⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
┏━━━━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
vii.
doubts
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
┗━━━━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Harley didn't go to school for four days.
During that period, he had spent his time with Lesley. It still shocked him, but his sister never once scolded or neglected him. Unlike his mother, Lesley made sure that he eats enough. She would ask him to sleep the moment she senses that he's tired, and she would buy anything he wants. Even if he just glances at an item for a few seconds, she would instantly purchase it for him—despite his protests that he didn't want it.
He had never been cared for like this before. Mother was never concerned if he was starving. All she wanted him to do was study, study and study. If he wasn't studying, it was either because she had locked him in the basement, or because she was too busy beating him up. Lesley, on the other hand, was the opposite. She wanted him to do whatever he wanted, and she would make sure that he had all his needs.
Lesley parked the car next to the road, and he could see the worry glinting in her eyes when she looked at him. "Harley, are you sure you're ready for school? You can still sit at home if you want."
Harley gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine, Lesley. Besides, I can't skip today. I have an exam, remember?"
Lesley bit her lip, before she gave him a hesitant nod. "You're right. But I want you to know that, no matter what results you get, I'll still love you, all right?"
Harley could only give his sister a small smile. He wanted to make her proud, so he would try his best. Hopefully, he could score his exams like usual. He knew that Lesley kept reminding him not to push himself, but he had done all he could in order to catch up with his lessons.
"I love you, Harley," Lesley said, throwing her arms around him. "I'll pick you up here, okay?"
He nodded his head before returning her embrace. "I love you too, Lesley."
After giving each other a quick hug, Harley exited the car. He started walking towards the school building, and he found Lesley waving at him when he glanced over his shoulder. He couldn't help but smile as he waved back, but he made an abrupt stop when he remembered that he left his lunch at home.
And he didn't bring any money.
He knew that Lesley was probably still watching him from behind, and he didn't want her to find out. So, he continued to walk as if nothing happened. She had done so much for him already, and he didn't want to trouble her anymore. Besides, it was only a few hours of school. He had lasted a day without food, so this was probably nothing.
He passed the hallway with his head lowered, and he hoped that his hat was enough to cover his face. He didn't want to make eye contact with anyone, especially after all the things he had done. However, he could still feel multiple pair of eyes onto him, and, all of a sudden, the hallway was filled with whispers. He tried to block out the sounds, but the whispers were getting louder and louder–
"Harley!"
Harley was startled when he found Nana standing in front of him. There was a huge smile on her face, though, her eyes were showing worry. And, now that he was staring at her, he realised that she had always been the one trying to befriend him despite his attitude. It made him feel bad that he had always hurt her feelings whenever she tries to be nice, but, what was done is done, and it was too late to change anything now.
