Project: LOVE [Chapter 11 - Edited]

It was afternoon and the bell rang signalling the end of my classes for the day. As far as I knew, Kasey had one more subject to attend whereas Miguel and Oliver still had two.

Should I go home now? I could wait for her though and do some assignments while I’m at it.

As I packed my bag, preparing to go to the library, someone tapped my shoulder. When I checked behind me to see who it was, Kasey was standing there with her palm up, which served as a greeting.

“Hey. What are you doing here? Isn’t your next class way over at the communications department? You’re going to be late.”

“I was about to go there, but the professor just disseminated a text saying she couldn’t make it. Apparently, she’s at the hospital and couldn’t leave,” she said, showing me her phone screen. “So I guess I’m through for the day. Are you heading home?”

“Well, there’s no reason for me to stick around now. Are you planning to visit her?” I asked, walking to the door and opening it to lead us outside the room. “Your professor’s Miss Naomi, right? I heard she has asthma. Maybe it was an asthma attack?”

“I didn’t think of that, but now that you mention it, that’s a pretty good idea. She didn’t say which hospital she’s at though, so even if I want to go, I don’t know where,” Kasey shrugged. “Besides, I wanted to talk to you about something. Let’s walk together to the parking lot. My car’s over there too.”

Talk to me about stuff?

“Okay then?”

She had a smile on her face, but I didn’t feel any happiness emanating from it at all. The way she looked at me, gazing into my eyes when hers looked rather empty, made me think negatively. I know that she opened up earlier about stuff she’s going through and why she’s acting strange, but this was different. I had a gut feeling this was about a whole different issue. Normally, if she didn’t have class anymore, she’d call me or send me a message, not go inside my classroom. It must be big if she wanted to meet me in person right away.

What did I do this time?

Neither of us spoke as we went through the hordes of students making their way to their respective classrooms. Kasey walked on ahead, neither looking back nor stopping to wait for me as I dodged the numerous undergraduates. Why was she moving so fast for? I mentally facepalmed when I thought of a possible reason.

She’s angry at me. That, or she saw something she didn’t like.

When we got past the really populated areas, she slowed down and walked beside me. Kasey stared at the path ahead of us. Trees were lined about, providing people with cover from the heat, as its branches arched over the footpath. It was a little windy, so leaves descended to the ground, making what looked rather plain more pleasant looking to the eyes.

“I heard Dan’s a freshman,” she began, then glanced at me. “They said he doesn’t really talk much to others – except you, of course.”

Dan? Is this where the conversation was headed to?

I snickered. Now I knew what she wanted to talk about.

“Yes, he is,” I smiled. “And I suppose you’re going to ask me about the way I treat him.”

Kasey stared at me, sighed, and then smiled. “You’ve read my mind, chief.”

“Maybe. What other thing could you have asked me about him? His number? I don’t have that, but I can hint around and maybe check the club database if you’ve taken a liking to my little deer?” I nudged her side. She laughed and shook her head.

“No way! The guy’s got looks alright, but he isn’t my type,” she grinned. “Maybe he’s yours?”

“What’s your assumption?”

She paused and thought about it for a while. I stood there, amused by her reaction. I guess that by judging from how I act around him, though she may have a good idea about what my type is, it would be tricky to decide whether or not like him that way.

“No. I don’t think so, but then the way you bullied –“ she stopped, then covered her mouth.

I sighed. This is where it begins.

“You don’t need to stop because it is true. I am bullying him.”

She stood underneath the tree, speechless. I went on ahead of her.

“That much should have been obvious to you already,” I said, continuing to walk.

It wasn’t like I was thinking that others would have a different description for how I treated Dan – since it basically was bullying, nor was I expecting them to like how socialized with him. I knew there was the possibility I’d receive nasty glares, but it was comforting and a little surprising to know that some of the members hinted they had an idea of my intentions. I guess they didn’t really get it, however, based on what Kasey said. Still though, I don’t really find the need to explain myself. People are always open to interpret things, no matter what someone says, and that doesn’t exclude Kasey.

Anyway, maybe it’ll be easier for me to get some distance between us this way.

“That’s not what I meant.”

Huh?

I stopped and turned around. Kasey had warm smile as she gazed at me. Her eyes seemed to pierce through me, as if she was trying to decode whatever it was I tried to keep to myself. What was it about her that seemed to want to understand me and unravel even the tiniest things I try to hide? Was I some sort of mystical thing she wanted to study? Was there something interesting she thinks she’d be able to dig?

“I know you have your reasons, Lara. You’re not the type of person to be deliberately mean to someone,” she said, brushing away a stray leaf that landed upon her shoulder. “And I said the wrong term. You were playing around with him more than actually bullying him. I know you’re trying to get Dan to be more social, but there’s more to that, I’m sure. I know that people could open up to you when you’re being your normal, friendlier self, so why is it that you act differently around him?”

Kasey…

“Aren’t you thinking of me in too much of a good light, Kase?” I chuckled. “You of all people should know how I could be.”

“And I know you’re not actually the cold, reserved person you’re making yourself out to be,” she said, coming near me. “You’re a naturally kind-hearted, compassionate, and generous person, who only acts this way because of past experiences. I understand you, Lara, possibly more than you think I do.”

I couldn’t think of anything to say to rebut her statement. I was frozen on the spot, amazed by what she stated. Kasey always hit me as the sort of person whose happy-go-lucky personality makes her somewhat unaware about what the people around her felt. She’s more observant than I thought she was.

“So, you want to know the real story?” I replied, watching as the visible rays of the sun try to get through the leaves. “Then I’ll tell you as we walk.”

For a moment as we made our way to the lot, I didn’t speak. I was still far too surprised by what happened.

I give Kasey a lot less credit than she deserves.

I cleared my throat. “You already know that Dan isn’t the type of person who talks to people much, so that part is covered.”

Kasey nodded, waiting for me to go on.

Well, here goes.

“The truth is, I thought I’d try to help him solve some of his issues simultaneously – though he doesn’t know it either,” I shrugged. “He probably hates my guts as much as the next person whose eyes land upon our crazy scene.”

“What issues are you talking about? There’s more about him aside from what I’ve been told?”

“Well, I don’t think the others know,” I sighed, then placed my hands into my pockets. “Except one, that is.”

“Lara, I don’t get what you’re –“

Just then, we heard some loud noises coming from the garden to our left. I turned my gaze to the source. Once I realized what was happening, I instantly hid behind a huge tree, dragging Kasey along with me.

“Why are we hiding? We have to go help him, Lara. It’s Dan! It looks like he’s in trouble,” Kasey said, trying to jerk away from my grip. I covered her mouth.

“Just listen and watch what’s going on for now, okay?”

I let her go when I was sure she got the hint and then peeked from the side. Five men were surrounding Dan, with one of whom grabbing what seemed like a sketchpad.

“Drawing again?” the one who took the sketchpad said, looking at the piece of art. “Look guys, it’s her again. Dan’s ‘angel’.”

Dan’s angel?

“Give it up, man. We know that nothing’s happening between you two. Paul tells me she teases and annoys you a lot. She doesn’t see you that way, obviously, and even then, you’re way out of her league,” the guy who was closest to Dan said, wrapping his arm around Dan’s shoulders. “She’s my brother’s, you got it?”

Hey, wait a minute… were they talking about me? Who else annoys Dan? If they do mean me, I am not anyone’s property, twerp.

“Paul? Brother?” Kasey softly asked. It struck a nerve when she reiterated it like that. It reminded me of Paul’s relationship with this kid.

Dammit, Paul! Why are you just letting your brother do these things? And you expect me to treat you with respect? Ridiculous.

“Lara, so the reason you’re being mean is…,” Kasey tried to say, but I held up my hand.

“Later, Kase,” I said, trying to keep my annoyance in line. “Later.”

Come on, Dan. Stand up for yourself!

“She’s my friend,” Dan replied, extending his arm toward the student with his sketchpad. “Can you give that back to me now, please? I wasn’t messing with any of you. I was just doing my own business when you came, so why can’t all of you just leave me alone?”

They all stared at one another for a moment when suddenly, the boy who held the pad threw it away towards our direction. It was still a little far from where we were positioned, but once I squinted enough, I could make out the person in the drawing. Kasey and I were both surprised. The face that decorated the page… it was mine.

I’m really the one who they referred to as Dan’s angel?

I turned my attention back to what was happening. Dan’s eyes widened in what seemed to be horror. I felt my fingers push hard on the trunk.

“Whoops, I let it fall. Sorry dude,” he snickered. “Got some cash? We came back here to withdraw some to get more drinks, but seeing as you’re here…”

“I don’t have money to give to any of you,” Dan said, curling his hand into a fist. “So go away and leave me alone!”

Yes! Stand up for yourself, Dan. You can do it!

“Huh? What, did you say stuff like this to her too? You have guts now, don’t you, buddy?” Paul’s brother chuckled. Before any of us knew it, Dan was lying on the grass with his cheek showing a shade of red and his wallet in his attacker’s hands.

That does it.

“Lara, wait! Hey, calm down. There are lots of guys and –“

“Stay here, Kase,” I instructed, pulling her hand away. “Stay here and hide while I go talk some sense into those bastards.”

Talking to Dan like that is one thing, but punching him is a whole different issue.

Before she could grab on to my clothes, I stepped out, changing my expression to look rather deadpan, and walked in on them.

“Oh, Lara,” the brother greeted. “Just in time. Dan spared us some cash and we were going to go out to drink. You want to come with?”

I let my sight wander to where Dan laid on the grass. He looked defeated and kept his eyes away from mine. I smiled.

I’m here for you, Daniel. I’m your friend, aren’t I?

“Nah, I thought I’d relax here for a bit while I wait for a few friends,” I said, stretching my arms. “It seems like a good place to be at this afternoon. I guess I’m lucky to have ran into you guys.”

Paul’s brother grinned. It made me feel sick. “Now that you mention it though, I do need some cash. Mind throwing me that wallet?”

All of them studied my face, seeming as if they’re putting bits of a puzzle together. Maybe they have brains after all.

“What? Are you giving all of this back to him? Aren’t you sick of him either?”

I shrugged. “What’s it to you about how I use the money I’m taking?”

Paul’s sibling, who seemed like the leader of the bunch, motioned for me to come to them. I stayed where I was.

“Come on, girl. We all know you’ll have a better time sticking with us than with a loser like him.”

Loser like him? You’re the loser here, idiot. And don’t call me that either. It’s disgusting coming from you.

“Really? It must be good to be drunk then because you get to live in your fantasy. I could totally smell the alcohol from way over there, by the way,” I smirked, pointing to a tree, careful not to select the one where Kasey’s hiding. “College guys who act like little kids aren’t my type. Seriously? That kind of bullying is for high school boys. If you want to get my attention, act your age, freshmen.”

“Lara, I know you’re a tough girl who’s older than us and all, but I think you should apologize. The things you said really hurt us, you know?”

I rolled my eyes. Hurt you? I didn’t think anything could hurt any one of you anymore, considering how thick skinned you lot seem to be.

“Okay, fine then, but only on one condition,” I said, making my way to where Dan was. I held out my hand for him to take. He stared at me at first, but when he realized that I wouldn’t go away, he took it, and we both worked together to get him up on his feet. “The condition being that you have to apologize to Dan first. Once you do that, then I’ll apologize to you.”

All of them, excluding Dan and I, appeared to be shocked. “You’re bonkers, Lara. You’re expecting us to apologize to the kid you bully yourself! Isn’t that weird?”

I grinned, then put my arm over Dan’s shoulders.

“See, that’s the thing. I don’t like seeing other people terrorizing my prey, so anyone who goes against this guy,” I ruffled Dan’s hair, “is basically going to have to put up with me. So really, apologize to Daniel. Now.”

The leader’s face was now showing a deep shade of red. “Who’s that guy to you anyway?”

Eh, figures that question would pop up sooner or later.

“Well, that’s easy enough to answer,” I smirked then winked at them. “Daniel’s my favourite underling. Shouldn’t that be obvious? I mean, from your line of thinking, shouldn’t the person who someone teases a lot be a favourite or something close to that? Sure, others would think of it as pretty messed up, but considering you’re pretty childish yourself… I figured you should have understood.”

“You speak a lot, even though there’s only the two of you here. You know bad stuff can happen when a bunch of drunks, like you said Lara, gang up, right?”

“Oh, I know,” I said, crossing my arms. “You’re going to beat us up until we say sorry, but honestly, have you read the manual? You may not care for it – maybe you haven’t even read it, but physical violence against other students, given that it’s done with ill intentions, will merit you punishment – the lowest being a two week suspension. The stakes could go higher, depending on what the judicial university office thinks. The worst case scenario? You serve some jail time and face expulsion from all the universities within the country.”

I scowled, remembering the image of Dan being punched. “And from what you already did, you could already face charges.”

“Don’t spurt your nonsense with me, Lara. What proof would you have anyway? Statements from you both? No one can really judge just from that. That’ll be easy to twist around.”

He’s got a point there. Crap, where’s the guard when you need him? What comeback could I say?

“They may not have proof, but I do.”

Dan and I turned around. All of us stared at the figure standing behind me.

Kasey played a video on her phone. It repeated the conversation we just had.

“I have videos of when you punched Dan in the face too. I should also tell you now that I’ve sent it to a couple of friends via group chat. I told them to send it to the administration when I say so; actually, I’m just a click away from sending it myself,” Kasey said, placing her thumb over where the send button should be. “So think twice, because if you beat the three of us now, you’re going to press even bigger charges against yourself and your gang, kid.”

Whoa. Since when were you able to act like this, Kase?

“See?” I grinned, placing my hand on Kasey’s shoulder. “So give back the wallet right now. There’s nothing much more you can do.”

For a moment, I thought everything would be all right and end there. It didn’t though.

“Oh, I’m giving it back, alright!”

Paul’s brother leaped towards me, dropping the wallet to the ground.

So, I’m the target.

I watched him carefully, preparing to turn my head to the course of his punch.

At least it would lessen the impact I’d receive. It would still hurt, but it’s better than doing nothing.

Instead of feeling a fist against my cheek, however, I felt myself being pushed backwards into Kasey’s arms. In a flash, in front of me was Dan, lying on the ground, coughing as I saw a new bruise appear on his face. Drops of blood decorated the blades of grass near his mouth.

Dan… he took the hit for me?

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” someone exclaimed from outside our little group. It was a familiar voice.

Great, more people to join the party. Just what I needed.

More trouble.