“Eion,” I called out. I handed his notes to him as I borrowed them later. “Thank you.”
There was something different today. Something off about him. Like I’m feeling light around him.
“You’re welcome.” He said, before adding, “And thank you also.”
I raised my eyebrows at him, “For what?”
He walked closer and said in a low voice, “For that phone call. I now know your secrets…and we’re now friends…”
I nodded, now remembering that. Right…. I smiled at him, “Good, I thought you forgot.”
He shook his head, “I won’t. And don’t tell anyone about my secrets.”
“Yes sir!” I saluted.
He smiled. It was a sincere smile…
I grinned at that, giving him a thumbs up. “Wow. That’s what I was talking about! Smile more. As I said, you really look more handsome with it.”
Who could really guess that this iceberg in front of me… can just easily change once someone tells him?
And what’s more, from someone like me who was once his enemy?
But it feels so good! So good that you are the reason for someone changing into a better person. Who knew a phone call was enough to change him into like that?
If I knew it way before I could have done it! Bravo, myself! Bravo!
Now that we’re on good terms, not just a deal and a forced one, I feel so carefree with everything I am saying to him…
“Uhm… Eion?” A girl called out. “Can I talk to you… for a moment?” She asked. I don’t know her name but her face is familiar, maybe she’s one in our classes.
When Eion didn’t reply to the girl, I nudged him. “Now’s your chance to make friends…”
“But I don’t need one.” He answered.
“But your promise? A true man has pride and dignity. True to his words.” I said, joking at him and he just sighed.
“Fine.”
He headed towards the girl. I watched as the girl was trembling the more Eion walked closer. When Eion reached her, her cheeks reddened as she just looked to the ground.
Awe, she’s too scared of him. Eion was the first to ask. He glanced at me and I motioned for him to smile.
He did but it looked forced and constipated but at least the girl finally calmed down. They talked for a moment, then Eion returned to me.
“What was that?” I asked.
He shrugged, “She just told me a teacher was calling me to the faculty…”
“Wait. Eion, before you smile, master first the art of smiling.” I advised him. “And just smile to someone when you master it.”
“Why?”
“It looked creepy and constipated. Just smile naturally. But.. I guess you’re still learning.” I answered.
He nodded and he left the cafeteria. And the lunchtime was over. I watched as Eion walked away.
Eion Version 2. 0 is activating!
***
“I forgot to ask this last time but now that I’m back from the trip, Snow. Where’s my kiss?” Luke said when the class was over.
Kiss? Oh right… I kinda forgot all of that… I was busy thinking of Eion… is this happening? Did he really listen to me?
Just in time, I saw Eion walking to the gate. A guy bumped him. I closed my eyes and expected something horrible to happen but… there wasn’t!
Instead, he nodded his head and didn’t glare and let it aside. Not like a long time ago he glared and said horrible things.
It’s kinda something new to watch.
“Eion…” I mumbled.
“Snow!” Luke pouted. “Are you listening to me?”
“Oh yeah, can you repeat what you just said?” I asked, guilty that I was distracted.
Luke heaved a sigh, “I understand that you are curious because Eion’s been acting strange… like earlier when I accidentally spilled some water to him he didn’t glare.”
My eyes widened at that, “He didn’t?”
“Yeah, he just set it aside and told me to be careful next time.” He responded, and I gasped.
“That’s right, he told me to be careful! Is that really my cousin? Did something happen while I was away?” He asked.
I shook my head. “Nothing. Let’s just don’t mind him.” I answered, even though I knew clearly that it was because of me….
Luke nodded at that, “Now back to the topic… You know I’ve been finding time to be alone with you all day.” Then he smiled, “And now, you have no choice. You can’t get away after making that promise to me. A promise is a promise.”
Luke was about to reach and kiss me when someone called, “Snow!” Luke stopped. I froze.
It was Eion, walking towards us. I thought Eion left not long ago?
“Hey, cuz, why are you here? You came back?” There was a hint of irritation to Luke and his face reddened…
Eion just caught us… almost kissing, so embarrassing!
“I came to find Snow.” He replied to his cousin, glancing at me.
I coughed. “Yeah? Why is that?”
“Mrs. Johnson called for us to go to the faculty office. That’s all.” He started to walk off but I stopped him.
“Wait! What is it about?”
“Maybe she’ll say something wrong about our report or say we are A, I don’t know. You better go there. I’m leaving. That’s all.” He said plainly.
There was no emotion, not even a frown, just a plain, blank voice, and face. Almost dead.
This is what I was afraid of, him turning back to his old self. Did he lose patience and stop his promise and change back to normal?
Eion walked away and I let my eyes trail to his back as he retreated all the way, until he was out of sight.
I excused myself to Luke and went to follow him. What did Mrs. Johnson call us for?
I ran back towards the teachers’ lounge. “Mrs. Johnson?” I called out, seeing her just in time to open the door.
“Yes, Ms. Waterstrings?” She looked shocked at the sight of me, staring at me with her piercing stare.
I gulped, squirming at her gaze. I cleared my throat, “You called for me?”
Her forehead knitted, “What? I called for you?”
“Yes, you did.”
“I did?” She asked again.
“Uhm never mind.” She’s confused… I think there’s something wrong here. Wait a minute…I should have known! That Eion! He fooled me! Mrs. Johnson didn’t even call for me!
I gotta make a plan. “I just came to ask if…” I tried to make an excuse. “If we have an A in our project?”
“Oh, it’s only that? Don’t worry, I loved your presentation. I was just about to rate it now when you called me. I was reading the papers you gave. Don’t worry, I’ll let you all know your points once I’m finished.” She informed me. I nodded my head, smiling politely at her, “Thank you.”
“It’s no problem, dear. Now I gotta go.” She said, walking away and towards the hallway, leaving me.
I was still standing at the doorway, still trying to make out what just happened. Then it finally clicked in my head. “Eion! Why? You fooled me!” I exclaimed, running towards the parking lot to catch Luke and go home.
I better get it back to Eion tomorrow.
And to think I thought that he changed for the better!
“Oh? Did you come? Psh how gullible.” A voice said from behind me.