Her Destined Ride — Chapter 41: THE RIGHT THING TO DO

Sunny's POV

I glanced at him again as we sat next to each other. The roots of this tall tree standing tall on top of the hill gave me a calming effect. It's cold and thick, I could consider it a mini-chair already because of its size. I could sit here as comfortably as possible without any effort at all.

I just waited for him to talk to me as I sat beside him. Looking at the beautiful town from afar, I realized the hill is a bit high. I could see the top view of some houses from where I am sitting. The view is really nice and it helps me relax my nerves. Looking at the breath-taking scenery made my stress go away somehow.

"I just want you to know that as long as you're not showing you're affected, it doesn't matter at all." I looked at him and his facial reaction. He looked serious yet calm. I guess he's just waiting for me to tell things to him or vent out something that he's very much willing to hear.

"Is that how you deal with things?" I said as I faced him. I can't believe I am hearing these words from him.

"Yes."

"Why?"

He smiled but it's the opposite of what he's showing me right now.

"We should select things that matter the most. You don't need to get involved with things that destroy more of you, right?"

“You knew all of it, did you?”

“Of course. It’s all over the school library. I don’t go there often when that issue spread. I prefer going to the public library. It’s quiet there.”

"I'm sorry. You're being dragged into this. It's all my fault." He chuckled as a reply. He tapped my shoulders for me to assure that I have nothing to worry about.

"Don't blame yourself. It's normal. We get to face these things no matter how we avoid it."

"I just don't get it. Why do they make such a big deal out of it? We're friends, only friends but their minds are so filthy."

Tyler laughed out loud as he pinched my nose. I frowned as I looked at him. I glanced at him and I noticed that he's pulling something out of his bag again. I noticed that it's another sandwich and water from his water tumbler.

"Here, just eat this one, and don't worry."

"Why won't I worry about it when the issue is roaming around the school?"

"We’re still young. Let them gossip as they please. You know what? The more you get affected by the issue, the more it will ruin your mood. Let it go. We’ll practice more about your missed lessons instead.”

I sighed as I looked into his eyes.

I admit, his words gave me a sudden comfort. I practiced with him again and while doing it, I caught him stealing a glance with me as if studying my every action, even facial reactions.

“I will always be here. I will always be a good friend to help you whenever you need me.” I smiled as I heard those words from him. However, I can sense that he meant something different than what he said a while ago.

“We’re always friends, right?” He suddenly asked that made my heart leap. What does he mean by that all of a sudden?

“You know what, you’re being silly…” I said in a chuckle. It made him smile a bit but it faded away as he looked from afar.

“You never know what tomorrow might happen. I just want your assurance.” I can sense that he’s serious this time.

“Of course. We’re friends always.”

“Great. Because tomorrow, it might turn out to be different, you know.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing.” He smiled as he shoved a book on my lap. He also encouraged me to forget what we talked about and proceed to review the lesson instead.

I went home, a bit puzzled. I am used to Tyler being a free soul. He’s always free to say whatever he wants to say to me. He’s very comfortable to share what’s on his mind. But then, after what happened hours ago, I can sense that he’s being distant. I mean, he’s becoming distant for a purpose. And what does he mean when he say, we’re still friends no matter what? He’s becoming a mystery to me all of a sudden.

Someone knocked on the door and when I realized that it’s my mom, I told her to come in.

“Hello, my dearest! Why didn’t you eat dinner with us?”

“Mom, I’m very sorry. I have a lot of lessons to review. Plus, I don’t have any appetite to eat right now.” I honestly confessed. She smiled as she touched my cheek.

“Wow, something is bothering my beautiful daughter. C’mon, what is it? You can tell me.” She smiled. I sighed as I looked into my mother’s eyes.

“I don’t like the sudden changes in my life, mom.”

“What do you mean?”

“I guess I am just used to being a simple girl having some simple dreams. I never thought that I would be this ‘pressured’ all of a sudden.”

She chuckled as she listened to me. Did she find me silly? Did she find me cute or something like that?

“Mom, I am not joking.”

“Yeah, I got what you mean, my dear. I’m so sorry for laughing at it.” She sighed again, this time, a relieved one. “It’s normal. I guess everything is still new to you that’s why you feel this way.”

“Mom, do you think I can do it? Do you think I can survive high school without having a lot of experience?”

“This is already your experience, dear. All you need to do is to get used to it.”

“Mom, how do I ever deal with my classmates? In our classroom alone, I can already see discrimination coming from my classmates.”

“If you let them treat you like that, it will always be their hobby. If you know how to fight for what is right, then I guess they will stop doing it.”

“One of my classmates asked me why I am still in grade seven despite my age.”

“As long as you’re standing on the right track, nobody could ever knock you down, dear. We all know what happened. It’s my fault but I am already making up to you.”

“Thank you so much, mom. I will do that.”

“Never be afraid to stand for what is right, dear. Don’t let others define who you are without even knowing your own story.”

Knowing my mom, she’s not always into giving her words of wisdom, but when she does, it always makes sense.