DAYMARE 2: New Home, New Horror part 2

“Do you know what you did to me?!” she touched her left cheek.

“Yup, I slapped your arse,” I emphasized every word to provoke her more.

“You-"

“You sure about that?” I glared at her outfit. “Hmp, you're wearing a dress and heels. I can easily kick you with these rubber shoes of mine.” I stomped my right foot twice.

"Are you a boy to kick me?" Scared, huh?

“Running away?" Her face is annoying. She’s all talk but can’t fight me face-to-face.

"Wait until my dad hears about this," She stepped back. She threatened me.

"Wait until my dad hears about this." I mimicked what she said with my mouth twitching to tease her.

"What do you want?"

“What do you want?” I mimicked her again.

Annoying her is fun.

“Hestral, that’s enough. We need to go to the office for enrolment.” Jethro interfered again by stopping me from teasing her.

I paused for a moment. "All right.” Bethina frowned at what I said. “Don't worry, I’ll be the one who’ll adjust ‘cause I can’t stand your face and presence anymore."

"What do you mean?"

See? She’s a coward.

I have nothing more to say. I quit.

The school favors Bethina a lot because she is one of the influential students in the school. I, on the other hand, am just average compared to her.

I've been holding back for a long time. I want to let it all out.

Finally, I did it!

I left in front of her, and the crowd is looking at me, including my previous fake friends who are now Bethina’s slaves.

“Hestral b*tch! I’m not yet done with you! Hey!” Bethina called me.

I heard a school staff member approaching. My friends followed me. I avoided the school staff. Maybe he’ll scold me for creating a scene. Let Bethina handle that mess, then.

Before I finally went down the stairs, I looked back at Bethina.

"Badbye, Bethina!"

That’ll be my last convo with that girl. Glad I bumped into her to make a swift but best decision.

“H-Hey! We’re not done!” she shouted.

As we hastily descended the stairs, many eyes followed, but the three of us just laughed.

“That was wild!” Neilsen exclaimed, holding his tummy.

“D*ng girl! That’s our girl! So proud of you.” Anikka added.

Jethro remained silent. Anikka, Neilsen, and I seemed to be used to unwanted public attention.

"That was insane. You are insane, Hestral" Neilsen said after we ran. We’re here outside the building where we were supposed to enroll.

I gasped. “I know, hahaha! My goodness.”

“The look on her face was priceless. Hahaha!" Anikka can’t hold her laughter.

This is what I love the most about them. We’re true to each other while having each other’s backs. In hardship or comfort, we’re all together.

I saw Jethro strain a smile and heave a sigh. “What about the enrollment? We left the queue, and today’s the last day.” Jethro asked worriedly.

This guy is still concerned about the enrollment. Well, it makes sense. We’re supposed to enroll ourselves for the next academic year. And of course, they have to do it.

"C’mon," Jethro initiated that we go back inside the building and fall in line.

They walked. They looked back and waited for me, who remained standing outside the building.

"Umm…" I paused for a moment. "Go on, guys

"Huh?" they asked in unison.

“Actually, I made a sudden decision earlier since I talked and met Bethina there.”

I composed myself first before telling them this.

“What decision?” Jethro asked.

“I'm moving to another school.”

“Ehhh?!” they chorused. Oh, except Jethro.

***

I decided to start with something. I want to start a new me in a new school, but not out of fear of Bethina and my high school trauma. Indeed, I am still disgusted to go to school when I see that girl’s face, but I want to do this for myself. I want to find and know more about myself. I want to forget about my complicated life in that place. I want to start again in a quiet and humble school.

I am usually not a quiet person, but I need a quiet place. I also feel like my perspective is changing, and I want to embrace that change.

“I didn’t enroll,” I opened the conversation with my parents.

I couldn’t look directly at them. It was dinner time at home after I went to school in the afternoon.

“What?!” Mom and Dad asked unbelievably.

"Sorry," I said, then lowered my head.

That was an anticipated response from them. Surely, they will scold me for wasting time.

I can’t eat well because of what I’m thinking.

A minute of silence before Dad broke it.

"It's okay," I was surprised at what Daddy said. I didn’t expect that from him because he’s also strict like Mom, but way less strict than her.

I observed Mom to see her reaction to what Dad said. She must be angry with me and Dad, who favored my impulsiveness.

"Yeah, actually, we're already planning to transfer you." Mom added with a warm smile.

Really? Wait, what?!

My eyes widened. "How?"

I loosen my hands holding a spoon and fork.

“Your mommy and I know that it’s not good for you to stay at that school any longer.” Dad burped, then he continued. “Don’t worry, we will keep you away from those bullies.”

"Thanks!" I gasped in happiness.

I’ve never been this happy. Grounding me also paid off. My parents finally took sides with me. I never thought that they’d listen and approve of me so easily. I’ve always been a headache for them, same as with me, but now we’re mutual!

"We’ll transfer after a month," Mommy announced and winked at me.

I was about to eat a spoonful of rice. I was silent for a moment and stopped what I was doing.

Okay, I’ll move to a new school, yes! But… why ‘we’?

"What?" That was my late reaction. I’m slow.

***

Our dinner was over, and I locked myself in my room—my personal best friend. This room is my witness to crying, laughing, smiling, singing, dancing, and all the other silliness that I do.

I sighed.

I just found out that we were moving to a new place, a new house, plus a new school for me. I still don't know where because they refused to tell me for it is a surprise. We already have a house here. Never mind this current house of ours. It’ll be for rent when we move out, Mom said.

It’s not that bad that we’re moving out, but it was quite sudden. The streets and our neighbors here are quiet yet friendly. I was born in this neighborhood since birth and have been living here for almost 17 years.

I guess it’ll be a new experience for me soon.