Shia Writes

It was the 14th of February and everyone in the class feels ecstatic. Roses, balloons, gifts and chocolates are everywhere and the freedom board was filled with paper hearts and sweet messages.

Everybody looks happy except for Shia. Well, it was just another boring day for her. Nothing special. She sulked at one corner and stared at her jittery classmates with a scrunched face. Actually, it's her birthday but it seems that no one even noticed nor remembered because of the overwhelming ambiance of the Valentine's Day.

She felt like crying but she held herself back. She felt sad not because no one greeted her on her birthday. Her reason is much more painful. That day is also her parents demise, leaving her alone with her sadistic aunt. She wanted to burst into tears because of missing them too much. She's an antisocial pessimist that's why she had no friends.

Well, kids her age don't wanna hang out with a 'weirdo' like her. She would rather drown herself in a pile of books than chat about guys or the latest fashion trends.

During class, no one seems to notice her or maybe they just got used to ignoring her presence. In school, she's a nobody. At home, she's nothing for her aunt but another mouth to feed.

"Hey, girls! Did you know that Kyle confessed to me earlier? He even gave me this fluffy bear and these roses!!"

"Oh, really?! You're so lucky, Jane!"

"Well, check this out! My boyfriend gave me this necklace and a box of Ferrero chocolates! Want some?!"

"Oh, do you mind helping me eat this ginormous strawberry cake?! My suitor is so sweet, isn't he? !!"

Shia almost rolled her eyes when the 'it' girls in her class started chirping like parrots who are out of tune. Their voices made her distracted so she stood up and quietly left the room. There's no class anyway since she heard that their teacher's boyfriend proposed that morning and left for a date.

Placing her bag on a bench far away from the noisy students, she took out her pen and started scribbling on a piece of paper. Her tensed shoulders relaxed and her face becomes serene. This is her only favourite hobby and writing is her comfort zone.

She started writing when she dreamt of a guy whose face is yet to be revealed.
At first, it scared her because she doesn't really sit well with strangers. She doesn't trust so easily but just his soothing voice made her feel warm and at ease. He would bring her to many wonderful places far from what her real world looks like.

However, it's not just like those fairy tales she read in the books. It was everything but a love story. It was so much more. It was her only comfort, her secret place. He knew her pains, for it was through him that she was able to express it. When she asked his name, his only answer was, "I am the one inside your head. I was created by words. Your emotions gave birth to me. I am the brother of your imagination. My parents collect and record me."

Slightly confused, she asked once again.

"Who are your parents?"

He did not answer. He only touched the top of her head and she felt herself being pulled back to reality. When she opened her eyes, she finally knew what his answer was. She breathed deeply as she saw 'his parents' in front of her. She always knew this from the very beginning. It's destiny.

She glanced at what's in front of her eyes once more. A pen and paper.

Many called her eccentric but she doesn't mind. They knew nothing about her. She's different, yes, but not a weirdo. Her mind was infinitely trapped, dancing inside the labyrinth of words, a place that gives her solace and comfort. She lets her consciousness drift in a world that no one else but her can understand.

She smiled when she felt the familiar rush of adrenaline in her veins and the feeling that nobody else knew where she was. She was completely alone but she's not sad anymore. She will be seeing him again, that's for sure. Her eyes sparkled and her heart beats fast. The smell of ink and the feel of the slightly rough paper at the tip of her hands made her feel more alive.

She picked up the pen lying across the paper and smiled.

She's a drifter in the land of stories and so she writes.

***