Chapter 7 A Night To Remember

I made it to the basketball court before 8pm. I didn't want Matthew to be there before me since I was the one who asked him to come. So I sat on the bench, the very spot I sat on every time I visited.

It was already 9pm but Matthew hadn't shown up yet. Maybe Mark had forced him to play games with him, I thought. It's fine anyway, at least would have shown up if not for Mark then, with that, I was content.

I looked up to the sky, tonight was filled with twinkling stars, like tiny diamonds scattered across it. I was always accustomed to talking to the stars, rather than making wishes to them. It helps me feel less burdened as I could tell them anything. Sharon had always told me to pray about things instead, but I didn't see the difference. One time I had tried to, but what I prayed for really didn't happen. So I didn't really try again. Looking up to the stars, I wondered if there was any real difference between making wishes and praying.

I know a prayer is a means of asking God to do something for you or simply talking to him, but when you don't really have faith in it, would it really work? I didn't think so. Wishes on the other hand just don't come true either, so I just preferred talking to the stars. At least it helps, there's just a comfort I get whenever I do. It was the same comfort I wanted Matthew to feel, and that's why I asked him to come. Even if he doesn't show up, I won't be angry about it, I thought, smiling.

As I continued to gaze at the stars, lost in thoughts, I didn't know when Matthew arrived.

"You seem a million miles away, what's on your mind?" Matthew asked.

I turned to him and said, "You came. I thought Mark finally convinced you to play games with him."

Matthew came closer and sat beside me saying, "Not really. I had to do something for my dad tonight and it took time to get done. I hope you're not mad?"

"No, why would I?" I said, "I'm glad you still showed up."

"So what was on your mind just now?" Matthew asked.

"Well, nothing really." I said. I looked up to the sky again and asked Matthew, "what do you think of the sky tonight?"

Matthew looked up, his face expressionless, "I think it has a lot of stars tonight."

I turned to look at him, "it is enough to confide in."

Matthew turned to me confused, "Confide?" He asked.

"Yes," I said. "Whenever I feel overwhelmed about anything, I pour my heart to these stars. I let it out until I feel everything wash over"

"So you feel better every time you do?" Matthew asked.

"Yes, that's why I asked you to come. I know you're tense about the exam, so I want you to let out all the tension." I said with a warm smile.

Matthew looked at me with eyes that said he was willing to try it out. So I encouraged him.

"Go ahead, try it and see." I said.

He stood up and went forward and stopped at the center of the basketball court. Then he yelled out, "I'm so tired of keeping up. It's been exhausting recently, I wish things could be easier. I admit I can't be as smart as Mark, but can't it be okay? I really want to make you proud of me but I wish you could go easy on me sometimes." Matthew said.

Listening to him as he continued, I realized he wasn't confiding in the stars but letting out things he dare not utter. And I guessed it was to his Dad. He yelled until it sounded like he wept, soon his voice was just a whisper and I couldn't hear what he said anymore. Once he was done, he came right back. Silence fell between us, I knew Matthew didn't know what to say to me because I heard everything he said. So I assured him that no one would hear about it.

"Thank you," Matthew said. "It was really comforting as you said. I don't really feel tense any more, " He added.

"You're welcome," I said. "But you weren't talking to the stars, was it your..... Dad?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

Matthew was quiet, so I said, "You don't have to tell me, sorry I asked."

"Yes." He suddenly said,

"Huh?" I asked.

"Those words were meant for my Dad. But I dare not say them to him. My Dad has always been obsessed with me being the top student, he doesn't want anyone to be ahead of me. But I just can't beat Mark, he's way smarter." Matthew said.

He turned to me and continued, "I know you'd say you believe I was smarter, but I know the truth. You see, every person has a different level of brain IQ. Some more than others but it doesn't mean the rest are dumb, they might be good in something else rather than books. You have no idea how much I study to maintain my position in class as the second best, but Mark doesn't study that much and he still remains as top student."

"You see, our IQ isn't the same. He's my friend, I'm in no way envious of him but I just wished my dad could understand that too." Matthew said.

While listening to Matthew, I realized that everyone has their own struggles. It didn't have to be being a maid and getting ridiculed all the time, it just could be something else. I didn't know what to say to comfort him, so I just listened.

"My Dad is really hoping I get accepted into that technology institution, and somehow outshine Mark with an outstanding performance in the screening exams, so that's why you see me studying harder these days." Matthew said.

"Well it's okay to study. But remember to always take a break so you don't turn into a book zombie." I said laughing. Matthew also laughed too.

Then he brought out drinks and snacks he had in the bag he came with. "This was to make you less angry for showing up late." He said.

I smiled and collected them, "I wasn't angry at all but it's okay, we can have snacks while watching the stars then."

We had our snacks and watched the stars together. I was beyond satisfied with how everything turned out. I couldn't have it any other way.

Just then, a voice intruded our serene atmosphere. "Good for you Matt, this is the plan you told me you had tonight? A date with a little minion right?" Mark asked.

Matthew and I were shocked to hear him.

"Mark? What are you doing here?" Matthew asked, surprised.

"I'm sorry, did I just disturb you both? I can't believe you man, you ditched me for a girl." Mark said, sounding angry.

"I didn't. And this is not a date. Lucy asked me to meet her here first before you told me about video games." Matthew explained.

"I see, if it wasn't a date, what is it?" Mark asked.

Matthew was speechless to explain further because he knew Mark would find the reason quite ridiculous. So Mark concluded with Matthew's silence.

"Look at you minion, don't you think you look desperate by asking a guy out." Mark said.

I got angry "Watch your mouth Mark. Why do you always meddle into other people's issues? Can't you just mind your business?" I said in rage.

"Matthew business is my business. I don't want girls like you to be anywhere near him." Mark blurted.

"Girls like me? What do you mean by that?" I asked, completely throwing off my good behavior. I was ready to give Mark a piece of my mind tonight.

"Can you both stop it already?" Matthew yelled.

He turned to Mark and said, "it's enough Mark, why do you always speak ill of Lucy. She's my friend now and I can spend time with her because that's what friends do. You have to respect her the way you respect our relationship as best friends."

"It's fine, you now speak up for her" Mark said as he turned and walked away.

Matthew turned to me and apologized, "I'm sorry about everything he said, he really didn't mean it, trust me. Sometimes he just says the wrong things."

I couldn't believe Matthew was still speaking up for Mark, he truly believes Mark was a good person. "It's fine." I just said.

"Thank you for tonight, I truly appreciate it." Matthew said as he ran along to catch up with Mark. But as he chased after Mark, he yelled out, "It's late, you should go home now."

As I watched as he caught up with Mark and they both walked away, I could only hope that Matthew's friendship would continue to flourish. I knew our friendship had only begun, but I couldn't wait to see where it would take us.