Never Left Your Heart: Chapter 4

Chapter 4: The gang

         

          After the first week of classes, the next week after it dismissal time, Mhari was sitting near the gate and suddenly, she heard familiar voices calling her name. So she turned around to see who’s calling her then she was surprised.

          “Mhari! Over here silly!”  The voices hollered.

          “Rhea? Lousia? Mariah?! I missed you bitches!” Mhari cried.

          The school guard looked at Mhari with unreadable expressions.

          “What?” Mhari glared.

          “Nothing….nothing.” the guard said who looks like scared.

          “Good.” Mhari scoffed.

          “Mhari!” Rhea, Louisa and Mariah kept on hollering.

          “Guys!” Mhari yelled back.

          Rhea, Louisa and Mariah were Mhari’s best friends in her old all girls school. Then she rushed toward them then they hugged each other so tightly.

          “Umm….guys…..I-I can’t breathe.” Mhari complained.

          “Oh, sorry!” Mariah giggled then she released Mhari from her arms.

          “We just missed you so much!” Louisa cried.

          “Woah…It’s like we didn’t met for how many decades.” Mhari joked.

          “We know right.” Rhea interrupted. “Guess what! We’ll always be together from now on!” she announced happily.

          “Huh? What are you guys talking about?” Mhari asked innocently.

          Mariah smiled. “From now on, we’ll be also studying here at Stratford with you!” she declared.

          Mhari’s eyes widened. “For real?!” she asked unbelievably.

          Rhea, Louisa and Mariah smiled and glanced at each other. “Yes!” they exclaimed.

          They all stared at each other for a moment then they screamed.

          “I love you guys!” Mhari cried.

          “We love you more!” Rhea, Louisa and Mariah answered back.

          Suddenly, someone called Rhea’s name then she turned around to see who it is. “Rhea? Is that really you?......”

         Rhea’s eyes widened. “G-Gabriel!...” She gasped.

         “Long time no see!” Gabriel exclaimed.

         Gabriel Dwight was Rhea's crush way back in sixth grade. They were not classmates that time but they were text mates.
         “Hey! Rhea’s turning red!” Louisa interrupted.

         “This is my moment, my moment.” Mhari sang and it was her intention to tease.

         “Shut up guys.” Rhea glared.

         Gabriel laughed. “You’re really cute Rhea, even if you’re mad.”

         Mhari, Lousia and Mariah glanced at each other then they looked at Rhea suspiciously.

         “Hey, can you come with me to the mall today? Don’t worry I’ll drive you home….If it’s okay.” Gabriel asked politely.

         “Oh, Gabriel! She loves to!” Mhari teased.

         Louisa and Mariah giggled.

         Suddenly, Louisa heard a familiar voice calling her name. When she turned around to see who’s calling her, she was surprised.

         “J-Joshua?” Louisa gasped as she blushes.

         “Louisa!” Joshua hollered then he ran towards Louisa and hugged her.

         Joshua was Louisa’s crush before. Louisa had her love at first sight with him and she waited for 2 years to see him. On the good side, they finally met on Mhari’s birthday last year.

         So Joshua ran towards Louisa then he hugged her. Louisa was so surprised.

         Joshua smiled. “I’m so glad you came to visit…I missed you.” He said as he touches Louisa’s chin.

         “Actually she didn’t come here just to visit.” Mariah interrupted. “But also to study here for her second year.” She continued.

         “Really?!” Joshua asked loudly.

         Louisa nodded. “Uhm, yes…”

          “Awesome!” Joshua exclaimed. “Finally we’ll be classmates. We’ll see each other every day.” He smiled.

          Louisa blushed.

          “As part of the celebration…Can I take you for a dinner at the mall?” Joshua asked then he holds Louisa’s hand.

          “If that’s what you want, okay!” Louisa winked.

          “Why don’t we just all go to the mall and have a dinner there? Gabriel suggested.

          Rhea, Joshua, Louisa and Mariah agreed except for Mhari who was sitting at a corner.

          “Hey, is something wrong? Mariah asked. “Aren’t you glad to have us back?”

          Mhari glanced at Mariah then she winced. “It’s just…I’m not used to hang out with guys.” She sighed. “You know what I mean…”

          Mariah came closer to her. “Mhari, it’s not good to be always like that. You also need to be comfortable being with guys.” She encouraged.

          Mhari took a deep breath. “Well, if it’s for you guys.” She smiled.

          So Rhea rides in the car with Mariah and Gabriel, who’ll be driving the car. Joshua will be driving his car with Louisa riding with him and was sitting with him at the front seat while Mhari sits at the back seat.

          “I wish that my old best friend is also sitting here beside me now.” Mhari whispered then she touches the car’s window and leans her face on it. Michael saw her from the car then he shrugged. So he drives his car following Joshua’s car. While he’s driving, he pulled his wallet from his pocket then when he opened it, he looked at the picture of him and Mhari smiling together.

          “I miss the old us.” Michael said while looking at the photo with his sad eyes.

          Back at Joshua’s car, Mhari was looking outside from the car’s window while Joshua and Louisa were having some quarrel in the front seat.

          “Hey! Return it back to my favorite radio station!” Louisa demanded.

          “Later! When after my favorite song had finished.” Joshua scolded.

          “Eh?! I said put it back!!” Louisa yelled then she clicked the button that would return it back to her favorite radio station.

          “Eeeh! You’re so naughty!!” Joshua complained then he clicked the button that would return it back to his favorite radio station.

          Louisa got mad at him so they kept on clicking the buttons of the car’s radio then suddenly, they clicked a button that made them all froze for a moment including Mhari. They heard this special song to Mhari, which is used to be the theme song of her and Michael. Mhari’s whole world stopped then all the happy memories of her with Michael flashbacked to her mind. Joshua and Louisa stared at her widened eyes and pale face.

          “Hey Mhari…..” Louisa approached softly.

          “I know what’s on her mind right now, just let her think right now.” Joshua suggested.

          “Fine, fine…” Louisa agreed.

          Mhari remembered all the times that she had with Michael, from the time that they became best friends, to the time that Michael rejected her. Tears were streaming down to her face then she keeps on wiping it.

          “Mhari, don’t force yourself to hate him. The more you force, the more you get hurt.” Louisa advised.

          “We know that deep inside of you, you still have feelings for him.” Joshua confronted.

          Mhari sighed then she suddenly slapped herself then she laughed. Joshua and Louisa were surprised and they stared at her with their eyes widened.

          “Who cares about him anyway? Hahaha!” she laughed insanely.

          Joshua and Louisa glanced at each other with their unreadable expressions then they laughed at the same time.

          “What the hell Mhari…the hell.” Joshua glared.

          “You’re crazy…” Louisa confronted. “Really you are...”

          Mhari, Joshua, and Louisa laughed all together. Then finally, they already arrived at the mall.

          “Here we are!” Joshua declared.

          “Hurry!” Louisa demanded. “I’m already hungry!”

          “Learn how to wait, glutton.” Joshua glared.

          “hmph!” Louisa muttered.

          They went out of the car and they were walking toward Gabriel’s car. At his car, they saw Gabriel and Rhea’s face really close to each other while Mariah was holding her camera at the back seat.

          “Did you miss me Rhea?” Gabriel asked.

          Rhea blushed. “Eh?! Of course not!” she answered defensively.

          “Eh, I don’t believe you.” Gabriel said, leaning his face in front of Rhea’s face.

          Rhea blushed again. “How can I miss you if you never left my heart.” She smirked.

          So Gabriel and Rhea laughed together while Mariah already filled her camera’s memory with their photos.

          “Whooo! Scandal! Harharhar.” Mariah chuckled, reviewing her stolen shots of Gabriel and Rhea.

          Suddenly, the car’s door opened. It was Joshua, Louisa and Mhari staring badly at all of them inside the car.

          “Hey, don’t tell me that you just went here to the mall’s parking lot as a place for your date.” Joshua stormed out.

          “What?! Who said anything about dating?!” Louisa blurted out.

          Joshua grabbed her hand. “Just enjoy this night with the person that you have feelings for, which is me.” He winked.

          “Eh?! What are you talking about, idiot!” Louisa groaned.

          “Louisa, you don’t need to pretend. Let’s go everyone!” Joshua declared, pulling Louisa’s hand.

          “Ah! Let go of me perv!” Louisa yelled.

          Gabriel and Rhea were following them, holding hands. Mhari and Mariah was at the back of all of them.

          “I’m sure it’ll be happier to have a partner also.” Mariah predicted. “But I’m already happy just to be with my best friends.” She smiled.

          Mhari nodded. “hmm...” she smiles.

          At the other side of the parking lot, there’s Michael spying on Mhari who was tailing her. He rushed toward Mhari and covered her eyes. Mariah was about to call for help but Michael told her not to do so.

          “Ssshhh.” Michael whispered.

          Mariah smiled then she nods. She left Mhari with Michael then she followed Gabriel and Rhea.

          “Who the hell are you?! Cut it out please!” Mhari begged crying.

          She was trying to remove those hands covering her eyes but it was so tight. Michael felt his hands were already wet so he thought that Mhari was already crying.

          “Please don’t hurt me.” Mhari cried.

          Michael removed his hands from Mhari’s eyes then he hugged her. “Sorry, I won’t hurt you anymore.” 

          Mhari slowly looked at Michael then her eyes widened once that she saw him.

          “Y-you?!” Mhari groaned.

          “Yes me.” Michael answered.

          “Ah, so you want to play dumb with me!” Mhari punched Michael but he dodged, so she didn’t hit him.

          “Yes, I would love to.” Michael smirked.

          Mhari burst into flames and she kept n punching Michael. Suddenly, the mall’s guard noticed them.

          “Move out of the way the two of you!” the guard scolded.

          Michael put his arm around Mhari then she blushes. “Sorry about that. Well, my girl friend and I must be going now.” he grinned.

          “Eh! You massive perverted alien!” Mhari yells on her mind.

          “Next time, behave like real teenagers. I’ll keep an eye on you.” The guard warned.

          “Well, if that’s what you want.” Michael shot back.

          Michael and Mhari finally entered the mall. Michael’s arm was still around Mhari.

          “Cut it out perv.” Mhari shook of his arm from her shoulder.

          “Fine, fine…” Michael smirked.

          Meanwhile, Louisa, Joshua, Gabriel and Rhea were already worrying about where Mhari is.

          “Oh my gosh! Where in the world is Mhari?!” Rhea blurted out.

          “Don’t worry she’s with her best friend!” Mariah said accidentally.

          Gabriel, Rhea, Joshua and Louisa all stared at her.

          “Oops…” she winced.

          “Michael’s here?!” Joshua gasped.

          Mariah trembles. “Well guys, I’m so….”

          She trailed of when she suddenly saw Michael and Mhari walking toward them.

          “Sorry guys, but can we have a dinner just the two of us?” Michael grinned.

          “What?!” Mhari shrieked.

          Gabriel, Rhea, Louisa and Joshua glanced at each other.

          “Sure!” Rhea replied.

          “I’m sure Mhari will enjoy her time!” Louisa said.

          “Have a wonderful date guys.” Joshua wished them luck.

          “Okay, I’m sure Rhea and I would also want to have this time just the two of us and I’m also sure that we’ll enjoy.” Gabriel smiled.

          “Uh-hmm…” Rhea blushed.

          “Well, just see ‘ya on Monday guys!” Michael winked. He grabbed Mhari’s hand then they left.

          “What’s this all about?” Mhari glared.

          Michael pinches Mhari’s cheek. “This is called a best friend bonding. Why, do you expect us to be dating like them?” He smirked.

          “Ah, Wake up idiot!” Mhari yelled.

          Michael laughed.

Never Left Your Heart: Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Avoid, avoid, avoid.

          The next week after orientation, the regular classes have already started. It was a fine morning and Mhari and Karmella were walking outside of their classroom.

          "Did you know why I didn't look for you yesterday after I went to the bathroom?" Karmella asked while she's twirling her hair.

          "Why? You've forgotten me." Mhari glared then they stopped walking.

          "NO!" Karmella laughed. "I just heard that you were with Michael. Don't tell me that both of you had a romance!" she giggled.

          "Of course not..." Mhari glared.

          Then three girls passed by Mhari and Karmella then they stopped. One of those girls is Eriel Watson, Michael's ex girlfriend. She's with her three trusted girl friends. They blocked Mhari and Karmella's way as they were glaring at them.

          "Oh I get it....So she's the one." Eriel's friend glared then glanced at her.

          "So you're talking about Michael, eh?" Eriel glared at Mhari.

          "You better watch for Michael, Eriel." Eriel's other friend interrupted. "Someone might steal him from you."

          "What are you talking about?" Mhari asked innocently.

          "Don't play dumb with me......NERD." Eriel glared.

          "But I don't have time to play especially with a person like you. Don't you know that?" Mhari said defensively.

          "Then BACK OFF! HE'S MINE!" Eriel yelled then she pushed Mhari to the stairs.

          "Mhari!" Karmella screamed.

          Suddenly, someone caught Mhari before she fall on the ground. Mhari looked who's that person then she was shocked to see Michael.

          "What do you think you're doing Eriel?!" Michael glared.

          Eriel was surpirsed, "Ah-eh Michael!" she twirls her hair.

          "She's accusing Mhari which something that she didn't actually do then she pushed her!" Karmella declared.

          Eriel's eyes widened then she nodded, "Eh?! Michael!...ah...."

          "Don't talk to me." Michael glared.

          He grabbed Mhari's arm then they left with Karmella following them.

          "Karmella, would you leave us for a moment." Michael requested.

          "Sure." Karmella agreed to do so.

          She went back to their classroom then Michael faced Mhari then touches her shoulder.

          "Are you hurt?" Michael worried.

          "NO." Mhari glared.

          She shook off Michael’s hand from her shoulder then she walks away from him.

          “Hmm...” Michael sighed then he returned to their classroom.

          After a while, the teacher finally arrived.

          “Good morning teacher!” the students greeted happily.

          “Good Morning.” Their teacher smiled. “Please take your seats.”

          “Thank you teacher!” the students answered.

          Later on, when their teacher is already discussing, Jem, Patricia and Joy passed a note to Mhari who was seating at the back of them.

          “Mhari, do you have a crush? J” Jem, Patricia and Joy sent.

          Mhari cracked up then she passed the note back to them with her reply.

          “I don’t have. What kind of question is that?!” she wrote.

          Jem, Patricia and Joy giggled then they passed the note back to Mhari with their replies.

          “Eh?! Stop denying!” Jem wrote.

          “We always saw Michael as your knight in shining armor, staring at you, and also….tailing you!” Patricia replied.

          “You got a stalker! Oh, How romantic! <3” Joy wrote.

          Mhari cracked up again but before she can write her reply, her teacher called her.

          “Ms. Stephens, stand up.” Their teacher commanded.

          Mhari gulped then she stood up. The whole class was staring at her especially Michael.

          “Yes teacher?” she asked confidently.

          “What do you mean by a best friend?” her teacher asked.

          Mhari’s eyes widened including Michael who stares at her more suspiciously.

          “A best friend is the one who’ll be with you through thick or thin, who would do everything to make you happy, and the one who’ll protect you from harm by his love.” She answered while glancing secretly at Michael.

          “His? Do you have a guy best friend?” her teacher asked curiously.

          Michael gulped and he was running his fingers through his hair.

          “I used to have one before…” Mhari sighed.

          “Ooohh..” her teacher trailed off. “Anyways, good explanation!” she praised. “Let’s clap our hands for Ms. Stephens!”

          So the whole class claps at her then Joshua poked her at her back.

          “Nice explanation, gorgeous!” he winked.

          “Thank You.” Mhari smiled then she avoided Michael’s eyes who’s looking at her then she turned back.

          “I wish that I can also congratulate you.” Michael said on his mind.

          After that period, it’s already break time. Mhari was walking all alone to the cafeteria while Michael was tailing her again. Then Mhari sat on the table then Michael came to her.

          “Hey, mind if I join you?” Michael asked courteously.

          Mhari glanced just for a while but she didn’t bother to answer.

          “Oh well, I take that as a yes.” Michael smiled then he sat on the table.

          Silence was between Michael and Mhari that you can almost hear the cricket sounds. They were not talking to each other but suddenly Michael started the conversation.

          “You’re so boring…” Michael complained.

          Mhari shot him an evil look, “Then why are you here?”

          “Because even if you’re like that, I still want to be with you...” Michael smiled. “I’m your best friend right?”

          Mhari glared, “Heh!” she groaned.

          Meanwhile, Michael holds Mhari’s hand then she blushes. Suddenly, Jem, Patricia and Joy passed by and stopped in front of Mhari and Michael’s table.

          “Oh my gosh! Are you guys dating?!” Joy blurted out.

          “Well, just as we thought.” Patricia smirked.

          “Well, sorry for disturbing the both of you.” Jem smirked.

          “Well…Apology accepted. But next time, don’t disturb us when we’re dating.” Michael soothed.

          Jem, Patricia and Joy were surprised then they murmured. Mhari got angry then she shook off Michael’s hand from her then she punched the table the table and she caught everyone’s attention.

          “In your dreams, bastard!” Mhari spat out venom in every word that she said then she stormed out the room. Everyone was shocked then Joshua went towards Michael,

          “It’s alright bro…It’s alright.” He comforted.

          “If she thinks that I would gave up this easily….Well she’s totally wrong about that. Michael smirked, “In fact, she even inspired me to strive harder.”

           

         

Never Left Your Heart: Chapter 2

Chapter 2: What's the matter?

          After hours of taking down notes at the orientation, it's already time for the students' lunch break. Jem, Joy and Patricia went to Mhari's seat.

          "Hey Mhari! Come join us for lunch!" Jem offered.

          "Yeah! We just missed the old times when we were way back in fifth grade. We always eat together." Joy said.

          Mhari took a deep breath, "Well..." then she trailed off.

          "Sorry, but she's coming with me." Karmella interrupted.

          "Eh?! Okay maybe next time Mhari, if Karmella isn't here." Jem glared.

          "Shut up you elf!" Karmella exclaimed.

          "Hmph!" Jem pissed off.

          So Mhari and Karmella went on their way to the cafeteria. When they reached the place, most of the students were looking and murmuring at them.

          "Hey is that Mhari Stephens?" a girl asked. "She really looks different now."

          "Yeah! She's so gorgeous now! I wonder what surgery did she took." the other girl giggled.

          "Yeah! Hahahaha!" the girl laughed evilly.

          "Who's that new student?" a guy asked.

          "She's not a new student. She's Mhari Stephens." his guy friend informed.

          "That nerd girl before?" the other guy asked. "What a big change."

          "How interesting..." the guy smirked.

          Karmella noticed the murmuring all over the place then she glanced at Mhari.

          "Did you know that you're still famous in this school?" she asked.

          "Huh? Why??" Mhari asked innocently.

          "I don't know why either." Karmella answered. "Hey by the way, this morning, why is it that you look so shocked and you're like almost going to cry when you saw Michael? He's your best friend right? So what's with the awkwardness?" Karmella asked curiously.

          Mhari sighed, "Ohh..."

          Then there was a silence between the conversation. On the other side, Michael was looking for Mhari in the cafeteria with Joshua.

          "I need to find Mhari. We need to talk." Michael said.

          "Hey Bro..." Joshua began. "What's with you earlier this morning?" he asked. "You look like a faggot who's almost going to cry when you saw Mhari and you never took your eyes on her for the whole period." he finished.

          "Ohhh..." Michael sighed. "My best friend had changed, but it didn't affect my feelings for her. A while ago when she's staring at me, she almost wanted to cry and I think she's afraid of something..." he trailed off.

          Joshua slapped Michael's head, "To your face dude! your face!" he teased.

          "Fool!" Michael yelled.

          "Hey, just kidding." Joshua said.

          After a few moments, Michael finally saw Mhari.

          "Oh there she is!" he squealed.

          So Michael and Joshua sat on the table near to Mhari and Karmella. They're secretly listening to Mhari and Karmella's conversation while Michael was spying on Mhari.

          "You know what," Mhari began. " I have something to tell you..." she trailed off. "I'm afraid of falling in love with my own best friend again." she finished.

          "So that's why you're avoiding him?" Karmella asked suspiciously.

           Mhari nodded, "Sort of."

          Michael heard what Mhari have said.

          "What have I done?..." he said sadly.

          "Dude..." Joshua began. "You just turned her heartless." he continued. "I think it's impossible to take away her fear."

          "NO! You're WRONG!" Michael yelled.

          After a few minutes, Mhari and Karmella left the table and they started walking.

          "Look! They're going! C'mon!" Michael said.

          "Hmm...fine." Joshua replied dull.

          So Michael and Joshua were once again tailing Mhari and Karmella. When Mhari and Karmella stopped walking, they also stopped as well.

          "Mhari, just wait for me here. I need to go to the bathroom." Karmella said.

          "Oh, okay." Mhari replied.

          Mhari was waiting for Karmella in an isolated and dim place where the rest room is near at the end of the hallway. On the other side of the wall, there were Michael and Joshua spying.

          "Okay, it's time to talk to her." Michael whispered.

          Joshua blocked Michael's way, "Wait! Someone's coming." he whispered.

          There came a group of guys fooling around. One of these guys is Andrew Collins, Mhari's old suitor but he was ditched by her, and Angelo Davis, Andrew's trusted pal. They saw Mhari all alone then they came near her.

          "Hey, look who's here..." Andrew grinned.

          "Oh, there's a beautiful lady standing all alone in this dark place." Angelo smirked.

          Mhari gulped then she leaned on the wall.

          "W-what do you want?" she asked nervously.

          Then Andrew's gang clustered around Mhari who was already leaning on the wall. Andrew grabbed her arm and holds it tightly.

          "You're only mine Mhari...MINE!" he yelled.

          Andrew leans his face nearer to Mhari. She closed her eyes and she felt like almost fainting.

          "N-noo...P-lease..." Mhari trailed off.

          Michael can't take it anymore what he's seeing so he ran towards Andrew then grabbed his arm like he was almost going to break it.

          "Don't you dare to put your hands on her." Michael glared.

          "Ow-OW! Let go of me bastard!" Andrew complained who was about to cry.

          "What did you said?" Michael glared and holds more tightly of Andrew's arm.

          "Hey stop it!" Angelo interrupted.

          Michael glared at Angelo and Joshua joined in and walks toward Angelo while knuckling his fist. Then Angelo got scared.

          "Okay! We'll face each other again...bastard." Andrew surrendered.

          Michael let go of Andrew's arm then he ran as quickly as he can together with his gang.

          "You bloody cowards!" Joshua shouted at them.

          "Joshua..." Michael glared.

          "Oh yeah, yeah...." Joshua whispered.

          Joshua left Michael and Mhari alone. On his way, he saw Karmella looking for Mhari. Then he grabbed her arm.

          "The hell! Let go of me! I need to find Mhari!" Karmella complained.

          "Don't worry." Joshua said. "She's with her best friend."

          Karmella nodded, "Oh...If that's the case...Well, let's go!" she exclaimed.

          So Joshua and Karmella headed their way back to their classroom. Back to the two best friends, Mhari was looking at the window while her tears were streaming on her face then Michael came near then hugged her.

          "Thank goodness you're safe. Are you hurt?" Michael worried.

          Mhari didn't answer then she shook off Michael's hands from her waist and head for embracing her. Michael stared at her gloomy eyes then he took a deep breath then speak.

          "What's happening to you?" Michael asked worriedly.

          Mhari finally looked at Michael's sad eyes then she spoke.

          "What are you talking about?" Mhari asked innocently.

          "Why are you avoiding me? Michael asked. "Please tell me." he begged.

          Mhari took a deep breath, "I don't want to see you anymore!" she yelled.

          Michael was shocked, "But I'm your best friend! I'm the one who's always with you through thick or thin. Remember?" he defended.

          Mhari sighed, "Michael, there are so many girls out there who deserves you more than me..."

          "But you're the girl who's special to me! I care so much for you! Michael explained.

          Mhari stared at him and said, "You should've showed your care before when I felt rejected by you. If you really care for me, please stay away from me. 4 years, it's too late.....Please forget that I even existed in your life."

          Michael was shocked then Mhari turned her back on him then she left. He can't move for a moment then he sighed.

          "But I love you...." he whispered.

          Mhari was walking with her eyes shedding a lot of tears.

          "Please don't fall in love with me...I don't want you to be hurt like me..." she whispered.