Chapter 8 - Harry Potter will never be outdated
--JASON--
Though it's still 2nd day at school after summer holidays, I feel bored already; the same old school, same old teachers and same old classes.
Life was way too easy during holidays; parties, hangovers and brunches.
Now that everything came to an end, I need some time to get back to normal. Strangely, I didn't have this problem when school ended and all of a sudden, I had to stay at home.
My first class today is trigonometry which made me more sulky.
God, I hate Math.
Is there anyone in this world who likes Math?
It's such a stupid subject; all numbers and formulas with lots of problems.
Gabe and I are walking down the corridors when I saw a furious Cheryl charging towards me.
Shit.
One look at her face made me realize that this day is going to get worse.
"Hi Cheryl" I greeted, moving closer to her lips when she stopped me by putting a hand over my face.
After I retracted, she crossed her arms glaring at me "Why didn't you come yesterday night? I waited so long and you didn't even show up"
"Sorry cherry. I had to do something else"
"Is it more important than having----" I shushed her before she can say more, as all the students in the hallway are looking at us.
"I am sorry. I will make it up to you. I promise" I said, kissing her lips.
"You better be" she glared one last time before walking away.
Gabe had a smug look on his face seeing our banter and together, we strolled into the classroom though the class won't start until another ten minutes.
We sat at our regular places and are surprised to see Anna walking into the room, wearing a Harry Potter t-shirt and casual jeans.
"Hey Anns. What's up" I said, surprising myself by calling her with a pet name.
Her face lights up and she smiled, coming our way "Hi"
"You have Trig? I didn't see you yesterday"
"Because you were too busy gossiping with your friend yesterday" she answered.
"Oh" I said, before eyeing her shirt "Don't you think Harry Potter is a little outdated?"
She glowered at me and said through gritted teeth "Harry - Potter - will - never - be - outdated"
Ouch. Looks like I hit a nerve.
"So Anna. Right?" Gabe asked her, speaking for the first time.
"Yup"
"Want to hang out tonight? With me and Jason after my Soccer practice" he said casually.
WHAT?
Her face mirrored the same expression as mine and both of us stared at Gabe in bewilderment.
She cleared her throat awkwardly and mumbled slowly "Um. I work in the evening. So, I can't. I am sorry. Thanks by the way"
"You work. Wow" he said, looking at her in awe.
"Yeah. Didn't Jason tell you what happened yesterday?" She paused, biting her lip to stop herself from laughing "when he was in the store buying a certain something for you"
I gaped at her in astonishment while Gabe looked confused.
She made me speechless that it took several seconds to recover from the humiliation.
"Um-- I-- I--" I stuttered, not knowing what to say.
I am taken back with her sudden confession that I could barely form an answer and she burst into laughter unable to hold any longer.
Even Gabe is looking amused at the turn of events though he didn't understand a thing.
Before he can voice his doubts, the teacher entered the room and Anna headed back to the first row.
I am still shocked that she brought it up; that too with Gabe.
I was too absorbed about what she said yesterday that I forgot all that happened at the store.
Its obvious she didn't want to discuss about her 'Moving on'. Still, I couldn't help thinking what happened so badly that made her leave her home town and come to a new place.
I was also curious to know since when she is doing this.
I was too absorbed trying to decrypt all of this yesterday that I forgot to visit Cheryl and ended up at my home instead.
Everything about Anna stuns me.
The way I found her in the store with her morning face, the way I thought she was dumb and she isn't, the way she started working on her first day at school and even today at lunch, when I found out that she doesn't have a mobile.
Who the hell doesn't carry a phone these days?
When I asked her about it, she simply shrugged it off like it's nothing.
****
Its been two weeks since school started and I still find it difficult to get up at 7 in the morning and attend classes.
Good thing it's Friday today and classes ended already.
Feeling extremely excited about the weekend, I gunned my car engine when I saw Emily driving Anna to work.
Doesn't she get tired of this? Attending school and working as well?
She is the busiest person in our group. Yet, the first to complete trigonometry assignment that was given this Monday. I had to take her book to complete my own because of the personal rivalry I share with Math.
May be, I should take classes from her. But then, she is so busy all week including weekends where she spends most of the time working at the store, or at home studying.
I don't understand how she is managing everything.
Though she is at our table during lunch everyday, she is always immersed in books reading or writing something. I wouldn't be surprised if she completed her trig assignment when we were seriously discussing if Selena Gomez has gotten a boob job or not.
Another curious thing about her is that she never says a word except a 'Hi' or a 'Hello'. She didn't have one to one conversation with any one of our group.
Gabe told me that apart from Em and I, she doesn't talk to anyone.
Though she seems like a normal girl sometimes, she is different from any girl I have ever met.
Something about her draws me in. Like the feeling right now which tells me to follow her to the store.
I kept telling myself this whole week that she is just my friend; nothing special.
But who am I kidding? She is there in almost every class of mine and how much ever I tried to concentrate on the classes, I always end up staring at her.
I am almost sure that Gabe knows this since we share all the classes together. Though he doesn't say anything, sometimes I find him smirking or giving me knowing looks.
As much as I wanted to stay away from her, I also wanted to be with her for reasons I can't decipher.
After much deliberation, I decided to go to store only after getting cleaned up.
As usual, mom and dad aren't home just like Elle who is probably at Kyle's again.
I should talk to her. She is spending way too much time at his'.
After getting ready, I came back down stairs where Elle was munching cookies, thrashing her legs against the couch.
"Hey Elle" I said walking towards her and picked up a cookie from her tray.
"Hi. Are you going somewhere?" she asked looking at me.
"Yup. To the store" I said coolly.
"Why? Do you need something?"
"Um yeah. To get some drinks" I lied easily.
She frowned "We have them in our fridge. Why do you need to--"
She stopped mid-sentence before her eyes lit up and she yelled excitedly "You are going to see Anna right? She works there"
"What? No. Why would I go for her? I really needed drinks" I said, trying to sound casual and she raised her eyebrows in disbelief "And other stuff too"
"Don't try to fool me bro. I know how you feel about her" she said in an accusing tone.
"I don't feel anything" I retorted angrily.
"I see the way you look at her. So stop lying to me" she snapped at me, before leaving the room.
Great. I managed to make her angry without even bringing Kyle's topic.
What's with Gabe and her? Why are they so interested about me and Anna?
Ya, right. They want me to breakup with Cherry. Simple.
In an attempt to peacefully think about my life, I preferred walking to the store instead of driving my car. Sometimes, a nice lonely walk is all you need to clear one's mind.
Twenty minutes later, I strode into the store walking towards the aisles where I could get a good view of the billing counter. However, I found Tom there instead of Anna.
As much as I wanted to ask him about her, I don't want him to know that I've come for her.
I retracted my steps back to the entrance of the shop when I heard a commotion from the other end of the store and found Tom sprinting towards it.
I ran after him hoping that whatever happened there, does not concern Anna.
Much to my disappointment, I found Anna passed out on the tiled floor.
Someone in the crowd brought a chair and water bottle while Tom helped me lift her. Once she is seated on the chair still unconscious, I sprinkled water on her face while Tom shook her shoulders to awaken her.
She slowly opened her eyes and tried to stand before Tom made her sit down.
The crowd disappeared and a few minutes later, she is back to normal. She got up thanking both of us and tried to go back to work when Tom grabbed her hand and advised her to go home.
"I'll be okay Tom. It's nothing really. I will be-"
"No. You're going home" He said with finality in his voice.
"But Tom, my shift is not complete --"
"Don't bother about it. Just leave" He said in an almost scolding tone "But how will you be-"
I interrupted him "I will take her. I don't have a car but I will walk her home"
She seemed to think for a few seconds before she finally said "I can go.. It's not a--"
"NO" Tom and I shouted at the same time.
"Fine" she sighed "Just so you know, I am completely alright"
"But I will go" she added, seeing Tom's reaction.
"Good" He said and kissed her on the forehead.
Both of us come out of the store and walked on the footpath; neither of us saying a word.
A few seconds later, I found her clutching her stomach while walking slowly.
"Cramps?" I asked, trying to start a conversation.
She looked surprised but then said shyly "Yeah, first day"
"That's the reason why you passed out?"
"May be. I was stressed out this whole week too" she completed with a shrug.
"Then why do you work so much?" I asked, genuinely anxious to know her reason.
This girl is truly a mystery. I really want to know why she works so hard.
Is it for money?
If so, what about her parents?
Why does she live in Emily's house?
Why did she come to this town when she knows no one here?
I wanted to ask her so many questions but couldn't since I know she won't answer.
May be one day, she will trust me enough to tell me what happened. May be one day, she will answer all my questions. But sadly, today is not that day.
"I - I don't" she mumbled in almost a whisper.
"You're lying. You know that yourself" I grumbled, unable to hide the bitterness in my voice.
After a long silence when I almost decided that she won't answer, she whispered "I have to"
And that's my cue to stop irritating her with personal questions.
Why doesn't she give a straight answer? What is she hiding?
After walking a couple of yards, she stopped moving making me look back to see what she is so interested in; all of a sudden. She is gazing at the opposite side of the road where a cute 3 year old girl is sobbing, sitting on the sidewalk.
Both of us crossed the road and walked to the little girl who is so cute wearing everything pink. A pink lace dress with a pink hair band and pink bunny slippers and some pink rubber bracelet.
She reminded me of Elle at her 7th birthday when she wore everything pink.
Anna sat beside her on knees and asked softly "Hey baby. What are you doing here?"
The girl stopped sobbing and looked at us in fear "Mommy"
"Looks like she lost her mommy" Anna said, looking at me.
"What shall we do?"
She turned back to the baby, speaking in a sweet tone "Where is your mommy? Don't worry, we will take you to her. Tell us where she is"
The girl looked at us with tears streaming down her pink cheeks and shook her head.
"Do you remember where your house is? We will take you there" I asked to which she shook her head again.
"How do we find her mom? Shall we go to the police?" I asked Anna who seemed lost in her thoughts.
"I think I know where her mom is" she replied, surprising me.
"What? How do you--"
"I saw a park the first day I was here; a few hundred meters away. May be she lost her mom there and walked till here"
Wow. Genius, right?
I know. Why didn't I remember there is a park nearby.
"You are right. Lots of kids go there during evenings. She might've lost her mother there. We should go" I said, trying to pick up the girl who cried loudly, swatting my hands away.
"Baby! We are going to take you to mama. OK? So please be a good girl and let him carry you" Anna muttered, cupping the girl's face with her hand.
She still looked at me in doubt and Anna added "He is Jason, my friend and a very good guy. He won't harm you. Please let him carry you. We can go to mama quickly"
The girl nodded and I picked her up into my arms, directing our way towards the park with Anna trailing beside me.
"So you think I am good, huh?" I asked, smiling a bit.
She bobbed her head up and down with a small smile.
"You think I am hot too?" I asked, remembering her conversation with Em.
She blushed "Um--I-- I--just-- I--"
"It's OK. I think I am hot too" I smirked.
She smiled widely not speaking a word, blushing a little.
"So, what's your name baby?" she asked, looking at the girl in my arms after walking for a few minutes in silence.
"Hannah" the girl replied sweetly, not crying any more.
"Nice name and nice to meet you Hannah. You know we have a similar name. I am Anna by the way"
Nice to meet you? Seriously?
I have never seen anyone use that phrase with a 3 year old.
After walking a few more minutes in silence, a loud growl erupted from her stomach to which she smiled sheepishly.
"I'm sorry. Guess my stomach's hungry" Anna said, looking embarrassed.
I chuckled "Well it would obviously; after what you had for lunch and it was long back. In fact, I was worried why you didn't have lunch like the usual"
She only had a piece of chocolate pie for lunch and looked very uncomfortable the whole hour; not interested in our conversation or her books.
I wondered what was wrong the whole time unable to pay attention to what Gabe was saying about Coach Stan's new strategies in soccer practice.
"You were worried?" she stopped walking, looking at me with an unreadable expression "And what do you mean 'the usual'?"
"The usual, you know" I said, acting like I haven't heard her first question and trying not to offend her eating habits "burger, apple, cookies, coke or coffee"
She raised an eyebrow to which I added "I meant you didn't have a full meal"
She crossed her arms over her chest, looking at me in the eye "You mean I didn't eat like the usual which was a lot?"
"No. I mean I--I--" I stuttered, not knowing how to continue without sounding offensive.
"You observe what I eat?" she asked with a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Yeah. Since you eat the content that Cheryl, Elle and Emily have together" I said in a teasing tone.
Her mouth dropped and she gazed at me in shock like she couldn't believe if I actually said what she thought I said.
OK, I was kidding. But she eats more than I've ever seen a girl eat.
Sighing, she carried on walking when I chuckled "I was joking about the last part. And it's OK to eat more than the other girls when you work more than them"
"Is it a bad thing?" she asked, turning to me once I caught up with her.
"Eating more? No, definitely not" I admitted frankly.
I always advise Elle and Cheryl to eat more since they follow a strict diet regime. They calculate everything in calories saying they need to be fit for their cheering practice.
"So, um. What if--" she trailed off, not meeting my eyes.
"What?"
"Um. What if I go on a date and um--" she stuttered again, not completing her sentence.
"Spit it out Anns. What do you want to know?" I asked, frowning at her.
"Um.. what am I supposed to eat if I go on a date? I mean, um what would the guy think if I eat like that. Should I eat less or---" she rambled meaningless words which brought a smile on my face.
That's the longest I have ever seen her talk.
"It depends on the guy. I mean, I don't have a problem with it" I replied honestly.
Her eyes lit up "You don't?"
"No, I don't. In fact, I'd feel happy that I am not the only one eating like a pig on my date" I said, laughing a bit which is short lived once I realized that I called her a pig.
Preparing myself to face her wrath, I turned my head slowly towards her but was shocked to see her smiling "Did you just call me a pig?"
"I am sorry. I didn't mean to. It was just---"
"It's OK Jason. I am not angry. In fact it's funny" she said, grinning at me.
Knowing that she didn't take whatever crap I said seriously, brought a smile on my face.
She is so cool to have a conversation with; unlike many girls who get upset for the smallest things and always complain.
Once we reached the park, we started searching for Hannah's mom by asking everyone if they saw a woman who lost her kid.
Finally, Anna pointed to a woman sitting on a bench beside an ice cream parlor, looking distraught.
We walked towards her when Hannah shouted 'Mommy' and ran out of my arms.
The woman got up and hugged the little girl with tears streaming down her face while we stood in silence, not speaking a word.
Once she noticed us, she walked up to us and thanked profusely for bringing her daughter back.
She explained that she went to the ice cream booth where she met an old pal and chatted for 10 minutes which is when little Hannah must have gotten bored and walked away.
Once she is done with her explanation, she said "I am Samantha by the way. You are?"
I turned to Anna who is teary eyed and hence answered "I am Jason and this is my friend Anna"
She is crying? Really?
God!! Women.
"Thank you so much for bringing her back. I searched the whole park but to no use. I didn't know if she went by herself or was kidnapped"
"It's alright Samantha. My friend here luckily saw her on the road and here we are" I replied proudly, since Anna is still choking back her tears.
"That means a lot to me. Thank you Anna.. And Jason, right?"
"Yes. Jason Samuels"
"Thank you Jason. Wait. Jason Samuels? Is Kimberly Samuels your mom?" she asked uncertainly.
"Yes. She is" I replied simply, not asking how she knew her.
My mom is a dentist. Of course, everyone would know her.
"And Anna, I owe a lot to you" She said looking at her with a frown before adding "Are you Anna who is the niece of Kayla Turner?"
Anna gasped at her question but answered nonetheless "Y-Yes, I am. How do you know me?"
She looked panicked waiting for her reply when Samantha said excitedly "Well, my husband is a friend of your aunt's coworker Nick who asked me to find accommodation for his friend's niece in this town. I talked with your Aunt a couple of times. You live with Lily, right? I was the one who talked to her to keep you at her house"
Anna sighed contentedly as if heavy burden is lifted off her shoulders "Oh. They are amazing people; Lily and Emily"
She gazed in space, looking lost in thoughts before adding in almost a whisper "It feels like home. Thank you"
"You are welcome. It's nothing to what you did for me"
After saying goodbye to Samantha, we resumed walking, heading back to the original route.
Anna stayed silent making me wonder about her life .
Why is her aunt taking care of her, instead of her parents?
Were they dead?
Is that why she moved on from her city because she couldn't live there anymore?
"What are you thinking?" I asked finally, after too many minutes of silence.
"Nothing. Just thinking" she said simply, with a casual shrug.
That made me chuckle "Thinking about what?"
"Just-Just-Thinking" she stammered, looking straight.
"Will you ever tell me? What happened to you and what made you come here" I questioned, though I know she might ignore me.
She stopped walking and looked at me in surprise "You want to know about me?"
I nodded to which she questioned again "Why?"
Why? If only I knew why.
I have no idea why I want to know about her.
I knew her for only two weeks or maybe three if I can count our meeting at the store. Yet, she became so important to me in such a short span of time.
"You interest me Anns. Don't ask me why because I don't know that myself. I wish I knew more---more about you" that the others do not, I thought of adding but did not; not knowing if I wanted her to know the significance of her in my life.
She looked appalled at my confession and her eyes glistened with tears "I wish I can tell you Jason. Not that I don't trust you because surprisingly, I do. But I need some time. It's too early"
Though I am surprised by my own confession, it felt good to confess and even better when she said she trusts me.
"Just so you know, my story is really boring and uninteresting. You might even fall asleep once I start" She joked.
"I would be the judge of it" I replied with a smile, happy that the conversation shifted to lighter topics.
"Why don't you talk much?" I blurted out, without thinking. This doubt has been eating me since the past two weeks.
She is caught off guard by my question but tried to cover quickly "What do you mean? I have been talking nonstop since the past half an hour"
"You know what I mean Anns. Tell me" I said in a slightly serious tone.
"Why does it matter to you Jason? It's not like you love to hear girls' problems" she said dryly, which made me glare at her.
She shuffled uneasily, unable to meet my gaze "I know you don't listen to what your sister or girlfriend talk to you during lunch"
Wow. Even she knew that I don't give a damn to what Elle and Cheryl rants about. Why the hell don't they understand it?
Wait. How would she know about it unless---
"You observe me during lunch?" I asked, smirking at her.
"What? No-I mean, we-we sit to-together" She stuttered, her cheeks pink with embarrassment.
"Don't try to fool me Anns. I know the truth now" I stated, my smirk growing wider.
She lowered her head not replying anything when I added "And here I thought you don't listen to our conversations"
"Why would you think that?"
"Because you are always immersed in books; like Hermione Granger"
She grinned "I am not like her. I don't go to library every time I have a doubt"
"That you don't" I replied which earned a smile on her face but wiped off after my next question "You didn't answer me Anns"
"You didn't answer me too Jason. Why does it matter to you? I am not your sister or girlfriend. When you don't care to listen to them, why do you--"
Knowing what she is trying to imply, I replied angrily "I know you are neither of them. But you matter to me Anna; as much as they are if not more. Don't ask me why but I care about you as much as I care about them"
Yes, I care about her.
In fact, I like her. I like her a lot.
I know that we know each other for a very short time but I can't deny the strong feelings I have when I am with her.
I accept her accusations that I don't listen to Elle or Cheryl.
But who would?
When all they talk about is how much they want to get some new designer bag or dress. Or about how they can't have some foods to maintain their figure or other nonsense about school gossip.
I always wanted to tell them to f**k off but couldn't.
However, it's different with Anna.
I want to talk to her because she isn't like the other girls I have met.
She looks fragile and vulnerable and always seems guarded.
Sometimes it even makes me happy that I am one among the few people she interacts with.
I am so lost in thoughts that I didn't know what's happening until I felt a pair of arms wrapped around me in a tight hug.
Anna Haven is hugging me?
Is it really happening or am I just dreaming?
Her head is resting on my shoulder while her hands are wrapped around my torso.
"I am sorry Jace. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you" She said, sobbing a bit.
I flinched when she called me Jace bringing back the bitter memories.
I enfolded her into my arms; one hand around her waist, the other over her shoulder when I realized I haven't returned her hug.
"Shh. It's OK Anns. Don't worry. I am not hurt. I was just--" upset? "leave it. But----please don't call me Jace. Please. I don't like it when someone calls me that. OK?" I said calmly.
She nodded and we stood there, in each others arms for few more minutes before she moved away from me and we resumed walking.
I am surprised by my own reaction when she called me Jace. I would have shouted if it's someone else like Elle, Emily or Gabe not to mention my own mother. I don't like that name anymore but even that sounded different, coming off her lips.
We finally reached her home when she turned back to look at me "Thanks Jason. For everything"
"Is that your way of saying good night?" I said, remembering the last time she thanked me at her house.
She gave a small smile "Maybe"
I turned around to head back to my house when I heard her "Be careful Jason"
I steered back to look at her "I am a guy Anna. A big guy. I can walk to my house alone"
"Yeah. A big guy who seemed to be on the verge of tears seeing a girl crying on his shoulders" she mumbled, trying to stop herself from smiling.
"I didn't have tears in my eyes. And I don't cry" I said through gritted teeth, mock glaring at her.
She chuckled "Sure you didn't"
I swerved back to my path when I heard her whisper 'good night' which is audible due to the strange calmness that surrounded this place.
I don't know why it felt so good seeing her happy though she is teasing me.
Tonight, I have the biggest smile on my face though I am heading back home.
---
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- Janaki
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