The Tree's Girl

Chapter Twenty Two

“Did you hear? Joseph shouted at Maria!", “Yeah, I was there! Joseph was also covered in bandages...”, “What do you think happened to him?”, “Who knows? All I know is that it made Maria worried.”, “Why would she be worried?”, “Maybe because they’re partners in the tree experiment… or maybe… they’re going out!”, “If they were, then Joseph is one lucky guy!”, “I wouldn’t shout at Maria if she was my girlfriend”, “What is his problem?”, “I don’t know but it’s kinda cruel to shout it out on someone”, “I agree.”

The endless gossips reach my ear. I shout once and I’m already cruel. I really don’t get how these people could easily judge others by a simple movement. I shouted at Maria because he was starting to annoy me! I know she meant well, but she has to understand! Not everything that happens to me involves her. My father is my mortal enemy, I want him to disappear using my own hands.

Maria is probably feeling horrible right now, because once again I shunned her, I pushed her away; I showed her my anger that was supposed to be for my dad. I just can’t help it anymore! The arrival of that man turned on all my living anger! I’d rather see and fight Denver again than to come and live a life with him. What does he need me for anyway? He has lived without me for years! Why need me now?

In my classroom, you could only hear silence. My classmates afraid to speak because of my murderous aura. I couldn’t help but think of killing him, see him bleed in my own punches, slowly cutting his throat, and other countless brutal acts. It’s such a wonder what anger built over the years could do.

After a few seconds, class started and Maria didn’t attend. Once in a while, I look at her chair, probably because it was my habit to keep guard, and once in a while, I catch my classmates looking at me and rapidly looking away once we make eye contact. They’re probably blaming me why Maria isn’t here, I won’t deny it, and it’s true anyway.

But I don’t think she’s mad. If she was, then she wouldn’t even dare to look at me! In fact, the opposite is happening.

In the half of our class, I looked out the window. I was surprised to see Maria standing outside, beside the tree.  She was staring right at me with some kind of mournful eyes. As much as I don’t want to see her that way, I just don’t want her involved.

For the rest of the class, we just stared at each other, trying to read each other’s thoughts.

By the time I knew it, it was already break time. I bought some food and rapidly rushed over to the roof top. Even though this place was filled with memories of a “wonderful” person like Denver, I still think this place is peaceful. I suddenly had the urge to cut class, because lately, It’s been a little too boring and my classmates have been getting on my nerves, the only reason I stay there is… Well, Maria, I guess. She’s the first person that came into my mind.

If I did cut class, Maria would not probably stop me, but then I’ll disappoint my mother if I fail on some missed exams, but then again, I could use the time to think of a scheme to kill off my father. What a tough decision to make. I looked out at the railings to keep my minds at peace. The gentle breeze was very soothing.

“Joseph…” oh so suddenly, that peace was interrupted when I heard the door open and close behind me, but I didn’t turn around to see who it was. Judging from the voice it was obvious, and, only one person would come and look for me in a place like this.

“I’m sorry” she hugged me from behind, tears fell from her eyes. I could feel it fall from my back.

“Why are you saying sorry?” I asked, because if I could remember it correctly, I was the one who shouted at her, probably embarrassed her in front of a lot of people. Shouldn’t I be the one saying sorry? But, would I even say sorry? I know I have the biggest pride ever, that’s why I doubt my skill to apologize.