Blackmail me not!

            One Monday morning, a girl of sweet 16 came to school bringing her daily troubles as a senior high school student. That morning was a total hangover for Loraine. She could remember the singing and chatting visitors from their party the night before. She can’t even sleep peacefully because of the continuous noises made by their visitors. She was very sleepy and didn’t even pay attention to their flag ceremony that morning. She was patiently waiting for lunch. And Lo, the most awaited break time has come.

            She went to the canteen sleepily even though she tried her best to stay wake. She ordered for a plate of rice and a yummy Pork Humba. She chose the last table so she could be on private. As she was eating, a group of girls beside her played a soft music. The sound of the sweet melody made her closed her eyes and drifted her to sleep. Her head fell on her plate of rice topped with the Pork Humba sauce. She woke up to the feeling of pain the bump had caused. Luckily, no one was watching. She thought it was a real coincidence to choose the last table. She was about to get her towel when she heard a camera shuttered.

“Ehh?” Loraine made a funny look and turned her head to catch the one who took it.

“It’s sure is a nice poise. He-he.” A guy who’s looking much younger than her sat in front of her and took her towel so he could wipe it for her.

“You know, mister, I don’t know if I would thank you or not but you’re totally disturbing me!” Loraine warned.

“Oh really?” The guy flipped his cell phone and showed Loraine her funny yet embarrassing picture. “What would everyone think if they will see this picture of yours? Wouldn’t that be so embarrassing? I will print and post it on the bulletin board.”

“How could you? That is an offense!”

“I promise to delete it if you will follow what I will say.” Then his lips turned to make a grin, a grin, by which she couldn’t understand.

‘Oh my! Don’t tell me he’s going to ….’ Loraine started to visualize weird imaginations.

“What’s with the long face? Don’t worry, I will not hurt you. Tomorrow lunch time, go to the science laboratory 1 located on the first and second year high school building. Don’t ever run away and be late or this photo will be posted at the school’s bulletin board!” then he finally flipped back his cell and left.

“Darn it!! How could he do this to me? He looks taller but looks younger than me. He’s wearing civilian so I couldn’t recognize if he is a freshmen, sophomore or not! If that’s the case, how could he do that to a senior like me! If I could only get my hand on his cell phone and delete that picture!” Loraine, now widely awake, grumbled on her way on the girl’s comfort room to wash her face. Later that night, she couldn’t sleep. She kept on thinking about what will happen the next day.

The next day, she was greeted by her friend and classmate Alice. “Loraine, you look like you’ve aged all of a sudden. Didn’t get enough sleep? You’re scary.”

“Could you please me leave alone first? I’m kind of tired.” Loraine explained.

“Ok, never mind, I won’t criticize your looks. By the way, you went to the canteen near the freshmen and sophomore area, right? Did you see any cute-looking students? You know that our building and canteen are separated from them to avoid fights.” Alice asked.

“Nope, I didn’t see one.”

“It can’t be! We all know that according to the PTCA, 4^th year students should visit and help the freshmen and sophies!” Alice added.

“Our school is not just until high school but up to college. But the PTCA also called them to visit us also. This I’ve noticed, are you using the PTCA as an excuse to visit freshmen?” Loraine laughed.

“NO! I don’t like younger guys. I like guys who are older than me for 2 years or so. And did you forget that when we were still in first year high school, those seniors and even college students wanted to visit you. You were cute back them.” Alice remembered.

“Oh really, sorry I forgot.” Loraine looked at her with a smile.

“Forgot? So you also forgot that nerd-looking 2^nd year college student who confessed to you back then. He’s such a geek!”

“Oh him… I think so…. You know, my family doesn’t allow relationships during high school.” Loraine added.

“Hmph! This university is so popular that’s why I wanted to be enrolled here and to have a boyfriend. Because of that no bf-gf rule of yours, you are a very old-fashioned and innocent that made you scared off every boys courting you.” Alice looked at her.

“Owww… wait!!! This isn’t the time to be thinking about something like this!” Loraine remembered as she rose from her sit and ran towards the other building. “I can’t get a boyfriend if that picture is still there. I wonder who he is. He didn’t look older than me. Maybe he is a 3^rd year student or the same year as me.” Loraine wondered. “or maybe from the other building. Argh!! I don’t know because I don’t even make friends at that building. But it’s the freshmen and sophomore’s building, I saw him enter one of the rooms there! That must be it!” she went to the science laboratory located in that building and entered the said room. “Excuse me…” then she sniffed the smoke of a lit cigarette. ‘He’s not a delinquent or something, is he?’ Loraine stopped and looked.

“You’re late!” he sat there smoking nearby the window.

‘He’s really a delinquent!’ Loraine thought. “Hey, you’re smoking! It might contaminate the chemicals found here!” Loraine warned but he continued on his smoking.

“Oh really? You came late and yet all I hear are grumbles.” He looked at her and stood up. He was already heading towards her. In less than a minute, he was there standing before her, kind of crouching a little. “Don’t move!” He commanded.

‘He’s not doing any perverted stuff, is he?’ Loraine thought. “Uhmm, this kind of thing should be done after we’ve started to know each other more for a very long period of time.” Loraine muttered.

“Don’t be noisy! This will be over soon.” He smirked and finally leaned down a little.

‘Oh my! Is he aiming for this? Is he really gonna do it to me? I’m not ready for this or any physical contact.’ Loraine closed her eyes immediately as these words encircled her mind. She could feel the beat of his heart. She blushed.

“Hey look at me!” he boastfully said. ‘What?’ Loraine slowly opened her eyes. “There’s a bug on your hair.” He took it and smiled at her.

“Ahh…” Loraine, realizing she made some weird imaginations, blush beet red.

“By the way, my name’s Aaron and you might be Loraine.”

“Huh? How did you know my name? Are you some psychic?”

“Uhmm, it’s a very long story but you don’t have to be afraid of me…” Aaron walked to the window and released the bug. “It’s just that……” He suddenly turned to face her. “…I like you…” He could see Loraine stunned as he confessed. “I’m not rushing you but you need to go to this place everyday every lunch time.”

“Huh?”

“You are coming, right?”

“Uhh…uhh… Okay!”

“Then you can go now…” Aaron slowly led Loraine out of the laboratory.

“Ahh… ok...” Loraine nodded and ran back to her classroom. ‘He’s really weird and odd. I barely knew him but he said he like me.’

Aaron, on the other hand, watch Loraine ran. He locked the door and shouted. “Finally… I… I did it!!! Yahoo, the next days will sure be fun!”

            Loraine went to the laboratory every lunch time. A week had already passed yet she didn’t get boredwhen she’s with Aaron.

“Ahh, Loraine’s gone again!! She’s been doing this for a week especially during lunch time.” Alice grumbled.

“Maybe she went with her boyfriend.” Another girl added.

“No, it can’t be. She knows it’s a big no-no. But if that’s the case, that guy is only using her.” Alice deducted.

            At the laboratory, Aaron and Loraine were eating their lunch. Loraine brought up some rumors she heard while buying food at the canteen earlier that day.

“I heard that a sophomore student got caught smoking at the music room yesterday.”

“Uh, that’s bad.” Aaron replied. ‘No way, It’s my...’

“Right, so you must not smoke inside the school premises or you’ll be caught. You must also take good care of your health. It’s so easy to get sick but hard to get the money to pay off the medical bills.”

“Ahh….” Aaron reluctantly agreed. Then he stood up and went near the door. “Oh, I need to go back now! Bubye! See you tomorrow.” He bid and left the laboratory.

“It’s still not time yet. He’s always like that. He goes back to class early. He even said he likes me then why is he not spending time with me.” Loraine stopped and thought. ‘Maybe I’m a very moralistic and innocent girl.’ Unknown to her, Aaron was listening. His looks saddened. ‘Haii… I think I would be very sad if I can’t see you anymore but the problem is how can hide my real identity without you hating me…’

The next day, it was already lunch time and the canteen went back to its busy lunch hour again. The corridor was filled with noise.

‘Lunch time…’ Aaron assumed. Then he heard guys whistled. “Hey! What’s all the commotion about?”

“There’s a pretty girl over there.” A boy in front of her replied.

‘Pretty? Girl?’ Aaron looked and was astonished by the scene in front of her.

“Oh! Sorry to keep you waiting.” Loraine called him. She was wearing a mini skirt topped with a cute blouse and high heels on. “He-he… I didn’t do it for you….” Before she could finish her sentence, Aaron grabbed her hand and led her to the laboratory.

“Why are you wearing something like that?” Aaron questioned.

“Huh? I just want to look prettier. Maybe you’re thinking that since I’m dressed conservatively then it’s strange for me to dress like this. This is the reason why I can’t get a boyfriend!”

“You’re wrong! You’re more than what others think.” He slowly leaned down and kissed her. “You’re cute, Loraine. And the reason why you are unnoticed is that you would only fall in love with me.” Aaron embraced her and begun to speak again. “I’m worried that if I can’t stay beside you then others will take you away from me. I only want you because I know I’m in love with you.”

‘It’s my first time to feel my heart beat fast. I could hear the music of his heart’s song.’

            It was a sunny Friday noon. When Loraine went to the freshmen and sophomore’s building because she was tasked to deliver some materials. Taking it was her chance to see Aaron during their class time.

“Hey! Can you help me bring these boxes?” Alice asked.

“Oh sorry.” Loraine smiled and took some.

“It’s my first time to enter this building. Everyone’s cute.” Alice looked. “Hey look! That guy is so hot!”

“What do you mean?” Loraine looked. It was Aaron. He just came out of the sophomore’s classroom. ‘Huh? Why is he really here? Don’t tell me he’s really a sophomore. I thought he’s just here for research.’ Loraine grabbed Alice and hid behind the stairs. She heard Aaron with some friends talking.

“Lately, I like older women.” The boy beside Aaron said.

“I…… I don’t like older women.” Aaron smiled and they left.

Loraine was shocked and speechless. ‘He knew my name then he also knew my age, right? So he doesn’t like older women. I see.  He’s just playing with me.’

            After three days, Loraine didn’t go to the laboratory. Aaron was getting very impatient.

“Arrgh!! Why isn’t she coming here? It’s been three days with no call or text.” He took his phone and called her.

“Hello?” Loraine answered.

“Hey! Why aren’t you coming here? Are you sick?”

“No, I’m here in school but I’m not going to see you again.”

“What did you say? Loraine! Don’t ….” Aaron angered but she ended the call. She felt her phone vibrated and appeared his message.

“Ehh… he’s sending me a text message.” Loraine opened it immediately and it read:

‘You don’t  care about what will I do with that picture, ehh?’

“I’m not going to forgive him anymore!” ‘On top of my breaking and aching heart, he’s still blackmailing me!’ Loraine clenched her fist and looked at the tickling clock.

            Aaron was still waiting there when he heard the bell rang.

“Huh? There’s no time left.” He stood up, took his necktie and left.

            Loraine was impatiently looking at the hands of the clock. She heard the bell rang but she didn’t care. She stood up and ran. She had to do this.

“Hey Loraine, what about our class?” Alice asked.

“I’m sorry, Alice. I need to do this before it’s too late.” Loraine dashed right into the sophomore’s classroom. ‘I don’t care if he’s a freshmen or a sophomore as long as I can tell him how I feel. I don’t mind him being a sophomore student or he’s younger than me as long as he likes me as I like him.’ Finally she arrived and banged the door. She shouted. “Hey everyone, listen up! Is Aaron here?” there was a long pause then she continued. “You know! A boy named Aaron. I know he’s in this class and….” Loraine noticed the discussing teacher in front as the chalk he was holding fell from his hand. He was astounded and so are the students.

‘Oh no, it can’t be.’ Loraine looked at the teacher in return.

“Sir Aaron, who is she? Do you know her?” the boy in front asked.

“Excuse me, you must be polite and call him Sir Aaron.” The girl next to the boy added.

“Ehh… Pardon… I’m sorry! I entered the wrong class.” Loraine flushed and ran outside.

“Wait!” Aaron tried to stop her.

“Sir, what about our class?”

“……..”

“I’m sorry. I will just give you an assignment later because I had to follow her. For she’s my only love for a very long time.” Aaron took remove his eyeglasses and followed Loraine.

‘I can’t believe he’s a… but… that’s why he never told me. It’s hard for him especially teacher and student love affair is forbidden. Being a teacher is definitely…’ Loraine thought. Then she heard some footsteps.

“Loraine! Where are you? I’m sorry if I lied to you. But the part about me loving you is true. I’m afraid you’ll hate me if you will know the truth. I’m sorry! Won’t you come out and face me?”

‘No! I won’t go out.’ Loraine thought. She hid behind the stairs near Aaron.

“So you’re not coming out, ehh? I supposed you don’t care about what will happen to this photo, right?” Aaron threatened with a smirk.

“HEY!” Loraine came out immediately when she heard the word ‘photo’ “I told you to delete that!”

“I’ll never delete this photo.” Aaron smiled.

“Delete it!” Loraine stopped when Aaron showed a picture in his cell phone. The picture revealed to be Loraine during in her first year high school.

“It’s you during your freshmen year. I took this picture before. That time, I was still in second year college and you’re just entering first year high school.”

“Huh?” Loraine looked at him with confusion.

“I actually confessed to you back then. Do you still remember that nerd-looking guy you rejected? That was me but I didn’t lose hope. I gave up my nerd and geek personality and made it this far. I want to get employed to this school after I graduate from college because I know this is your last year here in this school. I was very happy when I met you during orientation day. I was hoping I could teach in your class but I guess I’m wrong. I’m sorry for hiding that from you. I’ll come and clean on who I really am.” Aaron sincerely said while Loraine cried. “I am …. A man who loved you for almost 5 years and that will never change.” Aaron looked at her. “Then I must go. My identity is revealed. This nightmare I’m afraid to dream has appeared.” He smiled and walked. But arms stopped him. Loraine’s arms stopped him from walking farther. She hugged him.

“I don’t care who you really are as long as you love me as I love you. I will work hard and graduate. When the time comes, we will be together that not even the society can stop us. I have loved you as a person not with the sir on your name but a person I’m willing to accept and the commitment I’m ready to accept.”  Loraine closed her eyes. Aaron turned to face and hugged her tight.

“I don’t know what is love but I’m living because of you and the reason I’m living too today is you too and please remember just this… because you are here… this person who’s learnt to love is also here…… with tears………..”

They kissed.

The end!!