ShArDs [chapter6: The appearance of a new rival]

Josh took a train as usual, and he was wide awake expecting to see Camie step into the train anytime. Much to his disappointment, Kay walked in instead.

Kay is a tall and cool girl, not Josh's type at all. However, she is well known and loved by her friends. There were a great number of guys who faced rejection from her. Guess she's a girl hard to sought after.

In the blink of an eye, Josh saw a man stealing Kay's wallet painstakingly from her billabong bag. He grimaced and eyed the man's every move.

"Hey jerk." Josh called out to the pickpocket mockingly.

The pickpocket jumped in shock and looked at Josh fearfully.

"Hey there. You better return her wallet or I swear you'll be very sorry." Josh exclaimed coolly.

The pickpocket looked around frantically and all eyes were on him. He had no choice. Stretching out his trembling hands, he returned Kay's wallet, and ran off hastily when the next station came.

"Hey thanks." Kay whispered to Josh.

"Nah, don't think much about it."

The next day, rumors were in the air that Kay is after Josh. It was the first time Kay went after a guy with such publication.

"So, you must be really happy ya?" Camie questioned Josh, pretending to be nonchalant.

"About what?" Josh enquired.

"Don't fake your ignorance. You know, Kay."

"Oh... Why do you wanna know?" Josh raised his eyebrows.

"Never mind if you don't wanna tell..."

"No no, I wanna tell you, but the time is not ripe yet."

"Don't be lame, Josh." Camie replied and received a wink from Josh.

"Guys are ambiguous, indeed." Camie smiled.

The following day, Camie disappeared without a trace during recess, once again. However, this time round, Josh swore that he's gonna find her no matter what it takes.

Josh searched frantically level by level and was perspiring profusely upon reaching the fourth level. Breaths quick and heavy, Josh was slouching with his hands resting on his knees.

Where exactly is Camie? Josh thought.

It was then he heard something dropped that he turned immediately. Inside his heart, he was repeating Camie's name, as if she would appear out of nowhere. Nevertheless, it was not her, but the cleaner.

"Did I scare you?" The cleaner asked, eyes wide due to Josh's sudden movement.

Josh walked away, filled with disappointment. There were just a few minutes left before recess ends. He could not find Camie, guess it was meant to be.

Josh strolled past the corridor in an attempt to get back to the classroom. He saw the door leading to an abandoned staircase.

Go in. His heart urged.

It was then the bell sounded. Josh gave a second look to the door and started to walk away when he heard footsteps echoing. He opened the door slowly and heard the door creak eerily. The footsteps were getting closer and closer, seconds by seconds.

Finally, he saw a pair of legs. With slow motion, Josh stared up, which seemed to take forever.It bred familiarity.

Camie.

So, she had been hiding there all along, every recess. Josh stared into her eyes questioningly and saw her eyes softened.

"I can't have my recess. I mean, I'm poor, I have to save up." Camie said, with a sprinkle of tear falling from her eye.

"No way, why didn't you tell me before?" Josh breathed.

"I even had to borrow the dress for the dance party. I didn't want you to get all worried about me..."

"So that's why you hid yourself here all along?"

"Yea."

Josh felt a knife through his heart, he was hurting for Camie. So this is how hard she lives.Why didn't I realise it before?

Josh made up his mind to make Camie happy, everyday, without fail. Well, he did it. His mere presence brought Camie joy instantly.

This time, Josh plucked up his courage to pose the question to Camie again.

"Would you be with me? Camie?"

Camie replied tentatively," Let's try it out for one day, okay?"

Josh was mad with joy. It was the happipest day of his life.

* my S H A T T E R E D dreams_ 1:42 PM