Chapter 7 NEW TENANT

I dashed out of the classroom as soon as the bell rang. Today's final subject, and then I have to head straight to work. And, as usual, I'd go to my locker and change my clothing.

I had barely stepped out of the locker when I observed two familiar faces not far ahead. My face was flushed with surprise when I recognized Monica and Cario. Their expressions were solemn; it appeared like they were having a serious discourse. Although this wasn't the first time I'd seen them talking together, I thought I'd be able to pass them both, but as Cario shifted his focus to me, I couldn't.

I didn't want to be disrespectful by ignoring his waving hand, so I just smiled at him. When he barely sprinted in my direction, I came to a halt. The big grin on his face reflected the joy of his day.

"Are you heading home?" he said as he came to a stop one meter away from me. I returned my sight to Monica, who now had her right eyebrow slightly lifted, but when she noticed me, it vanished and was replaced with a sweet grin.

"Not yet, Cario; I still have a job." I turned to face him, who greeted me with a nod.

"I see. See you later then?" I couldn't help but wince at what I heard.

"See me later? Why?"

He took a step back, grinning. "Just...I'll be going first," he said before leaving.

My attention was drawn to Monica, who was now approaching me.

"Are you working after class?" she queried, prompting me to simply nod. "If you don't mind," she added, "I have a question for you." Her solemn look conveyed to me that what she was about to say was more than simply something; it indicated that she wanted to know something.

"Sure."

She then folded his arms. "What's the score between you and Carlo?" her unexpected remark caused my lips to separate; I wasn't expecting to hear that from her.

"We're... friends, Monica," was all I could say."Why did you ask?"

But, to be honest, I don't know. Cario has been expressing his affections for so long that I didn't consider it, and I also don't know whether we're both friends; well, I considered him as a friend, but I don't think he regards me as his friend as well, because he knows that's all I can offer him.

"Really?" she asked, still examining.

"Do you like Cario?" I noticed a look of surprise on her face after I asked her that question. She didn't have to hide if it was true; they're truly terrific together.

"Well... to be honest, yeah. I like him a lot, Pene."

I found the sincerity in her eyes.

"And I don't admire the way he treated you," she replied flatly.

I can't blame her. She likes Cario, and Cario likes me. It's not easy to imagine yourself in her position where Cario doesn't consider what she truly feels; the same goes for Cario.

"Have you confessed to him yet?"

"No, but I'm planning, and I don't think I can do it when he's continually looking at you."

I could tell what she was trying to say. She wants me to detach myself from him, but it's not going to be simple, especially given we're both students here at the same institution.

"I know he can't ignore you because both of you can wander around and see each other, but can you avoid him first? I mean, ignore him if you need to. I think that's why he's not losing his hopes because you're still entertaining him. That would be too difficult for him, knowing that you don't even like him the way he does."

Her remarks were like boulders thrown at me and making an impression. And I couldn't agree with her more. Perhaps she's correct because I'm too nice to Cario, which is one of the reasons he keeps on hoping.

Monica's remarks stayed with me till I arrived to work. I agree with her, and I don't think it would hurt Cario. I'm used to not entertaining people, and I believe I'll find it easy to do the same with Curio; to dodge. But I know the impact on him will be difficult. He might get upset with me, or he might conceive of a million reasons why I'm avoiding him, till he goes utterly insane. And that is far too nasty. I believe I can have a proper conversation with him about it.

When I noticed the red book on the edge of my desk, I paused typing my revised manuscript. After dinner, I didn't put it back in my luggage.

I grabbed it with my right hand and stared at it for a moment. Suddenly, what happened yesterday in the cemetery sprang to me. For some reason, I felt chills creeping up inside of me. I haven't opened it since it happened yesterday. I'm frightened of what might come next. What if the man and Russel are the same? I was debating whether or not to keep reading it.

I replaced it on the edge of my desk and went about my business. It was too much for me to handle, so I went home around eleven o'clock.

I was already standing in front of the door when I noticed the lights in the apartment were turned on. I was suddenly reminded that the new renter in the other room had arrived.

When I opened the door, I discovered one pair of shoes inside the doorway. When I discovered that this shoe was for dudes, my two brows met. I noticed some footsteps coming from the kitchen, which prompted me to look in that direction.

I was taken aback when I realized who Aunt Loling was referring to when she mentioned renting the other room.

"Cario?"

"You've already arrived."

"Y-You're the new tenant?" I couldn't believe I just asked that.

His lips curved into a lovely smile. "Yep, I didn't want Aunt Loling to tell that I was her new tenant to surprise you, and I did." He chuckled.

I can't believe he's finally arrived. How could I do what Monica wished to avoid if he became a renter here? I scratch my brow. This is making me feel ill.

"Why did you consider renting? You can buy your unit, the larger one, and just you; your family has a lot of business, right?"

He nodded. "Yes, but I also tend to experience the life you have; I believe it's fairly good, calm, and uncomplicated," he added, but I didn't agree.

"Why here? There are a lot more available apartments for rent elsewhere except this."

"I thought about it, but then I found out you're living here alone, so this is what I selected. Don't you want to have a board mate?"

I swiftly shook my head at his query. "No, no, not that. I'm just... curious. I'm going up."

"Did you already eat?"

"A while ago," I said without looking at him, continuing up the stairs.

I was weary when I walked into the room. Work and school activities are both exhausting. I felt like I needed to embrace someone simply to make myself feel better.

I slapped my cheek. Really, Penelope? What's with wanting to embrace someone? Gosh!

I accidentally tossed myself on my bed after cleaning myself. I couldn't help but feel sorry by the time I felt so exhausted and drowsy at the same time since I couldn't write a narrative very well. Aside from being preoccupied with school and work, I also have very little time for that. Of course, I miss doing it.

Maybe when the term primarily arrives, I'll be able to get back to writing. I'm having a hard time keeping up with the school requirements throughout the first half of the semester. It's exhausting my body, and sometimes I simply hope that one day I'll be able to do it all. But then, anytime I think about what my parents wanted for me, finishing school and getting a solid career always change my perspective. That is something I will do since it is necessary.

And I'm confident that it will be beneficial to me in the long run.