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Chapter 10 – The Lockers of Doom

“Sarah, you’re going to be late! Leonard’s here!” Mom called from the foot of the staircase.

Hurriedly, I took one last glance at myself in the mirror, patting down my hair. My denim overalls felt a little short today, or maybe I was just growing. I’ve read that girls continue to grow taller until the age of twenty-one. I wish.

The gray fabric of my cardigan against the white undershirt, a pair of faded grayish blue jeans in addition to my dark brown hair, gray eyes with a green tinge behind black-rimmed glasses and insipid face; I could pass for some black and white photograph from some sixties’ yearbook.

“Coming!” I yelled back, my chest pounding.

With all due respect, I think Leon and I were now an item. However, he didn’t mention anything about it when he went with me to the shopping district last night and I was too afraid he would suddenly wake up from his horrific dream and change his mind so I didn’t open the matter. I just spent every minute of it gazing freely at him (and sometimes gawking) admiring his every move and getting a fright whenever I felt his nearness. He rarely spoke, walked a step behind me, his hand propped at the small of my back but not actually touching me. Constantly, his eyes drilled through me as though he found it rather amusing to analyze my every move.

Maybe he was having second thoughts. Maybe he thought I was weird.

I hurled myself down the stairs, to the porch where Leon sat in an awkward silence with Mom, who was so intent on studying him.

Leon stood up smiling which proved once again that all that happened yesterday wasn’t merely a chunk of my lush imagination. My heart was racing frantically; choking with exhilaration. I couldn’t bring myself to return his smile.

After a few polite exchange of words with Mom (which I didn’t comprehend given that I was overly preoccupied gawking at Leon yet again), he bid goodbye—all I could make out was his mellifluous voice and the perplexing, yet charming modesty.

“So what strange mushroom have you eaten for breakfast?” I managed to blurt out as we walked, pleased that I sounded exceedingly sarcastic this time.

He let out a soft chuckle. “Okay… I believe that is your bizarre way of thanking me for walking you to school, so you’re very much welcome.”

All I could manage was a pathetic groan. It was hard enough not to appear like a total idiot in front of him, much more respond to his outlandish, insufferable yet alluring humor. All I could do was hyperventilate.

It was a life saver when his mobile phone rang before we reached the school gates.

“Yes Ger,” His brows furrowed once Gerald spoke on the other end of the line, a glum expression erasing the smile on his face. “Yes,” he nodded turning away then spoke in a hushed tone, sighing and mumbling as he did.

Leon stepped silently ahead of me. There was that constant brooding air about him which was quite unreadable after that phone call.

“Le-Leonard,” I called him, not really knowing what to say.

He paused for a while and hesitantly met my gaze; eyes searching for something unknown to me, then towed me gently to the school gates.

My shoulders stiffened with his nearness, yet there was coldness with the way he treated me. The detachment in his eyes crumpled my tummy like I was never to be happy ever again. I wanted to know badly whatever it was that might be bothering him.

We walked in silence until we reached my locker, where he excused himself with that agonizing melancholy still in his eyes. I watched him go, wanting to comfort him — tell him that I would listen; that everything would be alright. I needed to stop him, all the same I couldn’t bring myself to even touch his hand for the fear that I would crumble once I do.

“Nerdy!” Matt Adams appeared as I bolted my locker. His lips stretched to a grin apparently pleased that he succeeded to frighten me as always. “Who’s that?” said Matt cocking his head to Leon who just disappeared along the crowded hallway through the tangle of students.

“New kid,” I said distantly as I made my way to my home room, Matt still treading beside me.

“Your friend?” he muttered nudging his way through the morning chaos.

I hesitated. “I guess.”

“Okay... So is he like your special friend or something?”

“I think that’s none of your business, so just get lost, will you?” I blurted before I could reflect if it was the wisest choice of words.

He snorted darkly, his dark intense eyes smoldering. The arrogant smile was replaced with anger. Only now did I realize how immense and tall he is. I could see his jaw tensing from one side to the other as his large fists clenched.

“None… of my business,” he echoed my words with much fury and exasperation, he was literally shaking when he took two lungfuls of breath.  He raised his huge, strong arm and swung to my direction.

My eyes involuntarily shut tight at the anticipation of impact and all I could think was how the school nurse would put the parts of my head together when he was done with me. Fear struck my core and the thought of antagonizing Matt Adams froze my heart for a few seconds.

To my relief, the excruciating pain of his blow did not come. All that I could comprehend was the deafening crash of his hand against the nearest locker. The thin sheet of metal that used to be Miranda Videbeck’s locker door knocked down on the floor with a loud thump, dented; no, just about scrunched up.

The commotion along hallways seemed to cease now. I could feel eyes piercing through me and it only made everything worse as my heart pounded in my temples.

“So that’s how it is...” he glared at me, stepping a little closer, perhaps to intimidate me, shuddering with rage.

I flinched mustering all the courage I could conjure to finally make a stand but was too terrified at the possible consequences. Finally, I met his glowering eyes and even managed to straighten my stooping stance.

“Yes, that’s how it is...” My voice sounded astoundingly firm considering that I was trembling with fear.

Since the first grade, I’ve been bullied by Matt Adams. I could not endure it any longer; having to do his homework and projects day by day and having to put up with him. My life should have been easier if not for him. I could be Sarah, not Nerdy, but he just had to devastate everything. He just had to flush The Little Prince in the toilet. He just had to destroy one of the last few effects that reminded me of Winfred’s brief existence in my life.

Matt filched my arm and dragged me along the corridor, through the gawping maze of students. There was a menacing scowl on his face and I knew I would not stand a chance against him. However, I resolved to get this over with once and for all.

“Sarah!” Becky called as she pushed forward to my direction. There was a hint of apprehension in her eyes, but mostly terror for my sake.

I desperately struggled to thrash Matt’s massive grip from my arm. “Becky!” I cried.

Becky finally made it out of the swarm and hurdled herself between Matt’s hulking build and the rest of the crammed foyer. “Please,” she tugged Matt’s free arm with her trembling hands. “Let Sarah go.” Her eyes were misty.

“No… Becky,” I mumbled feebly.

Matt glowered at Becky and trounced her arm off of him, hurling Becky straight to the floor.

From the side of my vision, Charrie Bolton sniggered with her annoying friends. It made me sick having to deal with these people every single day of my life — so high and mighty as if they’re all that, making fun of everybody else so they would feel good about themselves.

“Let me go!” I gritted through my teeth but he kept a strong clutch on my arm. “Get your filthy hand off me or else...”

“Or else what?” He growled with amusement.

“Or else I’ll... I’ll...” I stuttered overwhelmed with the muddle of panic and animosity inside my head. “This!” I stomped on his foot with all my weight and thrust my free knee between his legs to his soft spot which sent him sprawling through the hallway, letting out a stream of foul curses as he hobbled his way out through the sardonic smiles and mocking laughs from the crowd.

Incredulity weaved its way through my brain. Could have I really done that? There was the severe adrenaline rush, it provoked the hatred that was buried, rooted within me. Well I suppose watching a few moves from Discover Channel paid off.

“Way to go Door Matt!” A curly-haired guy from the football team jeered as Matt disappeared through the throng of students, chorused by the chortle of the rest of the players, led by Mike Sullivan.

Before I could even feel sorry for Matt, I ran to Becky and helped her up. “Are you alright?”

Becky smiled wryly, eyes shifting nervously. “I guess so...”

Class was pretty much tedious and the whole time I was thinking about the repercussions of my previous encounter with Matt Adams. It would’ve been more convenient if he had just hobbled his way out straight off  to the road traffic and got hit by a truck or something (morbid, I know) since I could just imagine how vile he would be when he lived another day to exact his vengeance on me.

I shuddered at the thought and kept on wallowing in it that I didn’t notice Leon’s empty seat soon enough. Whatever that phone call was about, it seemed absolutely serious.

Leon, what are you not telling me? I panicked silently on my chair, hoping the clock would tick faster.

The afternoon bell finally rang, making my stomach churn as the anxiety finally sank through. Becky parked herself next to me as the other students filed out of the room. She stroked my shoulder.

“Thanks,” said she, managing a tentative smile.

“For what?” I smiled back struggling to conceal the dread that was gnawing inside me. “Matt… He just earned what he deserved.”

Becky stiffened and became pale as if all the blood was drained off her face. “Sarah, I’m afraid… for you.”

I stared on the floor, shuffling uneasily on my seat. “Me too… Perhaps it would be better if you keep your distance from me, just until everything is… sorted out.”

“I don’t know about that. You know Matt. He’s not going to let this pass. He’ll get back at you… and it’s entirely my fault for interfering.”

“Don’t say that! It wasn’t your fault at all. It’s awful, really. But in the lighter side of things, at least I don’t have to do his schoolwork.” I chuckled humorlessly.

Becky let the matter drop but in spite of everything appeared pretty unconvinced.

The rest of the day elapsed uneventfully although the contemplation of Matt possibly materializing in the cafeteria, the gym or even through the alleys when I walked home haunted me. It kept me on the edge of my seat, on my toes, jolting and flinching with every startling blare. The nausea crept through my stomach, my breathing ragged.

It took me three minutes before I was able to conjure inside my head various dismal excuses to pay a visit at Leon’s house. The doorbell buzzed (honked actually) once, twice… thrice now. The dark wooden porch, embellished with an antique natural driftwood bench, a hammock neatly twisted into a bun hanging from the wall posts. I traced the vine-like carvings on the wooden door. The golden beige tapestries were unmoving beneath the dark-framed windows, the automatic steel flap to the garage shut closed.

No one was home. Where could he be? Maybe they’d moved out to someplace far, far away from me.

Forcing my feet across the street, a familiar rumble of engine made me lift my gaze. The black car (an Audi R8 according to the internet but I couldn’t be so sure) screeched, its tires protesting against the asphalt concrete as it skidded to an abrupt swerve to the left and parked right in front of me.

The startling confusion prompted me two steps back, Arthur’s dirty blonde head protruding from the window as the shutter rolled down, bringing me to let out a sigh in great relief.

“Arthur!” I hobbled closer. “Arthur, I’m so glad to see you.” I gasped, stiffening when I noticed the empty seat beside him. “Err… Leon—ard, he suddenly ditched class… so I was—“

Arthur beamed radiantly as he got out of the car and patted my head with his enormous yet gentle hand that reminded me of Winfred.

“You worry too much Sarah. Len had matters to straighten out so he took the fastest flight to L.A. this morning.” He hesitated as though he just disclosed something I wasn’t supposed to be aware of.

I nodded without prying and said my hurried thanks before I excused myself, hopeful that Arthur hadn’t notice my glum disposition as I stepped away. Of course he’d be in Los Angeles. He’s a celebrity after all, but he could’ve told me so I didn’t have to lose sleep over his unexpected disappearance.

“Ahh what the heck! That kid is killing me.” Arthur bellowed cursing as he kicked exasperatedly. Like father, like son. My lips twitched upward impulsively. “Sarah!” He jogged after me. “Come in, we’ll have coffee.” It wasn’t exactly an invitation but I gladly followed.

Arthur sat across the kitchen table stirring his coffee while I stared at mine. He sipped his coffee. “So Len left you clueless about his absence, I presume.”

My lips twitched. I still find it rather amusing whenever Arthur calls his son Len.

“Yes, sir. B-but it’s not like… he’s obliged to. I mean—“

“Ridiculous, that boy is. He should’ve at least informed you that he’d be gone for three days—“

“Three days?” I said stunned by how I suddenly wondered how I was going to get through those days without his smile. My stomach fluttered. I perished the thought mainly because it was stupid and secondly because it was really stupid. It wasn’t like I had been with him for forever. I wasn’t even sure if we’re on the same level on this relationship, if it should be considered as one.

Arthur appeared pleased with my overreaction. “Yes, three days. Len might’ve some reason why he hadn’t told you. I didn’t want to intrude with whatever it is that he’s planning but hey, since you’re Len’s girlfriend,” I blushed at the mention of the G-word. “I think you have every right to know.”

“I’m not so sure… a-about that,” I stuttered, my face still warm.

Arthur smiled, creasing the few slight lines bordering his clear blue eyes, which unlike Leon’s had an air of ease and nonchalance.

“Sarah, Len had quite a rough childhood. He isn’t quite capable of expressing himself and in addition, he hardly ever mingles with kids his age. But I know well enough that he learned to smile a lot more when he met you. He might not be vocal about it but I’ll let you in on a secret…” he beckoned with his hand.

I stayed silent, rather intent on listening, hoisting myself on the stool so I could hear it clearer.

“You know, when Len is extremely nervous,” He raised his right index finger. “Or excited, he does this.” Arthur twirled his index finger as though he was doodling in circles on an invisible sheet of paper. He folded his arms in front of him and rested his chin on the back of his hand. “Len almost never gets nervous… or excited.”

“Okay…” I hesitated, creasing my forehead. I didn’t really get his point but I nodded enthusiastically.

Dear Winfred,

I’m dead.

First, I angered Matt Adams. You know, Matt whom I was friends with in preschool. But he’s a big stupid moronic bully now and I hate him more than anyone else in the world. If he ever recovers from the curses and spells I got from Becky’s Wiccan guide, I’d have to consider my short life a history.

Secondly, Leon’s gone. Some knight in shining armor he is.

My stomach lurched at the mere thought of it. Maybe I’d have nightmares.

He didn’t tell me a thing! That’s how insignificant I am to him. Sadly, you’re not here to punch him to death, as if I’d allow it. I wonder if I could have amnesia if I hit my head on the wall so very hard.

Dad…

A tear rolled down my cheek.

I don’t know what to do.

Love,

Sarah

As expected, I had nightmares though I couldn’t quite remember what it was about. But I woke up crying, my chest, wrenching the air out of me.

The morning was rather gloomy, considering that spring was almost at hand. I walked alone to school with not so much improvement on my mood. Mom said I was sulking for no apparent reason. She had no idea.

The hallway was just about to be jam-packed with students so I yanked my unwilling feet to the lockers to get my things.

I paused. There was something wrong. The bolt has been hacked — my locker swung open when I touched it and there it was; a piece of paper that looked old torn, yellow on the edges, perhaps due to moisture. No, it was a page from The Little Prince, ripped from the bind.

My hand trembled as I picked it up, memories of Winfred reading it over and over to me as he tucked me to bed flashing through the damaged parchment. I squinted to read the lines, which, though muddled by mishandling was still decipherable.

Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

I instantly recognized that phrase from my book The Little Prince; the same book Matt Adams dumped in the toilet when we were in elementary school. The rest was impossible to interpret owing to the hideous clawing penmanship in angry red. My heart started to thump violently in my throat as fear nibbled me little by little.

GYM. 3:30. BE THERE OR ELSE…

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