Armendora - Chapter One

Chapter One

A New Student

 

           

Once, in a small town called Haybury, lived a young boy named Ned. He is 14 years old, too short for his age and a very shy person. His pale blue eyes, reflects the loneliness of his life. You may ask whether he has any friends. Truth is his only friend was his own pet cat named Pat. The cat got such name because she likes being pat by Ned. Unfortunately, Pat got hit by a car and eventually, it died. So, it’s true. Ned has no friends. He didn’t have any friends; not at his neighbourhood, not even at his school. He sits at the very back of his class, away from his classmates. His class teacher, Mrs. Jane, always ask him why he always sit at the back. And every time she asks that question, she will get the very same answer; silence. Ned was very lonely, until that fateful day...

It was an ordinary day for students of Haybury’s Middle School; meeting the familiar faces of friends and teachers, schoolwork, recess; just an ordinary day. It is on this very day that Ned’s life would change. He just didn’t know it yet.

            It was mathematics period with Mrs. McCousky when there’s a knock at the class’ door. A very dull day for the students since they hated math so bad, they even had the feeling of burning the whole class with the teacher in it. The door opened, and in came Principal Harold with a girl behind him.

            “Mrs. McCousky, this is the new student who will be joining this class. She’s new here and she’s very shy.”

            “Thanks, Mr. Harold. I’ll take good care of her. What’s your name, sweetie?”

            “Stuart. Alyssa Stuart.”

            “Where are you from?”

            “Algora.”

            “Where is Algora?”

            “It’s near to Alberone City, about 200 kilometers from here.”

            “That must be a long journey for you. Well, I guess you have to sit at my desk this morning. As you can see, there are not enough tables in here. We’ll get you a new seat after recess.”

            “Thanks, Mrs. McCousky.”

            Alyssa is a very nice girl with blonde hair, small face and green eyes. She’s not so tall, about Ned’s height and that day, she was wearing a very beautiful pink blouse and skirt. She doesn’t speak much, shy as Principal Harold said. At first, we might say that she’s very anti-social. For the first few days, she doesn’t have any friends. Even Anna, the girl who sits next to her didn’t actually care to talk with her. Whenever Anna asks a question, Alyssa will answer it with a faint smile. You might say that she’s out of her mind. But, there’s something about her that nobody knows.

            “Okay everyone, take out your grammar book and copy the questions that I write on the board. Copy them in silence and once you’ve finished copying, start answering them. You may discuss with the person sitting next to you. But, discuss in silence. Any words that come out of your mouth without raising a hand will receive detention,” said Mrs. Alice.

Personally, Ned hated this class. Mrs. Alice was very strict and she always gives the class a pressure with her surprise pop-quizzes and sudden tests. At that moment, Alyssa was sitting next to Ned because Anna had been transferred by her parents to another school. As they sit together, copying all the questions Mrs. Alice wrote on the board, they talked to each other. The first time Alyssa ever talks to another person.

            “I’m Alyssa.”

“I already know that.”

“What’s your name?”

            “It’s Ned.”

            “Why do you always sit alone at the back, Ned?”

            “Why do you care, Alyssa?”

            “I’m just curious.”

            “I don’t know. I guess it’s because nobody wants to be friends with me.”

            “I want to be friends with you. You’re really cute.”

            They continued discussing their exercise that afternoon. That night, Ned thought back about what happened at school that day. The first complements from Alyssa. Nobody has ever said that he was cute. Alyssa was the first one. In fact, Ned has started to fallen for Alyssa. Her cute face, sweet smile and the faint smell of her perfume really made Ned feel calm. Is this love? Ned asked himself that night in his bed. Alyssa’s face was in his dreams every night. But, Ned realized that whenever Alyssa was in his dreams, her face looked like she was in trouble, like she needed his help. So, to end his suspicions, Ned made a plan to ask Alyssa whether she had any trouble at home.

 

*****

 

“What’s wrong?” Ned asked Alyssa one day. It’s been a week since they first became friends. This time, Alyssa’s face looked really troubled. She really needs help, thought Ned. “We’re friends, right? Why don’t you tell me what’s troubling you. Is it your parents? Are you bullied?”

            “It’s neither, Ned. I can’t tell you what’s troubling me. You can’t be a part of this. Or else, you’ll be in danger.” Alyssa answered and walks away from Ned. What’s wrong with her? I’ll be in danger if she tells me her problem? What kind of danger? These questions were floating in Ned’s mind all week. He wanted to ask Alyssa about it. But, whenever he went near to Alyssa, she’ll stand up and walks away, ignoring Ned. Ned discussed about this with his counsellor, Mr. Humphrey.

            “What’s the problem, Ned?”

            “I don’t know, sir. I tried to talk to Alyssa. But, it’s like she’s avoiding me.”

            “Did you do anything that might have upset her?”

            “Not that I can remember. She looked really troubled. I asked her what’s wrong. She said she couldn’t tell me. Otherwise, my life will be in danger.”

            “Wow, that’s interesting! How long has Alyssa became like this?”

            “Nearly two weeks, sir. I’m really worried about her. She doesn’t even want to eat. I’m afraid she’ll fell sick!”

            “Don’t worry, Ned. Why don’t you try and ask her one more time. Make sure the timing is right. Or else, she’ll avoid you again. If she still refuses to tell you, inform me. I’ll try to talk with her.”