The Scars

0We flinched backwards when we recognized the man who just got out of the car. It was Tony, the man we had been running from. Vera tightened her grip on my hand. The only thing we could do was to fight. But, how? His figure was too robust that we could hardly combat. I could not figure out the possible way to escape from him.    0

    

In a sudden, Vera who held my hands retreated back. We dodged when Tony attempted to haul her shirt. We fled but we had nowhere to go. We just followed our intuition not to pause until we got to a safe place. In a panic, I heard the car’s horn blared. It was Reno in the cab. We directly ran toward the cab. He worriedly slipped out of the taxi.    

    

“What is happening?”    

    

“Let’s just go from here.” Vera urged Reno. Instead of saying something as a response to Vera’s words, Reno put his jacket off and handed it to me.    

    

“Put this on,” he said    

    

“I am fine.”    

    

“Are you sure you are fine, half-naked?” I just realized that my shirt was ripped off. I immediately wore Reno’s jacket and got on the car after Vera. Reno chose a seat next to the driver.    

    

“Where are you going?” I asked Vera because she looked uneasy. Going back to her mother was hard for her as her mother was the one who sent her to that place. I did not know about the details but I was sure but her problem might be more complicated than I could think of. She might have something she hid from me.    

    

“Home,” she answered, sighting the road outside. “Your mother must be solicitous about you now.” She looked toward me.    

    

“She will be fine. I often go home late. And my mother gets used to it.”    

    

“Glad to hear that.” She smiled to me yet it was just like a camouflage. I did not find happiness in her smile. It was a pain, instead.    

    

There was no conversation after that. It was only the machine roaring among other sounds that I could listen to. It felt like my house was farther than it should have been. It was due to the silence that we had created. Reno even muted his mouth along the way. He might give us time to relax after all that we had been trough.    

    

The driver dropped me near the alley of my neighborhood. Vera waved her hand, saying good bye while Reno was just displaying his small smile.    

    

It had been nine P.M when I got home. My mother as always had slept. I took Reno’s jacket off. I am in tears looking at my torn uniform. This was my only school uniform. With my shaking hand, I sewed the ripped part of cloth carefully. Woefully, I could no longer use my shoes. It had been seriously wrecked.    

    

The following morning, I was doubtful whether or not to go to school. It was the first day of mid-term test. I had no choice but leaving for school. I used a pair of sandals as footwear. I was fully aware of the consequence. Being bullied would be the worst possibility. I had been ready for that or even something worse.    

    

Reno juxtaposed his step to mine. His eyes viewed my feet in shock. I was a hundred percent certain that he was woeful to see that I used sandals. Yet, nothing came out of his mouth. He might feel awkward to ask why I wore the slippers today. Or he might have known that the incident made me lost my shoes.    

    

“Did Vera arrive home safely last night?” I initiated the conversation.    

    

“Yes. She is safe and sound. I am sorry to ask this,” he hesitantly said. “Why are you wearing slippers?” He could not hold his curiosity. “I didn’t mean to....”    

    

“No problem. My old shoes can’t be used anymore. I should save to purchase new pairs of shoes.” I console myself.    

    

“How long will it take to collect money to buy the new ones?” Vera joined us. She extended a paper bag to me. In wonder, I accepted it. It contained a box. How surprised I was to see a pairs of shoes in it.”    

    

“I’m sorry. I don’t think I can receive these.”    

    

“I don’t want to hear rejection. That word was never listed in my dictionary. Take them. Otherwise you don’t want to see me again.” It was not a threat. It showed her care. I hugged her and she hugged me back.    

    

I put those shoes on after taking my slippers off. Reno smiled. We all smiled. This friendship made me viable no matter how sucked my life was or would be in the future. Having them in my life was a precious thing. I strode to the classroom with joys in my heart.    

    

We had our math test today. I was not sure with my answer but I did my best for the test. The test took about one and half hours. After submitting my answer sheet, I went straight to the toilet. It had been my habit to take a pee after having exam.    

    

I bumped into Vera who was inside. I thought that she might be sick when I looked at her pale face. She refuted it. She said that she was well. It was a bit strange. But, I questioned her no more.    

    

“Ilana...” She held my hand. “Talk to you later. The second test will start soon. Good luck for your test”    

    

“You’re too.” I knew that there was something she wanted to share with me. She just needed to find the right time.    

    

“I’m all ears if you need me,” I muttered. She said nothing but leaving.    

    

I could finally take a breath of sigh after facing the test for a week. All the frustrating faces turned to cheerful. It was as if we just survived a big storm. I was not convinced that I would get good grade in the tests as I did not have much time to prepare for the test.    

    

I strolled down the curb after walking out of the gate. It made me startled to spot Vera sitting on the bench at the bus stop. It seemed her mother did not pick her up today. I approached her.    

    

“Why are you here? Where is your mother? She should have picked you up now?”    

    

“She is not my mother.”    

    

“You mean the one who always come and go with you is not your mother?” I reassured. She gave a slight nod. “Who is she then?”    

    

“She is my aunt. Sorry for lying” I shook my head.    

    

“It’s okay. You must have a reason to do that. Why do you look so sad?” I asked innocently.    

    

“I don’t want to live anymore.” I was in shock for a second time.    

    

“What! Wait...Why? What’s your problem? Tell me. Let’s find the solution together. My mom once told me...”    

    

“I have lost my virginity.” I stiffened. Her sentence muted my mouth.