章節 15: Valid Feelings

"Good morning, father!"

Justin wiped his face with a towel while holding the phone to his left ears. He sat down on his solo bed and rummaged through something inside his bag.

"Are you doing well? How's school?" The hoarse voice of the other man coming from the other line resounded on his phone.

Justin put his bag aside and sighed. He only had enough money to survive the day today. He didn't know where to get another budget for the next week.

"How's the eyeglasses I brought you?"

The word 'eyeglasses' rang in his ears, and it made Justin lower his head. He clenched the phone and inhaled. "I'm using it, father..thank you," he said with a bitter smile. He faked a chuckle. "Did you eat your breakfast, father? How about your medicines? Don't overwork yourself, I'm really fine at school..I-I h-have a lot of good friends." he gulped, stopping the sound he shouldn't let out.

His father, from the other line, crouched down and sat for a while. He tried to at least distance from the construction site because the machines were too noisy. "I already ate my breakfast, you too should eat, kay?" He smiled. "Be good at school and tell me if everything goes wrong or if you need anything." He covered his mouth and coughed, but quickly stopped it by drinking water.

Justin heard it. Even if he's father tried to hide it, he can still feel that he's getting older and sick. "Father, please don't overwork yourself. I told you to be careful.." he said in a worried tone.

His father chuckled and before he could make another word, the call ended.

Justin sighed and put the phone down. They really didn't have enough time to talk to each other because his father already sold his phone to pay half the price of his new glasses that are now broken. Working in a construction site every day, enduring the pain just to give everything what he needed. Justin didn't want to be a burden anymore.

The boy secretly took a part-time job at the bookstore meters away from their school. Making sure that none of his classmates would know anything about it. Studying at day and working at night is not new to Justin. He wanted his father to be proud of him.

If you are a scholar at E University, they prohibited you from doing any part-time jobs as a student. It's against the school policy. Scholars received cash every month for their budgets, but it's still not enough for Justin. He's renting a small apartment, providing his food, electricity, water and some personal expenses. If he wants to survive, he needs to take the risk.

He rubbed his eyes after feeling the heavy emotions. Before even thinking of crying again, Justin stood up from the bed and fixed the necktie on his collar. He caught a glimpse of his wallet. If he's going to walk to school, he'll surely be late.

"My bike," he mumbled to himself. Justin had his own bike, but since it's old, the tires are sloppy now. If the boy bought new tires today, he will run out of money for tomorrow. Including his food.

Another reason to feel anxious. Small tears fell on his cheeks while in front of the mirror. He tried all his best to stop it, but he felt so weak of himself. He's always crying whenever he faces a problem. One reason why Railey loves to bully him to the bone.

Suddenly, the phone on the desk vibrated and rang three times.

Justin wiped his face and answered. "Nana! Good morning," he tried to say it with a cheerful tone.

The girl on the other line clicked her tongue. "Stop crying and go down here, I hate waiting" Although she wanted to scold the boy, Alaena said it with her calm voice. She's been friends with the boy since the start of school, so she knew if he's crying or not just by hearing his voice..

It surprised Justin as he dashed to the right side of his small apartment and parted the thin curtains. Down there, he saw Alaena riding her sky blue bike with another seat behind. She waved the moment she saw him.

The boy then lightened up. The heaviness he's feeling earlier vanishes. He grabbed his bag after fixing his things and putting on his shoes. He locked the door and did all his best to run down the stairs.

Justin was almost gasping upon reaching the front gate. He smiled and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "I-I'm s-sorry," He mumbled.

Alaena was surprised to see his expression. She scoffed and chuckled. "What's the rush? It's still early for the first period, ehh" she moved a little and exposed the seat behind her. "Get on, Let's go to school together."

Justin then became more soft like he's going to melt. "N-Nana.."

"Geez, are you going to cry again?" The girl brushed his hair. "Don't let the snot ruin your cute face. Give me your bag, I'm going to hang it on the other side of the handles." She didn't wait for a reply as she pulled the male's bag.

A figure also riding a bike close to them put his hands behind his mouth and yelled. "Oi!! You two ducklings are too slow!"

Alaena chuckled, "The almighty old Aiden is getting impatient...Hurry before he scolds us again."

When Justin was already seated behind. Alaena kicked up the bike stand and balanced the motion with the air as they both moved ahead. "Grab my waist, we were getting faster," she warned as she pushed the bike more with her legs paddling faster.

The sweet scent from her smooth hair sprinkle onto Justin's nose. He couldn't help but feel his face turned hot for a second. He tightened the grip on the girl's back and watched the surroundings of the quiet morning road they're passing by.

Despite having problems in his daily life, he somehow felt lucky to have them by his side. Not friends, but genuine people validating his emotions and accepting his being. It's almost making him tear up again.