FELIX

While we listen to our Math teacher clarify the solution to a difficult applied algebra question, Principal Alexandra interrupts. She speaks over the tiny speakers suspended at the angle of the ceiling, addressing the graduating class.

"Good day, students, this is the principal. I have an important announcement to share. So listen very carefully."

The teacher stops his lesson and most of us pay attention. The rest, like me, use the short break to catch a breath from the math and confusing numbers.

"Your final tests will commence next month so the school board has decided to set out time to provide extra classes. Beginning next week, the seniors will have two extra hours of learning."

I hear muttering around me and I guess they're all frowning at this new development. I am not particularly ecstatic about it either but it will be very helpful in many ways than one. Other than the fact that I'll be going home late, it'll reduce the amount of time spent under the same roof with my odious old man.

"I shall also release the prefects of their duties. Any social activity in the school, you will not be participating for the sake of your exams."

"So no football practice?!" I whisper to Xian.

"Is that all you care about?" He whispers back. "If you pass the exams, you can play football as long as you want."

The announcement continues, "and of course, the extra lessons are compulsory for everyone, just in case you're thinking of skipping it."

The muttering increases. I might be one among many that will actually skip those extra lessons, but oh well, there goes my free time.

"Also, a board committee has begun organizing your prom night. The details will be announced soon."

Yay! A prom party organized by the school!

I wish I was that excited. From time past, prom night in this school has always been a drag. The seniors then never had anything thrilling to say about their prom. Mine won't be any different, with all their firm rules and regulations, no one actually cares about school prom nights.

What we actually call a prom party is the house party afterparty planned by the class jocks and punks. Nearly every typical factions of students are given an invitation – the rockers, the skater boys, the partiers, perhaps the loners, the class clowns, if there are stoners and drinkers, that's good. The more, the merrier. But the nerds and the teacher's pets don't get privileges like that, unless the rebels give their collective consent.

Normally, I'd be top tier invitee at the party if I didn't have more important things to do, and if Agnes isn't attending, why bother?

"This session marks the beginning of a new life awaiting you in the higher institution. I hope to see that this set beats past records in academic excellence. It's not enough to just pass through the school but to allow the school pass through you. This is the point where you ought to make the decisions for your life ahead and what path it will follow. It might not be easy from here on, but I believe we have prepared you for all life's challenges. Thank you and have a great day."

Such stimulating pep talk. Just what we'll need to gear up for the future of our lives.

The glitch in the background over the speakers cut, marking the end of her message. Our Math teacher proceeds with his class without further ado.

*

I study in the library till later. When most of the students have already gone home, I pick up my backpack and my books to leave at once. When I exit the school premises, I stumble into Rex.

"Hello mate," he greets with an impish grin.

"What are you doing here?"

"Hm. I can see you're preparing for the exams."

"Thanks for the observation." I brush pass him.

"You've reconciled with Agnes. Don't you think I deserve your forgiveness too?"

I halt, somewhat worried by his statement. For strange reasons, I understand his point, but do I actually need to be friends with him again?

"If I didn't tell Joey and if Joey didn't tell Agnes, you would still be keeping that secret with you until now."

What a slimy scumbag! He really has no shame left in his body. What makes him believe I owe him a favour? I turn back towards him. "Do you want me to thank you for that?"

"I'm just saying that I deserve some credits too, you can't deny it."

"Rex, I'm not in the mood for this."

As I am about to walk away, he does something completely ridiculous and out of line. He whips out the bag of cracked action figures, swinging it back and forth in my face. "You left this."

In a fit of rage, I toss the bag from his hand with force. "What the heck is your problem? Do you honestly love being a freaking asshole? Why do you want to annoy me every chance you get?"

"No... well, yeah. But I want you to see that you owe me, big time! If we hadn't struck that deal, you wouldn't be as happy as you are now."

"I owe you nothing!"

He laughs and shakes his head mockingly. "You have changed a whole lot, Felix. Ever since you and Agnes started off, it's like I don't know you anymore."

"Change is the only constant thing in life, and I will be more than happy if you can change your direction and leave me alone."

"I'm sorry but I'm not leaving this place. I'm not moving anywhere until you tell me what makes you think you're so special! Do you think you're some Prince Charming on his white horse riding off to a great American dynasty?!"

I take back my hostility at his sudden outburst. The quick switch into his manic behaviour gives me quite a fright, actually. "What are you even talking about?"

"You're already happy with Agnes, right? What more do you want?"

I clearly see how passionately furious he is. I'm assuming whatever this is all about must come from his heart, and truthfully, I can relate. Hold on! Is Rex in love with someone? Because from my little experience, it's only love sweeter than fiction that can bring out this side of a man.

"Rex, listen to me, I swear I have no knowledge on what you're talking about but I can reassure you that I'm not doing anything else other than being happy with Agnes."

"Then why does Joey still love you?!" He yells.

Oh-my-god!

What!

Rex is in love with Joey?! I stand absolutely still for a minute to absorb the shock while he rants on.

"I thought you and Joey were finished! So then why does she see only you? I succeeded to help you find happiness, so why can't I also have my own happy ending?"

He is wrong about that though. He did not help me to find happiness but his heart is hurting so I will forgive him. "With Joey? Hey, we've been over for ages. I'm not part of her life anymore," I say sincerely. "You should sort it out with her, and then make her understand your feelings."

"Whatever you have done to enchant her from noticing any other guy but you, you had better reverse it! You have Agnes with you, leave Joey alone. Don't you dare give her a cause to hope, or else, you will get it from me, that I'll promise you." He says with total rigidity and walks out.

I fall speechless. What have I done to give Joey any reason to hope? I did all I could to stop her from getting close to me again, so where is this coming from? It's not his fault. When they say, 'love makes you crazy', this is a classic example.

Despite how infuriated I am with Rex, I see now we do have more than one thing in common.

AGNES

(One Month Later)

After our first paper, I exit the school with Felix, headed to a place I have no idea where. He had informed me he needed to discuss something I might find disappointing so I should be the first person he tells before the others.

I am still not used to this kind of friendship with him, honestly... but let's see where it takes us.

"You don't seem excited," I say to him while we walk down the street. "Is this thing you want to tell me that depressing?"

He lets out a chortle. "Am I that obvious?"

"Is that why we're going this far off route?"

"Well, yes, but can we not talk about it until we reach there? I just want to enjoy spending time with you."

"You're being extra humble this afternoon. Am I about to get heartbroken?"

He breaks a smile. "In point of fact, it's me who is getting heartbroken here."

"Now, I'm curious to know what it is. I'd love to see what a heartbroken Felix looks like."

"Oh really?" He amuses with laughter.

"Yes! I've seen all facets of your bad behaviour, it's only fair I get to see this one."

"Hey! Cut me some slack! You don't have to be so blunt."

I laugh again. "Of course I have to. How else are you supposed to make up for the times you got me furiously mad at you?"

"So, do you want me to give another apology?"

More than that, I want to tease him this much.

We make a stop at a burger shop. He grasps my hand, and together, we walk through the door. When we step into the place, the sweet aroma of freshly baked buns and different sorts of ice-cream flavours fill my nostrils.

The shop is small but cosy, a comfortable place for two people in love to spend a little laid-back time together. "I know places hardly as cosy as this shop. How did you find a place like this?"

"I have my ways," he smirks.

"You can save that smug for later. We have not tasted their menu yet."

While I find an isolated table next to a window, he goes to the counter to order for us. Soon, he returns with two cups of strawberry ice-cream with cherry tops and a tray containing two beef burgers.

"I'm sure you will love this," he guarantees.

"Are we having some kind of first date?"

"I wouldn't say this is our first date per say. Our time at the garage seemed more intimate."

I giggle a bit. "You're crazy!"

We start to munch down. The creamy blend of vegetable and beef tastes so good that I eat up to half of my burger before I notice Felix sulking over his barely eaten burger from the corner of my eye.

I raise my head. "What's wrong?"

"Well, I... I'm moving away."

"Huh?!" Confusion washes over me, I move my head back to make sense of what he just said.

"I'm relocating abroad."

Immediately, the oh-so-tasty beef burger turns into a mouthful of compost.

* # * #

Not a lot going on at the moment.