Chapter 8: Gavin's time

"Hi, Rebecca Dale." A lot of their classmates giggled as he called her full name. She blushed in an instant because of the attention he's giving her.

She must admit then, that she didn't see it coming.

"Wow, girl, you already knew our transferee?" One of her curious seatmates asked her as she poked her arm. She just held her affected arm as she glared at her classmate who grinned at her maliciously.

She didn't like it! Of all people she'll have to see, why should it be him?

"Nope. Don't mind him."

"Ouch, you're hurting my feelings baby girl." He said it boldly that made the whole class wild.

"Class, enough. Go back to your seats because we're about to start."

"Miss, I will sit beside Ms. Rebecca Dale because that's the only vacant seat that I found."

"Help yourself, Gavin." He walked towards the aisle where Rebecca sits and he sat comfortably next to her. She couldn't help but to roll her eyes. She's annoyed of what happened just now.

She felt humiliated. She secretly closed her fist as she gritted her teeth while looking at the person beside her. Gavin seemed to be enjoying what he's seeing right now.

"Don't frown or else you'll be ugly right away."

"Don't you dare talk to me, we're not even close."

"Why? Do I still need to kiss you for you to acknowledge me, that we're actually close?"

"Shut up."

"You're even turning me on." He whispered and as soon as she heard his voice, it sent chills down her spine. It's husky and tempting...

Rebecca tried to focus on what's written on the board as she took down notes. However, she also observed what Gavin is doing from her peripheral vision. Did he eat already? He looked fine and yet pale.

Why is it that he's able to attend morning classes if he is managing his own pub in the evening? Where did he get all the strength to stay up like this? Did he even sleep well last night?

"Baby girl, don't worry about me. I slept well last night." He said with a wink. She couldn't help but to feel embarrassed. Maybe he was able to know what's on her mind because of the way she would look at him.

"What are you talking about? Stop dreaming."

"If you're the one I'll dream about, I won't mind. I guess you'll be my greatest dream of all."

She's annoyed by his words because it sounded void and nonsense. On the other hand, she started admiring his light personality that amuses her deep inside.

She promised to herself that she will really confront him if she'll be given a chance to do it.

The class ended in a jiffy. Rebecca and Sheira noticed Gavin is a passionate and humble guy. They were on their way to the library when they saw him entering there too. 

Rebecca and Sheira looked at each other as if not believing what they saw just now. Gavin suddenly went inside without hesitation.

"Is he following us?" Rebecca said while smiling as she looked at her friend,  Rebecca frowned at the idea.

"Are you okay? He's the one who came at the library first. Why would he follow us?"

Rebecca sighed because her friend had a point. They were following him than him, following them.

"Well, I am thinking that he'd assume we'll be going to the library, that's why he came there first."

"My goodness Becca! You have excellent imagination skills. I should let you teach me." Shiera answered me sarcastically.

"Hmm..." Rebecca raised one of her eyebrows as they both entered the library as well. They observed Gavin as they walked through the several aisles of the library. They noticed that he got lots of books‐at least five and then went back to his table.

Sheira and Rebecca looked at each other again and went back to their respective tables as well. They sit in front of each other.

"Well, that's the proof." Sheira sighed as she opened their textbook for the next subject. Rebecca took a quick glance at him. Good thing he's only three tables away from them. Rebecca's heart almost leaped when Gavin caught her glancing at him. She panicked as she looked into his face that she shifted her gaze to the other direction this time.

Rebecca felt Sheira's elbow poking her arm. She looked at her friend and she could see her malicious smile at her.

"Look who's stalking..." Rebecca said between chuckles. She said it in her lowest voice so that the librarian will not scold them.

She poked Shiera back as she gave her a death glare.

"I just looked at the other direction and it happened that I saw him."

Sheira giggled as soon as she heard her saying those words.

"Yeah, try again next time my dear!"

"You know what? You're annoying. I am out of here." Rebecca felt Sheira's hands pulling her arm.

"Hey, you're too hot. C'mon, I am sorry. Sit down here again. Gavin might think you're trying to look cute at him."

"If you still want a friend in me, please shut up. I am not in the mood. I don't want to be teased with anybody and you know that."

"Okay, okay Miss hot girl. Calm down. I will not insist Gavin to you anymore. Friends?"

"Suit yourself." Rebecca sat down again with a grumpy face. She opened her books and tried reading it. She could see Sheira in her peripheral vision. She's still observing her and what she's doing. Sheira decided to be quiet for the sake of Rebecca's silence. 

"I'm sorry. Let's study hard this time! Fighting!" Sheira even raised her left arm but Rebecca didn't even pay attention to it. Sheira put her arm down as she simply looked around. Some students are looking at her and she felt embarrassed all of a sudden.

"My goodness! The perks of having a moody best friend," she murmured as she pouted her lips and sighed.

----

"Good thing I am able to go home. Thank you dear Becca..."

"Yeah, be thankful that I am able to send you to your apartment and not between the rice fields."

"My gosh, don't be mean. I am trying to be nice here, I am even giving you Gavin—" She covered her mouth right away after Rebecca gave her a death glare.

"My goodness, even for a second, do not even mention his name."

"Why do you hate the guy? I mean, he didn't do anything, right?"

"Yeah, he's not doing anything for now."

"Why are you assuming a lot? He's harmless okay?  You are always mean to boys and sometimes, it is not healthy already."

"You know how I hate my father."

"But not all the boys are your father, and they are all different from one another."

"Tell that to the marines."

"I'll go inside. I'll not argue anymore I don't want to lose a friend today."

Rebecca chuckled as she gave Sheira a high five. Sheira smiled back at her as she waved her hand. She got inside her car now.

"Please take care as you go home. Remember, you're alone so please, lock the doors."

"I will remember that, Sheir."

----

Rebecca's POV

I parked my car beside our house. I am walking towards the door as I got my house keys. I turned on the lights and deafening silence greeted me once again. I sighed as I sat down on one of our dining chairs.

I put my hand to my cheek as I looked at the oven. I am seeing my mother smiling at me again as she baked my favorite breads there.

"Ow! It's hot! Hot! Hot!" She quickly got the oven gloves as she shook her hands.

"Becca baby, I will be done here within five minutes. Your cinnamon rolls will be ready soon!"

I can still see her beaming smile as she faces me. I can't help but to cry again. I really miss her so much. It hurts whenever I am alone. I am always haunted by her memory, especially that her death is unacceptable.

I have to give her the rightful justice. For me, that isn't just a normal accident. Someone triggered her to cross the street for that car to hit her. Father should pay for what he had done to my mother. She doesn't deserve to suffer even up until her last breath. I must do something that will keep father accountable for what he did.

I covered my face because I can't help crying for my mom again when something got my attention. It's a strumming of guitar that came from outside the house. I went near the window to check where the sound came from.

I was shocked when I saw Gavin grinning as he held the guitar with him. Beside him is a middle-aged woman who is also smiling as if supporting whatever he's doing right now.

"Hello, Rebecca Dale." He greeted as he waved his hand.

My goodness! What is it this time, Gavin?