CHAPTER 14
Why does she have to experience this? Helene tried to change herself to fit into this society and get accepted by the people around her. And still, nobody wanted to be her friend. They hated her for being ugly, quiet, and odd. Helene clutched on the strap of her bag and walked fast towards her next subject. She saw Arianne and Lexy talking to each other outside the room. They both looked at her, but no one tried to approach her. It hurt her so bad that she wanted to cry in front of them to let them know what they’re causing her.
But Helene wouldn’t do that. She will never beg for someone’s attention. If they don’t want her to be their friend, it’s okay with her. They’re actually doing her a favor because she doesn’t need fake people in her life.
Helene sat on her seat and took out her phone, but then she remembered that Bela broke it and it doesn’t function anymore. She sighed. How will her mom contact her if it’s broken? And how will she stream James’ live videos?
“Helene,” one of her classmates called her. “Hey, Yamate!”
She hesitantly looked up. “What?”
“President Adam is looking for you,” he said and pointed at his back.
Adam then showed up behind her classmate. He was smiling at her as if he’s pleased to see her inside the room. He stepped inside and walked towards her. Helene caught Arianne and Lexy whispering to each other while watching Adam approached her.
“Hi,” Adam greeted her. He pulled a chair from the other table and sat in front of her. “I thought you’d skip classes again—”
“Hey, Helene, is it true that Bela slapped you?” one of her female classmates interrupted, and she stood behind Adam. “Is it also true that you are flirting with Adam?”
Adam looked up at her classmate that got surprised upon recognizing him. “What did you say? Bela slapped Helene?”
Her classmate gasped. “Adam…I didn’t know that you’re here…”
“That’s true, Adam,” Helene confirmed. “So please, stay away from me…”
“But Helene, we’re friends. You should not be saying these things to me…” He stood and faced her classmate, that mentioned what Bela did to her. “Where did you get that news?”
“It’s all over the freshmen. They say that they saw Bela confronting her at the industrial garden.”
Adam shook his head, then turned to her. “I’m sorry, Helene…I didn’t know that Bela would do this…”
Helene looked up at him. She curled her lips. She has to ask him about it, so her thoughts would be cleared. But can her heart take it?
“I will talk to her—”
“Is it true that…” she looked away from him? “…that you are her boyfriend?”
When Adam didn’t speak, she looked at him again. His eyes were giving her the kind of look that she hated—pity.
“So it’s true…” she looked down and laughed bitterly. “Bela was right after all…”
“Helene—”
“I don’t need a friend like you, Adam…” she said and pretended that she doesn’t see him.
***
“I thought you wouldn’t show up,” Minerva tapped her shoulders when she met her in front of the juice bar.
Helene sighed. “I need money.”
“Oh, right, I heard what that Bela did to you,” she said and shook her head. “That brat is getting on my nerves too. She’s so immature.”
Helene didn’t answer. She doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. “Minerva…am I going to do the same thing tonight?”
“Yes, but Madame will give you extra time. Most of our newbies are having a hard time focusing on their…” she stopped then looked around if there are people who could hear their conversation. “You know…”
Helene nodded, getting what she’s saying. “So does it mean, if I didn’t come on time…she’ll extend my streaming?”
“That’s right,” she said and tapped her shoulders. “I know you can do that.”
Helene smiled awkwardly. Her heart is starting to hammer inside her chest. She has to do this to buy a new phone and to feed Malcolm. She caught her forehead. She can’t believe that she offered free meals for him. She then wondered why he didn’t give her his cell phone number or SNS accounts.
She knotted her forehead. I didn’t saw him use a phone ever since I met him?
“Let’s go?” Minerva opened the door and urged her to get inside. As soon as they both in, she gave her a pair of clothes. “Here, wear this.”
“Thanks, next time I’ll buy my own outfits,” she said and started to unbuttoned her uniform.
Minerva looked at her in shock. “Whoa, you’re not shy to change clothes in the car anymore?”
Helene glanced at the driver, who seemed to be oblivious to what they’re doing. She took a blanket from her bag and show it to Minerva. “I brought this.”
Minerva laughed. “You’re witty,” she commented and took the blanket from her. “Sir, we’re just going to change our clothes. I hope you wouldn’t mind us covering the blanket around?”
The driver glanced at them through the rear mirror. “Do whatever you wanted to do.”
Minerva then started to spread the blanket. Covering the driver’s side and the windows. “Be quick.”
“Minerva, I wanted to ask something…” Helene asked as she removed her skirt. “Will they pay me right after the streaming?”
“I guess not,” she said. “I got my first pay two days after my first streaming. Why?”
Helene hesitated. “I need money now.”
“That’s not a problem,” she said and smiled at her. “I can lend you some.”
Helene’s face brightened. “You will do that for me?”
“Of course. That’s what friends are for, right?”
She smiled. She’s glad that she found a new friend to Minerva. She’s kind and easygoing, far from the negative things that she heard about her. Maybe, Minerva was just like her…odd and unwanted.
***