He walked ahead without looking back.
His friends followed, but that invisible line remained between them.
*******
The Reality of Their Worlds.
It's way too different from mine.
I don't talk about my life to my friends because they wouldn't understand.
Ivan's parents? Successful authors with best-selling books and movies to their name. Despite their busy lives, they always make time for him.
Joseph's family? His mom is a well-known baker, and his dad owns the most popular hardware store in the country. Yet, they still make time for him and his sister.
Rachel's parents? Famous fashion models. Their schedules are packed, but they never fail to be there for her and her little brother.
They all have perfect families.
But me?
I don't have that.
They could never understand what it's like to feel… unwanted.
To be born by mistake.
To not have a functional family.
Even when I'm surrounded by my friends—
I'm still alone.
********
As the school bell rang at 3 PM, signaling the end of the day, students poured out of the classrooms, eager to get home or hang out with friends. Ivan, Joseph, and Rachel were among the groups heading toward the gates, but as they walked out, Rachel stopped, looking around for John.
Rachel: Hey, where's John?
Ivan shrugged.
Joseph: He didn't tell you? He already left earlier.
Ivan: Yeah, he has an after-school job.
Rachel's face fell for a moment, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features. She quickly masked it, though, and shrugged it off.
Rachel: Oh yeah. I forgot about that.
Her disappointment was subtle, but Ivan and Joseph caught it.
Curiosity piqued, Rachel asked the next question.
Rachel: So uh…do you guys know where he's working?
Ivan: Yeah, he mentioned something about a part-time job as a cashier at that supermarket near his place.
Rachel: I see.
Rachel's gaze softened at the mention of John's job, but she didn't say anything more. She simply nodded, keeping her thoughts to herself.
***"
Meanwhile, John was already walking briskly toward the supermarket, his thoughts distracted as he hurried to make it to his shift on time. He had been in such a rush to get there that he practically ran the distance, feeling the burn in his legs.
Once he arrived at the entrance, he paused for a brief moment to catch his breath, staring at the automatic sliding doors in front of him.
As he stood there, the realization suddenly hit him.
John: Damn it. I forgot to buy the earpods.