Chapter Six

Kacy

The next day, I woke up early, put my things inside my backpack, and got ready for school. Uncle Ben told me that Andre couldn't attend his class today due to his bruises. The clinic advised him to rest for a while, and because of that, Uncle Ben asked me to give his excuse letter and medical certificate to his professors.

"Why me?" I asked. "Is Cathryne not going to school too?"

"She's already gone too early. I don't know what happened to her, but she doesn't seem to be in a good mood," Uncle Ben replied.

"Just like her mother," I muttered.

"Are you saying something?" Uncle Ben asked.

"Nothing," I replied.

"Alright. Please don't forget to give the documents to his professors. Thank you, Kacy, you're a lifesaver," Uncle Ben said with a smile before leaving. He seemed to be in a hurry, and I knew he was busy due to the businesses he was trying to attend to.

While eating my breakfast, I remembered my father. He always told me stories about him and his brother going on adventures together when they were kids. They always play around, climb trees, etc., etc. Every time his brother was bullied by other kids, he'd always show up to defend him. My father was such a hero.

A few moments later, I was finally ready to go. Springfield University wasn't that far from Uncle Ben's house, so I decided to take a walk. Along the way, I met Daisy Young, my classmate. Her parents were both business owners, and we often see each other during our parents' meetings.

"Good morning, Kacy," she greeted with a smile. Her curly blonde hair swayed as she walked toward me. "So, how's your report for today?"

"Morning. I made it just before midnight," I replied. "How about yours?"

"As expected of Kacy Thompson. That must be the reason why you look tired, isn't it?" Daisy asked. "Mine isn't done yet, but I don't think I'll be able to report today. Professor Gray said that we'll do it alphabetically."

"Alphabetically?" I asked, surprised. "My last name is Thompson, so it means I won't be able to report too?"

"Probably," she said.

If I won't be able to report today, then what did I rush for? I should have had enough sleep last night if I only knew. But still, at least I have more free time later. I'd love to go shopping.

"What's wrong with that guy?" I asked when someone bumped my shoulder but didn't even look back and apologize. He seemed to be in a hurry.

"Better not to involve yourself with him, Kacy," Daisy advised. "That's Bryan Browne. He's a transferee. I'm sure he had some bad records in his previous school. Look, he's not even following the clothing rules of our school."

Bryan Browne, again? Now I remember, he was Cathryne's boyfriend. The one who hurt Andre. Daisy was right; I shouldn't get close to him. He was also the one who bumped into me yesterday, wasn't he? He didn't seem to be good; he didn't even apologize.

I saw Bryan following Cathryne. She must be mad about what happened to her brother. Better not to involve myself in their couple's discord.

Daisy and I went to our classroom. Professor Gray started the report immediately. Daisy was right; he did it alphabetically. After a long day of boring schoolwork, I finally got home. I took a shower and changed my clothes. As I planned, I want to go shopping today.

When I got outside the house, I saw a car parked there. It wasn't my Uncle Ben's car. A man wearing a suit stepped out. It was Bryan Browne! He walked towards me. My heart was pounding in my chest every step that brought us closer. I didn't want him to see me, so I tried my best not to make eye contact.

"It's nice to see you again, Kacy Thompson," he said.

I didn't know what he was doing here. Perhaps he came to meet Cathryne, and that has nothing to do with me. I forced myself to smile and try to leave, but he grabbed my arm. We looked into each other's eyes, and time seemed to slow down.

"Before you leave, may I ask if Cathryne's parents are here?" he asked. His voice serious and the look on his face sent shivers down my spine.

"Do you really have to touch me?" I asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it," he apologized, letting go of my arm.

"Only her mother is here. Uncle Ben is on a business trip," I replied and walked away.

"Thanks," he said, but I didn't look back.

I shouldn't interact with him again. I didn't feel good when he grabbed my arm. Like he had some bad intention towards me. A normal human wouldn't do such a thing. He was kind of a weirdo.

"Hey, Kacy, have you seen Bryan?" Cathryne asked when we met down the road. She was with her friends. They were still in their uniforms.

"Um, yeah, he's at your house right now," I replied, trying to sound nice, as I didn't want to cause trouble.

"Thanks, I hope he'll fix this soon," Cathryne said and continued walking.

I headed to the nearest mall and went shopping. After that, I went back to Uncle Ben's house. When I arrived, Bryan's car was still there. He was in the living room, drinking with Dorothea and Cathryne as if nothing had happened. I couldn't understand it, but even Danny, the driver, was also there.

"Hey, Cathryne," Bryan said. "Won't you drink with us?"

"Don't bother her, Bryan," Dorothea said. "Kacy had just lost her parents. She didn't want to have fun with us."

"Oh, she must be sad," Bryan said.

"Very sad," Cathryne added.

How dare they talk about my parents? They had no idea how painful it was. The struggle I went through. They couldn't understand it because it didn't happen to them. I stayed silent, ignored them, and continued upstairs.

I went inside my room. I put the shopping bags on my bed and locked the door, blocking all the noise coming from downstairs. I didn't like to hear them talk about my parents. Just what exactly that Bryan doing here?